With Harry Watson, FA Women’s Goalkeeping Talent Coach
Editor – Carolyn Kent Women’s Football Hub
Goalkeeping. It’s the position that can win you a tournament, save your season, or break your heart in a penalty shootout. Yet in women’s football, it’s often the most misunderstood, under-supported, and under-coached role on the pitch.
In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Harry Watson, the FA’s Women’s Goalkeeping Talent Coach, to unpack the complexities of goalkeeping talent identification, development, and the future of the position in the women’s game.
A National Mission to Find the Next Lioness Keeper
Harry’s role is unique. While most talent coaches work regionally, he travels the country delivering goalkeeping talent ID sessions and supporting the FA’s Discover My Talent initiative a referral system that allows coaches, teachers, and parents to nominate promising young players for national development opportunities.
But as Harry explains, the challenge isn’t just finding talent. It’s knowing what to look for.
“We’re not just looking for the best shot-stopper,” Harry says. “We’re looking for players who show bravery, adaptability, technical ability under pressure, and a love for the game. Goalkeepers who want to win.”
🧠 Early Specialisation: A Risky Game
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conversation is the data Harry shares on early specialisation. In the men’s game, goalkeepers typically commit to the position at age 14. In the women’s game? Age 12.
That two-year gap might not sound like much, but it’s huge in terms of development.
“At 12, girls are transitioning into 11-a-side football,” Harry explains. “If they’re already locked into goalkeeping, they miss out on the broader skill set that outfield players develop skills that are crucial for modern keepers.”
The result? Fewer hours of technical training, less physical conditioning, and a narrower football experience. And in grassroots environments, goalkeeping is often treated as an afterthought something you do when no one else wants to.
🧤 The Evolution of the Modern Keeper
Thankfully, the tide is turning. With role models like Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, and Kiara Keating, young girls now have visible pathways into elite goalkeeping.
Harry highlights Hampton’s journey as a case study. She didn’t specialize until age 14, played outfield regularly, and developed a wide range of skills that now make her one of the most complete keepers in the WSL.
“She’s a trailblazer,” Harry says. “Her distribution, her bravery, her technical range it’s world-class.”
And it’s not just about the top players. Across the WSL, goalkeeping standards are rising. Clean sheet records are improving, errors are decreasing and keepers are dominating their boxes with confidence and precision.
⚽ Shrinking the Goals? Not So Fast.
One of the most controversial topics in women’s football is the suggestion that goal sizes should be reduced to account for average height differences.
Harry is unequivocal: “No goalkeeper I’ve worked with has ever asked for smaller goals.”
He points out that when the current goal dimensions were established in the 1800s, the average male height was 5’6″ the same as many female goalkeepers today. So the argument doesn’t hold up historically or practically.
“Changing goal sizes would make women’s football less accessible at grassroots level,” Harry warns. “And it undermines the progress we’ve made.”
🏃♀️ Physical Demands and Provision Gaps
Goalkeeping isn’t just about reflexes it’s about explosive power, agility, and psychological resilience. Yet young female goalkeepers often receive less physical training than their male counterparts.
“They’re starting later and getting fewer hours,” Harry says. “And they’re battling stigma just to get on the pitch.”
Girls are less likely to play football at lunchtime, less likely to be invited into goal, and less likely to receive structured coaching in diving, catching, and distribution. The result? A talent pool that’s smaller and less prepared.
🧒 Building the Ideal Pathway
So what does the perfect goalkeeper development pathway look like?
Harry believes it starts with variety. Young players should be encouraged to try multiple positions, including goalkeeping, without being pigeonholed too early. Clubs should rotate players through goalkeeping roles, embed goalkeeping skills in warm-ups, and create environments where trying goalkeeping is fun, not a punishment.
“We need to shatter the stigma,” Harry says. “Goalkeeping should be accessible, enjoyable, and respected.”
And when a player shows promise? That’s where Discover My Talent comes in. Coaches, teachers, and parents can refer players directly to the FA via a simple online form. It’s a gateway to national events, elite coaching, and potentially, a future in the England setup.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun
Harry’s final message is simple but powerful:
“Goalkeeping is an individual sport within a team sport. It can be lonely. It can be tough. But if we keep it fun, we keep kids in the game.”
Whether it’s in the garden, at school, or on the pitch, young girls deserve the chance to explore goalkeeping without pressure, without stigma, and with the full support of their coaches and communities.
📢 Want to Refer a Player?
Search “Discover My Talent FA” and complete the referral form. It’s quick, easy, and could be the start of something incredible.
This blog was created with support from ChatGPT and edited by the podcast host.
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