Goalkeepers are different. They are the only player on the field who alone can win or lose a game. A reliable and consistent goalkeeper is vital for any team with high aspirations. There are some aspects of goalkeeping that can be trained, while others are inherent. Sir Bobby Robson, former manager of the Irish national football team, states said the “very best goalkeepers in the world have some significant extras: dedication, passion, top-level fitness & agility, along with the courage to be the last man between the ball and the back of the net.” New England Aztec aims to bring top-flight training to individuals that show potential to excel.
Because goalkeeping is a specialized position, there are additional training requirements. In addition to training along side their team, they must have specialized sessions with a goalkeeper coach. This specialized training is designed around technique, skills, handling, consistency, decision-making and bravery. Simon Smith, Goalkeeper coach for Newcastle United in England, says “Practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent, perfect practice makes perfect.” The intention of New England Aztec Goalkeeper Training is to train every goalkeeper to maximize their potential and perform at the highest level for their squad.