Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Andy Woodcock and I am employed as an academy coach for Gillingham Football Club. Born in the local area I attended Dane Court Grammar School and still live in Ramsgate. Last year I planned and established the new Gillingham Development Centre in Monkton with Steve Lovell (Director of Football in the Community). I now run the centre 4 nights a week and have over 80 excellent boys and girls from the local area.

Having coached with Gillingham for nearly four years one of my key aims is to provide quality coaching to all aspects of the game. As a chairman, team manager or a parent I am sure you are aware that our young goalkeepers are not offered the same opportunity to develop due to a severe shortage of qualified goalkeeping coaches in the local area.

Last month I passed the first of its kind, FA Level 2 Goalkeeping course, held in Maidstone by England Goalkeeping coach Tony Parks. Over the coming months I will be working alongside Tony at Crystal Palace’s academy to gain extra experience.

After Christmas we plan to start a Goalkeeping School in Thanet. In order to provide the best standard of coaching, spaces will initially be limited to 6-8 goalkeepers per night. Sessions are likely to be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5.30 – 6.30pm and 7.00 – 8.00pm for the older players.

We also have a few spaces available in our new Girls Development Night which is held on a Tuesday from 5.30-7pm.

For further details or to register your interest please contact me on 07976 587101.

Location

Monkton Recreational Ground

Seamark Close

Monkton

Kent, CT12 4JH