Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
What is this?
Less
More

Memberships

The GK Growth Academy

362 members • Free

Total Goalkeeping

7.4k members • Free

2 contributions to Total Goalkeeping
Question from a newbie keeper parent
My son is a full time keeper for his U7 team, he started out playing on pitch but each knock he took ended with him in tears which is what lead him to the goalkeeper position! He watches football on the TV a lot and in doing so can read the game very well. He knows when to let the ball go out of play so he'll then get the goal kick etc. I've happily supported this role and am putting as much as I can into helping him learn his new position, we go out together once a week for a bit of training and he attends a dedicated goalkeeper coach training as well, He always plays in goal during his team's weekend training so he's getting plenty of practice and learning a lot! But... He's a sensitive kid (hence getting teary when getting knocked on pitch) and isn't the sort the throw himself around the goal with diving etc. I'm trying to build up his confidence and make him more brave because at some point he's going to have to go for those low smothers and could ultimately take a knock to the body at some point 😬 My question is... Those parents that have started out with their little ones playing in goal at this age, does this all happen over the next few years so therefore don't push it or worry about it too much? I can't help but feel the more training he's doing the more he's thinking too much about every move he makes and that in itself is preventing him from moving forwards with certain things as well as the fear factor. Naturally I will support him as much as I can but at the same time I feel I need to be careful to not push him too much at such a young age. It's a real tricky one because I watch some young keeper's that are fearless from the getgo and wonder if they're the type that make it into the keeper world. If you've got this far then thank you so much for reading my post that I didn't expect to be so long haha!
6 likes • 21h
@Xavier Stark Thank you for your reply, yes I can definitely see already with things like the block save that he is doing that now without thinking about it which is nice to see. I have bought him a crash mat to practice on so I'll be doing that with him, I know from his dedicated GK training they keep telling him to keep his chest facing forwards when practicing diving so I'll be sure to encourage that also. It seems like there is so much to have to take on board for this role and at such a young age. As you and others have said I'll not put too much pressure on him and just let him enjoy himself 😊 Thank you
6 likes • 15h
@Phil Coulby Hi Phil, thank you for your reply. Yes listening to his GK coach is something I try to do every week while he's training so I am then learning as well as my son. This definitely helps when I take him out on my own but I think when I take him out I need to try and keep it more low key and have it as just a 'kick about' session so he can switch off a bit and play for enjoyment sake, which in turn might help with him not overthinking every move he makes. It's been a steep learning curve for us both which is why I want to make sure it doesn't become too regimented taking the fun out of it for him.
🧤 IT’S LIVE: The Goalkeeper Mastery App Is Finally Here!
I am genuinely excited to launch this because I truly believe it can help so many goalkeepers and parents. After years in the professional game, I have seen that many goalkeepers do not fall short because of lack of ability, but because of mindset. If a goalkeeper does not think clearly, stay confident, and handle pressure the right way, it becomes very hard to reach the next level. That is exactly why I created the Goalkeeper Mastery App — to give goalkeepers the mindset, structure, and support they need, all from their phone. Parents, this is for you too.I know how difficult it can be to support your goalkeeper child, especially with the mental side of the game. Goalkeeping is such a specialist position that to truly understand it, you need experience of playing at a high level, like I have and many of my colleagues have. That is why this app gives your child a clear path to follow. It also includes a parent section and is designed for you and your child to go through together, helping you stay involved in their progress. You can try the app free for 7 days, and if you like it, it is just $1 per month for life. This is a special price for this community, and if you join now, your price will stay the same even when it goes up at the end of next month. The only thing I ask is that, if you take up this community discounted offer, you give me your honest feedback — good or bad — so I can keep improving the app for goalkeepers and parents. Check it out here:https://mastery.j4ksports.com/
🧤 IT’S LIVE: The Goalkeeper Mastery App Is Finally Here!
3 likes • 3d
@Xavier Stark you must have real skills haha! I can't find that anywhere, I've put the link into Google and it just took me to the page, then I tried searching for it in the app store but can't find it, I even Google image searched the image you sent me as well haha. I'll try doing the free trial again through the link to see what happens...
3 likes • 3d
@Xavier Stark I've done it!!! Thank you so much for all your help! I clicked back on the link and went through all the questions like you said, it then took me to a screen that said "welcome back" which is quite ironic the fact I've never been to the page before haha! I then clicked on the three dots in the top right corner and it gave me the option to add link to home screen OR download the app! No idea why the app isn't in the play store 🤷 Thank you again!!!
1-2 of 2
Gary Hughes
4
78points to level up
@gary-hughes-6120
GK parent and coach

Active 12h ago
Joined Oct 18, 2025
Powered by