Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials, coaches, or anyone.

This week we caught up with Laura Brooks!

What club do you play for or coach?

I play at the Intermediate level for Birmingham.

Birmingham Intermediate Trophy team photo with players and coaches standing together in their blue jerseys. Guide dog Pippen has joined the photo as a big part of the team!

How did you discover goalball?

I had heard of goalball but had never played it or seen it until the London 2012 Paralympics when I went to watch GB Men play Lithuania. Unfortunately, they got mercied 11-1! I then started playing in around 2014 when the Gloucestershire club was set up.

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?

No. I don’t really listen to music.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

I just make sure that I’m physically and mentally prepared so things like having a good warm-up and checking that I’ve got all my pads.

Laura Brooks wearing a black Birmingham jersey, wearing a Player of the Day medal she won at an Intermediate South Matchday! Laura is smiling proudly to the camera.

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

I like lasagne and garlic bread.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

I admire all the GB and Elite players – there isn’t specifically just one. Watching the Goalfix Cup this season was brilliant.

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

I have recently started paddleboarding (on the River Severn and Avon) which is good fun. I also enjoy crafting, especially scrapbooking. I often make them for family and friends for significant birthdays or other milestone moments in their lives.

International Women's Day group photo at a competition. Players, coaches, and volunteers are in a few rows standing and sitting smiling towards the camera all in their jerseys of different shapes and colours.

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

I would really like to stay in an ice hotel as it’s just something a bit different! In complete contrast, I once went to Zimbabwe and we went to a safari park so I got up close to some lions which were incredible.

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