Every Thursday we put the spotlight on the people involved with goalball – from players, officials, coaches, supporters and more.
This week we caught up with Nick Killen.
What club do you play for or coach?
West Yorkshire – I play in the Intermediate team.
How did you discover goalball?
I first got introduced to goalball in PE at school when I was about 14. I quite enjoyed it so started playing for my local team which at the time was called Leeds and District but is now known as West Yorkshire.
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood?
I do try to listen to something to psych myself up such as ‘O Father, O Satan, O Sun’ by Behemoth, ‘Natural’ by Imagine Dragons or ‘Clouds’ by NF.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
This kind of relates to the previous question. I try to listen to something just before a game but quite often don’t get chance as I’m busy filling up my water bottle, finding my pads and eyeshades, thoroughly warming up, etc. I’m sure most teams and players go through a similar hustle and bustle before a game!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I won’t say I have a favourite meal but certainly a large whiskey and Coke plus some sort of takeaway is always on the cards whether to celebrate or commiserate!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Obviously, all my teammates at West Yorkshire but probably right at the top of the list is Clive Spencer as he was the one who first introduced goalball to the UK and has been involved in developing and supporting the sport ever since.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I enjoy playing football. I also like computer gaming and I’m a big reader. I like fantasy comedy and sci-fi.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I would like to visit the various places in Italy specifically mentioned in John Grisham’s book ‘Playing for Pizza’!
To check out the rest of the articles from our ‘Featured Thursday’ series please use the following link Goalball UK – Featured Thursday.
