Gareth Southgate - Anything is Possible: Be Brave, Be Kind and Follow Your Dreams

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If I may say so, it is wonderful to know that this inspiring book by Gareth Southgate will make a huge difference to the lives and futures of young people across the country.

As the founder of The Princes Trust over forty-four years ago, I have long been concerned that far too many young people in this country lack the confidence and skills needed to achieve their full potential. It was in the 1970s that I began to wonder whether, in some small way, I might be able to help, by providing personal development opportunities for young people and to empower them to get their own initiatives, or business ideas, off the ground.

My Princes Trust gives young people the opportunity to change their lives. We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed. As I have met many of these young people over the years, I have seen the transformational difference which can be achieved.

Books such as this are of critical importance as they offer expert help and advice for more young people. I am, therefore, immensely grateful to Princes Trust Goodwill Ambassador Gareth Southgate, who has so generously supported my Trust for over fifteen years.

Many young people today face challenges and can endure setbacks, but they still have enormous potential. By believing in them, giving them crucial teamwork and leadership skills and supporting them to thrive, we can help them to succeed and society to prosper.

For any young person who is ever uncertain, confused, or doubts themselves and thinks theyre the only one feeling the way they do. I hope you find something helpful, comforting and inspiring within this book.

If I can go from a skinny, introverted teenager who was once told he wouldnt make it as a footballer to someone who played for and managed his country, then Im a clear example that anything is possible .

Football became the centre of my world at a very young age. My earliest memories involve kicking a ball around, either on my own or with my grandad in the park. If a football wasnt available, Id use a tennis ball or even a stone. Id play in the garden at home, in the street with other kids, or in my room with a soft ball. We did PE in my first years at primary school, but sadly football didnt feature. In those lessons, we spent most of our time getting into our gym kits before practising a bit of balancing or climbing up a rope. It was when I turned eight that I had a chance to play in proper games, and I loved it.

Football was my passion, pure and simple. As a boy, though I had no real understanding of the journey that lay ahead, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.

Thats how I started out, but each of us is unique. We all have different interests, qualities and personalities. We also have different hopes and dreams. Whats more, not everyone has a clear vision for their future. Thats perfectly normal, and no reason to worry. While some people might set themselves a goal at an early age, others find it takes time and life experience before they figure things out. Theres no rule book, but the fact is we all have the potential to achieve great things. With the right mindset, preparation, guidance and support, a whole world of opportunity can open up for anyone, which is what this book is all about.

Today, as the England manager, I aim to focus with my players on what we can do to the best of our abilities, instead of worrying about what might go wrong. This doesnt just apply to football, but any goal we set ourselves from passing an exam to literally shooting for the moon. Whether were making a fresh start or just trying to be better at something, we all face challenges. This book aims to provide you with all the strategies and tools you need to make great things happen.

Along the way in life, there will be high points and low moments. You might even question if youve made the right choices, and think about giving up. As difficult as it might be to recognise in those tough times, its all a learning experience that will benefit you in the long run. As proof of this, let me share my story

In 1996, I played for England in one of our biggest games in thirty years. We had reached the semi-finals of the European Championship at Wembley Stadium. Only Germany stood in our way of a place in the final, but after ninety minutes and extra time, the score remained level at 11. It meant a penalty shoot-out would decide which team would go through.

At that time, penalties werent something we practised much as a national side. We had great coaches, but it was seen as a matter of luck more than skill. With England and Germany level after five shots each, we were into the sudden death round. It meant the next side to go one goal up would win. All our obvious penalty-takers had taken a turn, and I was asked to take the next shot. I didnt say yes because I felt I was good at penalties. I stepped up because, having been the captain of almost every club Id played for, I was used to taking responsibility.

Football is a team sport. Normally, Im one of eleven players on the pitch. Just then, having positioned the ball and walked back a few paces, I felt all the attention on me. Rather than focus on the things I could control, like my breathing or what side of the net I should aim for, I started worrying about what might go wrong. What if I slice the ball, I fretted to myself, or dont hit my target? As a result, when the referee blew the whistle for me to take that penalty, my head was full of negativity.

On my run-up, I just focused on connecting with the ball. I didnt think about power or precise placement. In fact, I didnt really feel in control of my legs, and I definitely wasnt thinking clearly. As a result, I watched in shock and dismay as the keeper saved the shot. In that moment, I wanted the ground to swallow me up. I knew that if our keeper saved the next attempt from the opposition, then we could salvage things. Unlike me, however, the German player struck the ball with purpose past our goalkeeper David Seaman to win the shootout.