Course details: The UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma

Goalkeeper coaching is a fundamental element of the game, ensuring this specialised position is well catered for with dedicated sessions and practices designed to enhance the quality of the individual.

The UEFA Goalkeeper B diploma offers course participants a clear understanding of how to develop young goalkeepers and coach adult goalkeepers in either the amateur or elite game.

UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma requirements

- A valid UEFA C licence OR a national goalkeeper certificate and to have completed relevant modules of the C diploma course as per the course syllabus.

Course length

The course requires at least 60 hours of education, and can be topped up by visits to see other coaches in actionBongarts/Getty Images

The UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma requires a total minimum 60 hours of education. A minimum 40 hours will be spent studying guided interactive content, with a minimum 20 hours made up of work experience in a club environment. At least 40 hours of the minimum 60 hours will be spent on the pitch.

Study visits in a club football environment can be included as a top-up to the learning to enhance the participants’ competence. The number of study visit hours are in addition to the minimum 60 hours of education.

Four pillars of the UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma

The specialised goalkeeper coach

- Developing a holistic understanding of the game and how it affects the actions and role of the goalkeeper
- Working with and understanding goalkeepers of various cultural backgrounds, ages, genders and levels of ability
- Working with goalkeepers in the period of maturation, especially during peak height velocity (major growth spurt), when training programmes often need to be adjusted to reduce the likelihood of growth-related issues
- Working closely with other support staff to develop the goalkeeper’s individual performance and their role as part of the team

The goalkeeper

- Understanding periodisation and knowing how to plan for the correct development of goalkeepers in the medium and short term
- Knowing how to devise development plans for individual goalkeepers to achieve personal goals in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological/social sectors
- Providing effective opportunities for the goalkeepers to gain sufficient playing opportunities during matches
- Dealing with each goalkeeper’s support networks

The course helps coaches work with players of a range of ages and backgroundsGetty Images for DFB

The training environment

- Ability to apply plans to a positive practical training environment based on the reality of the game (reality-based learning)
- Conducting training sessions appropriate to the goalkeepers’ needs
- Understanding and managing goalkeepers through their individual physical and psychological development
- Analysing the goalkeeper’s individual actions to gain a clear understanding of training session design and how it meets the needs of both the individual goalkeeper’s and the team’s performances
- Reviewing the training sessions to make positive adaptations

The match

- Supporting the transition from training to matches in a constructive, positive way
- Focusing on the development of the goalkeeper during matches
- Ensuring sufficient playing time for all goalkeepers
- Considering the match as an evaluation and learning tool

How do I enrol for a UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma?

Contact your national football association for the latest course information, availability and eligibility.