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 A Diploma is designed for advanced Goalkeeper Coaches working with elite youth and adult Goalkeepers, preparing the coach to work as an integrated member of a high-performance team.

Course Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for this course, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

✅ Hold a valid UEFA B Diploma and a valid UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma

✅ Have a good command of spoken and written English, as the course will be delivered entirely in English

✅ Priority will be given to coaches who completed their UEFA B Diploma and UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma through the Irish Football Association and those who are resident in Northern Ireland.

✅ If your UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma or was completed with another National Association, you will be required to submit a UEFA Cross Border Form. This form will be provided by the Irish FA if you are offered a place on the course.

Course Objectives

Course Format & Requirements

The course includes:

✅ Three residential practical blocks

✅ Online theoretical learning

✅ Face-to-face workshops

✅ Distance learning modules

Full attendance is mandatory for all practical and online components.

Time off will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and must be made up at a later date.

Candidates are expected to actively take part in practical pitch sessions as part of staff demonstrations and peer coaching.  (Exemptions may be considered in cases of illness or injury.)

All coursework, assignments, and online tasks must be completed and submitted through the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform.

Course Completion

⏳ Candidates have a maximum of 3 years from the start date to successfully complete all elements of the course.

🎓 Upon completion of all practical and theoretical requirements, candidates will be awarded the UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

The UEFA Goalkeeper A Licence remains valid for three years. During this time, coaches must complete at least 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to renew their Licence for another three-year period. Of these 15 hours, a minimum of 10 must be completed through Irish FA CPD events, which include the Irish FA | UEFA Youth Diplomas and other relevant Irish FA courses. The remaining 5 hours may be completed externally, provided the activities are relevant to the qualification.

Four Pillars of the UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma

The Specialised Goalkeeper Coach

- Working with and understanding goalkeepers of different cultural backgrounds, levels of maturity and ability

- Creating a high-performance culture and environment

- Working as an integrated member of the coaching/management team

- Working closely with other support staff to enhance the team’s performance strategy

- Understanding and supporting technical and tactical planning and how it affects the actions and role of the goalkeeper in game situations

- Guiding the club’s goalkeeper development and performance strategy

- Working closely with support staff to create an effective recruitment plan

The Goalkeeper

- Providing an annual periodisation plan to ensure the correct development and maintenance of goalkeepers in short, medium and long-term schedules

- Providing an effective training environment to build or maintain the performance level of the goalkeeper as part of a successful team

- Establishing an appropriate environment to help individual goalkeepers develop strategies to achieve their own personal performance objectives

- Providing effective opportunities for the goalkeeper to gain sufficient playing opportunities during matches

- Dealing with each goalkeeper’s support networks

The Training Environment

- Turning plans into a positive practical training environment based on the needs of the team (reality-based learning)

- Conducting training sessions suitable for achieving high levels of performance

- Helping goalkeepers to build and maintain their own individual physical and psychological performance levels

- Analysing the goalkeeper’s actions during the game, to understand and measure performance levels

- Conducting post-evaluation of technical and tactical training sessions to make positive adaptations to future plans

The Match

- Preparing the goalkeepers to perform effectively during competition schedules

- Supporting the management team as and when requested

- Using the match as an evaluation and learning tool