To any young kid reading this…
I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in.
Ryman Prem.
Conference South.
League Two.
League One.
Championship…
And even right before my first Premier League start last night.
That’s not weakness.
That’s being human.
That’s being alive.
When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman.
Like they never felt doubt.
Like they never felt nerves.
The truth is…. it’s often the opposite.
Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok!
You now have to then step out there with courage.
Confidence feels good.
Courage doesn’t.
But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence.
Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years.
When it goes well:
I worked for it.
I earned it.
Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
When it doesn’t:
I know I prepared the best I could.
It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football.
But Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night.
Leading the team out.
Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball.
Celebrates tackles.
Gives everything for the city of Sunderland.
And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One.
So if you’re a young player feeling doubt…
Low confidence…
Or like you don’t believe in yourself…
You’re not alone.
Every player feels it.
Confidence isn’t something you’re given.
It’s something you build.
Bit by bit.
Day by day.
With courage.
With work.
With learning.
Anything worth building takes time.
But that’s what makes it so worthwhile!
Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍
🎟 THE UF TICKET OFFICE IS OPEN 🎟
𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 @SunderlandAFC 🆚 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 😍
📆 Sunday 14th December 14:00
RT, follow us and tag a mate to enter - entries close at 23:59 on Thursday 4th December and winners will be notified by DM.
⚠️ Please note: this competition is open strictly to home supporters only. The selected winner will be required to provide evidence of previous Sunderland AFC purchase history for both tickets, purchasing at least one competitive match between the 2020/21 season and 2024/25 seasons.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐗 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤!
#SAFC 🔴 ⚪
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by X. T&Cs apply.
#ThrowbackThursday A much loved Tri-King on a beautiful morning at Castle Eden Golf Club! This mower has been trusted by generations of greenkeepers!!
Thanks to FTMI delegate Dan Robson for sharing!
#Jacobsen#SincerelyJake
Today, along with @BIGGALtd, we were proud to welcome the 11th FTMI class to Jacobsen.
This group will bring the number of graduates to 220 as the initiative continues to provide greenkeepers with invaluable management skills and knowledge to progress in their careers.