Sewell to host second goalkeeping camp August 7-9

FOLLOWING last year’s successful staging of his first goalkeeping training camp, Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz goalkeeper coach Andrew Sewell will host a second camp this year to help improve the standards of Jamaica’s best shot-stoppers.

According to Sewell there was a lot of positive feedback from last year’s camp and the second staging will run from August 7-9 at the Alpha Institute, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

“Last year’s clinic was a big success. We achieved our goals that we set at the start, which was to make goalkeeping fun,” Sewell said.

The coach explained that the three-day clinic is expected to focus on some key areas.

“The areas that we will be highlighting are focus, positioning and balance. These are some key areas that will help the goalkeepers to develop and assist in improving their performances on the pitch,” he stated.

Sewell said that based on his experience goalkeeping locally doesn’t receive the required attention that it deserves and he is moving to carefully craft a grassroots programme that players should benefit from in the future.

“It is very critical to have a grassroots programme, especially for goalkeepers because this area is not getting proper attention. This is where Safehands Goalkeeping Academy comes into play from a grassroots perspective,” he added.

Sewell said, however, that the level of goalkeeping in Jamaica is improving rapidly based on evidence of the quality of those who have been seen in the Jamaica Premier League. He said the likes of Shaquan Davis, Kemar Foster and Diego Haughton are goalkeepers who are improving every year and it is a good look for goalkeeping in Jamaica.

He added that the select age range for the clinic is important as this is the time to establish a solid foundation.

“We are focusing on ages eight to 20. At this age it’s important to have consistent training so that they can improve and develop their skill-set,” Sewell said.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com