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.
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!
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!
