The Wellington Wave Goalkeeper Difference
The Goalkeeper Program
The foundation for a successful goalkeeper development here at Wellington Soccer Club Goalkeeper Program is to put the goalkeeper in the center of all training sessions. We provide an optimum of development and refinement opportunities for goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels. Our training is focused on the development of the individual player.
We practice in small groups, according to age and skill level, so the goalkeepers can help each other during the training sessions, push each other and work on their individual needs. Of course, each session is planned and lead by an experienced and licensed goalkeeper coach who will explain and point out in practical ways which areas need to improve and how to improve them so that our goalkeepers develop good habits and mistakes won't be repeated.
Generally these 4 areas of goalkeeping are the main focus of Wellington Soccer Club Goalkeeper Program:
- Technique
Catch and receive balls, movement, distribution, diving, crosses, passing, blocking shots - Strategic
1v1 situations, Positioning, Standards, Short balls, reading the game, organizing the defense, opening the game, be part of the defense - Athletic
Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility - Mental Strength
Self-confidence, be a leader, anticipation, making decisions, braveness, toughness, taking risks
Stages of the Goalkeeper Program
Our Goalkeeper Program is based on three stages of the development of goalkeepers. Training sessions are planned accordingly to assure that goalkeepers will be equipped and ready when they move up to the next stage.
In all stages, our focus of development keeps in mind the four main areas of our Program (Technique, Strategy, Athletics, Mental strength). With this concept we want to help our goalkeepers to reach their full potential and performance and to prepare them with the necessary skills and knowledge of the position necessary to become a college athlete or even a professional soccer player.
1- Basics and Foundation
U8, U9, U10, U11
Goalkeepers learn the basic of goalkeeping, develop good habits and a feel for the area. This stage is of highest importance as in every sport, once a player develops bad habits, these are hard and difficult to break in later years. Learning the correct way to catch a ball, move in the penalty box and distribute the ball in the buildup process will make it easier to move up and succeed in the next stages and age groups.
2 - Development Stage
U12, U13, U14, U15
Everything that was learned so far will be developed deeper and more specialized. Individual skills will be refined. The goalkeeper as a 'sweeper keeper' becomes more important at this stage and more advanced techniques are developed.
3 - Performance Stage
U16, U17, U18
At this stage the goalkeepers will be pushed to their individual peak performance and the development focuses on preparation for college showcases and future opportunities. Positioning and being a leader on the field becomes more important in these age groups.
General Information About Our Training
Besides the age and skill specific practice sessions, our training is built to provide variety in activities to make each session interesting, challenging and fun. After all, the enjoyment of being a goalkeeper drives the performance of every goalkeeper. We structure our session in a way that the kids can look forward to their next practice and game.
Goalkeeper coaches and team coaches work closely together to detect deficits and areas that need to be worked on individually. This way each goalkeeper gets the training he or she needs to improve and develop.
