How We Can Help Blog

As well as playing in goal myself in the non league game for well over 20 years, I have also worked my way through various coaching badges. I have completed the FA Level One, FA Level Two and Uefa B licence outfield and then FA Level Two Goalkeeping and FA Goalkeeping B Licence. I have also completed the FA Level Two Basic Treatment of Injury course and kept my FA Emergency Aid and FA Safeguarding Children certificates up to date.

There is now another strand to the coaching pathway called the FA Youth award modules and I have just started these and I am currently in the middle of Module one. I need to complete Module one and Module two before September as my role at Swindon Town requires this and I also like to increase my knowledge whenever possible anyway.

I will openly admit that I was a little sceptical on these courses as they are more designed with outfield coaches in mind but I have got on with it nevertheless. Having completed half of the four day course there are still areas that I feel that are not really that relevant to me as a goalkeeping coach as most of the actual practises so far, are as I say geared towards outfield players. There have though been a few warm up games which I think I can use or adapt and hopefully in this coming weekends final two days there will be other practises I can adapt to use.

For me the presentations and discussions that have ensued in the classroom I have thoroughly enjoyed and has got my brain ticking over (some might seem surprised I actually have one!) and have been both useful and thought provoking to me as a coach. The Module one is geared towards the 5-11 age brackets, though there are still some generic principles that apply to all ages.

Throughout the course we talk a lot about the “Technical, Physical, Social and Psychological” areas of a young player and in the age range 5-11 most of the focus is more on the final three aspects I just mentioned. It is about creating the right environment for them to learn in, both in a safe and fun way.

From a social aspect it is about encouraging them to have fun and enjoyment, have a smile on their face and want to come back for more. If you enjoy something and want to do it there is a far greater chance that learning will take place.

From a psychological aspect it is about making sure the child feels included in the session, feels confident to give an opinion and even if not at a technically high level can see that working and trying hard brings rewards and praise.

The two areas that got me really thinking though are the “Physical and Technical” areas and thinking back to my own past experiences and what I experience with both my goalkeeping school, my work at Swindon Town and in my past role as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school.

On this course there is a lot of talk about the “ABC’s” which stands for “Agility, Balance and Co-ordindation” and FUNdamentals which is letting the kids have fun but at the same time working on their basic movement patterns such as walking, running, skipping, jumping, turning etc.

I always vowed when I was younger not to be one of those old people that would say to me as a youngster.... ”In my day..........” HOWEVER I have become one of those people!

In my day as a kid you would be out down the park playing football or cricket with your mates, climbing walls, trees and generally getting up to all sorts of physical activities. These all helped at an early age with your movement, agility, balance and co-ordination skills without someone standing there coaching you how to do it, you simply learnt naturally.

My personal opinion is that not enough is done both in schools these days and at home by some parents to help young children with physical skills that will stand them in good stead not just for sporting purposes but life skills in general. While working in the school they knew I was a football coach so I sometimes got asked to take a P.E lesson which I was more than happy to do. What surprised me though was in a class of say 20-30 children the amount of children who struggled with simple things like throwing and catching, whether it was a football, netball, tennis ball or bean bag. Their basic abilities to climb a climbing frame or get over a beam in the sports hall also left me saddened. I think society obviously hasn’t helped as now there are so many distractions for children such as laptops, I pads, X-Boxes, numerous channels on the telly, that a lot will stay locked away in their bedroom rather than go down the park. I also appreciate and understand from a parent’s point of view it’s maybe sadly not as safe these days for children to go down the park on their own and parents work longer hours in their jobs therefore having less social time with their children.

However I still feel it’s important for the schools to do more and also the parents I feel can do more to help their children at a young age. Simple tasks in your own street, back garden or even in the front room such as throwing and catching different objects (ones that are safe of course), playing chase, allowing them to climb objects under your supervision perhaps will help in the long run and just short regular spells will help greatly.

When I look at it purely from a goalkeeping perspective there have been times where the children who are slightly bigger in build have gone in goal as they haven’t got the speed or energy to run around out on pitch. Now firstly the modern goalkeeper needs mobility, agility, balance, co-ordination and speed to be able to get quickly around his/her goal, to make saves, to come out to clear a through ball, to jump to claim a cross/high ball and dive around to make saves so if they can’t perform those skills effectively they will struggle in goal. Secondly if these children are put in goal how will they develop energy, speed, agility, balance and co-ordination if they are not challenged to do so?

