Starting in 2017, the Northern Football Academy was borne out of an ever-changing educational landscape. On the back of the highly successful Football Excellence program at the College designed by David Black in 2003, the Northern Football Academy is a football intensive learning experience for students, blending pursuits in the world of football with St Monica’s expansive curriculum. It affords the students in the academy the opportunity to continue their studies with a football focus.

The Goalkeeper School aims to not only develop young goalkeepers but also boost participation and provide a clear developmental pathway. It will provide specialised training that caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Our training sessions cover essential skills such as shot-stopping, high balls, distribution, footwork, and positioning, along with game-specific situations and decision-making. We also emphasize the mental aspects of goalkeeping, including focus, resilience, and leadership, to help goalkeepers thrive under pressure. Our program is designed to build confidence and elevate performance.

In its early stages, Year 7 and 8, we aim to develop the general skills and technique of all our goalkeepers. This will then prepare them for the later years in the College where the focus becomes more on match-related training and scenarios. By covering all areas of goalkeeping, we want our players to be physically and mentally prepared to reach their highest level of playing once they complete their time with our Goalkeeping School. The professional environment and high-quality training sessions aim to give them the best platform to succeed at any level of competition.