Goalkeeper Training

Eugene Metro FC recognizes that the position of Goalkeeper is a specialty position with specific requirements beyond that of a field player. Beginning with our U10 Academy the development of players who show an interest in goalkeeping is managed through weekly training sessions that focus on age appropriate aspects of goalkeeping. Moving forward in to the competitive ages of U11-U19 our Goalkeepers attend an age and skill set appropriate training session with GK training staff once per week in addition to their normal team training sessions. Our Goalkeeper specific training sessions are managed by licensed coaches who specialize in the Goalkeeping position.

Goalkeeping Philosophy

EMFC looks to develop game-changing goalkeepers who are prepared to meet the challenges of the modern game by maximizing their abilities with their feet and hands and their decision making. Our holistic approach to training offers our goalkeepers a positive, safe, and fun environment to develop their abilities in an age appropriate setting. Sessions are player focused and include elements of the 5 pillars (Technical, tactical, social, psychological, and physical) both in possession, out of possession, and in transition in alignment with the club’s style of play.

EMFC Goalkeeper Characteristics:

Psychological:

Winning mentality: Relentless desire to improve
Self aware: Understands their strengths and weaknesses
Confident: Believes in themselves and their abilities
Decision maker: Willing to make quick and decisive decisions

Tactical:

Manager of the game: Learns how to control and manage game
Out of possession: Reads the game and is able to utilize the right tools at the right time.
In Possession: Connected to the team to offer support and retain possession and start attacks
In Transition: Responds in anticipation of losing or winning the ball.

Social:

Leader: Guides and inspires teammates with communication and actions, on and off the field.
Presence: A calm and positive demeanor no matter the circumstances
Learner: Always looking to improve by reflecting on performances, watching video and others

Technical:

Effective actions: Utilizes the tools needed given the situation presented.
Outstanding distributor: Using both hands and feet, moving the ball to maintain possession and create attacking opportunities.
Consistent: Through dedicated focus on improving all of the fundamental skills

Physical:

Unique: Use their unique attributes to their fullest advantages
Efficient: Moves with ease and maximizing their physical characteristics
Powerful: Uses their functional power to dominate physical situations.

We consider that a Goalkeepers ability to impact a game requires them to be a well rounded soccer player with the same skill set and game awareness as all field players. While we certainly look to teach our young keepers the most effective techniques and functional aspects of shot stopping, we place a heavy emphasis on the Goalkeepers ability to play as a field player and help their team keep the ball in possession, play out the back, solve the varied types of pressure they will see from the opponent and look for moments for quick counter attacks. We also teach our Goalkeepers how to manage team shape based on the type of pressure on the ball, which team is in possession and where the ball is located on the field. Basically, we view the Goalkeeper as a field player who has the added responsibility of shot stopping and leading the team by communicating important defensive adjustments to deny the opponent opportunities on goal.

GK Director: John Schneider

John is originally from Smithtown, NY. Prior to playing goalkeeper for 4 years at St. Joseph’s College, John played for various clubs in the Long Island Junior Soccer League and at St. Anthony’s High School. After living in North Carolina for over 8 years, John, his wife and 3 children moved to Eugene in July 2019.
He holds an NSCHAA Level 3 Goalkeeper and US Soccer E coaching license. John was a North Carolina Football Club (NCFC) Youth Goalkeeping coach and has worked at NCFC’s College Showcase, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Goalkeeper Camp, NC State Wolfpack Soccer series GK camp as well as a staff coach for Focus Goalkeeper Academy. John has also coached Triangle Futbol Club Alliance.

Goalkeeper Training