Girl Goal Keepers - a rare and disappearing breed. For some reason we have failed to nurture a hunger and passion for this valuable position in our girls programs.

Mental Toughness
We know the GK has the toughest, most thankless and mentally grueling position on the field. When a team wins, the keeper is rarely thanked for her contribution, but in a loss is often blamed.

Team Disconnect
After distributing the ball, the keeper is not 'usually' involved in the build up play as the team attacks. This can weaken the goalies's perception of being part of the team - an emotional struggle for many young girls. In one sided offensive possession, the keeper is forgotten as she tries to stay warm and focussed at the lonely far end of the pitch.

Role Models
Tall Grown males demonstrating GK skills to small young girls does little to instill confidence that a female p_layer_ can learn what it takes to play this position. We often 'punish' young p_layer_s to have their turn in goal rather than encourage them about how exciting this position can be. Perhaps by allowing women or older girls to be part of the GK development program would help create a passion for this key position.

any thots?