Stephen Candler

Yorkshireman/Photographer specialising in creative colourful Photography. Getty Images contributor. #Photographer #Photography #Yorkshire #SAFC #UK #SPAIN

[Luke O'Nien @LukeONien]

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 ❤️🤍

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

@Jindo_1307979 61151

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

@Matt_Pinner Lacrosse

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

@Matt_Pinner 19

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

@Matt_Pinner 20 for me

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@elonmuskmel7 Hope

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[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Entrance to the Museum Gardens, from Marygate, York, Yorkshire, England, UK. 2012

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/5XGecfst2I

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

View across the harbour and marina toward the lighthouse, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, UK. 2012

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/I2efCFCCaD

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Looking down Little Stonegate, York, Yorkshire, England, UK. 2012

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/LYi1j4o4Tz

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

A day out in Rowntree's Park in York, North Yorkshire, England, UK. 2017

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/46G8zr0muv

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Nighttime along a narrow alley in Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain. 2015

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/NQAGF13BCm

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Interior of bar Las Dunas, Cape Trafalgar, Andalucia, Spain. 2013

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/1VjWmUxVzo

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Along the Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury Junction, Staffordshire, England, UK. 2014

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/Aj2k660wYE

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Along the Leeds - Liverpool canal at Apperley Bridge, West Yorkshire, England, UK. 2016

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/9HlkC3mFrI

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Cold day at York Railway Station, York, Yorkshire, England, UK. 2013

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/FVwR5nKnKg

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Moored boat on Derwentwater, Keswick, Cumbria, England, UK. 2013

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/evAiFL0Fyr

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Beautiful autumn colours in Eden Park, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, UK. 2015

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/DoYn6fvcGg

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Autumn colours along the River Ouse in York, Yorkshire, England. 2016

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/kZWgKsyym2

[Stephen Candler @spcandler]

Boats in Staithes Harbour, North Yorkshire, England, UK. 2013

Stephen Candler shared a photo with you from the Flickr app. Check it out:
https://t.co/dEZMIHxWGI