Image shows Ben stood holding a trophy along with members of the RNC goalball team. They are also stood with RNC and GB Womens coach Aaron Ford.

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 Ben Sheppard!

What club do you play for or coach?

I coach at South Yorkshire Goalball Club and I am also a Goalball UK Activator.

How did you discover goalball?

I first played goalball, for fun, when I used to attend the Sheffield Actionnaires Club and Kathryn used to come and deliver sessions every so often. I started playing goalball competitively when I went to study at RNC. When I returned home to Rotherham after finishing my studies, I was reunited with Kathryn when I ‘signed’ for South Yorkshire Goalball Club.

Image shows Ben signing for South Yorkshire Goalball Club. He is pictured shaking hands with Kathryn Fielding following him signing for the 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 like Rock music. My favourite band is Halestorm and my favourite song is called ‘Freak like me’.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

I like to give a motivational speech before games to gee everyone up.

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

It’s got to be chicken and bacon penne pasta bake.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

Caleb Nanevie. He is a great player. He acts seriously on court but he makes you laugh off court with his bad jokes!

Images shows Ben with his South Yorkshire team. All are stood smiling holding a Yorkshire flag.

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

I like listening to audio books. At the moment I am listening to Skulduggery Pleasant. I like football and support Liverpool FC. I also used to play VI cricket for Yorkshire.

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

I am an adrenaline junkie so I would like to go to Florida because of the theme parks. I love rollercoasters! I don’t get scared as I can’t see how high up I am! In 2019 I went on the World’s Fastest Zipwire in North Wales which was amazing!

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

To check out the rest of the articles from our ‘Featured Thursday’ series please use the following link Goalball UK – Featured Thursday