SINGAPORE, 9 MARCH 2019 – The Football Association of Singapore recently conducted the Goalkeeping Level 1 Coaching course to introduce participants to the organisation and delivery of safe, fun and engaging goalkeeping for young goalkeepers aged between nine and 13.

The six-day course was held from 2 to 7 March and conducted by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Elite Goalkeeping Instructor Mr Kris Yong, who has been an AFC Instructor since 2008 and is currently the goalkeeping coach of the Malaysia Under-23 National Team.

Covering both technical and functional aspects, the course aimed to equip participants with the required competencies to better coach and support the development of aspiring goalkeepers.

Among the course participants was National Team custodian Zaiful Nizam, who took up the course in order to contribute back to the sport.

Zaiful said: “I started playing as a goalkeeper when I was 14 years old and am grateful to have learned from great coaches who have helped me get to where I am today. Taking the course is not only for my own development, but also my way of giving back to local football even after I hang up my boots. I hope to be a part of the national setup to help develop future goalkeepers for Singapore, be it at the younger age groups or senior level.”

Sports trainer Nasruldin Baharudin, who works with the various National Teams, believes that this course will aid him in his role.

“Besides gaining knowledge about goalkeeping, I took this course to see where I can help to improve the goalkeepers’ capabilities and performances in terms of fitness, as well as strength and conditioning,” he said. “It will be beneficial if I have a better understanding of the skills and techniques that goalkeeping coaches are looking out for.”