Academy | Jak Alnwick & Mario Galinović visit young Bluebirds at Llanrumney

The Academy’s young shotstoppers were excited to welcome City’s First Team ‘keeper Jak Alnwick and Goalkeeping Coach Mario Galinović to Llanrumney last week for a special Q&A  and training session.

With Academy Goalkeeping Coach Darran Lovell leading the Q&A session, both Jak and Mario were quizzed by the group of young Bluebirds, who will no doubt be aiming to follow in the footsteps of the Newcastle United academy graduate who made his debut for the Magpies in the Premier League against Chelsea at St James’ Park. 

Following the Q&A session, Darran spoke of the advantages of having members of the First Team set-up share their experiences with the young Bluebirds in attendance.

“What the boys get from Jak and Mario being here is something that we can’t give them on the grass," said Darran. "We can give them all of the information they need for matches and training, but in terms of learning from people who are involved with the First Team at the moment, there’s nothing like hearing those experiences directly from a player like Jak.

“We’re really thankful that they’ve both been able to join us and share their stories from their journeys in football, particularly how they were at youth level. It’s great that our young players have been keen to ask questions for themselves from Jak and Mario, because they won’t get the opportunity everyday.

"I hope that the benefit of the evening will be that the boys can take a lot home with them, which will hopefully help them going forwards."

While attending the Academy players’ indoor training session, Jak and Mario expressed their delight at having taken part in the evening: 

“It’s always nice to visit the kids and give them our experience,” Mario began. “It’s been great to come here, see how they work and give them our support however we can.” 

“It’s massive that these facilities are here,” said Jak. “For a young goalkeeper, you’ve got everything here bar the weather! 

“I think that sharing our experiences is why it’s good that we’re here. Even if they only take one thing from myself or Mario then it’s all been worth it. I remember when I was a young goalkeeper, we had senior players coming in, and sometimes one little thing can click with you, so hopefully we’ve helped to inspire the lads today.”