You might not usually associate goalkeepers with distance running – but that’s exactly why Buckley Town shot-stopper Ryan Goldston is taking on a new challenge this month.
Goldston has signed up to the “Run The Month” marathon edition in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, and is out and about pounding the street as he clocks up the miles.
“Some people wonder why goalkeepers have to run but it’s not only to help keep fit, it also helps me mentally,” he says. “I feel some weight off my shoulders and it enables my mind to focus during games etc! I’ve always tried to do at least one run per week which tends to be a 5k run but ever since I joined Buckley Town, they’re massive on fitness levels and my fitness has just gone up since I joined them.”
It is a real challenge for Goldston, whose day job as a deputy manager at a local supermarket is also physically demanding.
“What keeps me going is many men are going through a lot worse than I am and I’m determined to do this for them,” he explains.
Indeed, he chose this charity as someone close to him has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“They have caught it at an early stage which is why it is so important for men of all ages to go and get checked up,” he says. “It has made me realise that more awareness must be spread around as it affects one in eight men and the symptoms can sometimes be invisible.”
He’s grateful to Buckley Town for their support…although he’s expecting a bit of teasing from his team-mates.
“Once all the lads find out [I’m doing this] I’m certain that they’ll support me – some of them may have a bit of banter but that’s part and parcel of football!” he laughs.
