Steve Hale Goalkeeping School
News
Injured Goalkeeper
The parents of young goalkeeper Luke Lovegrove who attends our sessions, have just informed me that he yesterday broke his collarbone during a game. All at Steve Hale Goalkeeping School would like to wish Luke all the best in his recovery.
(November)
Jamie Stephens Update
Jamie Stephens who has helped out on a couple of sessions at my goalkeeping school having had the pleasure of coaching him when at Swindon is enjoying life at Premiership side Liverpool and below is an interview with Jamie that has recently been in a matchday programme at Anfield:
Academy goalkeeper Jamie Stephens has revealed how a training session with the man he regards as 'the best goalkeeper in the world' has helped him make a flying start to life at Liverpool.
The 17-year-old arrived at the Reds' Kirkby-base from Swindon Town back in April and has since made a good impression for Rodolfo Borrell's new-look side.
He admits life has been something of a whirlwind since swapping the rural settings of Wootton for Merseyside and is still pinching himself about the move six months on.
"I went up and trained with Pepe and it was really hard," he told Liverpoolfc.tv at the Academy.
"I really wanted to impress and I have to say I couldn't quite believe that I was there with him. He's someone I have to aspire to.
"He was really friendly and gave me a few tips on footwork. He told me I was pretty good at stepping in to make a save but also told me I needed to push off my line a bit more.
"He said that the further out and closer you are to the ball, the less chance it has of going in."
Reina has proved to be a revelation for Liverpool since joining the club in the summer of 2005.
His form has been such that many have touted him as the best stopper in the world - but where does Stephens rank him amongst the goalkeeping elite?
"It's hard to say because I've never really thought about who is the best," said Stephens.
"He's definitely the best at kicking. I don't think you can argue with that. You can look at other 'keepers but he is consistently good at it. He's not the tallest but is so physically big and strong... I rate Iker Casillas but don't feel he has an all round game as good as Pepe's, so he probably is the best around."
While Stephens hopes to one day emulate Reina and assume the Reds' goalkeeping jersey, his current role sees him vying for the U18 No.1 spot alongside Tyrell Belford.
The two stoppers have both featured for Rodolfo Borrell's men this term and Stephens admits that their rivalry helps to spur them on.
"We push each other on in training but we are good friends off the pitch as well," he said.
"I think it's a good relationship to have with another 'keeper. When it comes to competition we push each other on and hopefully that will bring out the best in us."
Stephens has a polite, unassuming manner that stems from a rural upbringing in the Wiltshire countryside.
He admits city life has come as a bit of shock and has been surprised by the impact his move has had on the community back home.
"Living in Liverpool - well it's a bit different," he said with a laugh.
"Wootton has a population of about four or five thousand and it's a very big area, so it's hard to get used to. Having said that, I enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life and something I've always wanted to experience.
"There was a massive reaction when the news broke of my move here. It was all over the local papers.
"Random people were stopping me and asking me about it on the street, simply because it's not a big place and news like that is huge. The weirdest one was that I had to do a presentation for a local kids team and it was really strange for me because it was only about four years ago that I was actually playing for that sort of team."
Now a member of one of the most highly-rated group of youngsters to have come out of Kirkby in years, Stephens is confident the U18s can go on to enjoy a good season under the leadership of Borrell, a coach he has struck up an instant rapport with.
"Obviously it's a very high standard here - as you would expect," he said. "The lads are all very good players and while it's hard work I really enjoy it.
"We have a great coach in Rodolfo. He's also a good guy too. He's firm with the lads but he knows the score and knows how to handle everyone.
"He's a very good coach and has a lot of great qualities. His record at Barcelona says it all so he is definitely one of the top coaches at Academy level in this country, and probably the world."
At the tender age of just 17, Stephens acknowledges that he has made something of a meteoric rise in recent years.
However, he remains keen to maintain his development and has his eyes on making further strides this season.
"It's all a bit of a shock still to be honest," he said. "From playing local league football and moving to Swindon - And now this. It's all happened so quickly.
"Obviously I'd like to progress and try and play reserve team football but it's not easy because we have some good 'keepers at this club. It's not always as easy as it sounds but I'm hoping I can impress."
He added: "I'm really looking forward to the Youth Cup this season too. It would be some story for me to be involved in a game at Anfield. I think I'd have all my family and friends up for the day. It'd be brilliant to play a tie there, it's such a great ground and it would be a top experience.
