WHY ALL YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS SHOULD PLAY THE GOALKEEPER POSITION

It is the only position that stands out from the rest of the soccer positions. It is the position were the player wears a different color jersey and can use hands. It is the only position were the player is always in the spotlight when goals are scored. It is the only position that is considered by many to be played by crazy people. It Is the only position most often forgotten and neglected by most youth coaches.

Most soccer players go through their entire careers without ever having played the position of goalkeeper in a competitive game. When coaches make a point to rotate their players’ positions, they often fail to have everyone play goalkeeper. This is a major disservice to these youth soccer players.

In order for players to truly have the most complete development, they must play goalkeeper at some point in their careers. 

Here are a few reasons:
Because they will develop new abilities.
The soccer goalkeeper position requires a totally different set of skills than those of soccer field players. By playing the goalkeeper position, field players will develop these skills. The position also requires a whole new range of physical movements. The coordination and athleticism the position requires to play the goalkeeper position helps kids develop into better athletes and translates to their play as field players. Don’t forget that field players mostly use the lower parts of their bodies, while goalkeepers use their entire body, lower as well as upper. Training, not just playing the goalkeeper position is extremely important as players will be exposed to exercises and theories that as field players they will not. So even if the goalkeeper position is not a child’s long-term position, the skills and agility they develop by playing and training in the goalkeeper position will benefit them as all around athletes.

​View video for more