The United Kingdom and the Premier League are home to great goalkeepers in today’s soccer, with great exponents such as Ederson (Manchester City), Alisson (Liverpool) and many other world-class goalkeepers who have found in this league their ideal environment to continue growing.
The same is true of the world’s lower divisions. The United Kingdom has a large number of goalkeeping academies and camps that are responsible for developing the goalkeepers of the future.
These camps train all the technical, tactical, reflexes and free-kick aspects that goalkeepers need to master in order to reach the highest professional level.
In addition, beyond soccer, they also train the mentality to have a better response in situations under pressure in which a decision has to be made in a matter of seconds.
These camps are offered by major clubs in the country and private institutions; all with the same objective of polishing young talents so they can have a successful career in the sport.
Every great goalkeeper who currently shines on the biggest stages of world football, also started from scratch in one of these camps; so the presence of your child in these trainings can be essential for their growth.
For all these reasons, in this post we will leave you with the 6 best camps for soccer goalkeepers in the UK. Camps of the highest level, with certified coaches and an orchestrated training plan to get the maximum potential out of the kids.
Ranking of the best soccer camps for goalkeepers in UK
- Best Exclusive High Performance Goalkeeping Camp in the United Kingdom: Directed by Matt Brennan.
- Best International High Performance Goalkeeping Camp: CV Football Clinic.
- Best Summer Goalkeeping Camp: Arsenal Football Development.
- Best Chelsea Foundation Summer Camp in the United Kingdom.
- Liverpool F.C. Summer Camp.
- West Ham United Goalkeeping Camp.
What is the ideal type of goalkeeper camp?
Soccer camps for goalkeepers; and also for players of other positions, are divided into two groups depending on the demand of the trainings and their general approach.
On the one hand, we have the High Performance Camps for goalkeepers, aimed at players who are at a high level and want to continue developing.
And on the other hand, there are the Summer Camps for goalkeepers, which also develop the qualities of the player, but have a more recreational approach without proposing such demanding and competitive training.
Don’t know which one to choose? Here we tell you all about these two types of camps and their main activities.
High Performance Goalkeeping Camps in the United Kingdom
The High Performance camps are focused on boosting the skills of high level or elite level players, with high intensity training in a highly competitive internal environment.
Physical fitness is another important aspect of this camp, with demanding workouts that will improve the players’ endurance as well as their performance on the field from the first to the last minute of the game.
These training sessions follow professional programs devised by coaches certified by UEFA, the FA or other highly prestigious bodies in the field of youth soccer training.
Especially for goalkeepers, they have specialized sessions to improve their reflexes, reaction capacity, sense of positioning between the posts and many more facets that will allow your child to become a TOP goalkeeper.
The High Performance camps for goalkeepers are the most recommendable alternative for the kids who have shown the talent, responsibility and desire to reach the professional level.
Of course, during the sessions, a competitive spirit is encouraged and a healthy competitiveness is fostered among the kids, so that all players can learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
In addition, although their main focus is on sports, these high performance camps also include excursions, recreational activities and outings where they can buy souvenirs and de-stress from their daily lives.
Finally, it is also important to highlight that parents can assign them language classes during the camp, so that they can develop their communication skills in another language.
Main aspects of the High Performance Goalkeeper Camps
- Approximately 20 hours of intense training per week.
- Training sessions given by coaches certified by prestigious soccer organizations.
- Sessions that review all technical and tactical training for goalkeepers.
- Priority on physical conditioning and endurance development for the boys.
- Talks and tips for a strong mentality.
- Handling pressure situations in the field.
- They include accommodation in first class facilities, safe transportation and food.
- Emphasis on the importance of nutrition in high performance sports.
- Advice on the choice of gloves and other playing accessories.
In general terms, the High Performance Camps for goalkeepers are an experience focused on the sporting development of the children as a priority, placing them in an environment very close to the professional one so that they become familiar with those environments.
As complementary activities, the kids can also take language classes and go on excursions with their teammates, making for a complete, fun and unforgettable experience.
Summer camps for soccer goalkeepers
Summer Soccer Goalkeeper Camps present an ideal sporting experience for beginner to upper-intermediate level players.
These camps, while having soccer at the core of their planning, do have a more recreational and fun approach than their high performance counterparts.
With soccer as the main attraction, the kids experience a very fun and memorable experience by sharing with peers from different countries around the world, learning about their cultures and having fun on excursions and guided tours.
In addition, they have the opportunity to visit great sports facilities and learn first-hand about the day-to-day life of their idols during their training sessions at their clubs.
