Elite Goalkeeper Academy – February Half Term Goalkeeper Camp
“I think that the goalkeeper camps, organised by Steve and Dan, are very fun but most importantly, helped me become a better goalkeeper all round. Also, the coaches are really supportive and kind; the other kids are nice too which makes it easier to make friends. Therefore nobody is left out. I would highly recommend this camp to all young goalkeepers because of these things” Dylan – aged 11
This February Half Term saw 31 different goalkeepers attend our 3 day Goalkeeper Camp at Heworth Grange School in Gateshead. The camp was attended by both male and female goalkeepers aged 5 to 13 and was led by head coach Steven and assisted by Dan, Danny, Shannon and Ebony.
As with every session and camp that Elite Goalkeeper Academy run we don’t just focus on the technical aspect of goalkeeping, we look at the goalkeepers within more realistic situations as well as developing the ability of the goalkeepers to use their feet and also develop the goalkeeper as an athlete with the incorporation of exercises to develop Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed, all of which are vital to goalkeeping development.
Overview
“In February my son attended his second goalkeeper camp ran by Elite Goalkeeper Academy. He also receives coaching from Elite at his club so as soon as the camp was advertised I had no hesitation in booking up, and I am so pleased I did!
Dylan felt comfortable from the start despite not knowing anyone as the rapport Steve builds with the keepers is excellent.
The camp was 3 days long and each day he came home with a massive smile on his face. He talked about all the things he had learned that day, what new friendships he was making and most importantly how much fun he had been having. He was a little upset when he was picked up on day three, why? Because the camp had finished and he wished it had been on all week. We can see how much he has progressed in his game and training. He has already asked can he go to the next one and we have said yes absolutely!” Carla Falkland – Parent
Throughout the duration of the camp we worked on the following aspects of goalkeeping; Handling, Footwork, Diving, Low Crosses, High Balls, One on Ones and Distribution as well as incorporating Athletic Development and flexibility exercises into the warm up both at the start of the day and after lunch.
On the 1st day our focus was Handling and Diving with the incorporation of Footwork to make the save easier/ getting the body into the line to the shot to keep 2 barriers behind the ball, we also incorporated an aspect of distribution, asking the goalkeepers to strike the ball from the floor accurately to ensure we got out of the session what we had been working on. As always we begin with teaching the goalkeepers the technique of each aspect of goalkeeping, explaining the thought process that goes into making the save right through to the execution. We then progressed the session to give a more variable then random outcome to examine the goalkeeper’s decision making and also getting an insight into their thought process after making the save.
We finished the day with small 3v3 games where goalkeepers were encouraged to work in tight areas using their feet. We find this is a great way for goalkeepers to become more comfortable on the ball which in turn creates a more rounded goalkeeper.
“Alex has always enjoyed your style of coaching and looks forward to his sessions. I have seen a huge improvement in his ability and confidence.
He currently plays for Felling Magpies U 11’s and they are delighted with his progress.
Alex says the sessions are friendly but he has learned so much. I would like to add that groups like this are a godsend for young children wanting further education in goalkeeping and as a family we cannot thank you enough” Helen Green – Grandparent
The 2nd day consisted of work on One on Ones, Low Crosses (pull backs) and High Balls. As with the 1st day we began working on the technique, start positions, approach, thought process and decision making that goes into these aspects of goalkeeping. Once we had established the above we then moved on to more game realistic situations with the incorporation of attackers and defenders. Again, as with day 1, we analysed the goalkeepers thought process and ultimate decision making within variable and random practices, this enabled us to give the goalkeepers a greater understanding of each situation which ultimately led to an all-round greater understanding and more positive outcome.
To end the day, again, we set up some small 3v3 games but this time incorporated a few games of handball alongside the original 3v3 games from day 1.
“Thom had a great time and chattered on about what he had been doing all night.
From our side we always feel very confident leaving Thom with you because the coaching is always extremely well organised and focussed and there are never any behaviour problems.
The progress Thom has made in the year he has been working with you is quite phenomenal” Pauline White – Grandparent
The 3rd and final day came around, the young goalkeepers had given their all the previous 2 days and it really showed. There were some sleepy faces rolling up to the gates but not without a huge smile on their faces in anticipation for what the final day had in store for them. This day saw us working on Distribution; short passing, long accurate passing out of hands and off the floor, switching play, working under pressure and also throws over varied distances. The day then finished off with yet more small sided games with the participants agreeing on their own rules and also some Goalkeeper Wars practice, this led nicely into the final part of our 3 day camp.. GOALKEEPER WARS! We picked names at random to pair up in a 2v2 competition, each team playing 2 games each and a final league table (with goal difference) drawn up. We had 4 pairs that sat at the top with only 1 way to decide the winner… A random selection of Semi Final matches and a Final. Both Semi Finals were hard fought with both going to Extra-Time/Sudden Death to determine our Finalists. Again, the Final was a hard fought contest with our eventual winners containing the youngest member of our group (5).
Conclusion
“Logan’s enjoyed every minute of the 3 days…..He came home shattered!! Thank you very much for your time and effort with the lads Logan’s improving all the time and it’s thanks to you guys!” Allison Matthews – Parent
To conclude, I would like to thank all parents of the goalkeepers involved for allowing us to educate your children further on the art of goalkeeping and I’d also like to thank all of the young goalkeepers in attendance for making this such a fun, enjoyable camp for all the coaches. I’d like to say on behalf of all of us that it was an absolute pleasure to coach all of you over the 3 days and without doubt you all improved immensely over the 3 days. I hope to see you all again at our camps in the future to further your goalkeeping education with Elite Goalkeeper Academy.
I’d finally like to wish the best of luck to one female goalkeeper, who, on the back of the camp, was personally recommended by myself for trials Durham FA Girls Centre of Excellence (Friday 27th February – Update to follow) on the back of her performances and natural ability in goal.
All the best in Goalkeeping
Steven Rodden
