Rediscovering My Journey: Why I Took a Step Back from Football Writing
Over the past month, you might have noticed a slowdown in my publishing schedule—or maybe you’re visiting for the very first time, curious about what draws people here. Either way, today I want to share the real story behind my absence and how my evolving passions have reshaped my relationship with football and The Mastermind Site.
Origins: A Lifelong Passion for Sports and Storytelling
My fascination with sports and creativity traces back to childhood. Recently, I stumbled upon a letter I wrote for an eighth-grade health class: a message to my future self, meant to be opened in 2023. To my surprise, young me dreamt of becoming a sports broadcaster for Toronto FC. I credit my parents for nurturing my love of sports, imagination, and analysis—traits my friend Ashley affectionately labels as “deep thinking.”
Writing has always been a natural outlet for my thoughts and ideas. At nine, I completed my first novel; by eleven, I was compiling rankings of the top 100 male footballers worldwide. As years passed, I explored website creation and sports commentary. Eventually, I launched TheMastermindSite as a platform to document whatever captured my curiosity—from reality TV recaps to comprehensive weekly football analyses. Over time, particularly as my coaching aspirations intensified, the site evolved to focus exclusively on football tactics, coaching, and analysis.
From Hobby to Hustle: The Shift in My Relationship with Football
Between 2014 and 2022, coaching was my primary dream. This period shaped The Mastermind Site’s identity and established my reputation within the wider football community. However, in April 2023, I decided to channel my efforts into tactical performance coaching, offering tailored analytical support to clubs, players, scouts, and fans. What started as a passion project slowly became more of a business endeavor.
Turning my hobby into work changed everything. The act of writing, once spontaneous and joyful, began to feel obligatory. My enthusiasm for watching matches waned—I stopped taking notes, skipping even major events like the Canadian Premier League final, a game I would typically be excited to dissect. My match-watching average has plummeted from over ten games per weekend to barely half a match. Even the football debates and podcasts that used to keep me engaged have lost their appeal.
Defining Moments: The 2022 World Cup and Beyond
The decline in my passion coincided with the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup. The tournament’s abrupt midpoint scheduling and the host nation’s controversies left me disconnected. By the competition’s end, other interests had captured my attention—teaching, in-depth exploration of coaching and leadership, creative writing, and trail running became central to my routine. During the early months of 2023, my article output dropped dramatically, reflecting this shift in focus.
When the Canadian Premier League kicked off again in April 2023, collaborating with a CPL club offered a brief spark of renewed excitement. Yet, once the season ended, my energy reverted to new passions. Balancing a demanding day job with football-related responsibilities left me burnt out and struggling to sustain motivation purely for the sake of keeping up appearances or hitting monetization targets.
Seeking Balance: Broadening My Horizons Beyond Football
One critical realization crystallized during this time: devoting my life exclusively to football meant neglecting other strengths and interests. As 2024 began, my priorities lay elsewhere. I no longer wished to write about football simply out of duty, social expectation, or for modest financial gain.
Moving forward, I plan to write when genuine inspiration strikes. My ongoing “Game of Numbers” series will continue occasionally, without self-imposed pressure to be endlessly innovative. I’ll still send out coaching newsletters for dedicated readers, expand on topics from my teaching, and uplift fellow creators’ work where I can. Most importantly, I will keep mentoring athletes through performance coaching—helping driven players in the Canadian Premier League reach the next stage of their development.
Reflections and Gratitude: Embracing Change While Honoring the Past
While The Mastermind Site may never again reach its previous stature as a leading voice in tactics and analysis, I’m grateful for everything this journey has brought. Running this site has led to opportunities, memories, and friendships that far surpass what my eighth-grade self ever imagined. Though my output may be less frequent, I’m still committed to contributing value—on my own terms and according to my evolving interests.
If you’re looking for regular tactical deep-dives on your favorite teams, you may notice their absence. Now you know why. To everyone who has read, shared, or supported my work over the years—thank you. Your enthusiasm has fueled this project and made many of my childhood dreams a reality.
Stay tuned, and see you soon.
