Freya Gavin stood with a team mate for UK Blind Baseball at a tournament. They are in their jerseys and stood next to a baseball pitch.Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone

This week we caught up with Freya Gavin!

What club do you play for or coach?

I play for Lancashire Lions although I am starting at RNC in September so will be playing for them next season.

How did you discover goalball?

The 1st time I played goalball was at a British Blind Sport Have a Go Day in Manchester in July 2017. Following that, I joined the Lancashire Lions. The 1st tournament I played in was in Sheffield in October 2018. I went on to be the top Novice (Region A) Female goal scorer that season!

I am now part of the #FindTheNext Goalball Academy and attended the camp at Nottingham Trent University at the end of July which was great fun. I am also part of the Goalball UK Children & Young People’s (CYP) Social  group.

Freya Gavin stood holding a sign which reads

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 listening to lots of different types of music but mainly artists like Dave and bands like The Vamps.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

I like to be as relaxed as possible so try to be prepared e.g. knowing the game plan and being warmed up properly.

Freya Gavin stood in the Lancashire Lion's novice team photo in front of a goalball goal in their jersey's.

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

Pizza or anything Italian.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

I have recently attended a GB Women’s training session followed by a Talent tournament which was an amazing experience as I got to play with and against some great players so learnt lots. I am also grateful to Stephen Newey for setting up the CYP social group and keeping us all involved with activities over lockdown. This meant that even though I was not playing I still felt connected to goalball. I have also enjoyed recently delivering some school sessions with him.

Freya Gavin holding an orange goalball next to a Goalball UK promotional banner in a school hall.

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

I love football and support Manchester United. I also enjoy playing cricket and baseball. Away from sport, I enjoy meeting up with friends.

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

Antarctica. I would love to see a place where so few people have been.

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