2026 Football NSW Goalkeeping Coaching Conference brings coaches together for a day of learning
The 2026 Football NSW Goalkeeping Coaching Conference brought together 93 attendees from across NSW and interstate at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday 25 October, delivering another successful day of learning, collaboration and professional development.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the conference featured a combination of practical on-field demonstrations and theory sessions led by some of Australia’s leading goalkeeping experts.
Football NSW Player Development Manager – Goalkeepers Bryce Deaton opened proceedings with the Football NSW Technical Report and Framework, before Melissa Maizels, Charles Samushonga, Bailey Jordan and Claire Coelho delivered practical sessions covering key technical and tactical aspects of modern goalkeeping.
The afternoon featured theory sessions exploring goalkeeper understanding and development periodisation, before a special Q&A with former Socceroo and English Premier League goalkeeper Adam Federici and Malaysian Football Association Head of Goalkeeping John Crawley, who shared insights from their extensive careers in professional football.
Reflecting on the success of the conference, Bryce Deaton praised the growing strength of Australia’s goalkeeping community.
“It was a privilege to once again bring the goalkeeping community together for this fantastic event.
I take great pride in the role this initiative plays in strengthening goalkeeping networks, not only across Sydney and NSW, but throughout Australia. It was particularly encouraging to see so many coaches travel interstate to be part of the day, reinforcing the strength and unity of our goalkeeping community.
I hope everyone who attended gained valuable insights from the sessions delivered by some of the best practitioners in the game. We are incredibly grateful to the coaches who generously shared their knowledge through model sessions and presentations.
Our keynote speakers provided outstanding perspectives on how we can better support both goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches throughout their development journeys. The stories and experiences shared by John and Adam were a fitting highlight, capping off a day filled with learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Planning is already underway for how we can make next year’s conference even bigger and better. Football NSW remains committed to leading the way in goalkeeper coach education and continuing to create opportunities for learning, connection, and growth within the goalkeeping community.”
Following another successful edition, Football NSW extends its thanks to all presenters and attendees who contributed to the day, with preparations already underway to further strengthen goalkeeper coach education and development opportunities in 2027.
View some of the pictures from the day:
