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 Niall Geddes!

What club do you play for or coach?
I play for Phoenix Blaze.

Phoenix Blaze team photo with Niall Geddes, Dave Butler, and Anthony O'Keefe standing with their backs to the camera. Their shirts have their second names on them, very professional!

How did you discover goalball?

My basketball coach referred me. I went along to a goalball camp and loved it! Vista (who later became Leicester Bulls) was the first club that I played for.

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’m usually just listening to Radio 2! One of the best gigs I ever went to was the Rolling Stones at Glastonbury in 2013.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

I just tend to bounce around a lot and act a bit silly!

Niall Geddes playing for Phoenix Blaze. Niall is about to rotate to shoot and setting off from centre.

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

Anything and everything! Something with a bit of spice is good.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

I learnt so much from the former GB Men’s Head Coach Knut Karsawe – not just about the game but life lessons too. I’m also grateful to Simon Goodall, Michael Sharkey and Joe Dodson who welcomed me into the team and taught me lots.

Leicester Bulls team photo after they won a competition. 4 players are in the photo with their medals and black jerseys. The player second from the right is holding the trophy, that is almost as big as him!

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

I’ve got a daughter who is 14 months old so she keeps me busy! I also love basketball and going to the theatre.

Niall holding his baby daughter with the camera behind his right shoulder. The baby is facing the camera smiling whilst Niall is holding her with his face looking towards her.

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

I want to explore the entire world, but I would especially like to take a road trip around Canada in a huge RV!

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