"I think we've got a great squad and think we could do really well in the competition."
(October)
Under 15 Goalkeeper Sought
Eldene Rangers require a goalkeeper for their Under 15 team urgently. If you are interetsed or you know of someone that might be, please contact Andy Clark on 07747 640232
(October)
International Recognition
Former Steve Hale Goalkeeping School goalkeeper, Conor Thompson who I currently still coach at Swindon Town's Centre of Excellence, made his Victory Shield debut for the Northern Ireland Under 16 squad against Scotland featured live on Sky Sports on Friday evening. Conor figured in a recent friendly against Finland and kept a clean sheet and secured his place in the squad for the tournament. Despite losing 3-0 to a strong Scotland side, Conor made a succession of great saves including one brilliant triple save, and he did so wearing the "SH Ultimate Grip" goalkeeping gloves!!! Well done Conor
(October)
New Gloves In Stock!
Steve Hale Goalkeeping School can today announce that its own branded goalkeeping gloves are in stock. To start with only one style of glove has been produced, a Roll Finger glove with the best 4mm supasoft latex used and will be available in sizes 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10. The gloves are priced at £22.00 per pair and Postage & Packing is £3.50 (extra cost to be agreed for more than one pair). A "Shop" section will soon be live on this website, in the meantime ring 07711 275526 for more details and to place an order.
(September)
Under 13 Goalkeeper Sought
Blunsdon Colts Under 13's are looking for a new goalkeeper for the coming season who play on a Sunday, if you are interested please call Nigel Sawyer on 01793 336608 for more details
(August)
Chippy Passes
James "Chippy" Whitlock has successfully passed his FA Level Two Goalkeeping Certificate today at Nationwide Sports Ground in Swindon. Under the watchful eye of Martin Thomas from the National FA goalkeeping department Chippy completed the course he started last year. At Steve Hale Goalkeeping School it shows our continual process of attaining the best coaches to help our goalkeepers of the future develop. Congratulations go to Chippy!
(June)
Antell to the SPL
Following on from the news that first year scholar Jamie Stephens from Swindon Town who recently took part in a special event at Steve Hale Goalkeeping School signed for Liverpool, second year scholar also from Swindon Town, Callum Antell who also took part in the event has today signed a two year professional contract with Scottish Premier League side Hibernian.
Steve Hale said:
"Callum was in the unfortunate position at Swindon that the club already has 4 professional goalkeepers so it was always going to be difficult for him to earn a full contract and continue his development. I am thrilled to bits that Callum has earned a two year deal at Hibernian as over the last year I have got quite close to him working with him whenever I could and talking to him regularly about his game. Callum has a terrific attitude and works very hard at his game, in particular over the last year his kicking has come on hugely and he now kicks it miles! In Scotland they have an Under 19's league where the team play against the other big name sides such as Celtic and Rangers so he will have another full year playing as he continues to develop and its hoped he will get some reserve team games under his belt and their reserves play arranged games against the likes of Newcastle and Sunderland as well as Celtic and Rangers so it will be a fantastic experience for him and will help him keep developing. At one stage Callum also had Motherwell and Hearts battling out for his signature but opted for Hibernian where they made him feel most welcome so it shows what can be achieved with the hard work and good attitude that Callum has shown. I am still in regular contact with him and will definitely be keeping up with how things are going for him and hopefully one day he will return to my goalkeeping school for a session with my lads again."
(May 10)
The Importance of Kicking
With the season just finished and promotion achieved as Goalkeeping Coach at Zamaretto South & West Division side Cirencester Town where I also do stats during a game both on the team but in particular the goalkeeper, Matt Bath, it is interesting to see how important good distribution, in particular kicking is. Below are Matt's stats over the 26 game period since I joined and you will see how much kicking work is done in a game compared to actual saves made. This I hope will highlight to all goalkeepers how important it is to work on these skills as much as your handling and footwork drills. Practise at your clubs training session, or down the park with your friends or family as developing your kicking skills takes time and practise practise practise and certainly for the younger goalkeepers it may take even longer as your body and muscles start to develop.
