Small Soccer Goalkeeper Dilemma

by Michelle
(California)

Hi, my name is Michelle I am a 12 year old girl that has been playing soccer for two years. When I was four I had a very bad disease that has stopped my growth (I don’t have it anymore it just had side effects). My doctors predict I'll grow to about 5'0 or around 5'3 (if I'm lucky).

Despite my growing problem I have been a successful goalie so far. I have been to many camps and many of the soccer coaches said I'm a natural talent and that I should keep playing as keeper.

I am not afraid of the ball, and I'm very aggressive in the 18 yard box. I go out and play almost every day and practice catching, throwing and other skills as well. I hope to play in high school and hopefully college.

My team is moving up to 11v11 and that means a BIG NET! I would just deal with my shortness and keep practicing, but I'm afraid when I try out for high school the coaches will take a glance at me and laugh at how short I am.

For example, when I tried out for the team that I am playing for now, the coach said no, so I had to prove myself in order to earn a place in the team. Should I learn a different position just in case? Goalkeeper is what I want to play and I don’t know what to do.

THE ANSWER

Hello Michelle, first of all, being a skillful soccer goalkeeper has nothing to do with how tall you are. You see, most successful keepers today are not pretty tall and they are performing pretty well. What I am trying to say is that you should keep on playing as keeper and do your best. As you are already practicing every day, you are already several steps in front of your competition.

If I was you, I would not listen to anyone that doubts in your skills. Instead, show these people that they are wrong by playing your very best on the soccer field. On that way, you will let your game speak for itself. Just make sure to never give up as the road to success is pretty long and you will need to get over many barriers before reaching it.

All the best /Mirsad