Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
We want to use our online platforms so the Goalball Family can get to know each other a bit better ahead of getting back on the court and playing our sport again!
For 2021’s first catch up we spoke to Paul Holloway!
What club do you play for or coach?
Birmingham. I was also honoured to represent England in the inaugural Home Nations tournament in 2018.
How did you discover goalball?
I first saw goalball at the London 2012 Paralympics. I thought it looked really good so I contacted Goalball UK to see if there were any opportunities to play near me. I went along to a taster session (in Birmingham) in October 2012 and the rest is history! I helped establish the Birmingham Club and I’m really proud of what we have achieved. We entered 3 teams in most tournaments last season and were planning to start an Elite team this season as well. We also played in the Malmo tournament last year. I’m one of the oldest players in the country now – at 54 – but I intend to continue playing for many more years.
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?
It’s got to be ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem. It gets you hyped. I like rock music. Bands such as ACDC and Def Leppard.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
No, not really. We normally just come together as a team, before a game, ready to focus.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
Anything as long as there is plenty of it! It’s nice having a meal together as a team afterwards.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Matt Loftus who is in the GB Men’s squad. I went to some of the #FindTheNext sessions in the summer of 2019 and Matt was great both on court and off court, offering me loads of support, as he plays in centre like me. I also liked watching Joe Dodson when he used to play.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I enjoy photography. Especially coastal photography. I went on a workshop in Moray in North East Scotland last summer and took some amazing photos of basking sharks. I also follow the Wasps Rugby Union team.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I would like to go to Australia again. Wilson’s Prom near Melbourne is amazing. There are lots of shells on the beach and when you look out to sea you can see lots of shark fins!
