Doncaster Rovers

2013/2014 Goalkeeper Development Academy

The programme will start in September 2013 for players aged 8-13. The GK Development Academy will be located at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster. Players from all clubs are eligible to join but places are limited.


What is the GK Development Academy?

The Doncaster Rovers GK Academy is a programme created to aid in player development for the specific area of Goalkeeping. This centre will provide an enjoyable and enriching environment for players to learn, displaying a willingness to try new things, make mistakes and most of all shown a desire to be part of the Doncaster Rovers philosophy. The programme follows the Academies comprehensive training programme for in depth technical, tactical, psychological, social and physical, player centred development featuring techiniques & skills helpful to excel in the position of Goalkeeper.


Who is Eligible?
Players U9 to U13 are eligible for participation in the Player Development Programme. There is no selection or invitation process for the Player Development Programme including the GK Development Academy, there are sessions running at Keepmoat on Fridays throughout the Year. If the number of players interested in participating in the GK Academy exceeds the number of places available in a selected centre, selections will be made and alternatives will be offered.

Interested players are encouraged to register online.

What do GK Academy Participants do?

The GK Academy features regular technique training specific for GK's of all ages. The program will be comprised of 25 weeks, Individual player’s technique will be emphasised with sessions focusing upon handing; high dive, low dive, being set, distribution and small team play. Sessions will be scheduled based on the availability of staffing and suitable facilities.

What are the Goals of the GK Academy?

    •To teach and refine individual skills with children from as many different clubs as possible.
    •To challenge the children to take their newly acquired or perfected skills back to their club, and assist their teammates in learning them.
    •To teach young players to make decisions in a game-like setting using the appropriate techniques, thereby improving their technical development.
    •To offer routes for progression into the Academy for players.

What are the Benefits of Participating in the GK Academy?

    •This developmental program will be “player centred” and not “coach controlled”. Specifically, the teaching focus concentrates on those “individual skills” that are used most by     players and needed to excel in football.
    •Development as an individual player.
    •The opportunity to train and play with players outside of one’s club.
    •Quality instructions from experienced, qualified Academy coaches.
    •Tickets to Doncaster Rovers games

How Long does the Programme run for?

25 Weeks September  - April not including School Holidays.


Goalkeeping Development Programme

To Join please contact Ben Mawson

ben.mawson@doncasterroversfc.co.uk