Welcome to Thursday Thoughts — where every week I share what I'd tell my younger self, from chasing a pro career to playing 10 years at the top and running Just4keepers for over 25 years, so you can fast-track your dream. This week is for the keeper who's been cut deep by cruel comments — and the parent who's watched it happen. I know that feeling. The silent car ride home, fighting back tears. The sick feeling when a teammate blames you for a goal. The parent on the sideline muttering you're "too small" or "not good enough." I lived in that dark place for six years. No pro academy. Rejected by everyone, laughed at, told I was terrible. At 17 and a half I was just an ordinary kid in the school common room, wondering why I even bothered putting the gloves on. Their words made me feel worthless. But I refused to quit. While they talked, I worked. I trained every single day — rain, mud, snow. When nobody was watching and nobody believed in me, I kept sharpening my technique and outworking everyone. My dream was bigger than their opinions. Then everything changed. At 18 I went straight from that school desk to signing for Everton FC. Two years later, the legendary Howard Kendall and Welsh international Neville Southall — one of the greatest keepers ever — looked at me and said, "You've got it." They recommended me to England legend Peter Shilton at Plymouth Argyle, launching my 10-year pro career. If I could grab that broken 17-year-old by the shoulders today, here's what I'd tell him — and every keeper and parent reading this: 1. They were dead wrong.The people who tore me down didn't know a thing. Two of the greatest keepers in history rated me. The critics were just noise. Yours are too. 2. The "T-Shirt" Rule.Be polite. Smile. Nod. Then shut the door on them. Only take advice from people who've been there, done it, and got the t-shirt. If they've never stood between the pro sticks, their opinion doesn't count. 3. Turn insults into fuel.Don't swallow cruel words and let them poison you. Store them. Then spend them in your next session — on that last burning sprint, picture their faces. Let their doubt become the engine that makes you undeniable.

Guys, if you are level 9, or a PREMIUM or VIP member can you please DM me... As i am revamping the VIP Goalkeeper membership over the next couple of weeks, getting ready for pre season/new season. For VIP Goalkeeper Membership, in brief it will be.. 🧤Free access to our mindset confidence app - https://mastery.j4ksports.com/ 🧤50% OFF the 12 week Elite Keeper Daily Journal 🧤40% Glove Sponsorship 🧤Live Monthly Mindset Confidence Training With A Ex Pro Goalkeeper. 🧤Free access to j4k.tv to showcase your goalkeeping talent to scouts. Also, if you are currently a PREMIUM member, you now have been upgraded to VIP, as i will keep everything in VIP now. Guys, there is NO goalkeeper coach that i know of teaching this vital skill all keepers need, so i look forward to giving you that mental edge for the new seasom Ray

Guys, GOOD LUCK this weekend - (If you are playing) If your not playing, what you have planned. INSPIRE each other! I am going sailing Ray

Guys, I could not resist another competition... Who do you think will win tonight ? If you guess the correct score, you will be put into the hat to win a pair of the J4K Patriots. https://j4ksports.co.uk/collections/patriot/products/patriot-england Get commenting below. !!!

Why the Wrong Fit is Ruining Your Performance and Confidence Every single week, thousands of parents and goalkeepers sit down at their computers to buy new gear. They look at a chart full of numbers, guess a size based on age, and click buy. This is the fastest way to ruin a goalkeeper’s game. Guys, just added the below to the J4KSPORTS blog - It is SUPER important you get this right - and this 5 minute read will make sure you do not make the mistakes that other keepers and parents sadly make. https://j4ksports.co.uk/blogs/default-blog/keeper-gloves-size-guide Guys, any tips for new keepers/parents? How do you make sure you get the correct size gloves.? Comment below.