Selfie of Robyn PayneEach 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.

This week we caught up with Robyn Payne.

What club do you play for or coach?

I play for the Derbyshire Ducks.

How did you discover goalball?

My brother, Michael, introduced me to the game.

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 don’t listen to anything specific, it depends on my mood however right now I’m very much into musicals. My favourite musical to listen to at the moment is Hamilton.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

I need to have my Crochet Duck on the bench or we’ll loose!

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

McDonald’s – my favourite meal is a quarter-pounder with cheese and extra pickles, large fries and a Fanta, no ice.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

My Nephew Kristian, who is also a Duck, because even though he’s shorter (he is only 11!) and lets in a lot of goals because of this, he doesn’t let it get him down and keeps on fighting!

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

I read a lot outside of goalball, at the moment I am reading the second book of the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ series.

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

There’s quite a lot but one of the first places I want to visit is New York, but I suspect that’s because I’m such a big fan of Marvel and a lot of things in that universe happens in New York!

If you would like to be featured on a future ‘Featured Thursday’, please send us a message on social media or via email: enquiries@goalballuk.com