A Keepmoat five-a-side pitch was the venue of the first Junior Rovers Goalkeeper Coaching Night on Thursday 11th March, with 20 members braving the cold weather to learn tips and skills from our very own Neil Sullivan and Ben Smith.

After warming the children up with some little activities, Ben and Neil then split the children into groups and taught them the basics of catching, throwing, kicking and diving.

Some little fun games left the children not knowing their left from their right and their Smith from their Sullivan, with even Neil and Ben getting confused at one point!

Tough coaches these two, making anyone that dropped a ball or missed the markers do 5 push ups.

Penalty shoot outs were next, with the pros taking shots at the children. Although it sounds unfair, they did allow two children in the net at the same time and a fantastic job they did too, only letting in 3 or 4 goals between them all!

Then the tables were turned and Sully was first up between the sticks to take shots from the kids, and after some great strikes Neil ended his spell in goal with 4 goals against him. Ben's turn next, and after yet more super shots and a bit of cheating from Mr Sullivan, Ben was triumphant after only letting in 3.

Mr Sullivan duly obliged with 5 press up's!

Just before the session came to a close, the children were given the opportunity to fire questions at their goalkeeping heroes. Something which we don't think they will do again, after one little boy reminded Sully of the goal David Beckham scored against him from the half way line!

Each child that attended the course was then presented with a signed certificate from the goalkeeping duo, and a football to help them carry on practising the tips that they have just picked up. Hopefully everyone that attended learnt something from the session and you never know, we may have a future star on our hands!

A very special thank you to Neil and Ben for giving up their time, for what was a very enjoyable evening.