Coach Ben Sansom
coaches corner
May 9, 2020
How did you end up playing the goalkeeper position when you were young? Were your parents supportive of your choice at first?
My dad had played goalkeeper as a boy when he lived in England, and I’d go to my older brother’s games growing up and watched him. Before the game, I'd beg his team mates to take shots against me and 90% of the time I'd put my hands up to save it and then quickly pull them away at the last minute. They were significantly older than me and the shots were scary! Then, when I was 8 years old, our goalkeeper had to leave at half time, I volunteered and that was history. I made one save all game and fell in love with the position. My dad thoroughly enjoyed coming to my games, and if I were still playing a little closer to home, he would make every attempt to be there! My mum, not so much. By the time I stopped playing, I think my mum had exhausted all of the excuses possible to not come to my games. The thought of me playing in goal scared her, and when I went to try-outs it was always the same line, “Did you tell the coach you can play on the field too?”
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of coaching?
One thing I’ve always found difficult to do in games as a coach is find a solution to a potential issue I identify and to make critical adjustments mid-game. This could be a specific match up or nullifying the strength of the opposition. Playing and coaching Futsal, taught me to speed up the decision making process, react to different situations and attempt to change my approach to what was in front of me. As a result of this I now encourage my players to think outside the box and find solutions in order to win their individual battles during games.
Other than your family, what things do you miss most about living in Australia?
Oh the food! I love meat pies and sausage rolls! I used to work in a shop in Frederickton, Australia called “Fredo’s Pies”. They were world famous for their Crocodile pie! People would travel from all over the place to get themselves a meat pie or a sausage roll! My personal favourites were the Kangaroo Pie or Steak, Bacon, Cheese and Onion pie! In hindsight, as a lover of meat pies, probably wasn’t the greatest place for me to work!
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
I’m not too bad at cooking on the grill! So far I have attempted ribs, brisket, a whole chicken, burgers as well as a barbecue breakfast! The next step is to transfer those skills into the kitchen! Cooking is definitely a life skill!
What 3 famous people (dead or alive) would you like to have dinner with and why?
Peter Schmeichel - was my idol growing up and I have plenty of questions about how he became one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history! I bought a replica jersey when I was about 10 years old with his name on the back, wore it during a game and tore a hole in it making a save! I cried for hours!
Robin Williams - I grew up watching Flubber and the original Jumanji as well as this, I’d love to spend some time talking to a guy who could light up any room! If you need a good laugh, watch his golf skit with Michael Parkinson!
Sir Richard Branson - he runs over 400 companies and seems to be having the time of his life in doing it! I would love to pick his brain about management, leadership and his life philosophies!
If you had not gotten into coaching, what alternate career path would you have picked?
In high school I completed a Certificate 3 in Entertainment and Event Management which I continued by completing my Diploma in Event Management. I would love to be involved in the planning and creation of events such as concerts or working at sports venues during sporting events!