Crosses
Open Play 6yd Box Caught = 54
Open Play 6yd Box Punched = 2
Open Play Outside 6yd Box Caught = 15
Open Play Outside 6yd Box Punched = 3
Corner Kick 6yd Box Caught = 2
Corner Kick 6yd Box Punched = 2
Corner Kick Outside 6yd Box Caught = 1
Free Kick Outside 6yd Box Caught = 1
Free Kick Outside 6yd Box Punched = 1
Open Play Dropped / Flapped = 7
Kicking
(I deem successful as to a Ciren player or into a decent area, Unsuccessful I deem out of play or into a bad area.)
Goal Kicks Successful = 195
Goal Kicks Unsuccessful = 27
Volley from Hands Successful = 193
Volley from Hands Unsuccessful = 14
Drop Kick from Hands Successful = 12
Drop Kick from Hands Unsuccessful = 5
Kick from Floor Successful = 192
Kick from Floor Unsuccessful = 18
Back Pass Dealt Successful = 49
Back Pass Dealt Unsuccessful = 14
Through Ball Dealt Successful = 31
Through Ball Dealt Unsuccessful = 5
Total Times Kicked the Ball = 755
Throwing
Over-arm Throw Successful = 23
Over-arm Throw Unsuccesful = 1
Under-arm Throw Successful = 8
Saves
Straight at Held = 22
Straight at Parried = 4
Straight at Tipped Over = 1
To Right Held = 8
To Right Parried = 2
To Right Tipped Over / Round = 5
To left Held = 6
To Left Parried = 6
To Left Tipped Over / Round = 1
One v Ones Saved / Blocked = 11
Total Saves = 66
Goals Conceded = 24
Clean Sheets = 11
(May 10)
Two Day Course With Special Guest Announced!
We will be holding a Two Day course on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd May at Cirencester Town FC for goalkeepers aged 7-18 years of age, please see courses page for details. We will have in attendance to give out the prizes Swindon Town's First Team Goalkeeper David Lucas who has had a tremendous first season at the club. David will also sign autographs and pose for photographs so this is an opportunity not to be missed!
(April 10)
Special Event for Team Managers/Coaches or Parents
Please see the courses page for a special event for all managers, coaches or parents who want to help their goalkeepers develop.
(April 10)
Off to Anfield
16 year old Swindon Town Youth team goalkeeper Jamie Stephens who recently appeared at a special session at Steve Hale Goalkeeping School has just completed a dream move having signed for Premiership giants Liverpool.
Steve Hale said:
"Jamie came to us at Swindon when he was 14 and I got the chance to work with him over the past couple of seasons and between George Wood (First Team Goalkeeping Coach at Swindon) and myself its been great to see him develop. Its a fantastic move for him, he has secured a 3 year Professional deal and will train with Mark Morris the Academy Goalkeeping Coach and John Achterberg the Reserve team goalkeeping coach at Liverpool. He has just returned from a tournament in Holland where he played against Ajax, China and the biggest game of all, Barcelona, all of which will have been an amazing experience for him. Jamie is a great lad and has a great attitude to his work and i'm so pleased for him, he is an example to all young goalkeepers what can be achieved and I will follow his career closely"
(April 10)
Two Day Course
Details will shortly be released of a Two Day course at the end of the season, please keep your eye on the site for more news which will include news of a special guest to hand out the awards...............
(March 10)
Spaces Available
We currently have spaces available in our regular Monday evening sessions as Ruskin Junior School, Stratton, Swindon. In particular in the 6-10 year old category which runs from 5.15pm - 6.15pm. See courses page for downloadable application forms.
(January 10)
On Trial
Young Joe Smith is the latest young goalkeeper from Steve Hale Goalkeeping School to go on trial at football league one side Swindon Town. Joe who had only recently joined has shown some good early promise and will now spend the next six weeks trying to impress the Swindon coaching staff enough to earn a Centre of Excellence contract, we wish Joe well.
(January 10)
Andover Area Coaching
Steve Hale Goalkeeping School will also be coaching from January in the Andover area on behalf of the successful
"Lions in the Community Scheme". You can visit their website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/lionsinthecommunity/
For further details of the coaching and for an application form please contact Cathy Devereux on 07825 339091 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(December 09)
Another Qualification Gained!
