Tell us about yourself 

I am Jules Malen and I come from Chartres in France. I grew up in a small town near Chartres, but I also had the chance to live for four years in Tahiti when I was between 5 and 9 years old. There, I started playing soccer as a young goalkeeper. Because of this great experience, I have discovered also a passion for surfing and scuba diving.

After this experience in Polynesia, I came back to Chartres. where I found an interest in working in real estate. That’s why I studied sales and got a “Bac Pro Vente” diploma. One year ago, I had the opportunity to come and live in New York with my family.

What type of coaching degree do you have and where did you get it?

I obtained a French goalkeeper Initiation Diploma in France in 2019 and grassroots diplomas in New York in 2021.

Did you play soccer?

I started playing soccer when I was five years old in Tahiti for AS TAC team as a goalkeeper (for 4years). I kept playing as a goalkeeper in France for Clévilliers (for 2 years), Chartres Horizon Football (for 3 years), C’Chartres Football (for 1 year), and then CS Mainvilliers Football (for 2 years). Today I sometimes practice in NYC.

Did you coach before FFF?

I started coaching 2 years ago when I was in CS Mainvilliers in France thanks to my goalkeeper coach Fabien Rouillon who gave me the chance to coach goalkeepers with him.

When did you join the FFF?

I joined the FFF in September 2021

What team do you coach at FFF?

I am now the coach of all the goalkeepers of the Academy which includes goalkeepers from 8 to 16 years old.

What is your coaching philosophy?

I do this job because soccer is my passion and especially for goalkeepers. This is a unique position in soccer that is different than being a defender midfielder or striker and this is another mindset. I had the chance as a player to have a goalkeeper coach which was not the case for everyone, and it made a huge difference. So, I wanted to teach with passion this post to the next generation. I love seeing goalkeepers performing, working hard, and progressing. Some people think that we put the worst player in the goal. But in fact, this post is very hard, you can’t make even one mistake because nobody will get your back. You are the last barrier, so this is a very important post.

What is your favorite team and best player?

My favorite team is L’Olympique Lyonnais. So of course, my best player is Anthony Lopes.