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 Adam Phillips!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for York St John in the Novice League (Region A) and most recently the Novice Shield.
How did you discover goalball?
At a local visually impaired sports session. They told me to get in touch with Kathryn Fielding and she invited me to her West Yorkshire Goalball Club training sessions. She also told me about York St John Goalball Club, so I started going along there too. I played in my first Novice tournament, for York St John, in January this year.
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 have a wide range of songs, artists and genres that I listen to, but for the long early morning train journeys, I generally go for upbeat dance, RnB or hip-hop songs. Although I enjoy anything by most rock and indie bands.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I’m not sure I have although I find myself double-checking that I have all my kit ready and packed the night before – that’s so I don’t forget the important cricket box, again! Getting to the tournament in good time and having a good warm-up before is also important.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I like to have a Chinese takeaway when I get home. I overindulge with lots of fried rice, noodles, side dishes and sauces!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I admire anybody who is willing to put some eyeshades on, gets involved and really enjoys playing. Someone I would like to chat with about his experiences of playing the sport at a high level is former GB player Chris Oakley who is from my home city of Hull.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I’ve been trying to find another sport to get stuck into. Recently I’ve played some VI football and in the past, I tried cricket with Yorkshire VICC. I enjoy going out with my local tandem group and playing VI tennis using a sound ball with friends during the week. I also like eating out and going to watch comedians and some music events.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I got married in September and because of the travel restrictions, we had to make alternative plans for our honeymoon. So, for our anniversary, my wife and I are hoping to go to Las Vegas as we like to have a gamble! There is so much going on there, it will be really exciting and an experience to remember.
