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Youth football: your child wants to be a goalkeeper. what can you do to help them?

For some people the urge to keep goal comes at an early age. We've got some advice on how you can help your little one play in what's a very special position.

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1/ Suitable equipment for good protection

No doubt your child wants to get kitted out like the goalies they see on the telly, with a short-sleeved shirt, shorts and no protection! But they need to protect themselves.

Explain to them that professional goalkeepers touch the ball just 4 or 5 times during a match, on a pitch in perfect condition, but when they train, they protect themselves by wearing goalie trousers, elbow pads and knee pads so they don't get injured and are able to play on the weekend.

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2/ A glove, the goalkeeper's best friend

Gloves are of course a must for your budding goalie.

First of all, they protect your child's hands. We advise goalies to wear gloves with a system that prevents the fingers from being bent backwards from a very young age. The system is especially effective in limiting the risk of bruising on the fingers for adults. The aim is to look ahead and equip yourself for all risks linked with an impact on the ground, the ball, or players' feet.~As they grow up, the glove will become a tool that will give your child the best possible grip to catch the ball.

It is advisable for your child to have two pairs of gloves: one pair for matches, and another, older pair, for training. It is also advisable to have the same pair twice to have the same sensation on the ball.

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3/ A key position

The position of goalkeeper is undoubtedly a special one, that will help your child to become more responsible. It can also be a frustrating position for a child, as they may not have much contact with the ball in certain matches.

As a parent, you can help your child to put things in perspective, as they will be judged every time they touch the ball, and every time they make a decision. Basically, unlike their team-mates, they only get one shot and can't hide when they are less efficient.

It's a known fact that all goalies relive the match, but there's no point going over it too much.

Help your child take a step back and understand that the goalie is also an observer who has a general view of the pitch and guides the other players.

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François-xavier swiniarski

Kipsta product manager for balls and goalkeeper protective wear

"My football career is marked by the colours blood red and gold! I trained with the RC Lens junior national team, then moved into the Division d'Honneur followed by Division 3 for 4 years. I still play every week with the former players of RC Lens."

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