2023 has been an UNBELIEVABLE year for FAITH Goalkeeping and let me tell you why…

To understand the full picture, I will start at the beginning and summarize how we got to where we are today. In the middle of 2022, June to be exact, I sadly suffered a career ending injury. As I was diving, I got into a very bad collision with a player and my shoulder was completely dislocated. After a few scans and a lot of doctor appointments, they discovered that I had a complete labrum tear. I was unable to move freely, drive, pick up anything, let alone coach. As crazy as this sounds, even laughing hurt! It was one of the hardest experiences I have ever had. Despite my best effort to go with the conservative treatment to avoid surgery, the latter was inevitable. In August, they performed surgery (complete labral repair) and I as told that it would be a 10-12 week recovery.

Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan and the recovery took much longer than expected. Over a year and a half later, I am still recovering from that injury. I am expected to make a full recovery some time in the middle of 2024, nearly 2 years after the initial injury. At first, the doctor told me that among other things, I would have some difficulties returning to coaching. And he was right! Due to the traumatic nature of my injury, the last thing I wanted to do was to be anywhere near a football (i.e., Soccer) pitch. Additionally, because I was still in the recovery process, he told me that certain movements and actions might aggravate the pain. Once again, he was right.

I was afraid I had lost my touch and passion for coaching and football. On January 19th, 2023, I coached for the first time (post-injury) and it was very painful. And to be fully transparent, I considered quitting after that. I thought it was the end. But, I am not a quitter. One of the core principles I live by is “Tough times never last, but Tough people do!” In other words, no matter how bad things get, I have to keep fighting! I have to keep pushing and no matter what, I cannot give up! That’s exactly what I did and little did I know, that decision would lead to the greatest year FAITH Goalkeeping has ever had!

First, let’s start with our partnerships. While attending an FC Cincinnati (“FCC”) Goalkeeper Coaching Clinic in April, I got to meet Paul Rodgers (Head of Goalkeeping at FCC), Ryan Coulter (Goalkeeper coach at FCC) and Phillip Birker (Goalkeeper coach at Hoffenheim- a professional team in the Top Football Division in Germany— the Bundesliga). Learning from those individuals’ experience proved to be invaluable. Thanks to their input, feedback and expertise, I got to greatly enhance my coaching skills.

A few months later, I became sponsored by West Coast Goalkeeping, America’s largest goalkeeping outfitter. This was an unexpected blessing. I never thought I would be sponsored by one of the biggest glove brands/company in the world of football. But it happened. Now, FAITH Goalkeeping clients get to enjoy wearing one of the best quality gloves in the world, at a great price! Also, thanks to a unique discount code we can provide you (once you contact us), you can save even more! Isn’t that amazing?

But wait, there’s MORE!

On November 19, I was asked to be a guest coach for FCC/PGK during one of the big events the club puts together to connect with the community and work with GKs that might not be able to afford Pro GK Training. I got the opportunity to represent both FCC and FAITH Goalkeeping at the sessions. Thanks to the connection and partnership I have established with the FCC Goalkeeping department, this is just the beginning. FAITH Goalkeeping clients will get more exposure to pro training and for those who are really serious about the position and want to take their craft to the next level, they will receive the opportunity to showcase their skills to FCC coaches during one of the GK Camps they put together. If your skills exceed expectation, there is an opportunity for you to join the FCC Academy. We will provide the guidance, training, and recommendation necessary to ensure the best outcome possible for you and your family.

Last but not least, I cannot end this year’s recap without first and foremost, thanking all of you for being apart of the FAITH Goalkeeping community. More people have joined this year than any other. I have gotten to see so many of you grow/improve and that more than anything, has filled my heart with so much joy and pride! That’s why I do this. I do not take for granted the fact that I get to be part of your lives. These were but a few of your many amazing achievements throughout the year!