One of my kids (u9) has been playing mainly in the field but also some goalie since he was very little. Recently, the coach of his Academy team asked him to be a fulltime goalie and start going to goalie training etc....



For those of you who have goalies in the family, when did the player become just a goailie? I have heard some coaches say no kid should specialize as goalkeeper until highschool and the best goalies come from good field players. I think the US National team keeper (Howard) was a field player until college.



I think U9 is too young to start as a goalie only player. What do you think?

My son discovered his "inner goalie" at an early age and somewhat by accident and circumstance. He was playing U9 rec and two things happened. First, he developed exercise-induced asthma and was unable to run up and down the field anymore. Then the team's regular keeper left the team to try other sports/hobbies, leaving an opening at that position. Looking at those two factors, I figured "What the heck" and put him in goal. I could tell almost immediately that he enjoyed playing the position and had the skill-set to play it well. The rest is history. He has played exclusively keeper ever since.

Just like any player who wants to be a well-rounded soccer player, it doesn't hurt to develop other soccer skills. Send him to the keeper practices and let him develop. Your son will let you know if it is something he enjoys, and the keeper coach should be able to tell you relatively soon if he has the physical and mental ability to handle the position. If you, the keeper coach and your son keep an open line of communication with the head coach about your son's desires and development, then all should be fine. If your son does not enjoy playing keeper, then the head coach needs to look elsewhere for a keeper.

Best wishes for your decision.

Running wrote:One of my kids (u9) has been playing mainly in the field but also some goalie since he was very little. Recently, the coach of his Academy team asked him to be a fulltime goalie and start going to goalie training etc....



For those of you who have goalies in the family, when did the player become just a goailie? I have heard some coaches say no kid should specialize as goalkeeper until highschool and the best goalies come from good field players. I think the US National team keeper (Howard) was a field player until college.



I think U9 is too young to start as a goalie only player. What do you think?

Yes,yes,yes !!! Wait at least until U11 at select and even that is too young but that is pretty expected at that age.

Have one that just went full-time at U14. Can play any position on the field though and his coach loves the way he can organize the defense because of his field experience.

I somehow agree with most of the comments above, but in my opinion, it is not that black & white. My bb is a goalie and he has been fulltime since he was 8. It depends on so many things, but in our case, he had an extraordinary Keeper's Coach during U8 and U9 who quickly identified his potential and most important, his interest in the position over every other one. This Coach explained to me that even though it is great having the field playing experience to apply when a player becomes a fulltime keeper, it is not essential to be a good one; and on the other hand, the earliest a goalkeeper learns (remember, repetition, repetition...) the techniques, systems, strategies and develops the natural skills, a greater advantage will have later on, over strikers and even other goalies.

Don't get me wrong, my son's personal record juggling the ball is 150-ish, he knows more tricks with the ball than most of his teammates and utilizes his "other" foot when required.

You might know that there are tens of techniques and methods, for most moves a goalie performs during game-play. Timely positioning, precise tempo coming out (at what exact moment to dive for the ball during a One-on-One play), optimum point (of the ball’s curve) where to field the ball on a cross, most efficient landing method (not diving, landing…… but diving, too) for a quicker reaction on a rebound, when to use which hand/arm, when to use the palms, closed fist, proper foot-work for more efficient displacement inside the Penalty Box or Goal Box (yes, there are specific techniques for each) and so forth…. You can only learn these things practicing (to create the habit) and through game-play experience; so if you start at 14, you could miss substantial instruction and could have to fight “vices” you might have developed over time.

Then again, this is my experience with my son and my godson (who reached a 3rd string Pro level a few years ago). You will have to evaluate your specific situation, I guess.

cds3 wrote:I somehow agree with most of the comments above, but in my opinion, it is not that black & white. My bb is a goalie and he has been fulltime since he was 8. It depends on so many things, but in our case, he had an extraordinary Keeper's Coach during U8 and U9 who quickly identified his potential and most important, his interest in the position over every other one. This Coach explained to me that even though it is great having the field playing experience to apply when a player becomes a fulltime keeper, it is not essential to be a good one; and on the other hand, the earliest a goalkeeper learns (remember, repetition, repetition...) the techniques, systems, strategies and develops the natural skills, a greater advantage will have later on, over strikers and even other goalies.

Don't get me wrong, my son's personal record juggling the ball is 150-ish, he knows more tricks with the ball than most of his teammates and utilizes his "other" foot when required.

You might know that there are tens of techniques and methods, for most moves a goalie performs during game-play. Timely positioning, precise tempo coming out (at what exact moment to dive for the ball during a One-on-One play), optimum point (of the ball’s curve) where to field the ball on a cross, most efficient landing method (not diving, landing…… but diving, too) for a quicker reaction on a rebound, when to use which hand/arm, when to use the palms, closed fist, proper foot-work for more efficient displacement inside the Penalty Box or Goal Box (yes, there are specific techniques for each) and so forth…. You can only learn these things practicing (to create the habit) and through game-play experience; so if you start at 14, you could miss substantial instruction and could have to fight “vices” you might have developed over time.

