Criteria for the selection and development of academy soccer goalkeepers: Experts opinion

Perez-Arroniz, M ORCID: 0009-0009-9283-0573, Calleja-González, J ORCID: 0000-0003-2575-7168, Fernández-Navarro, J ORCID: 0000-0002-5367-1575 and Zubillaga-Zubiaga, A ORCID: 0000-0003-0660-4545 (2025) Criteria for the selection and development of academy soccer goalkeepers: Experts opinion. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. ISSN 1747-9541

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Abstract

Objective: The main aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive view of effective strategies, offering the soccer community informed tools that will optimize the process of developing the next generation of goalkeepers through the experiences and perspectives of experienced goalkeeper coaches. Method: The opinion of 14 professional goalkeeper coaches was gathered using a semi-structured interview. Following transcription, a thematic content analysis was conducted to identify and analyse patterns within the data. Results: From all the data obtained authors structured the results in the following sections: most important attributes for the goalkeeper, talent identification, specific goalkeeper training, individualisation, conditioning training, psychology, periodisation and evolution of the goalkeeper position. Conclusions: There is no single way to develop goalkeepers, however, certain patterns can be observed in both selection and training processes. 1) Identify promising young players with strong anthropometric, coordination and emotional profiles, 2) Coach must structure the learning process by periodising the acquisition of various techniques and situational awareness based on the demands of the competition, 3) Continuously adapt to the individual development of each player.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	52 Psychology; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences; 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences; 42 Health sciences; 52 Psychology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Date of acceptance:	13 August 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	20 October 2025
Date Deposited:	20 Oct 2025 15:38
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2025 13:15
DOI or ID number:	10.1177/17479541251370186
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27384

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