Academy keepers pre-season off to a flying start

The scholars - including Denis Begovic and James Carey - are back training full time with head of goalkeeping Ali Hines and are looking very strong for the season ahead.

Sessions have worked on dealing with incoming crosses, distribution from hands and feet and general agility work.

The inflatable mannequins came out to play as coaches took turns taking shots against the boys, allowing them to react to the deflections and stop the ball from causing any danger. 

Later in the week the boys’ acrobatic talents and judgements were tested as all keepers were left covering a goal without knowing which net the shot would be aimed at. 

It’s fair to say that all of the club’s young goalkeepers have hit the ground running and are looking comfortable to be back in the net. 

Reported by: Lewis Hughes, Dan Carter, Fin Coombs and Sam Walker of Bradley Stoke Community School.