AN EMPTY NET MAY BE IN OUR FUTURE.

There is a shortage of goalkeepers.

Where did they all go?

Goalkeepers are different. But what I didn’t realize was Goalkeepers are an Endangered Species.

I have taken note of a slow decline in overall interest in goalkeeping in recent years and this weekend I was witness to two different teams – boys and girls, different ages, different levels who simply didn’t have a goalkeeper. Just didn’t have someone to play the position for middle school age, competitive teams. These frustrating matches highlighted the importance and responsibility that exists to shed a light on the amazing World of Goalkeeping.

Goalkeepers are unique. The goalkeeper is playing their own individual sport in a larger team game. The goalkeeper wears their own kit, has their set of rules, and is alone in their experience of this incredible team sport. Goalkeepers are leaders, empathetic, resilient, communicators, responsible, courageous, and brave. These are characteristics most people want for themselves, their children, or the people they hire but they are not enough to persuade or encourage someone you love to take up goalkeeping or to jump between the sticks yourself.

How did Goalkeepers become an Endangered Species?

It could be a simple fear of the unknown. It could be the Protective instinct of parents to provide safety (physical and psychological) for their kids. It could be the 100% chance of failure. It could be the aversion to specialization. It could be a lack of heroes.

There are many possible causes which I look forward to digging into and debunking in the coming weeks. I want to encourage more people to play the position. I want to help educate parents and coaches to support the goalkeeper on and off the pitch. I want to help the goalkeepers grow and develop psychologically and socially.

In the mean time - share your thoughts. Do you see a decline in the number of goalkeepers or a shortage in your club or area? Why do you think that may be? Who is doing it right?