Guys, I am going to try something different! 😂🧤 Every Wednesday, I want to encourage you to share a funny photo, video or story about something that has happened to you recently. It can be goalkeeper related or just something completely random! I genuinely believe one of the biggest superpowers any goalkeeper can develop is the ability to laugh at themselves. Because when you can laugh at yourself, those nasty comments from other players, parents or people on the sidelines become water off a duck’s back. Learning to laugh at yourself gives you armour. The next time someone tries to get under your skin, just give them a cheeky smile. Once they realise they cannot get to you, they normally stop trying! So, let us hear your wacky stories below 👇 Let us have some fun, laugh together and never take ourselves too seriously! 😂

Hi all, Last week, Lewis trialled for a JPL regional talent centre. 90 minute session, fully focused around dribbling, passing and attack/defence (1v1, 3v3 situations). The final 10 minutes was a game, whereby he wasn't allowed to use his hands in goal until the final 5 minutes. Throughout the majority of the session, it was clear that Lewis wasn't overly impressed, as he was there with the expectation that he would be trialling in goal. To his credit, he didn't look at all out of place (he started as a defender in U8 before moving into goal at U9), and on the drive home he said he'd like to go back and give it another shot, even though he has absolutely no interest in playing outfield. As with most trials I've seen, it ends 1 of 3 ways: No place offered, extended trial/development squad or offered a spot. To my surprise, he's been offered a spot! My immediate thought is, how on earth can he get an invitation when they've not even seen him play in his position? Goes without saying, modern-day goalkeeping is a ball playing role, not just shot stopping, but for all they know he could be absolutely useless! The team in question have a lot of kids at all ages - Easily 100+ from what I saw in 1 session. They've had a couple of players signed by pro clubs, they've had players go to the JPL nationals and win the top prize, so I don't think it's just a money grab, but I'm really struggling to see how he can be offered a place. There must be people here with JPL experience (past or present), and I'd love to hear from as many of you as possible - Based on the above, what are your thoughts??? Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated 🙏 Note: The young man doesn't know about the offer yet - I don't want him to get caught up in the emotion of thinking this is something which it isn't. First and foremost I want him to be happy, but it needs to be the right environment to help him achieve his personal goals. I'm really concerned that this opportunity may not align with that for the upcoming season.