An 82-year-old man has been managing a friendly six-a-side football team in Barnet for over four decades, and he continues to don his goalkeeper gloves every Sunday.
Leo Gottesman has witnessed numerous players come and go at Powerleague Barnet, including his own son, yet he remains a constant presence in goal each week.
Gottesman shared, „I have been organizing the games since 1981. I played football in school, although I wasn’t a goalkeeper back then. I stopped playing until I was 35, but I have been involved in six-a-side football ever since.“
Passion for the Game
After suffering a heart attack 25 years ago, Gottesman’s cardiologist recommended that he stop playing sports. However, he paused for only two or three months, stating, „I love the game so much, I just had to continue.“
Fellow player Rex Cooper noted that despite Gottesman’s age, he remains a formidable opponent. „He has so much experience, his positioning is incredible, making it difficult to score against him,“ Cooper remarked. „Leo is a very passionate and reliable person and serves as a role model for all of us.“
Cooper emphasized that the group enjoys both the competitive spirit and the camaraderie that has developed over the years.
Team Management and Experience
Henry Thorpe-Spinks, who has played on Sundays for the past 13 years, often alongside his father, commented on the team’s skill level. „The standard is pretty good, especially considering the ages. I don’t know of any other football game that features a goalkeeper who is not only that age but has also been playing for over 40 years and running it.“
In addition to guarding the goal, Gottesman handles the team’s administrative tasks, including checking player numbers, making pitch bookings, collecting subscriptions, and even washing the kits. Thorpe-Spinks added, „I think we take him for granted, to be honest.“
Gottesman believes that the qualities of a great goalkeeper include being „quite flexible“ and having the ability to „anticipate to a great extent.“
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Gabin Cobret auf Pexels
