Thought this would make for a good debate after reading an article earlier. I've attached a screen grab of what was being said. My experience was a 5/6 year old coming to me and saying she wants to be a goalkeeper, not play football what she actually said is I want to be a goalkeeper and I want to play for England (aim high I guess). I now have an 8 and a half year old who is totally goalkeeping obsessed, her favourite players are goalkeepers, the posters in her room are goalkeepers, her club, academy and 1-1 stuff has all been goalkeeping. If the goalkeeping coaches isn't around and she has to train with the rest of the squad we have to hear about it all the way home. Her first grassroots club used to rotate every 10 mins regardless of whether the child wanted to go in goal or not, while I had to watch a miserable 6 year old stood up front or playing on the wing. My personal opinion is it's a specialist position and completely different to anywhere else on the field, moving between defence, midfield and attack seeing where you fit but Goalkeeping is a completely different set of skills. Obviously there are kids that will discover it older and be naturals but I always feel if you learning solid basics and good habits from a young age it will stand you in good stead moving forwards.

Back at home for the first time this year, back on the grass. Good win for the girls, not the busiest morning for Ilaria but commanded her area and kicked well...

Guys, GOOD LUCK this weekend ? Where and who are you playing, and what do you think the outcome will be ? Also, remember guys… Go out with ONE mission… And that is to enjoy your game and have as much fun as possible. Good luck Everyone Ray

Guys, GOOD LUCK this weekend ? Where and who are you playing, and what do you think the outcome will be ? Also, remember guys… Go out with ONE mission… And that is to enjoy your game and have as much fun as possible. Good luck Everyone Ray

Northampton town debut for Ilaria this morning, in their U10s which is a couple of ages groups up for her. Tough morning for the team against a strong Peterborough Utd and MK Dons side, ideal for a goalkeeper chance to make some saves. Held her own, good experience and part of the learning curve 👞👞👞