From a technical point of view there was an interesting discussion on the course about whether children should be a specialised goalkeeper at a young age and there was discussion as to what age somebody should specialise as a goalkeeper. From experience with my own goalkeeping school the turnover of children who join and leave is always higher in my younger age group. There are two main reasons I feel for this, firstly because their concentration levels are obviously a lot lower but secondly because they don’t really know if they want to be a goalkeeper or a striker!

I don’t believe any child should be “made” to play in goal; they should try a few different positions out and see what they enjoy the most and where they feel comfortable to start with. Then if they really want to be a goalkeeper, let them play there and encourage them and be there to support them as I make no bones about it, it is a tough and sometimes lonely place to play!

At Swindon when they first come in at under 8’s I don’t even do any goalkeeping specific work with them I just let them train with the outfield coach and players only. It is only when they go to under 9’s I start to do goalkeeping specific work with them but it’s still important that they do lots of work with the outfield coach and players.

I sometimes get asked what I would look for in a goalkeeper at Swindon at such a young age from say 6 to 8/9 and the honest answer is not a lot! What I mean by that is you cannot expect too much at such a young age. It really is basic skills such as them not being afraid of the ball, whereas some will turn away from it, they need to be prepared to get in the way and stop the ball however they do it. I look to see if they have some basic hand to eye co-ordination so they can catch a ball even if it’s not in the perfect technical goalkeeping style. I also look to see if their basic movement skills are good so they can move quite quickly and get around their goal and area quickly. If they haven’t got that it doesn’t matter how well they catch the ball they will struggle to get to it in the first place. I also look to see if they really enjoy actually being in goal and throwing themselves about or whether it’s just because they don’t have to run about so much or their one of their family was a goalkeeper so they have just followed suit.

Going back to the discussion about when they should specialise in goal I don’t think there should be a set age as such, it’s down to the individual if they want to go in goal all the time or not. Who am I or who is anyone for that matter to say “you must or mustn’t” go in goal all the time? Let them make decisions and enjoy the game and work out for themselves what they want to do and where they want to play.

What I would say though is the sooner they can start working on their goalkeeping techniques the better it will stand them in the long run. Again basing it particularly on the work I do at Swindon those ages from around 9/10 up to 15/16 is a massively important time for nailing down their goalkeeping techniques. Then as they get towards the 15/16 bracket and potential scholarships, physical elements, tactical knowledge, decision making comes into play more. You would still continue honing their technical skills and still do so at senior level but really their goalkeeping techniques generally need to be in place for them to stand a good chance of progressing at that level. Similarly at grass roots level those ages are important for goalkeepers to learn and develop their goalkeeping techniques.

So next time you have 10-15 minutes spare and a bit of daylight, can you take your young son/daughter out in the garden/street or down the park and spend some time playing fun little games, getting them moving in different ways, different directions, speeds, jumping, catching and diving. Help them build their movement patterns for all sports and life in general.

If it’s dark, wet and cold and you have had a hard day at work that still doesn’t excuse you! Can you play little simple catch games with them in the living room or their bedroom for their co-ordination skills? (Disclaimer: You cannot sue me if Mums favourite vase gets broken!)

We all need to help the young children of today develop. It’s not just down to the coach, or the parent or the school; it’s down to all of us as a team to help them be the best they can be.

New Coach Onboard

Steve Hale Goalkeeping School would like to welcome Stuart Hutfield, who joins the coaching staff. 

Stuart who already had his FA Level One Goalkeeping Coaching award passed his FA Level Two Goalkeeping Coaching award in December 2012.

His photograph and details will be added to the staff section soon.

We welcome Stuart to the team!

Kit Sponsor Required

Steve Hale Goalkeeping School is looking for a kit sponsor.

If your company/business would like to get involved with a well established goalkeeping school please contact Steve on 07711 275526 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss further.

No Session Wednesday 13th February

Just a reminder that due to it being half term, Ruskin Junior School is closed, therefore there is no session. 

See you all on the Wednesday 20th February

Representative Honours

Congratulations go to Ben Paul and Conor Whitlock for being selected as the two goalkeepers for the Swindon Primary Schools squad to play a series of games against other School Representative sides across the country. 

Aron Hyde Interview Blog

Over the years many foreign coaches have come to England and sought employment. I came across one english coach just over a year ago who did the opposite.

I was planning a trip to Chicago so being obsessed with football I thought I would see if I could take in a game while on holiday, much to the delight of my wife! Having looked at the Chicago Fire MLS website I was intrigued to see that their goalkeeping coach, Aron Hyde was actually english and I came across him on the joys of facebook. After speaking with Aron and getting the lowdown on the club and area he kindly arranged tickets for us to see a game. It was a good experience and Aron even kindly went out of his way to drop us back to our hotel. I really enjoyed the way the Americans hyped the game up and there was plenty of pre-match entertainment.

