A lot has happened since my last blog.  My ankle injury is well and truly behind me and I am pleased with my academic results so far.  The end of the winter season was quite disappointing as we were unable to win either the Central League or the Chatham Cup.  It was a season I wish I could’ve taken part in a lot more than I was able to.  Through rehab and training I have been able to physically and mentally overcome this injury and am in a position where I feel match fit.

I am very proud to say I’ve signed for Hawke’s Bay United and for the Sterling Sports National League, where we are two games into the season.  We’ve won one and lost one.  Even though I have been reserve goalkeeper, I feel this is an important step for me to push on and break into the highest level of domestic football here in New Zealand.  By training with the region’s best players and learning from Brett Angell, a very qualified and knowledgeable coach, I am confident I will improve and grow as a player.

Academically, things are busy but under control.  Managing a professional training routine as well as full-time study can be stressful at times, but it’s something I chose to do and find highly rewarding in both instances.  I am currently in the last stretch of the second semester and am nearing exams in a couple of weeks.  With all my internal assignments finished, it is time to knuckle down and study for my four exams before putting all my focus back into football for the summer.

I am still running my goalkeeping academy, Top Flight Goalkeeping, which has seen a slight decline in numbers as the winter football season has now finished.  However, there are still a few keen goalkeepers willing to keep training through the summer which I think is awesome.

For those of you considering applying for the Sport Hawke’s Bay and EIT Sports Scholarship, I can personally vouch for how helpful it has been when trying to make ends meet while striving to do your best in both your sport and academic field.  So if you are serious about pursuing your chosen sport while studying, I strongly suggest you apply for this scholarship.

Ruben Parker