Goalkeeper Training in Devon

Jay started his playing career as a Schoolboy at Southampton Football Club. He was then selected to play for Berkshire County Squad,  South West Regional Squad and then proceeded to have England Schoolboy trials.

Like many young, promising goalkeepers, Jay battled with his height and was told that he might not be tall enough to make it as a professional goalkeeper. Determined to succeed Jay continued with his hard work and dedication.

At the age of 16 Jay’s hard work paid off, by signing a professional apprenticeship contract for 2 years at Reading Football Club. While at Reading questions were getting asked about his height he decided to also study. While at Reading F.C, he gained  qualifications that eventually lead to a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science at the Elite Loughborough University.

While playing Semi-Pro for several non-league teams. Jay also gained ‘Qualified Teacher Status’ completing his Post Graduate Certificate in Education, passed his U.E.F.A ‘B’ coaching Licence and also went out to the USA as a goalkeeping coach for the most reputable coaching organisation in America. Jay has also been involved in the coaching of goalkeepers at Torquay United F.C, AFC Bournemouth and Cardiff City F.C

Jay’s busy coaching schedule is now taken up coaching young goalkeepers at local youth football teams to reach their full potential in the South-West. Jay operates 6  Just4keepers academies across the South-west in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Jay Gibbs has won awards for his coaching and committment to youth goalkeeping coaching. In 2011 he won ‘Goalkeeping Coach of the Year Excellence Award’ He is now recognised as one of the top goalkeeping coaches in the U.K.

Over the last five years Jay has been responsible for the development of an average of 200 students per week. And has helped many of his students actually play at professional clubs!

Jay now sees teaming up with Just4Keepers as adding that ‘Specialist Touch’ to his established goalkeepin development centres. Jay not only prides himself on the level of coaching that he provides but also the facilities that he uses. All venues are on floodlit grass, providing your child with the best conditions in which to improve. Jay works on the principle of having a positive mental attitude, determination and hard work in order to succeed.