Then again, this is my experience with my son and my godson (who reached a 3rd string Pro level a few years ago). You will have to evaluate your specific situation, I guess.

Since you comment a lot on the 01 thread. I am going to say your BB is the Solar Partain goalie? just a guess.

I agree that goalies need a good skill set for the field as well as the special skill set required for goalkeeping. However, the decision to become a goalkeeper is one that is personal to the player involved and should be evaluated on an individual basis. My son knew around the age of 8 that he enjoyed playing goalie. He was back-up a few times in games and loved the position. For the next year, we tried to talk him out of wanting to be a full-time goalie. Gave him all of the arguments--too much pressure, you could get really hurt, isn't it more exciting to actually be the one scoring,... etc. We finally agreed to let him do what he wanted to do, which was play goalie. Because he gets more thrill from saving a goal than he did from scoring one, it has been a great fit for him and I'm glad now that we listened to his choice. He is physical, is not afraid of contact from a forward barreling towards the goal, and really works to better himself at what he does. I think the main point I'm trying to make is I would ask your BB want he wants and I would make sure that he understands that once he is identified as a "goalie" it might be difficult to try to sell himself as a field player (at least if he wants to remain with his current coach). If he chooses goalkeeping, make sure that he keeps up his footwork and field skills (they are more important than some realize). Good luck. It's been quite a ride being the parent of a keeper--your kid is either the superstar and receives all the accolades or they get more than their fair share of the blame, depending on the game. But, either way, it's always exciting to watch.

krowdkontrol wrote:

cds3 wrote:I somehow agree with most of the comments above, but in my opinion, it is not that black & white. My bb is a goalie and he has been fulltime since he was 8. It depends on so many things, but in our case, he had an extraordinary Keeper's Coach during U8 and U9 who quickly identified his potential and most important, his interest in the position over every other one. This Coach explained to me that even though it is great having the field playing experience to apply when a player becomes a fulltime keeper, it is not essential to be a good one; and on the other hand, the earliest a goalkeeper learns (remember, repetition, repetition...) the techniques, systems, strategies and develops the natural skills, a greater advantage will have later on, over strikers and even other goalies.

Don't get me wrong, my son's personal record juggling the ball is 150-ish, he knows more tricks with the ball than most of his teammates and utilizes his "other" foot when required.

You might know that there are tens of techniques and methods, for most moves a goalie performs during game-play. Timely positioning, precise tempo coming out (at what exact moment to dive for the ball during a One-on-One play), optimum point (of the ball’s curve) where to field the ball on a cross, most efficient landing method (not diving, landing…… but diving, too) for a quicker reaction on a rebound, when to use which hand/arm, when to use the palms, closed fist, proper foot-work for more efficient displacement inside the Penalty Box or Goal Box (yes, there are specific techniques for each) and so forth…. You can only learn these things practicing (to create the habit) and through game-play experience; so if you start at 14, you could miss substantial instruction and could have to fight “vices” you might have developed over time.

Then again, this is my experience with my son and my godson (who reached a 3rd string Pro level a few years ago). You will have to evaluate your specific situation, I guess.

Since you comment a lot on the 01 thread. I am going to say your BB is the Solar Partain goalie? just a guess.

Ha-Ha! I do have an 01, but also other 2 at different age groups.... it's a decent guess, though!

Soccer27 wrote:I have to agree with majority of the comments. I don't think it is ever too early. Goalie is the hardest position to perfect in soccer. It is also the most important position. I have had coaches say that they can get a top goalie and build a team around them. But u can't do the same for any other position. My son started being a full time goalie at U8 and now at U9 he trains with his team on skills 2x a week and trains strictly with his goalie coach 3x a week. This is totally his decision. I have tried to tell him it is too much but he loves it. He loves playing goalie and is now finally getting notice as U9. I have seen other teams with good goalies but they don't have the technical training and rely on being athletic. It is good now but later on you need to have that technical training. That being said I have seen a huge growth with all the goalie training my son has received and can say it helps out. I know and have faith that when he hits select he will be one of the top goalies in his age group. If you have a BB that is a GREAT goalie you will have you choice of any team you want to sign with.

So true. If your BB is a great goalie they he will have the choice of any team he wants to sign with.

From my BB experience...wait to commit to GK, ask coach if he can play half time, or if he plays full time, make sure he plays on the field in other avenues. My son just started playing GK in competative soccer at U15, he played on the field the entire time before that in comeptative, but played goalkeeper in some pick up games and indoor etc outside of competative He continues to play midfielder in HS ball. Here is why I think it was right to discourage him from commiting to GK it early on.

1. Older more competative teams will have multiple goalkeepers, he gets to play on the field when not in goal..Case and point, this weekend he played in ODP sub regional...The coach brought 3 GK, time in goal was split equally between the three, but since my BB plays on the field, he got to play the entire time he was not in goal..He 3 games full games, the other goalkeepers got 1...An it was freezing.
2. His feel for the game helps him read plays, also helps him gauner respect with his teammates...His communication with defenders is well recieved...even if it is not always kind.
3. His touch and speed of play, allows him to recieve the ball in tight quarters and start a counter attack.
4. More options for college ball.

