Overview
AFC/BUSA GOALKEEPING PROGRAM
The AFC/BUSA goalkeeping program continues to provide outstanding training for keepers of all levels ages 8 to 18. Our staff consists of current and former professional players, current and former college players, college coaches, and experienced club coaches.
At AFC/BUSA we are creating modern goalkeepers. Our coaches will not only give individuals the tools to become great shot-stoppers but will implement training that simulates match play by teaching needed techniques in all game situations.
Our goalkeepers will not only learn how to hit long punts and take goal kicks, but they will also be taught to read the game tactically, give and receive short and long passes, build play from the back, and bypass the press of our opponents.
Great goalkeepers are in top physical condition, they are athletic, brave, strong, and quick. Our training sessions will promote strength, speed, agility, mobility, endurance, and explosiveness.
Great goalkeepers are also psychologically strong. Through dynamic training, high expectations, and positive feedback, our keepers will be taught mental focus in training, practice, and matches. They will learn how to deal with stress and fear in a positive manner, how to use assertive positive communication in goal, when and how to be brave, and how to calculate and take risks when necessary. These character traits will limit mistakes and build the self-confidence that all goalkeepers need, therefore creating the confidence that teammates and coaches need in goalkeepers.
Year after year, AFC’s goalkeeping program has helped our boys and girls play at America’s top colleges and universities including; Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, Samford, UAB, and many others. We believe we have one of the best goalkeeper programs in the region and are working to be one of the best in the nation.
If you are interested in becoming part of the AFC Goalkeepers Union we would love to have you join us at our Goalkeeper Training Sessions.
If you have any questions please reach out. Hope to see you between the posts.
Program Focus
BUSA’s GOALKEEPER PROGRAM FOCUSES ON:
- Footwork & Handling
- Shot Stopping & Reactions
- Crosses & High Balls
- 1v1 & Breakaways
- Distribution & Starting Positions
- Goalkeeper Speed Work & Agility
- Mental aspects of Goalkeeping
INFO
WHO CAN ATTEND BUSA GOALKEEPER ACADEMY?
Anyone can attend who is affiliated with Birmingham United Soccer Association Goalkeeper Academy. This a supplemental training program which means we are teaching techniques and principals that goalkeepers do not receive in the team environment. All our programs are supplementary: “functioning in a supporting capacity.”
WE OFFER TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAINING:
- BUSA Goalkeeper Academy: The BUSA Goalkeeper Academy is direct coaching for all goalkeepers that currently are playing for BUSA teams during the Fall and/or Spring Seasons.
- Year-Round Camps (Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring): Goalkeeper training programs for goalkeepers of all ages and all abilities and from ALL clubs, to come and train in a high level, fun and enjoyable environment. All seasonal programs are broken up into age and ability specific sessions.
BUSA Goalkeeper Academy offers the best possible goalkeeper training in the state of Alabama. With 8 fully-qualified ex-professional, former collegiate coaches, current and former collegiate goalkeepers as training staff.
Schedule
2025 Season Sessions
AFC Competitive Schedule
*price included in competitive fees
Goalkeeper training will begin the first week of February and continue through April. Below is a detailed schedule.
Rathmell (Kimmerling Field):
Monday and Thursday: Feb.3 thru April 28
5:30 to 6:15: Boys and Girls 2014 to 2016
6:15 to 7:00: Boys and Girls 2013 and older
Dunnavant Valley (Field 6):
Monday and Thursday: Feb.3 thru April 28
5:15 to 6:00: Boys and Girls 2014 to 2016
6:00 to 6:45: Boys and Girls 2013 and older
Alabaster (Veterans Park turf) :
Tuesday: Feb. 4 thru April 29
5:30 to 6:15: Boys and Girls 2014 to 2016
6:15 to 7:00: Boys and Girls 2013 and older Coach: Trey Cutrell
BUSA Recreational Schedule
Cost: $300
Locations:
Rathmell Sports Park on Tuesdays
Dunnavant Valley Feilds on Wednesdays
Time: 6:30-7:30
Tuesday Dates:
August 20th and 27th
September 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
November 5th
Wednesday Dates:
August 21st, 28th
September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
November 6th
To register and for more information, please contact Coach Matt VanOekel
