Resource for Goalie Parents, Young Goalies, and New Goalies

by Carolyn O'Leary

“I want to be a goalie.”This is a statement that seems to strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere no matter what the age of their child.There are numerous reasons for this fear and uncertainty including equipment cost, level of commitment, and the amount of pressure put on goalies. While these are all valid concerns, the child who desires to be a goaltender generally possesses the personality and self-confidence that allows them to succeed at playing the position. Being the goalie on a team can bring grief and disappointment at times but this is usually tempered with confidence building successes and, at times, the chance for your child to become the “hero”. Most goaltenders, even young ones, actually enjoy the stress and the feeling of being in control and most young children who choose this position already have a great deal of self-confidence in everything they do.

The majority of children do not seem to choose the position of goaltender on a whim and while some are not 100% positive they want to be goalies, other children seen to know without any doubt, from a young age, that the goaltender position is for them. It takes something of a unique personality to have a burning passion to be a goalie and it is not something that should be discouraged but should instead be understood and supported. Of course, being a goalie does require a commitment in terms of time, money, and training but there are numerous resources out there to help parents, young goalies, and also older players new to the position. So, when your child comes to you and says, “I want to be a goalie,” consider this statement a little insight to your child’s personality and have no fear.

Here is a good article that offers sound advice to both prospective and current goalie parents.

http://www.goaliestore.com/doctor/feat_parents.php