The way I got into goalkeeping was when I first started playing football I was an outfield player and our goalkeeper didn’t turn so I filled his space for that game and played really well so I’ve stayed there every since.

What’s a typical week of training like for you, both physically and mentally?

A typical week for me involves a lot of work outside of football and consists of a lot of rest and recovery so I can feel fresh for training and match days.

Can you talk us through your preparation on match day—do you have any rituals or routines before kick-off?

A match day preparation for me involves a good night rest and a solid breakfast which consists of scrambled eggs on toast ( with maybe some beans on top if I’m feeling it ) and some stretching before the game so I can loosen up the muscles.

What has been your most memorable game for Thamesmead so far, and why?

The most memorable game I’ve had was probably the SE DØNS game as the atmosphere was electric and I also had a solid performance but unfortunately we couldn’t get the result.

Goalkeepers often have to be leaders at the back. How do you communicate and organize your defense during high-pressure moments?

The way I would say I’m a leader is keeping ur defence on their toes constantly feeding them with information to help them out and relieve the pressure of their shoulders.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced being a goalkeeper was the time i dislocated my finger because it was a tough sitting on the sidelines watching when all I wanted to do was play so I could help out my team

Who are some goalkeepers—past or present—that you look up to, and why?

I would say the goalkeeper I look up to and base my play over would be Maneul Neuer because his shot stopping is just ridiculous and the way he commands his box and sweeping out of it is just different class.

How do you deal with mistakes in goal, and what’s your mindset when bouncing back during a match?

The way i deal with mistakes is always trying to keep ur head up after it. These things happens because everyone’s not perfect ur going to make mistakes in football. Forget about it and come back from it stronger.

What are your personal goals for the rest of this season with SC Thamesmead?

My personal goals for the season would be the same as everyone’s on the team which we be win every game and get play offs.

Lastly, just for fun - If you could swap places with any outfield player at SCT for one game, which position would you play and why—and how do you think you’d do?

If I did have to swap position with someone on the pitch it would be with one of the strikers because I reckon I could come out with 20+ goals in a season.

There you have it guys, Archie Aldous, SCT’s number 1.

You can follow Archie Aldos on instgram HERE