November 7 – The USA has built a reputation in producing goalkeepers, however, over the last decade that production line has dried up. This month, the ECNL (Elite Club National League) has announced events designed for keepers that they hope will revitalize that famed production line.
In partnership with the United Goalkeeping Alliance, ENCL will hold showcases through the 2024/25 season. The Goalkeeping Showcases will provide stoppers an opportunity to be trained and evaluated by high-level goalkeeper coaches at select ECNL National Events for college identification purposes.
Last season the organisation produced four goalkeeping showcases at ECNL National Events. Now, the league will host seven Goalkeeping Showcases at both ECNL National Events and ECNL Regional League National Events to continue to provide additional college exposure and development opportunities for goalkeepers.
More than 100 players and college coaches were in attendance at each of the four Goalkeeping Showcases last season in Florida, Phoenix, and Virginia, providing a positive and supportive atmosphere for players to learn from and be evaluated by an excellent staff of coaches. Dedicated training space, experienced goalkeeper coaches, and top-quality Kwik Goal goals and equipment make each event a dedicated training experience for the players.
These events create opportunities for goalkeepers to showcase their abilities live and in front of college scouts. In addition, United Goalkeeping Alliance will host a Zoom call prior to each event to discuss recruiting with goalkeepers and families in advance of their session and to address questions for registered players.
When you consider the alumni of excellent US keepers in the form of Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, and Kasey Keller from the men’s side of the game, then add, Brianna Scurry, and perhaps the best women’s keeper ever in the form of Hope Solo, this programme has the scope to add to that rich list of names.
It all begins in Virginia on November 15, 2024 and runs through to May 26 of 2025.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734895300labto1734895300ofdlr1734895300owedi1734895300sni@o1734895300fni1734895300