The training sessions also include certified coaches for player training. In the case of goalkeepers, the most basic concepts for defending the goal are reviewed, going over the most important rules that are applied in matches.
Of course, a plan focused on the development of the goalkeepers’ technique is followed. They are taught how to dive to stop opponents’ shots, the correct way to get out to clear a cross or how to calculate the trajectory of the ball when it comes in the air.
The goal is for the kids to have fun learning while sharing the passion of their favorite sport with their peers.
Highlights of the High Performance Summer Camps for Goalkeepers
- Focused on recreation, entertainment and development of children.
- Moderate intensity training.
- Program designed to teach the basic concepts of the goalkeeping position.
- Development of technical and tactical aspects of goalkeeping.
- Understanding of the most important rules that a goalkeeper must take into account.
- For beginner to upper-intermediate level players.
- Certified trainers.
- Priority focus on recreation and fun for the kids.
- Aimed at players from beginner to upper-intermediate level.
- 20 hours of training per week.
- Language classes can be added.
- Guided tours, excursions and field trips.
- Personalized attention from coaches.
- Includes accommodation, meals and transfers.
Summer Camps are the most viable option for inexperienced kids who are just starting their soccer career, with the aspiration of continuing to improve their level while having fun.
Their recreational approach leaves indelible memories in the memory of the attendees, with guided visits to historical sites of the city where the camp takes place, prestigious universities or national parks.
In addition, hiking trails, musical concerts or evening parties can also be organized, all under the supervision of the camp staff.
At the end of the day, choosing the right camp for your child should be based on their current abilities and their expectations of the experience.
There are the two strands, high performance and intensity; and recreational; which appeals more to fun and entertainment.
Put all these things in the balance with your child and you will surely make the right decision for them.
Now, having said all this, we leave you with the list of the 6 Best Soccer Goalkeeper Camps in the UK.
#1. Best Exclusive Camp for High Performance Goalkeepers in the UK: Directed by Matt Brennan.
This High Performance Goalkeeping Camp in the UK is the best option for high level goalkeepers who want to further polish their skills and push their soccer limits.
An advantage of this camp is that it is totally exclusive for goalkeepers, so the whole training program is 100% focused on improving the qualities for this position, with varied group exercises and high intensity dynamics.
In addition, it is taught by Matt Brennan and Chris Weale. Brennan was for several years the goalkeeping coach for the first team of Fulham, a renowned English club.
Weale, on the other hand, made it to professional soccer and was part of the first team of Leicester, another club with a long tradition in English soccer.
Key aspects of the Exclusive Camp for High Performance Goalkeepers
- For goalkeepers (boys and girls) from 8 to 18 years old.
- Coaches with Championship and Premier League experience.
- Highly competitive and intense training sessions.
- More than 20 hours of training per week.
- Follows a strict program to enhance the technical and tactical skills and qualities of the goalkeepers.
- Focus on set pieces.
- Develops players’ physical fitness with a high-performance sports exercise routine.
- Ideal program to develop independence and leadership skills.
- Talks on mental health and managing success or failure.
- First class facilities.
- No language classes available.
Where are the children staying?
The camp takes place in a venue on the outskirts of London, with all the amenities and first class facilities for soccer.
The sports complex has over 15 natural and artificial turf soccer pitches, plus a swimming pool for recovery sessions.
The rooms are double, triple or quadruple; with internet access at all times via WiFi, as well as laundry service.
At the same time, the children will be able to enjoy the common areas of the camp such as a TV room, library, green areas and more.
The camp also covers all meals for the porters. It is governed by a meal plan of three meals a day and a snack. All focused on maximum sports performance.
#2. Best International High Performance Camp for Goalkeepers: CV Football Clinic
This camp is held in Oakham, England and has the support of CV Football and Ertheo for its organization.
It is aimed at boys (only boys) from 12 to 17 years old, both players and goalkeepers; with intense and demanding training sessions.
The training sessions are led by TOP coaches with experience in professional European clubs and in youth soccer training.
Their training program is highly recommended for the high intensity and competition it fosters among the players; making them reach the top of their level and raising their skills to exponential peaks.
Key aspects of CV Football's High Performance Goalkeeper Camp
- Aimed at players and goalkeepers from 12 to 17 years of age.
- Unique training program.
- Technical development of goalkeepers.
- Tactical training reviewing the key and most common situations in soccer matches.
- Highly competitive and intense training sessions.
- Exercise routines to develop the players’ physique.
- First class facilities with multiple artificial turf fields.
- Multicultural and inclusive environment.
- Language classes.
- Talks on mental health and sports psychology.
