Goalkeeping School
Goalkeeping School
Welcome to DC Way Academy's Goalkeeping School – the ultimate destination for young soccer enthusiasts aged 7 to 16 to embark on an exceptional journey of goalkeeping development. At our academy, we are passionate about refining the skills of our future goalkeeping champions, fostering technical proficiency, tactical awareness, psychological approach, and physical ability.
Whether your child is a beginner or an intermediate player, our goalkeeping program is tailored to meet their unique needs. Beginners will grasp the fundamentals and master all necessary components, while our intermediate students will thrive in a more demanding and challenging structure.
Goalkeeping School is free for our DC Way Academy players.
Winter Schedule
Dates: January 8 – February 19 (7 sessions / Thursdays)
January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 19
Make-up day is February 26
Ages & Time:
Ages 7-11 at 6:00-7:00 PM
Ages 12-16 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: The Fields at RFK Campus
Program Director: Coach Marco is the director of our program and is your main point of contact for any questions. Reach him at marco@dcway.com or (443) 336-4667.
Fee: $190 for 7 Sessions | $30 for One Day
What to Bring: Shin guards, water bottle, and goalie gloves (optional)
Our Goalkeeping School is led by Coach Marco, a passionate educator and experienced soccer coach with nearly 20 years of coaching experience across youth, school, and club environments. Originally from Brazil, Marco has spent years developing young players through structured training, creative teaching, and a deep understanding of how children learn and grow.
Marco holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and has completed extensive professional development through top Brazilian and U.S. programs in coaching methodology, technical management, player development, injury prevention, and athlete safety. Before joining DC Way, he spent several years helping run a youth soccer club in Brazil, supporting players from beginner levels through competitive pathways.
For the past three years, Marco has been a key member of the DC Way coaching leadership team — guiding program development, mentoring coaches, and ensuring every child receives thoughtful, high-quality instruction. If you have any questions, you can reach Coach Marco at marco@dcway.com or 443-336-4667.
At DC Way Academy, we believe that the art of goalkeeping is a journey filled with excitement, courage, and endless possibilities.
Each invigorating 60-minute session promises a comprehensive experience. We start with a club-wide warm-up, followed by group demonstrations, games, hands-on practice, and valuable feedback from our professionally trained goalkeeping coaches. Rest assured, water breaks are thoughtfully provided to keep our young talents refreshed throughout the practice session.
Our certified team runs weekly goalkeeping clinics to improve different physical and cognitive skills than outfield players to prepare our athletes for every situation in a game. From diving saves to commanding the penalty area, our sessions are filled with fun and dynamic drills that keep our young keepers on their toes and spirits soaring high.
What sets us apart is our commitment to nurturing not just exceptional goalkeepers but also well-rounded individuals. Beyond mastering technical skills, our holistic approach focuses on instilling leadership, teamwork, and unwavering self-belief in our young keepers.
But it's not just about the gloves and saves; we also place a strong emphasis on the mental fortitude of our keepers. Through engaging exercises, we build resilience, decision-making skills, and the ability to stay focused under pressure — vital attributes of a top-notch goalkeeper.
Our skilled coaching staff comprises former professional goalkeepers and seasoned mentors. With their expert guidance, our young athletes receive personalized attention and encouragement, ensuring that their potential is unlocked to the fullest. So, if your child's heart beats for the goalkeeping position, let DCWA be their trusted mentor and guide on this thrilling experience!
PRACTICE DETAILS:
Warm-up routine, stretching, ball familiarity, and ready position
Ways of catching, footwork, and positioning
Shot-stopping, diving, and parrying
Distribution and 1v1 situations
Penalty kicks & secrets of saving
Decision-making and group play
Recap, competitions, and bigger-sized games
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
DC Way Academy is committed to providing a safe, structured, and positive environment for every player, both on and off the field.
Each player is expected to bring their own water bottle, snack, and other belongings.
In case of bad weather conditions, click here to follow our updates on program cancellations.
If you have specific questions not addressed here, please feel free to reach out to us at contact@dcwayacademy.org.
All of the DC Way Academy coaches are certified soccer coaches with extensive experience working with children. Our coaches have all passed mandatory background checks, have at least two years of experience working with children, and have received First Aid training.