Steve Hale has today successfully passed his Uefa "B" Goalkeeping Licence with the highest grade pass possible of "Excellent"
Steve is pictured left, receiving a "Well done!" handshake from Martin Thomas, one of the FA National goalkeeping coaches,
(December 09)
Qualification Gained
Steve Hale has today successfully passed his FA Basic Treatment of Injury Course. (November 09)
Discounts on Goalkeeping Equipment
Just in time for Christmas, members of Steve Hale Goalkeeping School are entitled to discounts from two suppliers whose website addresses can be found on the Links page. Pro Goalkeeper will shortly be sending 15% discount vouchers which are valid until May 2010 and Goalkeepers Direct have provided us with a special code which can be used when ordering which will allow members of the goalkeeping school 10% off their order. For further information please contact Steve direct. (November 09)
Goalkeeper Needed
Supermarine Under 9's who play in the North Wilts Youth League are on the lookout for a goalkeeper. Anyone interested please contact Ian Howell on 07818 007126. (October 09)
Representative Honours
Congratulations go to Dan Lawrence who has been selected for this season's Under 11 North Wilts League Rep Team. Dan has been a member of Steve Hale Goalkeeping School for a couple of seasons now and this is just reward for the progress he has made. Well done Dan! (October 09)
New "Girls Only" Course
We will shortly be opening up a session just for girls, the first time in the area specialised goalkeeping coaching has been provided for one of the fastest growing sports. See courses page for more details. (September 09)
Get Well Soon
Young Alex Mathews this week unfortunately suffered an horrific cut to his leg while down at his local park. Alex underwent an operation which thankfully went well and will now be out for a few weeks recovering from this. We wish Alex well and look forward to seeing him back at the Monday night sessions in the weeks to come, get well soon Alex. (September 09)
On Trial
We would like to wish Jack Goodenough good luck as he shortly starts a trial period within the Youth setup at Blue Square Premier side Oxford Utd. Jack who has been with us since Steve Hale Goalkeeping School was formed, has a two week assessment initially then possibly a 6 week trial period, we wish Jack well. Also on trial is Tyler Burton who is just starting a trial spell with the Centre of Excellence at Swindon Town, again we wish Tyler well. Both Jack and Tyler follow in the footsteps of Jared Thompson, Calli Smith and Adam Godsell who have all gone on from Steve Hale Goalkeeping School to be associated with a professional club. (September 09)
Sponsorship Deal Secured
Steve Hale Goalkeeping School is pleased to announce it has secured a sponsorship deal with "The Upper Crust Sandwich Bar" based in Calne. This popular sandwich bar not only supplies the local community of Calne with breakfast and lunchtime requirements but also provides catering for weddings, birthdays, business lunches, christenings and many more events across the county.
The sponsorship will see Steve Hale Goalkeeping School staff wearing new training kit for the coming season. More details will follow shortly, but in the meantime if you have an event that needs catering for, please contact Simon Hillier on 01249 813179 who will be able to provide you with a competitive quote. (August 09)
Two Day Course 3rd & 4th August
The latest two day course finished yesterday and despite the weather not being the best we managed to avoid the worst of the rain for a succesful two days. 16 young goalkeepers ranging from 6 to 13 years old were put through their paces looking at handling, footwork, positioning, crosses, one v ones and agility and they also took part in some fun games such as "Keeper Wars" and a "Reaction Saves" game.
At the end of the course medals and certificates were presented to each of the children by young Swindon Town goalkeeper Mark Scott. Two awards were also made, firstly "Best Attitude" went to eleven year old Scott Gunning and the "Top Goalie" award went to six year old Oliver Baycroft who showed a great attitude, good ability for someone so young and a chirpy personality!!
Pictures will be online in the next few weeks of this course and previous courses and award winners. (August 09)
Training Kit for Keepers
Steve Hale Goalkeeping School will soon be able to supply a training kit package for its goalkeepers, from a top Italian Kit Supplier. More details to follow...... (August 09)
Steve Hale Goalkeeping School
12 months ago young Louis Scarpino-Cockings joined Steve Hale Goalkeeping School.
At the same time as impressing Steve in the sessions on a Wednesday evening, his name was also mentioned to Steve by one of the Swindon Town Academy Scouts on a few occasions who had said he had done well in games with his club side. Therefore in Steve's role as Academy Goalkeeping Coach at Swindon Town, Louis was invited in for a trial period. This involved Louis taking part with the other academy goalkeepers and also in the main squad sessions. He then also took part in a series of games including playing against the likes of Reading and Arsenal.
After discussions between the squad coaches and Steve it was agreed that Louis should be offered an academy contract.
