Goalkeeping: Goalkeeper Coach Education

There is a lot of online discussion about Coach Education for Goalkeepers, with most of the gripes coming from the English FA segment – this is largely because of the long winded and expensive pathway that Goalkeeper Coaches have to follow to achieve their qualifications via the outfield badges.

Without wanting to boast, when I was actively coaching I possessed a large range of coaching badges from the English, Scottish and Welsh FA’s; potentially the most qualifications of any Goalkeeper Coaches whom I knew personally and certainly within a 60 mile radius of me!

 I feel that this puts me in a strong position to be able to pass judgement on a couple of questions. 

Why should I have to do my outfield badges before my goalkeeping ones? 

When I first began accumulating my qualifications, I was of the same opinion however I soon learned that this was a naïve way of thinking, as any education that I could get would only be good for my goalkeepers. Having to take the outfield badges too certainly developed me as a coach, and allowed me a greater insight into the beautiful game of football – plus I enjoyed the new experience, and seeing the game through different eyes. 

However, I do feel that once you have passed your UEFA B Outfield then you should be allowed to jump straight on the Goalkeeping A Licence (bypassing the outfield A) as you have already demonstrated your competence as a coach – which is largely the C and B requirements. 

Personally I think that every coach should continue to learn, and if that means taking obscure and outfield courses then what is the harm? I qualified as a Child Welfare Office even though I knew that I would never be needed in that role at any club but:

“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn” 

Why can’t I do a higher level goalkeeper course with a different Countries FA? 

I am led to believe that the national FA’s are clamping down on cross border Coach Education, as some coaches were completing licences from one FA and jumping straight to the next level with another National FA. 

I personally think that this is a good thing, as each National FA will (or should) have their own Coaching Philosophy. 

Just because you can no longer take your Goalkeeping A Licence in Scotland off the back of your B from Wales should be applauded, in my opinion. 

You can still take the A in Scotland, but you just have to take the two Courses previous. This a) gives you more qualifications and b) gives you more experience and knowledge as a coach. How can that be a bad thing? 

I acknowledge the cost and time involved, however it is all in investment. Scotland wouldn’t nor couldn’t stop you from taking the A Licence providing you had taken their C and B before them. Wales can’t stop you from taking the Goalkeeping B licence providing you’ve taken the C and Award with them……do you see a pattern emerging? 

There are too many badge snobs in football, the “I’m level two, what level are you?” mob that don’t actually care about player development, they care about personal development. They care about how they look and the competition with other coaches. Do things right, respect the National FA pathway for qualifications and never stop learning – even if that means going right back to basics on an entry level course. 

Who knows – you may just enjoy it!