Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
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 Faye Dale!
What is your role at Goalball UK?
I am the National Talent Lead and also the GB Men’s Head Coach.
How did you discover goalball?
I blame Kathryn Fielding for this! My first experience was at Sheffield Actionnaires which was a sports group for visually impaired children and young people back in about 2005. Goalball UK wasn’t even around at this point but Kathryn very kindly attended to run a ‘have a go’ session. It was a great intro to the sport but then I didn’t pick it up again until attending the World Championships in Sheffield in 2010. So this was my first proper experience of the sport.
Is there a particular song, artist, or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood?
To be honest, I don’t have any choice in this! As a squad we put together play lists and its whatever gets the players motivated and ready for the game. I do however politely request ‘next song’ if I really hate it or it’s too loud!!!
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
From a team perspective we have a ‘Team Hug’! It’s something we started in Sweden at the European B Championships in 2015 which has now turned into a pre-game ritual. From a personal perspective I spend 5 minutes on my own, reading my notebook, making any last minute scribbles and gathering my thoughts … usually with a cup of Yorkshire tea!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
There is an amazing fish and chip shop in Nottingham called Georges where I may be well known for having a battered sausage, chips and mushy peas with a shandy!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
There are too many to mention. For me it’s more qualities in individuals that I admire. Anyone who shows resilience and determination, regardless of what life throws at them, are really high up in my opinion.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
Before goalball I’d spend my weekends playing cricket but now I spend my weekends off walking my dog Oscar and trying to spend as much time outside as possible. I’d also say I’m an amateur DIY’er – if something needs demolishing, I’m there, but if it needs replacing/fixing afterwards it’s probably best getting an expert in!
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
Canada is one of the next places on my list. It’s an area of the world I haven’t visited and it’s close enough to sneak in a detour over to America.
