From the age of 16 I signed for Barnsley FC as a professional Goalkeeper. After a few years I sustained an injury that ended my career the area affected was my right shoulder.After 3 big operations on my shoulder my boyhood dream had sadly come to an end at the age of 21, but one thing that no one can take awy from me was experiencing the clubs fantastic promotion to the PREMIERSHIP! It's a whole different world and it was Brilliant!
A few years later on I went back into the world of football and started playing Semi-Professional for a number of clubs as a defender.Since my goalkeeping days were sadly over I saw it as an easy switch and a way to earn some money! By doing this I was getting the bug back and I began working for Leeds United Academy and I set up my own Goalkeeping Academy in Leeds.
In 2004 I was approached by Barnsley FC to become Head Academy Goalkeeping Coach.They didn't need to ask me twice. After another 2 great years at the club I left in 2006 to become a full time Daddy. I was a real 'Mrs Doubtfire' even if I do say so myself.Ha! (I never wore the skirts and make up tho before you all start thinking that!) I must confess I think it is the hardest thing I have ever done and I take my hat off to all those full time mums.
2009 was already upon us and since then I have returned back to Leeds United Academy as a Goalkeeping Coach and set up a small Mobile Car Valeting Business and as for my own Goalkeeping Schools,they are still going strong and doing well,producing some great goalkeepers for the future. In the next few months I'm hoping to get some new venues sorted and set up a few more Goalkeeping schools in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire.
If anyone is interested in Goalkeeping Coaching please don't hesitate to contact me via email : rudicoleano177@hotmail.co.uk I will be more than happy to help with any advice or queries you may have.