GOALKEEPING
One of the main tasks of every goalkeeper coach in different environments is to create , maintain and drive goalkeeper culture in academy , college and pro settings . Different age groups and levels might require different details ; however , there should be one common focus — individual and collective development within a goalkeeper group . There is a simple reason behind it : Only one goalkeeper starts the game , so he or she represents the entire goalkeeper group in the match setting . However , for the starter to be ready to perform , the entire goalkeeper group plays an essential role in their preparation .
The ultimate outcome of fostering a strong goalkeeping culture is to provide goalkeepers with a supportive learning environment both on and off the field . This article dives into the five essential elements of building a strong goalkeeper culture based on my Charlotte FC experience . It touches on standards and mindset ; individual pathway and high-potential players approach ; strong relationships ; accountability ; and finally , collaboration with the full staff in the academy .
Setting appropriate standards , behaviors and expectations is my first step when building goalkeeping culture in any setting . Currently in the MLS Academy at Charlotte FC , I implement the concept of acting professionally before becoming professional — all goalkeepers in the academy hear this phrase a lot . As a professional soccer club , our goal is to develop young goalkeepers capable of signing homegrown contracts . For that reason , these young men need to understand what it takes : a winning mentality ; growth and positive mindset ; being on time ; being competitive ; bringing the best version of themselves ; and finally , doing their best on the field so they can leave the field satisfied .
BUILDING ACADEMY GOALKEEPING CULTURE
The Importance of Individual and Collective Development
Michal Gorszczaryk Head of Academy Goalkeeping , Charlotte FC
As Brett Ledbetter emphasizes in “ What Drives Winning Teams ” ( 2019 ), the significance of attitude cannot be overstated . He states , “ That shows how deep the word Attitude runs . Can you imagine having a leader in your locker room with that frame of mind ? And what kind of influence he has on everybody else ?” This shows the powerful impact that a positive attitude and mindset can have on individual performance and team culture .
The next step for me in building the academy goalkeeping culture is to promote goalkeepers to train and play up with different age groups . Having an individual plan for each goalkeeper in the academy is essential while building a goalkeeper culture . High-potential goalkeepers need to be challenged in various settings , older goalkeepers can play the role of leaders , while younger goalkeepers are able to learn within their craft . The goal of this stage is to highlight the importance of supporting the high-potential goalkeepers ’ development . Collectively with the goalkeeping department , we make decisions on when is the appropriate time to push selected academy goalkeeper into the 2nd or 1st team environment . When a younger goalkeeper is ready to train with older groups regularly , it helps with his / her development . This is also one of the first
28 | Soccer Journal