This past week I caught up with Aron again to get his views on goalkeeping coaching and how things are in the States.

ARON HYDE BIO:

Aron Hyde has been integral in the rapid growth of the Fire’s young, starting goalkeeper Sean Johnson, as evidenced by the 21-year-old’s debut appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team this past January. In addition to training the Fire’s goalkeeping core, the Birmingham, England product assists with scouting and player development. Aron joined the Fire in 2010 after spending 2009 as an assistant coach with the University of Washington’s men’s team. Prior to joining the Huskies, Hyde worked as the Goalkeeping Coach for Seattle University’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, from 2006-09.

Hyde previously coached for Seattle-based Emerald City FC where he served as assistant goalkeeper coach and head team coach for two of the boy’s club teams. He has been involved as a Region IV Staff Coach, an NSCAA goalkeeping staff instructor and with the Washington state Olympic Development Program. Hyde’s vast playing experience includes spells with Walsall FC, Millwall FC, and Wycombe Wanderers in his native England. Stateside, he spent time at Judson College (NAIA). He currently possesses his UEFA A, USSF A and USSF Goalkeeping licenses

What is your coaching background and who do you currently coach?

I have been coaching now for around 15 years both in the UK and America. I’m currently the Senior Goalkeeper coach for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. I am involved in working with all Goalkeepers within the club from 1^st team level all the way down through the Academy and youth ages.

Have you completed any coaching qualifications under the American FA and if so did you find their courses a lot different to the English courses?

I have completed courses from both organizations that offer qualifications within US Soccer. The US Soccer Federation runs the traditional A/B/C & GK Courses that are similar set up to the English FA. However the courses tend to stretch over a 12/15 day period where all assessments are done in that time, as geographically it always remains a challenge to go away then come back for assessments. However this I believe will be changing soon and will courses will begin to look at lot like the UEFA A/B etc courses, with time away from the courses to complete log books and such before completing final assessments. The second organization is the National Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). They offer diplomas and are more education based in terms of they are courses to help provide coaches with an educational/structural base with their coaching. There are assessments but instead of the pass/fail method they provide you with a grade from which you demonstrated while being on the course. Both serve a good purpose in the US as there are many levels of soccer from recreation to the professional game.

Can you give me some idea of what youth development is like in the States and in particular for young goalkeepers?

Youth development is a hot topic in soccer at the moment in the US. With the recent introduction of the academy system for which it is mandatory for all MLS Clubs to have, there is a push to see clubs start to bring through players into 1^st teams from their own system. One idea that has been set up is the Home Grown Rule. This is where MLS teams are able to claim a player that they have developed in their own set up that is not draft eligible after they have gone to college. This rule has only being going for a couple of years so I expect it to really start to show on teams rosters in the next couple of years.

In terms of goalkeeping, the US has always been successful in producing high quality goalkeepers which many have made the jump to the English game. The US has always had great athletes, with so many games over here requiring hand-eye-coordination there is a natural progression into Goalkeeping. However the demands of the modern game and the ability for the goalkeeper to be comfortable with the ball at his feet, for me has seen the US fall away a little bit in recent times. Goalkeepers in recent times have been neglected as the lack of opportunities to play games at a professional level is very limited. However Major League Soccer just announced a partnership with the USL Pro (3^rd Division) to allow MLS Reserve sides the chance to play more games which will only benefit goalkeepers in this country in the long run. They will be able to play more games without the pressure of 1^st team football from which they can make mistakes learn from them so that when they reach the 1^st team have more experience and are more established.

Are there any goalkeepers in America who you feel are good enough to come over to England and establish themselves in the Premiership in the same way as Tim Howard and Brad Friedel have done?

Well right now the 2 young up and coming goalkeepers in the US are Sean Johnson and Bill Hamid. Both are young and have had up and down starts to their career. However if they can learn from their mistakes they both have all the tools to compete with the likes of Brad Guzan who will most likely take the reins over from Tim Howard when he is no long the Number 1 for the national team.

What goalkeeping coaches have impressed you over the years and why?

There have been a few coaches over the years that have really opened up my eyes to the demands of the goalkeeper coach:

1.   Dan Gaspar – Currently working with Carlos Quieroz in Iran, Dan has coached at Benfica/Porto and Sporting Lisbon as well as at the 2010 World Cup with Portgual. Dan is a personal friend of mine and has always been very innovative with his approach to goalkeeping which has shown in the quality of goalkeepers he’s worked with.

