Agility4Keepers (A4K) held one of their goalkeeper training clinics at the Luso Africa Sports Club, in Primrose.
The clinics were initially scheduled for three days, December 9 to 11, but due to the heavy rain on December 10, they continued until December 12.
Shane Nienaber (UEFA B Licence) and Sheldon Bowes (SAFA B Licence) both run A4K and were joined by international goalkeeper coach and instructor, Ian Pledger, to help facilitate goalkeeper training clinics in South Africa.
“Shane and I realised that our local goalkeepers need their own, specialised training, where they are, among other things, taught different techniques of being a goalkeeper and not just a football player,” said Bowes.
Goalkeepers from different clubs came out in numbers to participate in the clinics; they had energy throughout and were thrilled to learn more about their positions as goalies.
During the clinics, participants were split into three groups and assigned to a coach. They were then taught different skills as they rotated among the coaches after a set time.
Among other things, being dynamic, explosive, speed and power are characteristics that are instilled during training.
Both Nienaber and Bowes have produced goalkeepers who have gone on to be selected within the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Academy ranks and international contracts.
“This is an on-going training programme, every year we have more youngsters joining us and those who have been with us have developed a lot and continue to develop as they put into practice all the things they learn at the clinics,” said Nienaber.
Pledger holds his UEFA B Licence, as well as most of his badges in goalkeeper coaching levels.
He is currently head goalkeeper coach and instructor at Peterborough United FC, in the United Kingdom.
“There is great progress and I must say South African children have a lot of enthusiasm and willingness to learn, which is crucial in development,” he said.
“The one thing I think should be encouraged is for children to start training from a young age, because once they get these basics at a young age, they will excel.”
Pledger has coached many famous young goalkeepers who currently ply their trade in the English Premier League and other leagues.
Nienaber and Bowes plan on branching out to townships as well.
“One of our many plans is to have these clinics run throughout the whole of South Africa,” Nienaber said.
Logically we cannot do that on our own, so we want to work with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and are hoping to get accredited in order for us to work with other coaches and get them to do what we do.”
Building a centre for goalkeepers all over South Africa, where they will specialise in goalkeeper development, is Agility4Keepers (A4K)’s long-term goal.
Agility4Keepers welcomes any form of sponsorship, as there are children who would like to participate but are deprived of such opportunities by finance.
People interested in joining are more than welcome.
For more information call Nienaber on 071 963 6320, or Bowes on 082 964 6929.
