Soccer Player To Watch: Southern California Youth Goalie John Pulskamp
SoccerToday Player To Watch Series highlights youth soccer players making an impact on the soccer fields across America.
Everyone once in a while one can immediately spot a youth soccer player who is clearly making a difference — a player who is a leader to his team and has skill, intelligence and ability to be a game changer. The Central California Aztecs’ USSF Development Academy U14 goalkeeper — John Pulskamp — is one of those special players.
The goal of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSF DA) program is to develop world-class players. With the emphasis on player development and a high ratio of training to games, the USSF Development Academy had 96 total clubs for the 2015/16 year. With an approximate total of 5,500 top quality players in three age groups; U-13/14, U-15/16, and U-17/18 — the USSF DA is a hub of talent. To stand out in this elite player pool is an accomplishment, and clearly qualifies as a SoccerToday Player to Watch.
Being a goalie requires special dedication and passion for the beautiful game of soccer. Often referred to as the unsung heroes of the soccer field, a goalie is the last line of defense. Heroic and acrobatic saves may shift the media’s headlines momentarily away from those fan favorites who score goals, but often goalies only receive attention when they fail to stop the opposition’s attack and the ball finds the way into the back of their net.
It is undeniably true that a remarkable goalkeeper is worth their weight in gold — goalkeepers are often under-appreciated. A great goalkeeper is like a conductor of an orchestra with an unobstructed view of the game as it unfolds in front of them. Few goalies seize the opportunity to make the most of their role but Central California Aztecs‘ USSF Development Academy U14 goalkeeper — John Pulskamp — is one of those special players who make a difference on the field.
With a natural talent for leadership and a positive approach to galvanizing his teammates, Pulskamp works hard to meet the challenges of bringing victory to his team. With a clear, strong voice offering insightful guidance, Pulskamp helps his defensive players shut down the opposition’s opportunities and deliver a clean sheet — that’s how the pro game refers to a goalie who has successfully prevented an opponent from scoring for a whole match.
SoccerToday interviewed this talented goalie and Gerry Cleary, his USSF DA coach at Central California Aztecs to discover more. Cleary is also the Assistant coach at California State University Bakersfield.
What the Coach said:
Diane Scavuzzo: Are goalkeepers different from other soccer players? If so, why?
Aztecs Coach Gerry Cleary: Goalkeeper is a very specialized position. To be a good goalie, you need a very high level of concentration. One of the most important traits of a successful goalkeeper is good communication. It is also critical to be a strong leader on the field.
John Pulskamp is one of the best players I have ever coached. An awesome shot-stopper who usually gives up less than one goal per game, Pulskamp is a very special young man who has matured a lot this season. As our team captain, he sets the tone for the rest of the players. With his leadership and skill, he makes a real impact on the pitch. He comes from an unbelievably supportive family and I believe he will be a top player one day.What the Player said:
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the role of a goalie?
John Pulskamp: The role of a goalkeeper is to work along with your team to prevent the opposition from scoring. I like to think of it as simple as keeping the ball out of the net. That is my focus and becomes the only thing on my mind. Everything else follows naturally.
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you use communication on the soccer field?
John Pulskamp: Communication is crucial for a goalkeeper. As a goalie, you can see things that defenders often can’t.
As a goalie, I try to keep my communication as simple, direct, and clear as possible to get the point across as fast as I can.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you first start playing soccer?
John Pulskamp: I first started playing organized soccer at AYSO when I was 5 years old. My dad was my coach. I moved to a local competitive youth soccer club — Central California Aztecs — when I was 8 and have been with the same club ever since.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you chose to become a Goalkeeper?
John Pulskamp: Within the first year of playing soccer at the age of 5 — I knew I wanted to play in the goal.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why be a Goalkeeper?
John Pulskamp: Growing up, I would always play soccer with my brothers and all of our friends in our backyard — and, I would always be the goalkeeper.
When my Dad coached me at AYSO, he rarely let me play in the goal. While I was a field player, I realized I was really attracted to the goalkeeper position, I guess I just enjoy the uniqueness of it.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who do you consider your mentor?
John Pulskamp: Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with multiple keeper trainers and all of them have mentored me in one way or another. My current keeper trainer is Joe Montoya. In addition, my coaches Ray Sanders, Ricardo Gutierrez and my current head coach Gerry Cleary have all been instrumental.
My older brothers have also been mentors to be and always motivate and inspire me to to be a better player. I always learn a ton from playing and hanging out with them and our friends.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your dream for the future?
John Pulskamp: My dream is to play soccer for the U.S. Men’s National team and to become a professional soccer player.
John Pulskamp suffered an injury to his wrist during training and is recovering from successful surgery on his scaphoid bone. While he will miss participating in the USSF DA Showcase in Dallas this month, Pulskamp will be returning to the front of the goal soon.
Everyone at SoccerToday wishes Pulskamp a speedy recovery. Maybe Pulskamp will follow the footsteps of Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Bill Hamid one day.
