In December 2024 the OFC/NZF Goalkeeping C Licence course took place in Christchurch, providing an insightful experience for female goalkeeping coaches Danja Jamieson, Amber McConnochie and Hannah Halpin.
Among the 15 participants, their presence was a significant step forward on a course typically dominated by men, showcasing the potential of women’s goalkeeping in New Zealand and Oceania.
“It was very encouraging to have that representation,” said OFC Goalkeeping Consultant James Bannatyne.“We’ve had courses with no female participants or just one or two if we’re lucky. So to have three was really encouraging and exciting for the opportunities for them.”
Danja Jamieson – a physics graduate from the University of Canterbury – played as a goalkeeper in the South Island League and Mainland Premiership. She now plays and coaches for the University of Canterbury AFC (UCAFC).
For Halpin, she plays football for Hibiscus Coast, all while transitioning into coaching, while Amber McConnochie currently represents Nelson Suburbs, where she started coaching just this season, at age 19.
“The course was awesome,” said Jamieson. “It was super valuable taking the learning from the classroom onto the pitch and putting this into practice.”
“It was good for my understanding of goalkeeping, I’m still learning, and it was cool to get another perspective of goalkeeping. I’ve also been unlucky with quite a few injuries the past few years, and coaching means I can still be involved,” said McConnochie.
Facilitated by OFC Coach Educator Chris Marsh, the four-day course combined theory and practical sessions, focusing on planning, preparing, conducting and evaluating training sessions. Participants designed and ran sessions, receiving feedback from peers and instructors.
The course was co-delivered by Bannatyne, Jonas Hoffmann (former German youth international and UEFA Goalkeeping B Licence holder), and Bailey Jordan (women’s first-team goalkeeper coach for Canterbury Pride).
“I think generally the three girls just made a great contribution to the course, bringing their youthful enthusiasm. The service that they provided in their training sessions were great, and they were well organised,” said Bannatyne.
Having woman like Danja, Hannah and Amber participate in courses like this not only advances their own skills but also enhances the training environments for young female goalkeepers in their clubs. While their presence is a positive sign, Bannatayne acknowledged there’s more work to be done to increase representation and support for women in this specialised field.
“It’s a good benchmark for us to ensure more representation for woman on goalkeeping coaching courses, but equally the possibility of doing woman’s only goalkeeping coaching courses as well,” said Bannatyne.
For Danja, Hannah and Amber, the journey doesn’t stop here. They are paving the way for the next generation of players and coaches by honing their craft and sharing their knowledge.
“I hope that in the future, foundations for development in women’s goalkeeping in the region can be built to support the game that we all love and keep giving amazing opportunities to people like myself, Hannah and Amber,” added Danja.
In 2025, the Goalkeeping department with OFC Education will be hosting an OFC regional Goalkeeper C Licence and two Goalkeeping C Licence courses with New Zealand Football.
“Recruitment of female goalkeeper coaches for all these courses will be a priority and something I will be focusing on,” confirms Bannatyne.
Feature Photo Credit: OFC Media