Developing Young Goalkeepers

Developing young goalkeepers comes with its challenges when trying to get them exposure and experience.?

The Watford Academy goalkeeping department has established a philosophy and growing reputation for progressive plans that allow our goalkeepers to be tested and stressed.?

?We have four of Academy 'keepers on loan or work experience racking up competitive games.

Adam Parkes is playing for Dover Athletic in the National League after spending the tail end of last season at Barnet.

Myles Roberts is at Concord Rangers in the National League South after numerous loan moves, most notably Wealdstone in the National League at the age of 16.

Dante Baptiste spent the first half of this season at Farnborough, helping guide them to top spot in the Southern League South before being recalled as cover for Watford's first?team.

Alfie Marriott has established himself at Kings Langley at just 17, playing week in week out in the Southern League South.?

All loan moves for each goalkeeper will throw up challenges, be it a relegation fight, championship challenge or promotion push. Each experience will be invaluable regardless of which one they face,?

?Managers want “an experienced one”, but what about a young, hungry athletic one that wants to learn, develop and make a name for himself? Experienced 'keepers often come with more than just the appearances: they often come with a strong opinion, higher risk of injury and more cost.?

?I know from personal experience and many loans moves throughout my playing up and down the country and abroad the importance of playing games.?You need self-belief, dedication and a personality as well support from your parent club and family.

?The greatest thing about being a footballer is playing football on a Saturday or under the floodlights on a Tuesday.??It’s not wearing the tracksuit, driving the nice car and self-appreciation posts after a game when your team wins and you keep a clean sheet!?

?My first loan move was as a 19-year-old to Belgium to play for KSK Beveren in the Belgian top-flight playing against the like of Anderlecht, Club Brugge and Standard Liege.

?I arrived for training as normal early pre-season and was told that the Boss, who at the time was Arsene Wenger, wanted to see me.

“Stacky, I want you to go on loan and we have a club for you.”?

“Great, where is it, boss?”?

“Belgium!"

It took me a few seconds to digest but it wasn’t long before the excitement of such an opportunity sunk in.?

?A different country, change of culture and language. New teammates, playing style, philosophy and environment. The beginning of my playing journey and the start of something special.?

?Having an individual development playing plan for each goalkeeper is key. Each 'keeper will need to understand and have confidence in your opinion and expertise. You will need to justify and support the reasons behind your choice of club. Who is the manager? Will he be given a fair opportunity and time? What is it you want the individual to achieve??

?It’s so important that the choice of club and timing of the loan is seriously considered. It isn't a question of finding the biggest club in the highest league, or finding the club who can contribute the most money towards the salary nor is the club who know the manager at and want to do favours. It’s the club which gives the goalkeeper the best and most realistic opportunity to flourish and excel their development. Playing 30 games in the National League South is more progressive and rewarding than being on the bench for a League Two club.?

?Being an ex-goalkeeper and forward-thinking goalkeeping coach, I have spent years building trusted relationships with other coaches and managers, whilst mentoring a number of young goalkeepers. Your opinion can often be portrayed as biased as you are trying to promote your own goalkeepers and build your reputation whereas all you want is the best for a young 'keeper who you work with day in, day out.?

?Jordan Pickford is a great example of the merits of going on loan. As a brave 18 year old he learnt his trade at Darlington on loan from Sunderland. He enjoyed a further five loan moves before establishing himself at Sunderland as first choice.

The current competition to be England's number 1 is a healthy battle for the gloves with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale leading the charge. Both had similar pathways into first-team football.

?The character and mental robustness is questioned and tested far more when on loan. The challenges of overcoming mistakes and letting people down weighs heavily on young shoulders. The pressures of supporters in the terraces and online abuse if things go wrong are very real and part of the process. The stresses of performing and winning can affect livelihoods and income for individuals and the club none of which you get when playing for youth teams.?

?A changing room full of men can be daunting to any young player: the language the banter and the odd punch up reminds me of my playing days in the National League when we had players on loan. It was a case of making sure they were protected and looked after, but also exposing them to reality and giving them an insight into competitive football.?

?Senior players and staff will always help guide and support younger players but will also demand from them. The shouts of “unlucky” and “good try” are often replaced with other choice words I think we have all heard. It’s these demands and expectations put on young players that they will cherish and remember when they flourish in later years.?

?My opinion on offering young goalkeepers professional contracts has changed in recent years rather than offering them a 3rd?year scholarship. The advantages in this are the capability it gives you to allow your goalkeepers to go on a work experience to as many clubs as possible and recall them whenever you like. This allows them to gain experience whilst still developing their technical, tactical and physical parts of their game with you and the other coaches throughout the week. If young goalkeepers sign as young professionals it limits their opportunity to go and play games as depending what league their parent club are in can only move from window to window.?

?It’s a hard sell at times because we all dream of signing a professional contract. Patience and further hard work often gets you your rewards and often a better contract after playing more games at a higher level.?

?Do we give players to much choice on loan moves and allow the agent to decide or should we tell them where they are going? Who’s the expert? Who is best placed to make that decision? I believe the coach. You have an invested interest in your players and your motivation is for them to be successful on the pitch and players will need to trust your judgement and experience.?

?Young goalkeepers can go on loan with three potential outcomes: Sink, swim or float. I believe no matter what the outcome the experience and lessons learned will be beneficial further down the line.

Please contact me with regards to any enquiries or if you wish to see footage from games this season. Alternatively, would love to hear your comments below on the merits of the loan system - and any success stories you've had of 'keepers going on loan.