Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials, coaches, or anyone.
This week we caught up with Abbie-Rose Reddington!
What club do you play for or coach?
I am a uni student so when I’m at home I play for Norwich Pirates, however, when I’m at uni I play for York St John. I have been playing for around 13 years now which is a scary thought!
How did you discover goalball?
My mum (Bernie) and my brother (Chris) originally started playing when I was around 11. I thought it sounded interesting so decided to tag along and have carried on going ever since!
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 don’t have a song I specifically listen to, but I do like to listen to my music whilst travelling to the tournament and whilst getting ready for the day! My music genre varies a lot but my favourite band at the moment is Halestorm.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
Not really to be honest. However, at the last tournament, we went to I tripped on a step, and we said as a team that it was a good luck trip – we came third which made me laugh!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I don’t have a favourite post-match meal but we do like to order a Starbucks after training and I like to get the carrot cake!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
This one is a hard question but I have decided on Alex Ulysses. We actually met in the train station after a competition and became friends. She has been playing for 3 years now and has become a really good player! She has recently played for GB in the European Para Youth Games where they came third – well-done team!
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I spend a lot of time gaming! Me and my friend run a podcast for VI gamers (Redders and Jeffers Gaming | Podcast on Spotify). I also enjoy crafts such as knitting and taking my guide dog Evie for nature walks.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
There are 2 places I would like to go, I really want to go to Universal Studios in Orlando. I have wanted to do this for years but haven’t had a chance yet. I also want to go to Japan as back in school I did a project about Japan and found it interesting so have wanted to go ever since. However, I’m scared of natural disasters happening and therefore haven’t braved it yet!
