The 15th Goalkeeping Camp & Seminar of Athens Goalkeepers Academy was completed with great success at Renti Arena in Athens, once again confirming AGA’s position as a reference point for specialised goalkeeper training in Greece.
The event once again had a strong nationwide and international character, bringing together goalkeepers from many different parts of Greece, as well as from abroad. Participants travelled from Chios, Santorini, Thebes, Alexandroupoli, Trikala, Lesvos, Larissa, Kavala, Agrinio, Milos, Aegina, Evia, Laconia and Samos, while goalkeepers also joined the programme from countries such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
This year’s camp was further strengthened by the presence of two highly experienced international goalkeeper coaches: Serbian Head GK Coach of the FK Crvena Zvezda Academy, Dušan Gašić, and English goalkeeper coach of Liverpool Women, Andrew Lonergan.
The two guest coaches brought different football experiences, modern coaching ideas and valuable know-how to the camp, giving the participants the opportunity to work in a demanding, high-level training environment.
For the young goalkeepers, the opportunity to learn from professionals who have worked and competed in elite football environments was one of the most valuable aspects of the camp. Through theory, practical application and direct guidance on the pitch, the athletes were able to gain a deeper understanding of the demands of the position and work on details that can make a real difference in their development.
The first day of the camp placed particular emphasis on mental preparation and the proper management of mistakes. Mental coach Sakis Stathakis spoke to the goalkeepers about the importance of mistakes in football and the way an athlete must react, remain focused and continue with a clear mind. For a goalkeeper, a mistake can be immediate and visible, but the real difference lies in the reaction and in the management of the next action.
Another important part of the opening day was the specialised ergometric assessment of the participants, held under the supervision of fitness coach Iakovos Chasapis and his team. The results of the assessment were then used to help shape the training programme of the following days, making the work on the pitch even more targeted and adapted to the needs of the athletes.
The second day was dedicated to Dušan Gašić’s programme. It began with a seminar on the methodology of training elite goalkeepers at the FK Crvena Zvezda Academy and continued on the pitch, where theory was turned into practice.
The goalkeepers were divided into eight subgroups, with each group working under the guidance of a goalkeeper coach and applying Dušan Gašić’s exercises and instructions in real training conditions. Their exposure to the Serbian football school gave the athletes the opportunity to experience a different working philosophy, based on discipline, intensity, methodology and high standards.
The third day also held a special place in the programme, as it was dedicated to Andrew Lonergan, with both a seminar and practical application on the pitch. The programme focused on key situations in the modern game, including defending the area, cutbacks, block saves, crossing and second ball recovery.
Through these specific units, the goalkeepers worked on positioning, reaction speed, decision-making and the effective management of situations inside and around the box. These are details that often define a goalkeeper’s performance in real match conditions.
The third day also featured a dedicated nutrition seminar, delivered by clinical dietitian and nutritionist Sofia Mavreli, who highlighted the importance of proper nutrition in performance, recovery and overall athletic development.
The 15th Goalkeeping Camp & Seminar was another important educational experience for the goalkeepers of Athens Goalkeepers Academy, as well as another example of the Academy’s consistent effort to offer young athletes modern training stimuli, international expertise and real development opportunities.
The impressions left by several of the participants during the assessment process were very positive, as both guest coaches from abroad acknowledged. As a result, some of the participating goalkeepers are expected to be invited to travel abroad in the near future for further assessment by foreign clubs.
Athens Goalkeepers Academy would like to warmly thank all the athletes who participated, the parents who once again placed their trust in the Academy, as well as all the coaches and partners who contributed to the successful organisation of the event.
The Academy would also like to express special thanks to the sponsors who supported the 15th Goalkeeping Camp & Seminar: ALM AGENTS, Saint Bernard Mobile Bar, Royal Spartan Elixirs, Fearless Goalkeepers, The Momentum Group (Marron, Nalu, Opus) and Mitsos Truck Repair, for their valuable contribution to this event as well.
