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 this opportunity where we have a bit more time on our hands to get to know you all a little bit better. This week we caught up with Kelsey Trevett.
Before we look into Kelsey’s goalball journey and how he got involved in the sport, it is a great opportunity to talk about the BBC Children in Need challenge that Kelsey completed back in 2019, by completing 8 days of cycling on a rickshaw from Holyhead, Wales to London. Looking back at this Kelsey said “It was great to see the support whilst out on the rickshaw as well as giving support back to Goalball and riding up big hills! Even though the 6am cold, wind and rain was very off putting and I would have much rather been in bed!”
What club do you play for or coach?
RNC Academy
How did you discover goalball?
I had a few friends who played at the newly formed Winchester Goalball Club and following the London Paralympics in 2012 I decided to head along and give it a go. Somewhat 8 years later I have got the bug and never escaped.
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?
Having to travel over 3 hours to get to training, I used to need a song that would wake me up as I would have to leave the house at 5:30am! So something that is very upbeat and energising as tournaments also start early in the morning.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
Thinking back to the ‘Coast to Coast’ challenge back in 2015, this ritual came from there. Before starting each stage on the bikes we had jelly babies for the sugar and this is something that I have carried on at the start of every game!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
My post-match meal would have to be a pizza, however something I try and stay away from is the RNC tradition of McDonald’s following tournaments.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Antonia Bunyan. She is such a great player and also to have ability to mix sporting activities and college together. She is such a positive person and I have learnt so much from her whilst at RNC.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
Outside of goalball I am into my languages, whether that speaking, learning or reading in these. I am confident and experienced in French and have dabbled around with German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. I also keep up to date in current politics which is really interesting and something I am passionate about, but I can’t forget my guide dog Lacey who still requires walking and keeping occupied!
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
There are so many choices for this one, but it would have to be Sweden! I have never been before but seen goalball played there, it is such a beautiful place and obviously you can’t forget ABBA too!!
