Major Step Forward for Oceania Goalkeepers with Completion of OFC/NZF Goalkeeping B Licence Course

Oceania has made a significant stride in developing elite-level goalkeepers across the region with the recent conclusion of the OFC/NZF Goalkeeping B Licence course.

Following a successful first half of the course in April, coaches returned for part two, which focused on translating their theoretical knowledge into practical, match-realistic training sessions. These sessions included outfield players to simulate real game conditions, enhancing the depth of their coaching abilities.

The second part of the course proved to be demanding, but Chris Marsh, OFC Education Consultant and lead coach developer, was thrilled with how the coaches performed.

“The coaches delivered their coaching practicals so well. We feel very proud of their progress; they’ve been working hard and applying their learning on the pitch. Now we’re seeing the results,” Marsh said. “It’s a very strong cohort with many international and professional coaches. The goalkeeper union is strong. They’ve been getting on well, learning and growing together—what could be better?”

Among the course participants was Bailey Jordan, the youngest at just 21 years old. Jordan is currently the women’s first-team goalkeeper coach for Canterbury Pride in New Zealand’s National League and also works with Cashmere Technical in the women’s division. For him, the course was an opportunity to learn from more seasoned peers, which he’s eager to apply in his roles.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is using the experience of the other coaches around me. We’ve probably got 100 international caps within the coaching staff. Being around them every day and delivering sessions together has been huge for me,” Jordan said.

The course represents the culmination of a two-year project for Marsh and his team, involving global research, the development of a competency framework, and a detailed course delivery plan.

During part two, the coaches had a unique opportunity to observe an Auckland FC training session led by former Celtic goalkeeper and Auckland FC coach Jonathan Gould. This experience left a lasting impression on the participants.

“Watching Gouldy work with some very good keepers, at the highest level we can in New Zealand, was eye-opening,” Jordan added. “Seeing how someone like Alex Paulsen works day-to-day has been really inspiring for me and many others.”

Issac Tetteh, originally from Ghana and now a goalkeeping coach at Auckland United, also emphasised the importance of the course.

“Achieving the qualification is a huge step. It puts you on the right track for the A Licence, and if you want to keep progressing in your education, this opens the door to further your dream of becoming a top goalkeeper coach in this country,” explained Tetteh.

The course has also fostered personal and professional growth for participants like Nick Stanton, goalkeeper coach for Wellington Phoenix’s A-League Women’s team.

“A lot of coaches can get stuck in their ways, thinking, ‘this is how I do it and it works,’ but the game evolves, especially goalkeeping,” Stanton said. “Ten years ago, goalkeeping was different from what it is now. As coaches, we need to evolve too, and courses like this help us learn, adapt, and grow.”

Tessa Nicol, the U-20 women’s goalkeeper coach for New Zealand Football, shared similar sentiments, noting that the course provided her with “new tools” to implement in her role back in Dunedin.

The next step for the coaches is their final assessment, which includes analysing a match, designing a training session based on that analysis, and then filming and reflecting on the session. Success in this final stage will earn them the coveted OFC/NZF Goalkeeping B Licence, setting them up for further qualifications and growth in the goalkeeping field.

Marsh also confirmed that plans are already in motion for next year’s Goalkeeping B Licence course, with registrations to open soon. Additionally, an advanced OFC/NZF Goalkeeping A Licence course is in the works.

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