CD Nacional

U10–U13 Goalkeeper Coach

2022 – 2023

The first home: position-specific academy training and short build-up up 31%.

Role: U10–U13 Goalkeeper Coach
Period: 2022 – 2023
Age groups: U10 to U13
Context: Academy
Responsibilities: Position-specific training, tactical integration, opposition scouting

Context.

I joined CD Nacional in 2022 to work in the academy, with a single brief: the goalkeepers from U10 to U13. It was the first home of this journey. The job opened on three fronts that feed each other: the training programmes, advising the coaching staff so the goalkeeper belonged in the tactical decisions, and targeted opposition scouting. The same idea runs through all three — the goalkeeper is part of the team, not a separate case.

Goals.

01
Position-specific training from the start

Give academy goalkeepers sessions of their own, with pedagogical progression, instead of training diluted into the group.
02
The goalkeeper inside the team

Work with the coaching staff so the goalkeeper belonged in the tactical decisions, not just in the saves.
03
Preparing the next match

Scout the opposition goalkeeper and bring that reading into the training week.

The work.

Position-specific programmes

I planned and delivered the position-specific goalkeeper training programmes for the academy age groups, from U10 to U13. The planning and the work on the pitch were two sides of the same job.

A coach briefing three young goalkeepers beside the goal, with balls and markers spread across the pitch.

Advising the coaching staff

I advised the coaching staff on the goalkeeper's tactical integration. It is work done with the people who decide the model of play, not apart from them.

A young goalkeeper cushioning the ball on his thigh in front of the goal, with the coach feeding the ball.

Targeted opposition scouting

I scouted the opposition with a focus of my own: the goalkeeper at the other end. I identified his vulnerabilities and carried that reading into the training week, so the team knew where to attack.