Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
We want to use our online platforms so the Goalball Family can get to know each other a bit better ahead of getting back on the court and playing our sport again.
This week we caught up with Dan Willoughby.
What is your role at Goalball UK?
I am a marketing intern at Goalball UK whilst studying at Sheffield Hallam
How did you discover goalball?
I was shown a video about the sport at university with an opportunity to volunteer and gained an interest in the sport. During my second year an opportunity to have my university placement at Goalball UK and from then on I’ve been involved in the sport helping out, watching and occasionally playing (not very well).
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood?
I like a really wide range of musical genres so pretty much anything really, it tends to vary from day to day so I have many different playlists for different moods.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I don’t have any rituals as such but I do like to keep everything simple before I participate in sport, I like to keep to myself and think about how I am going to play in the upcoming game.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
Stir-fry, I love it! It’s quick, easy and healthy and something I have very regularly after physical activity.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I cannot pick just one, since discovering goalball everyone I have encountered has been so welcoming and friendly and has really made me feel as though I am a part of the goalball family so for me it wouldn’t be possible to pick out just one.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
My main sport is basketball however I do enjoy pretty much any sport I can get involved with, I also like to read and fish.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I have always wanted to travel to as many places as I can, however, I feel there is a few I would really love, one of which being the Galapagos Islands, I used to watch a lot of nature and wildlife documentaries when I was younger and this has always been a place that I would one day love to experience, it looks amazing! )