Steve said "Louis has always shown a good attitude to his training from the first day he joined my goalkeeping school, he listens and always tries to do what's asked of him and has shown that he is a quick learner. Our age group coaches also felt there was the necessary potential to develop him further so we are delighted to have offered him the chance to learn and develop within the academy environment."
Louis is the latest young recruit for Swindon Town Academy, of goalkeepers that have either been regulars in Steve Hale Goalkeeping School or have attended one or two day courses over the past seven years following in the footsteps of Aaron Moody, James Farmer, Matt Brown, Conor Thompson, Jared Thompson, Calli Smith and Oliver Whiteley.
In July 2007 Steve Hale Goalkeeping School held its first two day course at the Crosslink Centre in Stratton, Swindon. Pictured third from left in the group picture ten year old Aaron Moody can be spotted.
Nearly six years later, on Tuesday 26th February 2013, having worked with Aaron since then within the Swindon Town Academy, Steve Hale Goalkeeping School is proud to be able to announce that Aaron has now been offered full time scholarship terms at Swindon Town FC.
"Aaron has worked so hard over the years at his game and shown a fantastic attitude, desire and willingness to improve. His family also deserve a lot of credit for the support they have given him and in allowing me to get on with developing him as a goalkeeper and a person. I am thrilled for Aaron and his family that their hard work has paid off to get to this stage. Now he has to work even harder over the next two years to try and achieve his next dream in becoming a professional footballer"
Swindon Town Goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell recently appeared as a guest coach for the evening and not only took time to coach all the young goalkeepers but also answered some questions that were put to him.
Steve Hale said "A few years ago I had some of the goalkeepers in from Swindon to work with our young goalkeepers and talk about their own experiences and it worked well. Leigh was also due to come in earlier on this season but couldn't make it at the time due to commitments with Swindon.
On this night recently both my other coaches were unable to make it so I rang Leigh at the last minute and asked if he would come in to help me out. Such is the good nature of Leigh he was happy to help out.
Leigh is someone who started out in grass roots at the age of 7, and was spotted at 9 and came through the whole youth system at Swindon to make it as a professional. I had the pleasure of coaching him from when I joined the club when Leigh was 14 through to him gaining his first professional contract.
Leigh can relate to what the young goalkeepers are going through in their football development so it was great for them to meet Leigh. He himself has worked very hard over the years to get where he is now and is an ideal role model for all young goalkeepers. Leigh was kind enough not only to spend time coaching them but to answer all their questions at the end. I'm sure Leigh will make an appearance again in the future and I sincerely thank him for taking the time to come and visit us."
Steve Hale Goalkeeping School is extremely proud to announce that one of its former students has signed for Premiership giants and current European champions Chelsea FC!
13 year old Jared Thompson joined Steve Hale Goalkeeping School at 8 years of age and within a year moved on to the Swindon Town Centre of Excellence where Steve is also the goalkeeping coach. Jared has been coached at Swindon now for the past 4 years by Steve who has overseen his development and has included tours of Scotland, Holland, the Cayman Islands and South Korea
Jared working with Steve - South Korea in 2010
Steve said:-
"Right from when he joined my goalkeeping school you could see Jared had raw potential. He was tiny at the time but all he wanted to do was go in goal and save shots, particularly from the bigger and older goalkeepers in the group!
Since coming into Swindon, each season Jared has continued to grow and develop his all-round game. His shot-stopping has always been of a good standard but in the last 12-18 months his distribution in particular, which is a massive part of the game now for a goalkeeper has come on leaps and bounds. He has a sweet left foot and is comfortable receiving and playing out from the back.
I had already ear-marked him as one who could come through and gain a two year scholarship in the youth team at Swindon but this season Southampton, Manchester Utd and Chelsea showed interest in him. He recently went to Sardinia in Italy to play in a series of games for Chelsea (including a game with Juventus) so they could look at him in their environment. He impressed them and they have now agreed a deal for an undisclosed amount to buy him from Swindon Town. Although obviously disappointed to lose him from Swindon Town, this is a fantastic opportunity for Jared himself and I'm sure he will continue to develop and forge out a career for himself in the game.
It's brilliant to think Jared started out in one of my first years of setting up my goalkeeping school and makes me very proud both of that and how he has worked over the last 4-5 seasons to get where he is today. I wish him all the best and will be keeping an eye out for him over the coming years."
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