Krzysztof
Born in the historic town of Legnica in 1980, Krzysztof recalls some of the challenges he experienced towards the end of the communist era in Poland, like having to queue for long periods to get items such as oranges or coffee.
While he didn’t find the academic aspect of school easy, Krzysztof had a natural talent for sports and with the support of his PE teacher he continued to improve his skills as a goal keeper and was eventually invited to move away from home to join a football academy at the age of 16.
This was an exciting opportunity but it was also challenging at such a young age as Krzysztof did not see his parents for long periods of time.
At the age of 18, Krzysztof was invited to move to Belgium to join a professional first division team. He also started to play for the Polish national under 21s team.
Following a period playing with Lech Poznań, Krzysztof was invited for a trial at Legia Warsaw. It was during this time that a routine examination detected some serious health concerns regarding his spine and at the age of just 23, he had to come to terms with the devastating prospect that his career was over.
After living independently for many years, life back home with his parents was a big adjustment. Eventually, Krzysztof decided to explore new horizons and in 2005, he took a 25 hour coach journey to London.
Following a short period in Great Yarmouth, Krzysztof moved to the coastal town of Southend-on-Sea in Essex to follow work opportunities.
Krzysztof reflects that despite his love of sport, he did not pick up a football for 10 years, due to the intensity of working long and tiring shifts in factories across Essex, but he is now happy to be coaching young people in football again.
As a talented goalkeeper, Krzysztof moved 300 km away from home at the age of 16 to join a professional football academy.
Having grown up in Poland and lived in Belgium, Krzysztof feels a familiar sense of home in Southend-on-Sea, as he has made his life there for the past 16 years.
Krzysztof reflects that it can be helpful to consider the wisdom and experience of older people in life. He also reflects that it is a real benefit to be able to spend time doing something that you enjoy, especially if it can pay the bills!
Krzysztof had a promising future as a professional goal keeper so it was a huge disappointment when, in his early twenties, a problem with his spine meant that he had to let go of his career.
Krzysztof sharing happy times with his team mates after a hard training session.
After being away from football for many years, Krzysztof is glad to be doing something he loves again, coaching young people in the sport.
Krzysztof moved to the UK in 2005 and now calls Southend-on-Sea home.
Krzysztof was a professional goalkeeper at an early age and while he enjoyed fun times with his friends, he reflects on how important self discipline was and how much of a positive influence and inspiration his football coach was.
Krzysztof reflects on his early career as a goal keeper with various high level teams in Poland and Belgium.
