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 Matt Wooff!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play at Intermediate level for the Lancashire Lions, and I also help a bit at the club with coaching.
How did you discover goalball?
I started playing at school when I was about 10. I was struggling to play team sports like basketball and football so my VI teacher, Paul Miller, introduced me to goalball and before long I was playing in tournaments for the Bury Schools team.
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 love Oasis. When I’m training though, I like something a bit more fast paced like The Prodigy.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I always make sure that I do a thorough warm up and go into every game with a positive attitude.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
The night before a tournament I like a big bolognese and then, after a tournament, I like a carvery.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Paul Miller who is still one of the coaches at Lancashire Lions has obviously had a big influence on me and helped me to progress. I also really admire Antonia Bunyan (GB Women) as she given me lots of great advice.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I’ve got 4 young children, so I don’t have a lot of free time! I enjoy going to the gym although to be honest I spend most of my time in the hydrotherapy pool and steam room!
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I would really like to climb a mountain. I would also like to go to Egypt to see the Pyramids (whilst I still have some useful vision).
