Goalkeeping is arguably the most specialised role in football development, and it’s sometimes the most challenging to support for young footballers, especially at a grassroots level. 

In the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, a new (old) partnership between WaiBOP Football and James Bannatyne of INGOAL is working to support both goalkeeper coaches and young goalkeepers across the region. 

The programme is led by INGOAL’s James Bannatyne, Oceania Football Confederation Goalkeeping Development Consultant and the only FIFA Goalkeeper Instructor in New Zealand, with support from WaiBOP Football Development Officer Akshaay Anath.

Bannatyne worked with WaiBOP from 2015 – 2020 both in a Goalkeeping and Commercial capacity following the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015.

For Bannatyne, the project is about strengthening the goalkeeping environment both at a Federation and a Club level. His vision is simple: clubs across the region delivering strong goalkeeper programmes. 

“Leading a long-term football development project with a focus on goalkeeping in our region is hugely motivating,” he says.

“Recognising and supporting the great work already being done by goalkeeper coaches is a key part of this. The work of goalkeeper coaches I value hugely. Assisting clubs in our region is a huge challenge but at the same time really exciting”

“Whether that’s performance at the highest levels or supporting goalkeeping in the community space, the aim is to ensure great experiences for both coaches and keepers.”

A central focus of the programme is building stronger connections between goalkeeper coaches across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Goalkeeping requires specialist coaching that’s entirely different, technically, outfield play. Mindset, technique, positioning, communication and being a top athlete are all critical elements of the role. Good goalkeeper coaching also develops leadership, resilience and confidence.

By supporting coaches within clubs, WaiBOP and INGOAL hope to create a stronger regional network that lifts the quality of goalkeeper development.

Clubs across the region have welcomed the initiative.

Hamilton Wanderers president and goalkeeper coach Dave Douglas believes the programme arrives at an important time for player development in New Zealand.

“Having a specialised goalkeeper focus across the region from WaiBOP is a really positive step, especially with the implementation of Whole of Football 2.0, which will introduce goalkeeping earlier in the player development cycle,” Douglas says.

“Promoting and building awareness of the position, and how fun it can be at a junior level, is really important.”

At Tauranga Blue Rovers, Director of Football Chris Acott says support from the federation will help clubs develop their goalkeeper environments.

“In such a specialised role it will help guide coaches and players with education to grow and improve our goalkeeper community.”

Alongside coach support, the programme is delivering direct opportunities for young goalkeepers.

During Term 4 of 2025 and Term 1 of 2026, WaiBOP has run Junior and Youth Goalkeeper Development Programmes for players aged 8–16. 

In 2025, the programme ran in Hamilton and Tauranga, with 62 participants across three age groups. Rotorua and Whakatane were added as locations in Term 1, 2026. 

The one day a week programme is designed for young players who already enjoy playing in goal and want to develop their skills further.

Sessions cover key elements of goalkeeping including positioning, shot-stopping, handling, communication and decision-making.

Local goalkeeper coaches lead each centre, with Max Tommy in Hamilton, Gary Dillistone in Tauranga, Richard Gillespie in Rotorua and Jon Stanhope in Whakatāne. Other coaches including Tony Govorko, Emma Meadows and Madi Whitmore have provided support.  

Bannatyne says that while larger clubs often have goalkeeping coaches, the specialised coaching doesn’t always start until players are in their teens. Smaller clubs often don’t have a specialised goalkeeper coach at the moment – something Bannatyne would like to see change in the future.  

The WaiBOP Football Federation covers the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, including the Coromandel Peninsula and Taupo. The largest clubs have over a thousand members, and the smallest less than 50.

The WaiBOP Junior and Youth Goalkeeping Programme is open to players from any club or school in the region.