I know my son would not be the field player he is today, and probably not even as good of GK had he committed early on to goalkeeping.

Great feedback as I'm evaluating what position my son wants to do come around starting in the fall,my brother in law started as competitive full time keeper at U14 which seems to be a popular choice in my readings.

From what I have experienced, I would offer:

1. U9 is too early to commit be a FT goalkeeper, U11 going into CL qualifying is better.
2. Before absolutely committing, make sure your BB LOVEs playing GK. You cannot be half hearted - you must be all in.
3. Hook up with a GK coach and soak up his input as to your GK's potential. You can't put a price on an honest assessment.
4. Put him on a team where he is the solo keeper as long as possible (at least thru U14)
5. Don't be afraid to have your BB play for a "lesser" team for a few years, because he will get lots of shots and improve his game with the experience.

Finally, as to the field player argument, I concur with one of the previous posters that said that while it is nice, you are giving up valuable on the job training. There is a heckuva lot more to this position than blocking shots and directing your defense.

Keeperdad96 wrote:From what I have experienced, I would offer:

1. U9 is too early to commit be a FT goalkeeper, U11 going into CL qualifying is better.
2. Before absolutely committing, make sure your BB LOVEs playing GK. You cannot be half hearted - you must be all in.
3. Hook up with a GK coach and soak up his input as to your GK's potential. You can't put a price on an honest assessment.
4. Put him on a team where he is the solo keeper as long as possible (at least thru U14)
5. Don't be afraid to have your BB play for a "lesser" team for a few years, because he will get lots of shots and improve his game with the experience.

Finally, as to the field player argument, I concur with one of the previous posters that said that while it is nice, you are giving up valuable on the job training. There is a heckuva lot more to this position than blocking shots and directing your defense.

KeeperDad you are right on in my opinion. Mine always wanted to be a keeper, but it was Academy the Spring Season before U11 (Select) that he started playing fulltime. We played on lesser teams where he got lots of work and shots. We brought him up slowly increasing the level of competition and play. He plays on a top team now as the only keeper - I still think that is key - keepers have to play and they need good keeper coaches. The more he plays the sharper he gets.

We had coaches that stressed fundamentals when he started select focusing on handpositioning and footwork. Now, it is about quick, fast, and explosive movements as well as getting into the strikers head and making them guess what you are going to do. We are lucky - mine in 5 years has never sat one second of any outdoor select game.

I would also strongly recommend futsol for keepers as they have to use their feet during the play.

TxHunter wrote:

Keeperdad96 wrote:From what I have experienced, I would offer:

1. U9 is too early to commit be a FT goalkeeper, U11 going into CL qualifying is better.
2. Before absolutely committing, make sure your BB LOVEs playing GK. You cannot be half hearted - you must be all in.
3. Hook up with a GK coach and soak up his input as to your GK's potential. You can't put a price on an honest assessment.
4. Put him on a team where he is the solo keeper as long as possible (at least thru U14)
5. Don't be afraid to have your BB play for a "lesser" team for a few years, because he will get lots of shots and improve his game with the experience.

Finally, as to the field player argument, I concur with one of the previous posters that said that while it is nice, you are giving up valuable on the job training. There is a heckuva lot more to this position than blocking shots and directing your defense.

KeeperDad you are right on in my opinion. Mine always wanted to be a keeper, but it was Academy the Spring Season before U11 (Select) that he started playing fulltime. We played on lesser teams where he got lots of work and shots. We brought him up slowly increasing the level of competition and play. He plays on a top team now as the only keeper - I still think that is key - keepers have to play and they need good keeper coaches. The more he plays the sharper he gets.

We had coaches that stressed fundamentals when he started select focusing on handpositioning and footwork. Now, it is about quick, fast, and explosive movements as well as getting into the strikers head and making them guess what you are going to do. We are lucky - mine in 5 years has never sat one second of any outdoor select game.

I would also strongly recommend futsol for keepers as they have to use their feet during the play.

My U11 started playing fulltime keeper just before QT for Classic League. He was a field player and occasional backup keeper in rec. Following recovery from an injury at U8 he started to play more keeper in academy.
He absolutely loves playing keeper but likes to play out on the field as well. He has great foot skills, some of the best on his team. He too learns all the moves before anyone else on his team and can play with both feet
He goes to keeper training with the keeper coach twice a week and continues to take private lessons with his regular coach. The keeper coach has great things to say about him and thinks he has a bright future as keeper.
He is fully committed to keeper and knows he's the "man" in goal, but likes the opportunity to come out and play on the field. He plays futsal most weekends as well as lots of 4v4's and such. Even though he is the fulltime keeper on his team, he is not limited to just that. If he has the chance to play out on the field, he's all over it. He does refer to himself as a keeper and if asked, he will say he is a keeper first and a forward second.