Yesterday we took a look at the Vancouver Whitecaps FC training programs, with registration now underway for the fall/winter sessions. Today, we focus on the Goalkeeper Academy.
Goalkeeper is one of the most important and unique positions on the soccer field. They are the last line of defence and the first line of attack. In order to best understand the art of goalkeeping and to be confident in this position, specific skills and training are extremely important.
The goalkeeper training program is an 18-week program designed to offer aspiring goalkeepers of all levels the opportunity to further develop their goalkeeping skills. Registration is open to boys and girls from U-10 to U-18, with training taking place at the Whitecaps FC training facility located at Burnaby’s Simon Fraser University.
Training sessions are run under the guidance of professional goalkeeping coaches – including Whitecaps FC MLS goalkeeper coach Marius Rovde and staff goalkeeper coach Raegyn Hall.
“Playing goalkeeper at an elite level is very challenging,” said Rovde. “Having professional coaching allows young goalkeepers to develop good habits and pick up the nuances of the position so that they can achieve their goals.”
As part of the curriculum, participants will have the opportunity to receive specialist coaching in all technical and tactical aspects of the position: footwork, diving, handling, shot stopping, dealing with crosses, distribution, organizing defenders, controlling the penalty area and playing as the” last man”.
WFC coaches will group goalkeepers based on their age, level of ability and progress shown. Goalkeepers will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and may be moved to different training groups at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Among the players to have come through the goalkeeping program is U-18 Girls Elite goalkeeper Kayla Klim, who has also spent time with the women’s W-League first team.
For more information on the WFC goalkeeper training program and details on how to register, visit http://club.whitecapsfc.com/youth/trainingprograms/gktrainingor call or contact Marlise Buchi by phone at 778.330.1354 or by e-mail at mbuchi@whitecapsfc.com.
