In Part 6 of Sprint MG’s “Getting to Know Lockdown Series” we caught up with goalkeeper Ryan Buckingham to discuss the challenges of lockdown, how’s he’s keeping in shape and aspirations for the future.
What is your number one career highlight?
Growing up in the US, its a big thing to become a League 1 college soccer player. If you are a sportsman this is drilled into you and I achieved it, this is my proudest moment.
What’s been the most challenging moment of your career?
I would say, in college when I was benched for a couple of games. That was the first time in my career that I was in that position. I didn’t know how to handle it and it was certainly a difficult moment in my career. Although this experience has helped me mentally in my career.
Also another challenging moment was when I finished college I was not invited to the MSL combine. It was a hard time for me trying to figure out what I wanted to do. Luckily, I was able to find my way through that period.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in football so far?
I will say, my mentor Ian Feuer. Ian played for West Ham and Luton Town and was part of the US national team. He has been one of my biggest supporters and he has helped so much in my career. He has moulded me into the player I am today.
What advice would give to yourself at 16?
Just work hard everyday, don’t care about what anyone says, block out the outside noise and concentrate on yourself. Push yourself and train hard. Make sure you are doing something everyday to better yourself.
Also, don’t be hard on yourself which is my biggest weakness. When I was 16 I was a perfectionist so I’d tell myself that you don’t have to be perfect, if mistakes happen, learn from them and move on.
What are your career aspirations?
My ultimate goal, hopefully will to be part of the US national world cup squad in 2026 which is being played here.
What is the hardest part of being a professional athlete?
People don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. Its can be such a grind, barely making enough money to live in some circumstances. It’s not all glitz and glamour and people don’t understand.
The sacrifices you have to make socially, not being able to go out with your friends at the weekend can be tough. Its a 24 hour job making sure you are doing everything right.
How are you dealing with the lockdown and how are you keeping fit?
I try to be productive during the day and I make sure I am training. I am doing a lot of reading at the moment and playing video games with my little brother. I am also learning Croatian as some of my family are there.
In my daily training sessions I am doing hill sprints, strength and conditioning and one upper body and lower body workout. I do some training with a ball practising my distribution both with my right and left foot– and I have a wall in back garden so I am able to practising my passing. My brother helps me with my goalkeeping training for about an hour a day.
What advice would you give to an upcoming player?
- Work hard and try and do something that will improve your game everyday. After training stay an extra 10 to 15 mins to practise your distribution, it will improve your game.
- Its important to get away from the game off of the field. It isn’t good for you to be thinking about soccer all day, everyday.
How do you prepare yourself for a game? Do you have any superstitions? Is there a particular pre-match meal you like to eat before a big game?
The night before the game I will have the same meal every time, Pasta, chicken, broccoli and carrots.
I have the same breakfast every day a 3 egg omelette with peppers, onions, tomatoes and spinach. Peanut butter on toast and a banana.
My pre-match meal is normally chicken, veg and brown rice.
Before a game I make sure I do some breathing to make sure I am focussed.
What advice would you give to an upcoming player?
To be honest with you, the best advice I can give is do not get ahead of yourself and keep your feet on the ground. /you have to work hard, train hard, and train to better yourself everyday, which is what I aim to do every time I train. Determination, dedication and motivation to succeed are key.
How do you prepare yourself for a game? Do you have any superstitions? Is there a particular pre-match meal you like to eat before a big game?
There isn’t a specific pre match meal but I eat my banana at half time. I pray to God almighty before a game to ensure I am focussed and ready.
