Bannatyne is imparting his knowledge with participants of the course at Teouma Academy in Port Vila this week, saying the goalkeeper’s role is an important one in any form of football.
“The main job is to prevent the other team from scoring,” Bannatyne says.
“Whether the goalkeeper punches the ball, catches it or kicks it, as long as the ball does not go past the line, no point is scored.
“The goalkeeper is also the leader of the team’s defence. He is able to see the entire field and can instruct his teammates. The keeper can organise his team and have them push up or stay back if needed and can control the tempo of the game.”
Bannatyne says hand-eye co-ordination is an important aspect of becoming a goalkeeper along with a lack of fear and a willingness to “sacrifice” the body for the team.
“To be honest, the most important player in a football match ios the goalkeeper.”
Bannatyne says the importance of this role on the field is why there needs to be a high level of coaching supporting this player off the field.
“It is very important to put more time coaching young goalkeepers at an early age as well as when they are older. I believe Vanuatu can have great goalkeepers in the future who can help Vanuatu national teams achieve more.”
The course has covered the role of the goalkeeper, goalkeeper profiles, how to become a good goalkeeper coach and how to coach young keepers with both theory and practical sessions involving the Academy’s young players.
The OFC Level 1 Goalkeeping Course started on Monday, 15 September and will conclude on Thursday, 18 September at Teouma Academy.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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