On 3rd May 2022, Staffordshire FA held a new Coach Development Event focusing on ‘Multiple Outcomes for Goalkeepers’ within training sessions and practices. 

Over 20 coaches of varying levels were in attendance for the session at Stafford Town which was ran by UEFA A Licence Goalkeeping Coach, Paul Reynolds, assisted by Callum Hawkins of Burton Albion FC.  

The evening started in the classroom looking at some of the key things involved in practices when working with goalkeepers. The coaches looked at what considerations they would make when designing a practice session but were also tasked with ‘putting on the gloves’ and thinking about what a goalkeeper/player would want from a practice session too.  

For the next part of the evening, the coaches were taken out on to the pitch to go through some session ideas, including warm up activities aimed at the principles of goalkeeping but also showcasing how they could be adapted to work with outfield players too.  

The coaches had the opportunity to actively get involved in the session, acting as both goalkeepers and outfield players but also were able to step in as the coach to suggest ideas and adaptations for the session to suit individual needs of players which were then put into practice.  

To wrap up the event, the coaches headed back into the classroom for a review of the evening and had the opportunity to ask any questions they had.  

FEEDBACK;

‘Great session, definitely going to get Level 1 Goalkeeper Coaching Qualification completed ASAP’ 

‘Thank you for putting the session on. It was very informative and gave me some great ideas for goalkeeper interaction in training sessions’ 

‘Being able to see this stuff live is incredibly valuable. It helps you see how you can adapt to fit your team's circumstances, allows you to ask questions, etc.’ 

‘Enjoyable course, good instructors, nice mix of classroom and practical. Good learning opportunities for a specialised position. I liked that a pro keeper and coach delivered the session for the experience and perspective.’ 

‘Really engaging and a joy to take part in’