The Northern Ireland Goalball team, including James, collecting their medals at the 2018 Home Nations TournamentEach Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!

We want to use this opportunity where we have a bit more time on our hands to get to know you all a little bit better.

Following on from yesterday’s ‘Digging through the Goalball UK archives’, this week we caught up with with James Douglas who attended the ‘Goalball Roadshow’ in 2017.

What club do you play for or coach?

I play for the North West Goalball Club (in Northern Ireland).

How did you discover goalball?

I went along to the Goalball Roadshow and really enjoyed it. So, together with Kieran Coyle (from Disability Sport NI) and my Dad, we set up our club.

Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?

I really like Queen. My favourite song is ‘I want it all’.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

Not really although I’m always nervous (when the referee checks my eye shades) about them not being OK. Also, I always double check my knee pads are in place as once they had slipped down to my shin.

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

Pizza. My favourite topping is pepperoni!

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

I met lots of great players (and coaches) when I attended the Goalball Roadshows (Antrim in 2017 and Belfast in 2018) as well as the Goalball UK Talent Camp (RNC in 2018) and Home Nations Tournament (York in 2018). I was really impressed with Caleb Nanevie’s shot! Also, Phil Green and Charlie Woodhead were great when they were coaching us at the Home Nations Tournament.

Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?

I’m a bit of a geek! I enjoy playing chess and reading. I like Sci-Fi, Fantasy and History books. I’ve also recently started playing VI tennis.

Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?

I went to Iceland in February for a school trip which was brilliant although it was quite difficult with my sight as everything was white and bright! The waterfalls and geysers were amazing and I enjoyed the Blue Lagoon (a geothermal spa) although, again, it was quite difficult for me to see because of all the steam! I would really like to go to New Zealand as it has similar geographical features to Iceland and is also where The Hobbit was filmed.

If you would like to be featured on a future ‘Featured Thursday’, please send us a message on social media or via email: enquiries@goalballuk.com