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Teams Looking for Goalkeepers
Why Many Teams are Looking for Goalkeepers Like You
Goalkeepers are crucial as the last line of defense in soccer. They are the only player on the pitch who is allowed to use their hands, feet, and body to stop a goal from being scored. Goalkeepers have one of the most difficult jobs on the field. They have to be alert at all times and be ready for anything. Teams are always looking for goalkeepers like yourself.
Goalkeepers need to have quick reflexes and make split-second decisions in order to save goals from being scored. They are also in charge of clearing any balls that enter their area and on set pieces such as free kicks, corners and penalties.
Goalkeepers play the hardest position in soccer because they are both the last line of defense and the backup to their defenders. A goalkeeper’s job is a result of strategic planning by coaches and tactical design. Goalkeepers need strong reactions, vision, decision-making skills, team spirit, mental toughness and awareness in order to be successful..
A goalkeeper may have the job of defending their goal but they are also required to provide offensive support by playing the ball on set pieces and long clearances and distributing the ball quickly for offensive attacks.
6 Key Elements When Looking for Teams Looking for Goalkeepers
Style of Play
Soccer is a team sport and the goalkeeper is the most important player on the field. The goalkeeper’s position is unique. They are the only player on their team who can use their hands and thus have an entirely different set of skills from every other player on the pitch.
Understand your goalkeeping style to ensure it aligns with your new team’s style of play. The style of play for goalkeepers can be categorized as either being a “sweeper-keeper” or “traditional keeper.” A sweeper-keeper typically plays a much more active role than a traditional keeper who tends to stay closer to their goal and tries primarily to block and deflect shots with any part of their body.
Keepers are categorized into 3 different types of play:
Sweeper-keeper
The sweeper-keeper style allows the goalkeeper to make more aggressive plays in order to help both their defense and offense transition quickly when possible. This keeper is typically considered to be good in the air and capable of coming up with long throws and excellent distribution. Nonetheless, they may not be as strong at blocking and shot stopping.
Traditional keeper
Usually playing on or near the goal line, traditional keepers do not participate in offense plays as much. They stay relatively close to the goal and try to block shots with any part of their body. They are extremely strong on the defensive side blocking shots and controlling rebounds.
Hybrid keeper
The hybrid keeper is a combination of both sweeper-keeper and traditional goalkeeping. They stick closer to the goal line but not as much as traditional keepers. These keepers are also strong at making aggressive defensive plays and helping their team’s transition quickly to the offense.
Different keepers use different styles of goaltending to defend the goal. The sweeper-keeper and hybrid keeper styles of play allow the goalkeeper to have an active role in defense while the traditional keeper role is a more passive style of play.
Type of Soccer
Soccer is the most popular game in the world. There are actually many different forms or types of soccer games played around the world. It is crucial to decide on the style of soccer you would like to play when deciding on a team.
The most popular and widely known type of soccer is 11 v 11 outdoor soccer or association football, which is played on a grass or artificial turf surface. Soccer is also commonly enjoyed in indoor facilities especially in less tropical regions with colder seasons.
There are different types of soccer games for both outdoor and indoor environments. They include
- Traditional full 11 per side
- 6 per side & 7 per side
- 3 per side
- Pickup soccer
- Futsal
Some of these forms of soccer are played on much smaller surfaces, enclosed spaces and smaller nets. Moreover, futsal is not only played on a smaller court or field but also with a different type of ball. Ensure you consider the type of soccer you wish to play before joining a team.
Competition Level of Teams Looking for Goalkeepers
Soccer is enjoyed globally by players of all levels, ages and genders. There are many different levels of soccer play, but the most popular and competitive is 11-a-side soccer. Official FIFA rules, known as laws of the game and regulations need to be followed in order for these matches to be considered an official game at the highest level.
There are basically 2 levels of soccer, professional and amateur. These are broken down into many more sublevels depending on the country and the type of soccer you are considering. At the professional level, you have an agent or agents helping sign you to a team and navigate the professional soccer world.
Amateur soccer can be broken down into recreational and competitive leagues. These are further broken down into more levels and there are many leagues that are mixed recreational-competitive. Keep in mind, your choice of a co-ed, women’s or men’s league may also affect your available competition level.
There is also a gray area where amateur players are paid to play either via perks or in cash to help teams as call-ups, replacement players or in tournaments. It is crucial you consider your level of play as you look for a new team to join. Joining a team at too high or too low a level will lead to extremely unenjoyable soccer games and experiences.
Commuting Distance
Be realistic with your commitment level and your availability. The distance you are willing to travel also affects your reliability and level of competition you are looking to play. Typically, the lower the level of play, for example recreational and house league levels, will have more availability of teams and matches closer to home with a shorter commute. Higher level competitive teams typically require longer commutes and travel times since you will need to travel further to find more teams of similar high caliber.
At the extreme, some teams are purely travel teams. These teams travel to games, competitions, and/or tournaments. Oftentimes out of state or province. These are typically elite competitive teams not affiliated with recreational leagues or clubs. This requires a significant commitment both financially and time wise.
Choose wisely.
Commitment Level
Be honest and realistic about your availability and commitment level. We all live busy lives. It may not be realistic to join a competitive team with regular practices or even a less competitive recreational team with just weekly games if you can’t commit.
Your chosen competition level and commute time may impact your commitment level. Committing to a team and not regularly showing up is NOT fair to you nor your teammates. Joining a less formal adult pickup soccer team or league may be a better option.
Traveling? Find Teams Looking for Goalkeepers
There are many ways to find a teams looking for goalkeepers while traveling.
- If you are on assignment overseas, you can search for the contact information of local teams or clubs via Google, on social media or online forums
- If you are traveling for work for a shorter trip, you can ask your colleagues to see if they have any suggestions
- Ask friends and families whom have traveled to your destination for tips
- Use an app such as meetup.com
- List your services on a player listing services-directory like Subsneeded.com to get contacted by clubs and teams looking for last minute substitute free agent players
How to find a Team – Goalkeeper’s Tips
Goalkeepers are in high demand. You will not have a problem finding a new home. In addition to the listed ways to find a game while traveling, there are 8 simple ways to find a local soccer team as well:
- Firstly, determine the type of soccer you would like to play
- Reach out to people you know
- Look for local clubs
- Look for local soccer facilities
- Look for pickup matches which can lead to signing up with a team full time
- Stop by local fields while games are underway and talk to the players
- Signup for tryouts and pickup games
- List yourself on club and sports sites such as Subsneeded.com
Conclusion
Goalkeepers are crucial to the success of every soccer team. You need quick reflexes and the athletic strength to hold your ground and play through balls. As importantly, you must have the ability to distribute the ball and communicate with your team.
Teams are often on the lookout for a quality goalkeeper. If you are looking for a new team, make sure you consider 6 key elements: your style of play, type of soccer, competition level, commute distance, whether you are traveling and your commitment level.
There are many simple ways to find yourself a new team as a goalkeeper. Moreover, if you are an adult recreational or semi-professional goalkeeper, list yourself today on Subsneeded and wait for teams to reach out to you. List and show off your skills, set your availability and take bookings from teams desperately looking for good goalkeepers. Ensure you charge a fee as well. Get paid to play soccer. You are in huge demand and extremely valuable to any competitive team looking to win!
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