About Tel Smith Goalkeeping

Tel Smith Bio:

My Goalkeeping journey started around the age of 8 years old, previously playing as right-back until my Welsh junior school headmaster noticed me regularly diving about on the concrete playground during playtime! Safe to say many patches were need for those school trousers. His wisdom was to put me in goal for the school team playing 2 years up, that inspired choice by him and then being mesmerised by the shot stopping acrobatics of the Great Big Nev (Neville Southall) made me love the role ever since.

Aided by my degree in Sport and Exercise Science I'm now a dedicated goalkeeper coach, with 35 years of playing experience and most recently 4+ years coaching goalkeepers at semi-professional levels with clubs including Grays Athletic, Basildon United and Burnham Ramblers  with a focus on individual development and performance enhancement. 

My coaching philosophy centers around a bubble effect creating an empowering environment enabling goalkeepers to feel safe and supported which enhances their ability to improve technical skills, boost their confidence, and develop the mental toughness required to succeed at any level of play.

Here’s a breakdown of the services I offer:

1. **Individualised Coaching Sessions** 
   Tailored training programs focused on improving key skills like shot stopping, distribution, positioning, and handling under pressure. Sessions can be designed to address specific weaknesses or enhance strengths and are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the goalkeeper.

2. **Group/Team Training** 
   I work with goalkeepers in group settings, ensuring they develop essential communication, teamwork, and understanding of game tactics. I also provide goalkeeper-specific drills to enhance coordination with defenders.

3. **Mental and Tactical Development** 
   Goalkeeping isn’t just physical – it’s mental, too. I help players develop decision-making skills, focus under pressure, and emotional resilience, so they can stay calm and effective in high-stakes situations.

4. **Video/Statistical Analysis & Feedback** 
   If needed, I offer video analysis sessions to break down performance, accompanied with statistical performance reviews which can identify areas for improvement, and create actionable goals for development.

5. **1-2-1 Workshops** 
   I organize specialised workshops designed for intense skill-building in a short period of time. These are perfect for clubs or individual players looking to get a focused boost in their goalkeeping abilities.

I’d love to chat more about how I can assist you or your players in reaching their full potential. If you're interested in scheduling a session or would like more information, feel free to get in touch!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, 
Tel Smith
Tel Smith Goalkeeping