The Goalkeeper Coaching Auckland Landscape
Zac Speedy (right) & Louie Caunter (left) are put through their paces by Eric Steele (background), a well-known goalkeeper coach from England who has played and coached professionally in the Premier League and internationally. This program exemplified the hunger for real experience and goalkeeping education in Auckland as early as 2015.
Throughout Auckland and the wider regions including Northland and Waikato there have always been a number of fantastic football teams to play for. Propping up those teams, have been masses of talented goalkeepers.
While it may not strike you immediately, the talent of the local New Zealand goalkeeper has always existed. It has just never been the axe that has been sharpened or the shoe that has been polished.
A short conversation with any experienced goalkeeper in Auckland or the regions and they will tell you that aside from a few seasons, they have been the one running sessions on a cold Tuesday or Thursday evening at their football club. The expectation is, that after work they will grab the bag of balls [or tell one of the young goalkeepers to grab the balls], flick some cones out around the 18 yard box and run a short session on goalkeeping until the head coach calls you over to join the rest of the team.
Rarely have the goalkeepers at this level had the luxury of having a coach who is both experienced as a goalkeeper or experienced as a goalkeeper coach. The Goalkeepers Union is and always will be incredibly grateful for these figures, as they have played a big part to this point and will continue to contribute to the current change we are experiencing.
Among the fantastic football teams these goalkeepers play for, there have only ever been a handful of goalkeeper specific coaches to accompany them.
In recent years New Zealand Football have put on a series of goalkeeper coaching courses and provided coaches with the ability to earn certificates and badges, to represent and formalise their level of education.
This has been the major catalyst for the growth in not only goalkeeper specific coaches, but the amount of academies, practices and private goalkeeping businesses springing up around Auckland. NZGKU is delighted to be playing our part as one of these academies.
What makes NZGKU different from the rest?
A Structured, Proven Framework. At NZGKU, our coaching revolves around the New Zealand football framework, breaking goalkeeping into three critical areas: goal defence, space defence, and the attacking game. Each session is designed to sharpen your skills in these categories, with a focus on positioning, shot-stopping, and ball distribution. Whether you're defending against close-range shots, handling through balls, or contributing to the team’s attack, we prepare goalkeepers for the dynamic demands of modern football.
Character, Habits, and Identity. Our coaching goes beyond physical skills. We incorporate three main pillars into every session: the development of character, the installation of positive habits, and the discovery of your goalkeeping identity. Goalkeeping is more than just technique; it’s about mental resilience, discipline, and a passion for the game. At NZGKU, we help you grow not only as a player but also as an individual, fostering traits that lead to success on and off the pitch.
Tailored Coaching for All Levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced player looking to refine your game, NZGKU offers sessions that cater to your specific needs. With over 17 years of experience, Louie has worked with goalkeepers at every level, from newcomers to professional athletes. His background in teaching allows him to quickly identify areas for improvement, ensuring that no matter your starting point, you’ll leave each session feeling more confident and capable.
Rapid Development and a Sense of Accomplishment. One of the key outcomes you can expect from NZGKU coaching is rapid improvement. Our goalkeepers leave each session feeling a genuine sense of enjoyment, growth, and accomplishment. We believe that developing your skills while enjoying the game is essential for long-term success. Louie’s approach is rooted in his personal experience and pursuit of excellence, providing a training environment where goalkeepers thrive.
Focusing on Strengths and Weaknesses. We tailor our training to focus on what each goalkeeper needs most. By addressing your weaknesses while building upon your strengths, we ensure that you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set. Whether it’s improving your handling in 1v1 situations or enhancing your kicking accuracy, we will make sure that you grow into the best version of your goalkeeping self, unique in your strengths, with no weaknesses holding you back.
How Often Should You Train? The frequency of your training will depend on your goals. While one session per week is ideal for maintaining standards and gradual improvement, three or more sessions a week will guarantee accelerated development. At NZGKU, we provide flexible training schedules to fit your ambitions, whether you're looking to maintain your current level or push yourself to new heights.
