Resilience, Resetting and Rebounds - The goalkeepers of women's walking football give their tips for new or returning goalies

They might be the last line of defence, but there's so much more to being a goalkeeper than stopping shots. Often described as the toughest position on the pitch, goalkeeping takes courage, resilience and good communication. However, it can feel isolating at times. At smaller clubs, there might be only one goalie in the whole squad. Even at bigger clubs, a coach may have lots of outfield experience, but lack the expertise to support and advise the women who play between the posts.

So where does a new or returning goalkeeper go for advice? WF4W and the GK Union have your back! We asked several experienced keepers to share their words of advice for other goalies in the walking football community.

If you need a boost, moral support or want to understand more about the 'best job' on the pitch, read on to see what they had to say:

Clare, Braunton: Mental strength and resetting after a goal/mistake is key. There will be times when you doubt yourself or others are critical but you need to remember you are only human and continue learning and improving. I have to remind myself of this frequently.

Anna, Cwmbrân Celtic: I’d say to new or returning goalkeepers, and to be honest it stuck with me from watching Ted Lasso, “Be a goldfish.”  You don’t get judged by the save you missed, you get judged by the next one you make.

Becs, Bristol City: Resilience…. At some point in some game that ball is probably going to hit you and it’s probably going to hurt or you are going to concede a goal that you felt you should/could have saved… you have to have the strength and resilience to reset yourself and play on with all you’ve got.

Gillian A, Gloucester: Be prepared never to wear mini-skirts or short shorts after games - your legs can get colourful. Remember it’s not an easy job but the best job. No pain no story, no grass stains no glory.

Bev, Modbury Vixens: I would say “ it’s never too late “. I started GK at 62, never having played any form of Football before, it’s addictive , fun and stretches the mind and body. Coaching is an essential learning tool. And don’t forget when you get blasted by several goals, you have to ask “ where were my defenders?” It’s not all about the GK letting one in.

Never give up, look for the rebound.

Bev, Modbury Vixens, (now aged 65, and still loving it)

Debbie, Bristol Badgers and Emersons Green: Make sure you get decent gloves. It's worth paying extra to protect your hands. Also take on board as much help and advice from others as you can.

Jodi, Exeter City: My advice would be try not to dwell on goals conceded. It's not just down to the keeper. It has to get past the other players before it gets to you. It’s easier said than done. I often dwell on the goals I concede. Even if it’s the only goal in a fixture and I may have saved several others. But you need to try and put it behind you and focus on the next attack.

Use your voice to tell your team where they need to pick up opposition players to mark.

This will save you having to do lots of 1v1 shot stopping.

Helen, Bristol Badgers: Remember the ball before the shot has come past 5 of your players, it is a team sport.

Dan, Plymouth Argyle: Don't give up!!

Angie, Dawlish: I would say you are the “eyes and communicator of the team!”

But… Also you need to believe in yourself and remember the saves as we can be so hard on ourselves!

Sandra, Albies: Watch the ball at all times but sometimes you get to the ball, sometimes you don't. Some balls flash passed you and it's hard to be as quick as the ball.

Suzy, South Hams: Watch and talk like others have said. Other than that, just say f*** it and go for it! If you get the opportunity to have some walking football GK specific training, take it! Its invaluable. And then if you are going for it, connect with your team and most of all enjoy!

Gillian B, GK316 (Goalkeeping Academy): Use communication in the form of information to effectively organise and deny goal scoring opportunities. This will mean less to deal with. Always praise your defenders on a job well done …. They will be more inclined to give you extra when the going gets tough!

Also book yourself onto a workshop. Be part of the amazing GK union where support and empathy for the role is in abundance!

Key takeaways:

• Communicate with the rest of your team to help organise the defence

• When you concede, remember it has had to go through 5 other players before it gets to you

• Reset after a mistake or goal, focus on the next move.

• Take any opportunity to join in specialised GK training

• Be a part of the GK union and talk to other goalies.