Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Thompson.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I played soccer for 16+ years as professional Goalkeeper. Born and raised in Kingston Jamaica. Soccer changed my life and gave the opportunity to travel the world and meet many different people and culture. As a goalkeeper we are consider the most important player and the field but has in life the role of a goalkeeper is very similar. We make 99 saves but everyone remembers the one mistake. It’s also the position that gets the lease amount of attention during practice but we are expected to save the day despite the lack of resources put towards us. Resources such as: training, money etc. So, when I retired from playing 2017 I made a promise that I will focus all my energy to take good care of the goalkeeping community. That’s how RTG Academy was started. Our goal as always been to bring people together, share joy and provide opportunities. 8 years later we are doing that and I can’t be happier. I understand that not all goalkeepers is going to be professional so our emphasis is on the person first and the goalkeeper 2nd. We want to develop great leaders through the art of goalkeeping.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a fun road so far!! I have a lot of experience in the game, good and bad so I took those experiences and use it as an inspiration to guide the future generations. We have so far developed many professional athletes and leaders so I’m happy for that. I also get so much joy seeing our goalkeepers joining us all shy and nervous but when they leave their smiles and enthusiasm is out of the world. That’s what we want to put smiles on people faces. Our goalkeeping community is growing and I can’t be happier to see and share the RTG culture!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The RTG community is very contagious in a positive way. We don’t just teach goalkeeping, we care about the person first. We meet everyone where there are and we guide them through our principles Respect Inspire Develop Enjoy. This goes for all stakeholders. It has been a huge blessing to see lives change for the better for all involved.
What matters most to you? Why?
Seeing our goalkeepers grow and evolve in a positive environment. The environment shapes the individual. Most people believe that negative conditions is the way for people to grow but I refuse to believe that. I’ve been in many environments where negativity does more harm than good therefore my goal is to change that with positive vibrations. Real Bob Marley style. We give honest feedback, we work hard and we treat everyone with respect. Our mantra is the work is easy all we need is opportunity. Everyday spent at RTG is like this: positive and hard work. It’s fun!! We want to bring the joy back in goalkeeping.
Pricing:
- Five week programs $399 (5 sessions)
- Summer, Winter, spring break camps $450
- Keepers of the Americas Residential camp $1300
- Private lessons $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Rtgacademy.com
- Instagram: Rtgacademy
- Facebook: Rtgacademy
- LinkedIn: Rtgacademy
- Twitter: Rtgacademy
- Youtube: Rtgacademy
Image Credits
Alsharif Khalid
