Each week, I invite you to share your biggest win. This isn't about the scoreline, but rather what aspects of your goalkeeping you improved or what new product you got to enhance your game. Additionally, can you name three things you are grateful for? These don't have to be goalkeeper-related. The reason I do this is simple: everyone has tough weeks. Reflecting on and writing down your recent wins and what you're grateful for is a PROVEN way to realise that life is pretty great and you're a very lucky person. To get you started, here’s my win and what I'm thankful for this week: MY WIN: Getting over 6700 members and growing in this community, WHAT I AM GRATEFUL FOR: 1. Finally getting the free course live for you guys. 2. The amazing weather we have been having. 3. Adding another 9 goalkeepers to the J4K goalkeeper glove sponsorship program. Share your win below and what you’re grateful for. Let's keep INSPIRING each other - Comment below, whats your wins.👇👇👇 And Remember, you are ALOT better off than what you may think ❤️

At the start of the season, my son was still fairly new to playing in goal. He is one of those lads who is good at most things he tries. A member of the management team (who is also the other goalkeeper’s dad) told us that my son would not get any games unless the other keeper was injured or ill. At the time, we accepted that because my son was still learning and needed more training. After three games, the other goalkeeper had a big confidence collapse. He is quite small and kept getting lobbed, and it really got to him. He then decided he did not want to play in goal anymore and wanted to play outfield instead. So my son stepped in. Ready or not, he took his chance and did really well. He improved a lot, looked comfortable in goal, and started and played 10 games. He kept clean sheets, got Man of the Match performances, and even saved penalties regularly. His confidence went through the roof. Then my son missed one game because he went on holiday for his birthday. The old goalkeeper came back in to cover that match. Since then, the old goalkeeper’s dad has decided his son wants to go back in goal again, and now my son has been dropped for tomorrow’s game so the other keeper can play in goal. I feel like this is going to damage my sons confidence, especially after he has worked so hard and performed well. What makes it even harder is that I am the goalkeeper coach for both of them. They are both good keepers, just with different strengths. But the match before Christmas, when the other keeper covered, he did not have much to do and, in my opinion, did not really “earn” the spot back—especially because he chose to leave the position months ago. Also, nobody has asked my opinion at all this season. No one has asked who has trained better, who is performing best, or what I think as the goalkeeper coach. The situation is complicated because the other goalkeeper’s dad helps with team selection, even though he is not a coach (he is the secretary). I am the goalkeeper coach, but I have no say in who gets picked.

My 9 year old is in his second season as a Keeper and like most Keepers he thrives from the challenge of making saves and keeping Clean Sheets. He has played with the same bunch of lads since Soccer School at 6 years old. If they are not playing together on Saturdays and Sundays they are having sleep-overs or days out. The whole team are inseparable and best buddies. Last October he was scouted and invited to train at Nottingham Forest. Strangely and possibly selfishly I am not the typical Parent that wants their kid to be at an Academy at all costs, but if it is what he wants to go then I will back him. On the plus side it was additional FREE training. The facilities were spot on and the Training was unbelievable. Preston thrived, really enjoyed the challenge and was invited back on several more occasions. Just before Christmas we went for the third time but he was a little off and not his usual self. I spoke with him after the session and he said he didn't want to go again. With mixed emotions I asked him why. The response I received was totally unexpected. He said if he was invited to the Academy he wouldn't be able to play football with his mates again and they are the reason he loves playing so much. He was upset that he wouldn't even be able to play with his school friends either. He still wants to be a footballer when he grows up but in his own words, not yet. They have asked him to return again later this year but whether this happens, we will have to wait and see. Has anyone else experienced anything similar and are kids at this age actually mentally mature enough for the journey

All signed and lookkng forward to the season ahead!!

Initially I thought the Keeper (My Lad) failed to shout for the ball and I possibly over exaggerated the point to him. We went on to Win the Cup Final and now all the dust has settled but, I have just reviewed the footage from behind the goal and now I am not so sure I was fair. YES he did actually shout but could he have shouted sooner, possibly not. If he had shouted louder, could the defender have stopped, not so sure. What can we both learn from this?