Goalkeeping is football’s most specialised position — a unique blend of physical skill, mental strength, and tactical awareness.

As the only person on the pitch who uses their hands, their training looks diferent to outfiled players. 

The modern goalkeeper is not just a shot stopper. They need to be good with their hands AND feet, and understand positioning and ball distribution, and be great communicators. 

They often train using small-group or individual sessions that focus on repetition and technique refinement.

Good goalkeeper coaching also builds leadership and confidence, helping keepers communicate effectively and stay composed when it matters most.

WaiBOP Goal Keeper Development Programme

WaiBOP Football’s Goalkeeping Development Programme recognises goalkeepers need specialised training. 

The goal is for every club to have the knowledge and tools to deliver effective goalkeeper training aligned with their philosophy. By supporting clubs and coaches, WaiBOP is helping increase the number of specialist goalkeeping sessions available — improving environments for both coaches and players, and ensuring that goalkeeping continues to thrive across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Led by FIFA Goalkeeper Instructor James Bannatyne, supported by WaiBOP Development Officer Akshaay Ananth, the initiative aims to grow the region’s goalkeeping community. ​​​​​​​

Junior/Youth Goalkeeping Sessions Term 4 2025

4-week goalkeeper programme for boys and girls aged 8–16. 

This programme is for young players who are already showing a love for being in goal, and is designed to help sharpen their skills, strengthen their technique and grow their confidence.

Each session will cover key areas of Goal Keeping — including positioning, shot stopping, handling, communication and decision making. 

Programme details:
WHERE: Hamilton (Galloway Park) & Tauranga (Links Ave, Mt Maunganui)
WHEN: Mondays – 3, 10, 17, 24 November 
COST: $60 

🧤 8–10 years: 5pm – 5:50pm
🧤 11–13 years: 6pm – 6:50pm
🧤 14–16 years: 7pm – 8pm

Spots are limited to 10 per age group — register early to secure a place.

Hamilton Coach - Max Tommy (GK Coach, MTGoal)

Tauranga Head Coach - Gary Dillistone

James Bannatyne
 
Bannatyne’s 20-year playing career culminated in representing New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa 2010. He played with the Football Kingz in Auckland, won National League titles with Miramar Rangers and Auckland City, and had stints with Team Wellington, Petone and Canterbury United.
 
Since retiring as a player, Bannatyne has become one of New Zealand’s busiest goalkeeper coaches and consultants.
 
He consults to the Oceania Football Confederation on goalkeeper development, is a FIFA goalkeeper instructor and works with a number of New Zealand clubs.
 
For 12 years, he has run INGOAL, his own goalkeeper coaching service.
 
From 2016 to 2020, Bannatyne worked for WaiBOP as Goalkeeper Development Officer. He is based in Tauranga.

Akshaay Ananth
 
Akshaay Ananth is a WaiBOP Football federation development officer, with a passion for goalkeeping.
 
He played as a goalkeeper in his youth at high school in South Auckland, and at Papakura FC at the U17 and U23 level. He started coaching after a series of playing injuries, and has coached football in schools and clubs for the last five years.
 
He is based in Hamilton.​​​​​​​