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 Gwennan Young!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for South Wales Goalball Club.
How did you discover goalball?
I went along with my daughters to an Insport day, organised by Disability Sport Wales in Cardiff, to try out lots of different accessible and disability sports. We’d never heard of goalball, but after having a taste we were hooked! Kathryn Fielding’s enthusiasm and persistence definitely had something to do with it!
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?
It’s got to be rock music to get me in that competitive frame of mind! There’s a fantastic young Welsh band called Alffa – the most streamed Welsh language act ever – and they’ve only just left school!
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
No, but it’s a great idea to have a good night’s sleep and make sure you’ve got all your kit ready and clean, especially if you’re not a morning person!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
It’s quite difficult as we’re normally travelling by train after a match, so there isn’t usually much choice available! Crisps and dark chocolate would do nicely though.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I am impressed by the Roper brothers – so much talent in one family! And I should also mention my daughter Catrin Young – I’m expecting big things from her in the future!
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I love spending time with my daughters, my cat Didi and my dog Rivers. I love art, craft, film, and also live music, and as I write this we are sitting on a coach on our way to a music festival!
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I would love to visit New York – I’m a sucker for old romantic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and I’ve always wanted to visit. The only problem is that I hate flying!