2.   Eric Steele – As most people will know Eric is currently at Manchester United. I have had the opportunity to met Eric when United we on pre season tour a few years back. I have kept in touch with Eric since and he has been a great help to my own personal development as a coach especially being a young coach. Eric is very much at the front of modern goalkeeping and he always has new innovative ways which get me thinking about the position.

3.   Andy Quy – Andy is 1^st team Goalkeeper coach at Stoke City and i have had the pleasure of getting to know Andy over the last couple years. Andy for me is one of the top up and coming coaches in England and you only have to look at what an excellent job he has done with Asmir Begovic to see the qualities he has as a coach.

What is your coaching philosophy or what is important to you when coaching goalkeepers?

I keep to the following principles with my coaching:

Educator – Must teach the position

Highlight the demands of the position

Technical – Skill set required

Tactical – Understanding Goalkeepers role within the team, states & stages of the game

Psychological – Attitude & state of mind to play the position

Physical – Capacity to meet the demands of the position

Lifestyle – Dedication to playing the position

Ability to identify breakdowns and correct them

Role model

Demonstrating your passion for the position – Give them motivation

Ability to demonstrate

Highlight strength’s & weaknesses

Instill confidence

How would you prioritise the various different aspects of goalkeeping coaching?

I think it is impossible to prioritise the various aspects of coaching, as especially the professional level if you don’t have some degree of all of them then you will not be successful. However with my main focus currently being with senior professionals I would have to say that the psychological side of the game would be towards the top. If my goalkeepers did not have the technical/tactical and physical qualities then they would not be at that level in the first place. I’m a big believer in the fact that Goalkeepers will forget what you’ve done with them, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. However the method is as long as you’re sending out a confident goalkeeper there’s every chance they will be successful.

How would your coaching differ across the younger age ranges up to senior goalkeepers?

I think it’s a natural progression within goalkeeper coaching across the ages. The younger they are there is more emphasis on the enjoyment and developing a passion for the position whilst giving them a technical base that they can move forward on.

Then as they get older highlighting attention to detail and getting that winning mentality, this is important if they are to make the jump to the professional level. Then finally at the professional level it’s being committed to the lifestyle of a professional on a day in day out basis.

Nowadays there are many different pieces of equipment that can be used when coaching goalkeepers such as ladders, poles, rebound nets, response balls (balls with lumps on that bounce differently to create reaction saves), what do you think about using this type of equipment?

As a coach I’m very open to exploring different types of equipment that can add different twists to training. I simply use a common sense approach as if it doesn’t make any sense then it is not for me.

What gives you the most satisfaction as a coach?

Seeing kids enjoying playing football. I think with the way the modern game is going and the money that is now involved in the game, the innocence has somewhat gone out of it. That for me is the most important thing as if you’re not enjoying it then it defeats the purpose really!!!

I would just like to personally thank Aron for taking the time out to talk about his philosophy

Watch this space for the next in the series of interviews coming up shortly................................

Goalkeeper of the Month

For the months of December 2012 and January 2013 no "Goalkeeper of the Month" awards were made due to the limited amount of sessions that took place due to Christmas and the recent poor weather. 

Weds 23rd Jan Session OFF

Due to the Astro turf at Ruskin School still being covered in snow the session on Wednesday 23rd January is OFF

We hope that the weather improves for the next session on Wednesday 30th January 

Futsal Goalkeeping?

If you are aged between 16 & 18 and either currently play as a goalkeeper in Futsal or would like to then please drop me a line with your full contact details: Name, D.O.B address, telephone number and email address 

These details will be passed on to a Futsal specialist goalkeeping coach who will shortly be running some goalkeeping sessions at the Futsal centre in Swindon with the aim of looking for future England Futsal goalkeepers.

Please email me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alex Penny Interview Blog

This week I caught up with Alex Penny, an experienced goalkeeping coach who has worked at a number of professional clubs and alongside a vast array of top quality coaches.

What is your coaching background and who do you currently coach? 

I am an UEFA A licence coach with over 15 years coaching experience at various different levels.

I have worked right the way through from grassroots to 1^st team. I started out as a community coach at Bristol City before moving onto the academy.

Following this I had over 3 years with Derby County working with players such as Lee Camp before moving to Wolves and the 1^st team working alongside Bobby Mimms. I also worked for the Wolves Womens team at this time.