Where do the porters stay?
The boys stay at Oakham School, located just 20 minutes from Oxford. The student residence has single, double or triple rooms with access to WiFi, laundry service and towels.
Another advantage is that the residence and the sports facilities are united in the same premises. Therefore, there is no need to drive from the residence to the training grounds.
The complex also has other areas apart from the sports facilities. The children will be free to take advantage of these areas during their free time.
All camp environments are supervised 24 hours a day by the staff.
Meals are included with three meals a day and an afternoon snack. The diet can be modified according to the preferences, allergies or intolerances of the children.
#3. Best Summer Camp for Goalkeepers: Arsenal Football Development
Arsenal is one of the most recognized teams in all of soccer for developing players with high abilities and making them debut at the professional level.
Its youth academy has produced countless gems for English soccer such as Bukayo Saka, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere.
Its Summer Football Goalkeeper camp follows the training program of its soccer development division, aimed at players and goalkeepers from 8 to 17 years old.
The duration of the camp can be from one to six weeks, depending on the parents’ preference; all in a friendly and multicultural environment.
Key aspects of the Arsenal F.C. Goalkeeping Summer Camp.
- For players and goalkeepers from 8 to 17 years old (mixed).
- Coaches trained and certified by the club.
- Unique training plan, effective and applied in the lower divisions of the team.
- 5 locations in England.
- Promotes healthy competition and competitive spirit.
- Medium intensity training with a focus on the technical development of goalkeepers and players.
- Talks on mental health and its importance in today’s sport.
- Includes accommodation and food for the kids.
- Language classes available.
#4. Best Chelsea Foundation Summer Camp in the United Kingdom
Lasting a minimum of one week and a maximum of seven weeks, the Chelsea goalkeeper and player summer soccer camp is another great option for parents looking to entertain their children during their vacation.
The camp has several locations in England and is perfectly suited to the location of the parents, giving facilities in this aspect.
The camp’s coaches have been trained and certified by the London club, ensuring a high level of competitiveness and a high learning rate for the children.
Key aspects of the Chelsea Foundation Goalkeeping Camp
- For goalkeepers and players from 9 to 17 years old.
- Programs adapted to the level of the goalkeepers.
- Intermediate/high level training.
- Venues in different cities in England.
- Focus on understanding the rules and technical development of goalkeeping skills.
- Multiple exercises to sharpen the goalkeepers’ reflexes and reactions.
- Lodging and meals included.
- Training sessions are held on natural grass.
- Optional language classes.
#5. Liverpool F.C. Summer Camp.
Liverpool F.C. has updated its summer programs with two new goalkeeper camps in England.
One camp is held at Radley College, while the other is at Repton School.
This camp has the approval of the club’s youth teams and is run by coaches trained by the team.
With medium-high intensity training sessions, this camp is an excellent opportunity for the kids to improve their level and live an experience very close to the professional level.
Key aspects of the Liverpool F.C. Goalkeeping Camp.
- Aimed at goalkeepers and players from 9 to 17 years old (mixed).
- Official coaches of the club.
- Review of the basic concepts required for the goalkeeping position.
- Development of the fundamental movements of goalkeepers, along with their technical arsenal.
- Healthy competition among those present.
- Exercises and dynamics to improve technique and have fun.
- Talks on mental health.
- Natural grass fields.
- Optional language classes.
- Residence at Radley College or Repton School.
- Sports facilities are located on campus.
- Includes room and board.
#6. West Ham United Goalkeeper Camp
This camp offers a one to six week program, planned by West Ham United and Choices International.
The camp offers a multicultural and international experience open to players and goalkeepers, both boys and girls.
Training takes place just outside London and sessions are led by club coaches.
Key aspects of West Ham United's Summer Goalkeeping Camp
- Aimed at players and goalkeepers from 10 to 17 years old (mixed).
- It reviews the movements, basic position and movements of goalkeepers.
- For beginner to upper-intermediate level.
- Exercises to speed up decision making on the field.
- Special focus on reflexes and reactions when tackling.
- Residence at Sketch House in London.
- Natural and artificial grass pitches.
- Gymnasium on site.
- Accommodation and meals included in the fee.
- Optional language classes.
The Best Goalkeeper Soccer Camp in the UK is within your reach.
England is an excellent destination to practice soccer and develop your son or daughter’s goalkeeping skills.
The country offers a wide range of camps, whether High Performance or Summer Camps, aimed at players of different levels and ages.
Now, with all these recommendations, you have at your fingertips the best goalkeeper camps in the UK.
Ready for your child to live an unforgettable soccer experience?