How do you handle frustration when the team struggles?

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share something and hear your thoughts.

My son is still early in his goalkeeper journey, but he has good foundations, good technique for his age, and a great attitude. He works hard, stays focused, and is always trying to improve.

There is also a big inequality in his team. Some players really stand out, while others are still very inexperienced, and overall the team can feel quite inconsistent.

On the positive side, he is the only goalkeeper in the team, so he plays every minute of every match. That gives him a lot of experience, responsibility, and learning opportunities, which is great for his development.

But at the same time, when the team struggles collectively, he often ends up in situations where he can do very little about the goals conceded. He keeps putting in effort and applying what he learns, but it can still be frustrating when that effort doesn’t translate into positive match experiences.

I’m not blaming anyone — I respect grassroots football and the effort from coaches and players. I just wonder if this is simply part of the goalkeeper journey and building mental strength.

How would you handle this situation? Have you experienced something similar?

I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts.

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