The future goalkeeper has a crucial part to play in the DNA playing philosophy, says technical director, Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth described the important role they are set to play in the success of the England DNA at The FA’s Goalkeeper Conference at St. George’s Park.
“With some current international goalkeepers regularly having as many touches of the ball with their feet as outfield players, the idea of the future goalkeeper as the 11th outfield player is fully justified,” outlined Ashworth in his welcome notes to the 300 coaches attending the conference.
“As part of the playing philosophy included in the England DNA, we believe the goalkeeper of the future will play an important part in all aspects of in-possession play.
“Whether that is helping the team retain, build or progress the play or starting counter-attacks through accurate and incisive distribution, the goalkeeper has a crucial part to play.”
“The goalkeeper of the future will play an important part in all aspects of
in-possession play”
Dan Ashworth FA technical director
It is an idea that lies at the heart of the 2015 Goalkeeper Conference, which takes place over the next two days at the national football centre.
England youth goalkeeper coach, Tim Dittmer, will be exploring it directly in his workshop – The 11th Player – on day two, while a number of other presenters will examine how the integration of the No1 into outfield practice can develop young players.
For Ashworth, involving keepers with their team-mates is a practice that he encourages coaches to think about doing “whenever possible”.
“With such a crucial part to play in possession, the England DNA also encourages that goalkeepers at every level and age should be integrated with the rest of the group in practice sessions whenever possible.
“In this way, the game understanding and relationship between the goalkeeper and the group can develop together, an element of the learning process which is much harder to foster when working in isolation.”
This year the headline theme of the conference is Engaging Your Goalkeepers, which, as well as focusing on their into team practice, will examine the coach’s responsibility to engage goalkeepers across all aspects of their development.
Featuring some of England’s most senior national goalkeeper coaches as well as leading experts in the field of player development, the aim is to provide attendees with a clearer insight into how they can develop their players more effectively by focusing on their technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social skills.
England senior goalkeeper coach, Dave Watson (left), will present at the conference
Among the presenters is Dave Watson, England senior goalkeeper coach, who will be joined by a host of fellow national team goalkeeper coaches, including Lee Kendall, England Women’s goalkeeper coach, Martin Thomas, England U21 goalkeeper coach, and Tony Elliott, England futsal goalkeeper coach.
Also featuring are Eddie Niedzwiecki, Stoke City first team coach, Packie Bonner, UEFA goalkeeping consultant, Pat Jennings OBE, former Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Northern Ireland international goalkeeper, plus many more.
