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 Mustafa Abbas!

What club do you play for or coach?

I play for New College Worcester (NCW) as I am a student there, as well as the #FindTheNext Goalball Academy.

How did you discover goalball?

I first heard about goalball from my uncle, Bilal Hussain, who played for Nottinghamshire Sheriffs. When I was younger, I played a sitting-down variation of goalball for fun and then started playing properly when I moved to NCW in Year 10.

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?

My taste in music is very random – I listen to everything from Eminem to Disney songs!

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

Nothing specific, I just try and stay focused and relaxed.

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

I like lasagne and fries washed down with a big glass of water to rehydrate me.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

I admire everyone in goalball who works hard to be the best they can be.

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

I like football. I support Arsenal and I play for the England Blind Development squad. I also like listening to audio plays.

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

I would like to go to China to experience the history and culture.

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