SHARKS GOALKEEPER MENTOR PROGRAM

INTRO (PART 1)

I am excited to start the Sharks Goalkeeper mentor program. The purpose of this is to connect the JDL, Youth and Senior Goalkeepers in the club. Now that we are back at Seymour Shaw I see an opportunity for the Goalkeepers to cross paths more often, have a chat, and connect over Goalkeeping and other things. Growing up, I personally looked at the Senior Goalkeepers as mentors and it’s interesting that Danijel Nizic, our 1st grade number 1 and captain use to watch me play when he was a young Goalkeeper coming through the Sharks. Another interesting story is of Tom Glover, current Socceroo and playing in England for Middlesbrough. I had the opportunity to mentor him and that relationship has continued over the years. I have the privilege of officiating his wedding ceremony next month. He is also Godfather to 1 of my boys. Current Australia u17s Goalkeeper Jai Ajanovic also came through our program. Part of his A League deal with Central Coast Mariners is that he works with us every Friday. Sam Smith who made his Senior debut in Spain this season with numerous man of the match performances came through the Sharks and we stay in touch about Goalkeeping and life. These are just a few examples from relationships built through Goalkeeping at Sutherland Sharks FC. You never know the impact you can have on people who look up to you.

SESSION (PART 2)

JDL and Youth GKs training together followed by breakfast sitting big buddies and little buddies together. The session was entirely conducted by the GKs as part of their education. The GKs observed the senior GKs doing the same session early in the term and took notes etc. This is something I do every year with them to learn how to take ownership and responsibility.