Agility4Keepers (A4K) are calling on goalkeepers to look out for their training clinics.
A4K will host one of their clinics at the Luso Africa Sports Club, in Primrose, from December 9 to 11. The clinics will commence at 9.30am to 3.30pm each day.
Shane Nienaber (UEFA B License) and Sheldon Bowes (SAFA B License) both run A4K and have arranged for international goalkeeper coach and instructor Ian Pledger to facilitate goalkeeper training clinics in South Africa.
Both Nienaber and Bowes have produced goalkeepers who have gone on to be selected within the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Academy ranks and for international contracts.
Pledger holds his UEFA B Licence as well as most of his goalkeeper badges in goalkeeper coaching levels.
He is currently head goalkeeper coach and instructor at Peterborough United FC, in the United Kingdom.
Pledger has coached many famous young goalkeepers who currently ply their trade in the English Premier League, Championship League and the Spainish League, to name a few.
“South Africa has become the number one location and breeding ground for recruiting and scouting talented young goalkeepers for trials in Europe,” said Pledger, a former professional goalkeeper himself.
“The attitude, high work ethic and overall skills level is higher than in other countries in which I coach.
“This can be accredited to the standard of qualified goalkeeper coaching given to these boys and girls at an early age, while having fun is also a major factor in this success rate.”
Last year, nine young goalkeepers were selected during a clinic, for trials in the United Kingdom; four boys were signed up with professional contracts.
There will be celebrity guest appearances during the clinics, by current and former professional football players, with managers and coaches giving advice and sharing their experiences of the beautiful game.
There will be prizes, as well as a coveted glove sponsorship, and Powerade is also the official hydration supplier for all participants.
Participants are urged to make bookings as soon as possible, as the participation number is limited.
A pair of the newly designed J4K Gloves will be given to the first 10 goalkeepers for free.
For more information call Nienaber on 071 963 6320 or Bowes on 082 964 6929.