I was then recommended to Birmingham City and had over 2 years working with their development under 16 to 18s goalkeepers.

My next role saw me return to Bristol City where my wife was academy physiotherapist, as academy goalkeeping coach for the 6 to 18 age range.

I have also worked with Dominica national players during the world cup qualifiers and Southampton FC.

I am currently the professional phase coach for Cheltenham Town FC where I have been very lucky to have an excellent team to turn to from Mark Yates the 1^st team manager to Russell Milton, Antoine Thompson, Jamie Victory and James Murphy at the academy.

Unfortunately my coaching is limited in this role as I have to manage a very large programme. I still like to stand in if the goalkeeper coach is away. (You never leave the union!)

What goalkeeping coaches have impressed you over the years and why?  

As a young player I was fortunate to be coached by Bob Wilson (former Arsenal goalkeeper and one of the first recognised goalkeeping coaches) which enhanced my playing ability greatly. I would also like to mention my old youth team coach at my local football team Roger Hughes, he instilled some great values and thanks to that group he created I still have good friends to this day.

As a coach I have been lucky to work with some top coaches. Some of the best non goalkeeper coaches who helped me develop and really understood the importance of the position were John Ward, Dennis Mortimer, Dean Holtham, Steve Round, Dave Jones, Will Royall and John Clayton but goalkeeper coaches I would say Bobby Mimms, Chris Woods, Eric Steele, Alan Hodgkinson, Tony Pennock and Martin Thomas.

Bobby was a huge influence on my coaching and I cannot begin to say how great he was. He has played and worked at the highest level and you only need to see how good the goalkeepers have become that have worked with him.

When I was at Derby I saw at close hand how good Eric Steele (current Man Utd Goalkeeping Coach) was as he was brining on Mart Poom, Russell Hoult, Lee Camp and Lee Grant. I loved his energy and enthusiasm for the job.

Chris Woods who is the goalkeeper coach at Everton was very studious and always interested in different working practices.

Alan Hodgkinson really motivated me to become a better coach and you could see why he was at Man Utd for so long.

Also finally Martin Thomas, who took me for my goalkeeping B licence and all I can say is what a true professional he was I learnt so much in a short space of time and he is a credit to football.

What current goalkeepers impress you and why?

Having worked with Matt Murray at Wolves I believe he would be the current England number one but due to injury he had to retire. I still feel I need to mention him as if any young keeper wants to see a dominant, powerful, area commanding shot stopper then watch him on youtube.

There are a number of very good goalkeepers out there right across the leagues. I have always been impressed with Chris Weale at Shrewsbury, his work ethic is incredible and he is a top professional. Scott Brown at Cheltenham to serve a club for 10 years and still producing some great displays shows true love for the game, he hasn’t change from his early days at Wolves.

Lee Camp at Nottingham Forest is now a full international and has delivered consistent performances for a long time its no coincidence that teams he has played for are always knocking on the door for promotion.

Hugo Lloris was excellent for France and I feel has a big future in the game if he develops his qualities to the English game.

Ali Al Habsi is proving an excellent shot stopper and a real top performer in the premier league.

Michael Vorm reminds me of Pepe Reina, they are both excellent technicians and have good all round ability.

What is your coaching philosophy or what is important to you when coaching goalkeepers?

I like to create a positive, fun, creative learning environment which is open and honest. I try and develop sound fundamentals even if they are a top international goalkeeper who knows what works for them. I always demand 20 mins of quality basics.

How would you prioritise the various different aspects of goalkeeping coaching?

Age range dictates priority as they all develop at different levels.

I work to an evolving scheme of work which covers all aspects.

I always implement solid fundamentals and reinforce the positives. I like the FA four corners model as it breaks each aspect down and gives the coach a clearer vision of a players make up. I am a big fan of the FA youth modules and recommend all coaches to do the courses.

Nowadays there are many different pieces of equipment that can be used when coaching goalkeepers such as ladders, poles, rebound nets, response balls (balls with lumps on that bounce differently to create reaction saves), what do you think about using this type of equipment?

All methods need to be explored and used to your liking. I like the idea of fresh and new sessions that take keepers out of their comfort zones so I am all for it.

I get a lot of equipment from Zapkam sports and it has always enhanced the sessions.

I find that goalkeepers who do a lot of different activities especially at a young age develop into better players. So changing equipment to support development is great.

What gives you the most satisfaction as a coach?

The buzz of coaching and helping to teach young players.

I would just like to personally thank Alex for taking the time out to talk about his philosophy

Watch this space for the next in the series of interviews coming up shortly................................