Welcome to Thursday Thoughts — where every week I share what I'd tell my younger self, from chasing a pro career to playing 10 years at the top and running Just4keepers for over 25 years, so you can fast-track your dream. This week is for the keeper who's been cut deep by cruel comments — and the parent who's watched it happen. I know that feeling. The silent car ride home, fighting back tears. The sick feeling when a teammate blames you for a goal. The parent on the sideline muttering you're "too small" or "not good enough." I lived in that dark place for six years. No pro academy. Rejected by everyone, laughed at, told I was terrible. At 17 and a half I was just an ordinary kid in the school common room, wondering why I even bothered putting the gloves on. Their words made me feel worthless. But I refused to quit. While they talked, I worked. I trained every single day — rain, mud, snow. When nobody was watching and nobody believed in me, I kept sharpening my technique and outworking everyone. My dream was bigger than their opinions. Then everything changed. At 18 I went straight from that school desk to signing for Everton FC. Two years later, the legendary Howard Kendall and Welsh international Neville Southall — one of the greatest keepers ever — looked at me and said, "You've got it." They recommended me to England legend Peter Shilton at Plymouth Argyle, launching my 10-year pro career. If I could grab that broken 17-year-old by the shoulders today, here's what I'd tell him — and every keeper and parent reading this: 1. They were dead wrong.The people who tore me down didn't know a thing. Two of the greatest keepers in history rated me. The critics were just noise. Yours are too. 2. The "T-Shirt" Rule.Be polite. Smile. Nod. Then shut the door on them. Only take advice from people who've been there, done it, and got the t-shirt. If they've never stood between the pro sticks, their opinion doesn't count. 3. Turn insults into fuel.Don't swallow cruel words and let them poison you. Store them. Then spend them in your next session — on that last burning sprint, picture their faces. Let their doubt become the engine that makes you undeniable.

Hi Keepers and Parents As you probably know, goalkeeping is a VERY LONELY position for both keepers and parents. If you are a parent who has no idea how to help your child, let the leading goalkeeper coaching school since 1998 hold you and your child by the hand. We have helped hundreds of keepers go pro or gain USA scholarships. For example, Adam Davies, who plays for Wales and was in the 2022 World Cup, is an ex-J4K student. This is exactly why J4K created this community—so you never have to do this alone again. There is absolutely nothing like this on the planet! To get started, please take two minutes to complete these two steps: 1️⃣ Introduce Yourself Below: Tell us your name, what country you’re from, and share ONE thing you or your child is struggling with right now (handling, positioning, or confidence). 2️⃣ Claim Your Free Asset: I have unlocked The Free Goalkeeper Confidence Blueprint completely for free to eliminate match-day anxiety before your next game. IMPORTANT: Because there are children here, we have zero tolerance for spam, bullying, or direct selling. Accounts breaking these rules are reported instantly and banned. Welcome to the J4K Total Goalkeeping Community Ray Newland Founder, J4K P.S. If your child is deadly serious about following in the footsteps of our pro students, becoming a Pro Keeper, or gaining a USA College Scholarship—and you want direct access to my weekly live mindset clinics, advanced training vaults, and 40% glove sponsorships—you can upgrade your membership to our premium tiers here: 👉 Access Premium & VIP J4K Programs PARENTS: You can also get involved in the above programs - Helping you, to help your goalkeeper child. YOU NO LONGER NEED TO DO THIS ALONE ❤️ We look forward to helping you/your goalkeeper child achieve your goalkeeping dreams!

Guys, I think we are all happy with Riley @Riley Reynolds running the World Cup Competition. Riley can you please give instruction below and i will keep this post, top throughout the World Cup. Whoever picks the winner, will be put into a hat to win a free pair of J4K gloves, so a little bit of fun. Guys, please make sure you make your predications below and how your getting on in the competition... And just some friendly advice - do not pick Tunisia 😃 Riley please advise how do every get involved.. ???