Goalmouth action started early at the New Bridge Meadow on Sunday, June 30, when a new Haverfordwest based goalkeeper training scheme took place on the League of Wales club's training ground. An added bonus for the 18 youngsters who attended was the use of the clubhouse for lunch and the chance to watch the World Cup Final.
Local young goalkeepers, aged between eight and 15, were recruited by Gerry Rigby, FAW development officer for Pembrokeshire. They took part in an intensive coaching programme under the direction of Bernard Steer, who has run similar courses in Birmingham, Bristol and Essex, and has also worked in the Birmingham City Centre of Excellence.
A varied programme to keep up with the demands of the modern game ended up with a highly competitive shot stopping session.
The improvement of the young goalkeepers during the day was obvious in the final stages. This was a tribute to the excellent demonstrations of the skills of goalkeeping given by Carl Woodhouse (Haverfordwest County FC League of Wales side) and Jimmy James (Wales Under 18 schoolboy international), who made many fine saves in the practice goalmouths, to show at close hand the level of skill required to get into professional football.
There were several impressive displays during the day, but a special prize of a match ball went to Tom Blaxland for his technique and dedication to the job in hand.
Thanks are due to Haverfordwest FC for making their excellent facilities available.
A further training day is planned for October, this time to extend the age group from eight to 18.
Interested participants should contact Gerry Rigby at County Hall, Haverfordwest, tel. (01437) 776379.