With that being said I think EGK’s best quality is how they teach the true culture of goalkeeping. When I started with Riccardo my favorite thing about training was always being surrounded by goalkeepers that were better than me. I loved training with the oldest group and trying to emulate them and keep up with them, it always pushed me to be my best. And then as I became one of the oldest goalkeepers, my new goal was to set the standard and give tips and pointers to the younger goalkeepers who were training up with us; just like the older guys would do for me. Every goalkeeper at our training sessions wanted to see each other succeed, every top corner save, every rebound that forced a second effort to save merited an applause from the group. We appreciated greatness and fed on the energy of the session that was lead by our coach…. If you don’t believe me, stand within 100 feet of one of Riccardo’s sessions and tell me you don’t hear his voice echo around the pitch.

This culture Riccardo creates has a name around the world known as the “Goalkeeper Union”. Simply put, no one understands the pressures and mindset of goalkeepers except the people that are apart of this union. Being around other goalkeepers and training with them gives you a dynamic you can’t possibly replicate just by training with your team. This culture and family that Riccardo has created through his goalkeeper school is something very special, and I was fortunate to be a part of it. From experience, I can tell you that any goalkeeper that joins him will be taken care of above any beyond your expectations. He will always look out for your best interest, he will always try and get you to the right club and he will always want to see you succeed. Every single time I am back in Ontario I make sure to come to a session and train with the new crop of goalkeepers he is molding into future pros. So for any goalkeeper looking to take their game to the next level, EGK was a very crucial piece to my success and I can promise you, it will be the same for any Goalkeeper who decides to join.

“Through discipline and respect, we honour the game”

I began with Riccardo when I was 14 years old and eager to learn but extremely raw in technique. Riccardo and his staff did an excellent job of correcting my bad goalkeeping habits and challenging my comfort zone as a goalkeeper. Each session Riccardo demanded a high standard from me while presenting it on a demeanor that furthered my love and appreciation for the game. Goalkeeping is a very difficult position as the game is evolving every day and becoming more and more challenging. It is crucial that young goalkeepers receive quality repetitions, seeing various game-like scenarios so they are ready to execute when called upon.

My advice to any young goalkeeper looking to play in a competitive environment, whatever the level would be to attend Riccardo’s sessions with the right attitude and mentality. With these in place, Riccardo will help develop and refine areas of your goalkeeping game, like he did mine.Riccardo taught me various techniques such as handling, 1v1s, cross taking and distribution during his sessions. I have full confidence in recommending Extreme Goalkeepers to any young and aspiring professional as it increased my game exponentially.

Thank you, Riccardo, for all you have done to help me achieve my dream and all you continue to do! Thank you for your support, guidance, and love you have shown me in my career. I look forward to continuing my relationship with Extreme Goalkeepers and seeing the next crop of professional players come through your organization.

Yours in Goal..

To say Riccardo is passionate about the game, the role of a goalkeeper, and his keepers specifically, is an understatement. That enthusiasm shows itself in a loud voice that bellows through domes and across fields. Sometimes the voice is playful and encouraging and sometimes it’s direct and stern. But no one can dispute he treats his keepers with the same care that a father would. My time with Riccardo saw me through rep teams, OYSL teams, CSL teams, trials overseas at age 15 and 16, a 3-month training arrangement in Chile, and now here in Italy as I climb the ranks to become a professional goalkeeper at age 20. These doors would not have opened if not for Riccardo, his fellow Extreme Goalkeeper coaches, and his network of contacts including former professional players and my agent Gianfranco Cicchetti.

Currently, I’m starting keeper for Polisportiva Olympia Agnonese in Serie D, my second season in Italy. Last year I began in Eccellenza Calcio with AC Montesarchio. I traveled not knowing the language or anyone over here. Riccardo looked at me like I was his own family including the middle of the night phone calls or messages. Although he is a huge champion of the university scholarship path, which is a great one for any keeper, I knew it was not the path I wanted. Riccardo got on board with my dream and put the wheels in motion to get me seen and have the chance to prove myself. I know my dream is not an easy one, and it takes doing what others might not do, but I know I can succeed because Riccardo is in my corner showing the same tough love he showed when I was a 12-year-old kid. He not only made me the keeper I am today, but he also influenced who I am as a man today. He was once my coach and teacher, now he’s my friend and trusted confidante. There are not too many coaches who have that sort of impact on an athlete. Thanks, Riccardo. My success is your success.

I’m the type of person who wants to be the best no matter the atmosphere or who I’m surrounded by. I think Riccardo knew this so he constantly pushed me to become better, always putting me with the oldest group. I am truly grateful for everything he has done for me. EGK isn’t just about GK training; Riccardo wants you to become the very best GK you can possibly become. You don’t get much better training than the training you receive at EGK. He’s created a competitive environment with high-intensity training sessions, from making top corner saves to distribution Riccardo makes sure he covers every aspect a GK needs to perform at a top level. It’s not very often that you know before practice even starts that training sessions will be great. Know matter where I am in the world I know I not only have a place to come back to and train but I also have a family.

Because of Riccardo and his staff, I am able to play the game I love for many more years. He helped create an amazing opportunity for me and I forever will be grateful for everything he has done and will continue to do for me. Thank you, Riccardo, for supporting my dream and always believing in me. You helped guide me to where I am today. Thank you for inspiring me and being such an amazing coach.