“No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it” – Albert Einstein

This is a quote so profound that it reflects the disproportionate results on how our modern societies response to tackling problems or shortcomings. The moment we realise this unequivocal truth the better we stand to create problem solving a second nature trait and this applies to all scenarios as far as the natural world and life is concerned. I draw from this as a benchmark for the narrative of yesterday’s crucial “must win” home game between us Park View FC vs London Lions FC of the Spartan South Midlands football League Division 1 .

So the stage is set for the crunch game, having beaten them earlier in the season at their home ground ( 1-0 ) they where determined to reverse the result and with good measure considering the table positions. We languishing at the bottom of the table, they had high expectations on inflicting more pain on our detriment and they, true to their beliefs, didn’t disappoint. Our game plan was to compete and contest for every lose ball, shut their creative midfield play and maintain possession with the ball. To “try your best” is a phrase that we as a society has been accustom to, which is synonymous with sitting on the fence. The desired results from performing a task is from either “Doing” or “Not Doing”, “Committed” or “Not Committed”. Trying is reserved for the material world or scoring a Try at Rugby which ironically is of high value ( 5 points! ). We needed to cultivate the essence of self belief and to execute the plan and a heightened sense of focus and determination if we were to elevate our standings, which was basically lacking in recent games. As a team and a club, we very much face a fight for survival as the cliche goes but these are the facts.. if every player is mentally ready for the fight then there is a high rate of a successful outcome, if 50% of the squad are mentally ready a 50% chance of success is expected but when 25% of the squad are mentally which was the exact case in our plight then the result is a guaranteed failure, you reap what you sow. At best 3 players were up for the fight and as a result we lost the game 4-0. It was a flattering result considering we could have lost by a wider margin if not for the heroics of our goalkeeper Daniel Conteh. Two goals where conceded in the first have courtesy of set pieces, corner kicks. Our movement and reaction to both set pieces was at best pathetic, exposing our lack of desire and determination to actually contest for the ball. As usual the arguments and the blame game reverberated round the players as the opposition sensed a hint of disjointedness beginning to take a hold of our team. Only a series of top saves from our goalkeeper relatively kept the scores low. The second half was no different and the third goal was inevitable, arriving from a low angled strike which Daniel had covered but was so unfortunate with his attempted diving catch. The ball slipped past his grasp and went into the net to his frustration, as in hindsight the better option would be to parry the shot away for the corner considering the wet and windy conditions. The forth goal was a travesty to say the least. A struck looping ball towards goal was acrobatically saved by Daniel, rebounding off the crossbar but our defence reverted to mannequin mode as the opposition striker calmly accepted the tap in gift. Mission accomplished. As for we, after the game followed the platitudes, the reality check speeches, the lack of accountabilityness, oh my… ultimately our response and reaction to this defeat over the course of the season will determine if Park View FC will continue to exist as from next season, because as the Chairman rightfully pointed out that he spends nearly Twenty Thousand Pounds every season to provide adequate football facilities and opportunities for the players and unfortunately the gesture is disproportionately under appreciated, and I as part of the coaching staff wholeheartedly agree to this assessment. Our aim for this season was to finish in the top four positions for promotion into the premier division Step 5 but now we find ourselves playing for the clubs survival… but some players still cling unto the belief that they “tried”…?

In other news I’m setting up a goalkeeping coaching programme and framework designed young aspiring goalkeepers who eventually will become professionals. Next month I will be registered with the FA as an authorized Soccer Agent/Intermediary representing SMWW (Sports Management Worldwide), providing aspiring goalkeepers the opportunity to realise their dreams. This medium will become a potential pathway into academies of professional clubs, not just in the United Kingdom but in Europe as well. Comprehensive details of this venture is still being drafted and compulsory criteria of modus operandi are currently underway.

Next week I’ll be discussing about the current affairs trending in the world of professional goalkeeping in football. I’ve got some few topics in mind that will be of a challenging nature. Until then.. Just Do It! Period..

You Are The Ultimate Keeper Of Your Destiny – Ultimate Keeper