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The Forgotten Position in Coaching? Investigating Challenges When Developing Goalkeepers in Soccer Academies

McGann, Ronan orcid logoORCID: 0009-0009-8995-9392 and Taylor, Robin D. orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-9530-8355 (2026) The Forgotten Position in Coaching? Investigating Challenges When Developing Goalkeepers in Soccer Academies. International Sport Coaching Journal . pp. 1-13. ISSN 2025-0095

Abstract
This study explores the challenges and nuances of talent development for goalkeepers (GKs) within Irish soccer academies, a position often overlooked in existing talent development literature. Adopting a coproduction methodology, the research engaged academy managers and goalkeeping coaches from the League of Ireland to uncover lived experiences and contextual insights (n = 16). Through semistructured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, three core themes were actively generated: (a) gaps in individual GK development, (b) the process of collaboration, and (c) exploring the barriers to effective GK development. Findings highlight the unique psychological and social demands placed on GKs, the need for cohesive integrated coaching practices, and the importance of institutional support for GK-specific development nationally. The study advocates for a nested approach to future research on the macro (national planning), meso (academy culture), and micro (coaching practices) levels to inform more inclusive and impactful talent development strategies. Ultimately, this work contributes to the growing body of research of sport, laying the groundwork for future research for sport initiatives aimed at enhancing GK development in Ireland.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Talent development; goalkeeping; academy soccer; problematisation
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Health
Medical Sciences > Performance
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Health and Human Performance
DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Psychology
Publisher:Human Kinetics
Official URL:https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/i...
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:33173
Deposited On:10 Aug 2026 14:58 by Eimear Maher . Last Modified 10 Aug 2026 14:58
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