While most sporting groups are winding down for Christmas, AWFA has been busy gearing up for 2018.
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The association is working closely with former Socceroos goalkeeper Jim Fraser and Football NSW to set up a goalkeeping academy on the Border.
Trials will be staged next year targeted at male and female keepers in the region aged 11 to 15.
A partnership has also been formed with HO Soccer, supported by Jarrod Hastings and reigning AWFA Star Goalkeeper Matt Mildren.
Hastings’ aim is to supply AWFA with gloves through his business Hast Sports, which distributes HO equipment across Australia and New Zealand, by providing quality goalkeeping equipment to younger generations.
“Matt and I have both been ambassadors for HO Soccer for a couple years between us now and we both love the brand, which is originated out of Europe,” Hastings said.
“Some of Europe’s top keepers are wearing them, so we wanted to bring that professional aspect to the kids.”
AWFA vice-president of high performance Simon Randall admits goalkeeping has been area that has been neglected in the past.
“Goalkeeping is a specialised position and we don’t have enough knowledge here yet,” Randall said.
“Jim is on board to run courses in 2018 for coaches and make sure we’re heading in the right direction.
“It’s going to take two or three years to get it right, but that’s where our goal is.”