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What does elite goalkeeper development actually look like inside the system shaping England’s next generation of top keepers?

In this EVOGK episode, Paul sits down with Sam Meek to explore a coaching journey that runs from academy football to the national pathway. Sam’s development began around senior football at Bolton Wanderers F.C., where early exposure to high-level goalkeepers and experienced staff helped shape how he understood standards, detail, and the daily habits behind elite performance.

His career then moved through important academy environments including Birmingham City F.C. and Aston Villa F.C., where he worked across goalkeeper development programmes, age-group progression, and long-term player planning before stepping into the England setup with The Football Association.

What makes this conversation valuable is how clearly Sam explains the changes in modern goalkeeper coaching. Today’s goalkeeper is no longer judged only on saves and handling. The role now includes decision-making under pressure, distribution, game understanding, communication, and the ability to operate almost like an extra outfield player.

Sam talks openly about why young goalkeepers are often overloaded too early, why confidence is fragile, and why one coaching method does not work for every player. He explains how coaches can easily damage belief without meaning to, why enjoyment still matters hugely in younger age groups, and why sessions must connect to the wider game rather than stay trapped in isolated goalkeeper work.

The episode also explores recruitment, player identity, coaching mistakes, pathway design, and what often separates goalkeepers who keep progressing from those who stall. Consistency, adaptability, and learning speed matter just as much as technical ability.

For young keepers, goalkeeper coaches, academy staff and parents, this is a proper inside look at what elite development really demands and where modern goalkeeping continues to evolve.

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Alan Fettis has lived one of the most remarkable journeys in modern goalkeeping. From idolising Pat Jennings on Belfast streets to carving out a professional career at Hull City and earning 25 caps for Northern Ireland, his story is built on resilience, adaptability and a deep love for the craft. In this episode, Alan takes us through the moments that shaped him, the setbacks that hardened him and the opportunities that changed everything.

We explore the hidden talent of the Irish League, what it feels like to lose your starting place, and the surreal day he ended up playing outfield in a professional match. Alan also shares the self-driven learning that defined his coaching foundation long before he entered elite environments, revealing how DVDs, curiosity and countless hours shaped his understanding of goalkeeper development.

The conversation goes deeper when he talks about coaching at Manchester United, the snowstorm interview that opened the door, the evolution of David de Gea, and the training revolution under Louis van Gaal. Alan breaks down the modern goalkeeper’s tactical demands, the rise of analysis overload, managing different personalities and why enjoyment is being squeezed out of the game more than ever.

For young goalkeepers, parents and coaches, this is an honest, detailed and insightful look into what it takes to survive and grow in a constantly evolving position. Alan’s reflections offer a powerful blend of experience, humility and hard-earned wisdom.

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From non-league beginnings to Champions League nights and England duty, Simon Smith’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and pure goalkeeping obsession.
As a player, coach, and mentor, he’s lived every level of the game – from grassroots development to standing beside Sir Bobby Robson on the Newcastle United bench, shaping the next generation of keepers.

In this powerful conversation, Simon shares the lessons he’s learned from over two decades at the top – what it takes to handle pressure, how to stay consistent under scrutiny, and why understanding football as a whole is crucial for every goalkeeper. He reflects on his work with legends like Shay Given and Jordan Pickford, the evolution of the modern goalkeeper, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in today’s high-stakes game.

Whether you’re a young goalkeeper dreaming of the Premier League or a coach seeking deeper insight into the craft, this episode offers rare access to one of England’s most respected goalkeeping minds.

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When you’ve worked with Schmeichel, Van der Sar, and De Gea, you’ve seen everything there is to know about greatness between the posts. In this episode of the Catching Up, Eric Steele – the legendary former Manchester United goalkeeping coach – joins us to share his remarkable journey from Wallsend Boys Club to the world’s biggest stages.

Eric opens up about what separates the good from the great, the real meaning of professionalism, and how mindset defines a goalkeeper’s legacy. From Gordon Banks’ gloves to Ben Foster’s famous “iPod King” moment, he reveals the unseen details that build champions – and the humility that sustains them.

We dive deep into the psychology of coaching, the evolution of the modern goalkeeper, and why calmness under pressure might just be the greatest superpower in football. Eric also talks about his passion for developing young players through EvoGK, helping the next generation of keepers learn from the very best.

Whether you’re a young player, a coach, or simply a football fan, this is a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and the art of goalkeeping – from a man who’s lived it all.

#EvoGK #Goalkeeping #EricSteele #ManUnited #GoalkeeperCoaching #FootballPodcast #BenFoster #DavidDeGea #PeterSchmeichel #EdwinVanderSar #CoachingJourney #Mindset #Leadership #YouthDevelopment #VAR

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Jonathan Craig’s story is about sacrifice, graft, and never waiting for luck to knock. In this episode of the Catching Up Podcast, Jonathan shares how he built his own opportunities through relentless hard work and a refusal to quit on his dream.

From coaching women’s football to travelling the world, Jonathan opens up about the ups and downs of a goalkeeping life. He talks about sacrifices that tested him, mentors who guided him, and the setbacks that could have ended his journey—if not for resilience and belief.

You’ll hear about the brutal realities of the game, the moments that nearly broke him, and the breakthroughs that made it all worth it. This isn’t just about gloves and saves—it’s about mindset, work ethic, and creating chances for yourself.

Whether you’re a young keeper, a coach, or simply someone who loves football stories told with honesty, Jonathan’s journey is packed with lessons that go far beyond the pitch.

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What does it really take to be a goalkeeper? In this episode of Catching Up, we sit down with Iain Longstaff – a coach who has lived and breathed the highs, lows, and lessons of life between the posts.

Iain shares his journey from watching his dad inspire him to take up goalkeeping, through the heartbreak of early setbacks, to becoming a respected coach who has worked with some of the best in the game. From grassroots to the National League, from family influences to professional triumphs like winning the Golden Glove, Iain’s story is full of wisdom for goalkeepers of all ages.

We talk about the eccentric characters who shaped the game, what it takes to coach with honesty and humility, and how the demands on goalkeepers have evolved with the modern game. Whether you’re a young keeper dreaming big, a coach looking for insight, or a parent supporting the journey, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Above all, Iain’s message is clear: be yourself, keep learning, and embrace the joy of goalkeeping.

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#Goalkeeping #Football #Coaching #Mindset #Inspiration #EvoGK

For more information on the following subjects, give Catching Up a follow:
Goalkeeper coaching
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Goalkeeper resilience
Coaching inspiration
Football journeys
Golden Glove stories
Modern goalkeeping challenges
Grassroots to pro football
Life between the posts
Football injuries and comebacks
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Women’s football goalkeeping
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Welcome to Catching Up – the podcast by EVOGK, where we dive into the world between the posts.

I’m Paul Banks, and in every episode I’ll be sitting down with some of the biggest names in goalkeeping – from legendary coaches like Eric Steele, to professional keepers at the top of their game.

We’ll uncover the stories behind their journeys, the highs, the lows, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Whether you’re a young goalkeeper dreaming of the pro game, a parent supporting your child, or a coach looking for fresh insights – this is your space to learn, be inspired, and connect with the goalkeeper community.

So join us for Catching Up – where goalkeepers tell their stories, and the gloves always come off.

Subscribe now, and don’t miss an episode!!

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