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.

Putting the new pink and black ice vantra's to the test

I wanted to take a moment to personally thank every single goalkeeper and parent in this community. In over 40 years around goalkeepers — including 10 years as a professional goalkeeper and nearly 25 plus years running Just4Keepers — I can genuinely say this community is one of the best things I have ever done. I’ve been involved in other businesses over the years, but Just4Keepers has always been a passion project for me. What has kept that passion alive is you — the goalkeepers sharing your stories, your setbacks, your wins, and your dreams… and the parents who care so deeply and contribute so thoughtfully. Your input, honesty, and support have inspired me to continue pushing J4K forward. Over the past 25+ years, we have helped more goalkeepers and parents than any other goalkeeper organisation in history — and this community has reminded me that there is still so much more we can do. If I’m being honest, this group has lit a fire under me again. It has motivated me to bring even more support, guidance, and services to goalkeepers and parents throughout 2026 and beyond. To every goalkeeper reading this: 🧤Chase your dreams 🧤Do not listen to negative voices. 🧤Get your inspiration from this community. I have helped hundreds of goalkeepers achieve things they never believed were possible. Many thought they weren’t good enough. My message to them was always simple — and it’s the same message I’m giving you now: 👉 Just chase your dreams.Because you never know… you just could be the next J4K success story. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. 🎅 Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎉Please drop your Christmas wishes in the comments — I’d love to read every one of them. PS: Keep an eye out for my next post… I’ll be asking you to share your Christmas Day photos wearing your J4K gloves and gear 🎁🧤

Hey guys sorry I have been quieter than normal this week. I have been a bit poorly. Looking forward to playing tomorrow as it's been around 3 weeks since the last game. What does everyone have on this weekend

Just wanted to share some photos my Dad takes with his camera of Oliver during his matches. These were actually taken a while before we even found this community as Oliver has always worn J4K gloves and padded gear since starting his GK journey ! 😁🧤⚽️