Building the Thinking Goalkeeper
Go beyond standard drills. I provide elite 1-to-1 goalkeeper coaching for players aged 9 to 21 in Sussex and parts of Surrey. I travel to a location convenient to you, focusing on the tactical, mental, and positional skills needed for academy trials and professional success.
Book Your 1-to-1 SessionBooking Availability
1-to-1 Coaching Sessions are currently in high demand.
Check my dedicated booking page to view all currently available slots and to secure your dates or join the waitlist.
Important Availability Update
Weekday coaching ends late September. Weekend coaching continues with limited spaces. Weekday waitlist now open.
My Coaching Philosophy: 20 Years of Excellence
For over two decades, I've dedicated my career to developing goalkeepers at every level. My philosophy is simple: create intelligent, proactive goalkeepers who command their box and influence the game. I don't just train reflexes; I build football minds.
My sessions are not a series of repetitive, isolated drills. We focus on recreating real in-game situations. We analyze positioning both inside and outside the 18-yard area, develop the tactical awareness to anticipate threats, and enhance the vision to see the next pass and initiate attacks. It's about learning to read the play, not just react to it.
My experience spans grassroots to elite academies, giving me a unique understanding of what it takes to succeed. I provide the tools and insights needed to bridge the gap between potential and performance, preparing keepers not just for the next save, but for the entire game.
My name is Matthew Wellfare, and I apply this philosophy to develop the next generation of elite talent.
Developing goalkeepers into confident, tactical leaders on the pitch.
A Holistic Approach to Goalkeeping
My coaching covers every critical aspect of the modern goalkeeper's game. This is what transforms a good keeper into an elite one.
Tactical & Positional Play
Forget endless, repetitive drills. We simulate live-game scenarios. This is specialist goalkeeper coaching for positioning in Surrey and Sussex, focusing on tactical awareness, reading the play, and understanding your role both in and outside the 18-yard box.
- ✔ Reading the Game & Anticipation
- ✔ Command of the 18-Yard Box
- ✔ Vision to See the Next Pass
Mental Skills & Resilience
As a mental skills coach for young goalkeepers, I develop the focus, confidence, and leadership essential for high-pressure situations. We work on managing mistakes, maintaining concentration, and communicating effectively.
- ✔ Building Unshakeable Confidence
- ✔ Concentration & Focus Techniques
- ✔ Leadership & Communication
Elite & Academy Preparation
My goal is to create the next generation of top keepers. As an experienced goalkeeper coach in Sussex and Surrey, my program is designed to prepare players for the demands of academy trials and professional environments.
- ✔ Trial-Specific Training Scenarios
- ✔ Understanding Professional Standards
- ✔ Decision Making Under Pressure
1-to-1 Coaching Program
Tailored personal coaching designed to maximize your development and enjoyment.
Dedicated 1-to-1 Sessions (Ages 9-21)
These intensive, personalized sessions are designed for goalkeepers serious about reaching the next level. I travel directly to a location that is convenient for you to deliver the training.
- ✔ Format: Strictly 1-on-1 coaching for maximum attention and repetition.
- ✔ Focus: Advanced tactical, technical, and mental preparation tailored completely to the individual goalkeeper's needs.
- ✔ Convenience: I travel to your local pitch or training area across West Sussex and Surrey.
What Players & Parents Say
"Matt has been training my 10 year old son in goalkeeping for about 9 months. Matt not only focuses on the technical skills but also building confidence and mentality. He has a great way of talking to kids and explaining things clearly. My son has come on in leaps and bounds, and has since gone on to the Chelsea Player Performance Centre for goalkeeping. We highly recommend Matt for any GK training 1-1 sessions!"
Laura
Parent
"Over the past few months, I've really enjoyed training with Matt. Every session has been well organised, challenging, and tailored to help me improve as a goalkeeper. Matt explains everything clearly and always gives useful feedback, which has helped me develop my technique, decision-making, and confidence on the pitch. The sessions are professional, enjoyable, and always push me to improve. I'd like to thank Matt for all the time and effort he has put into helping me. I've learned a lot from working with him, and I would highly recommend his coaching."
Illia
Goalkeeper
"Matt worked with my daughter for a block of 5 sessions over the summer training break. He quickly identified and corrected bad habits and errors. 'Within the first 10 minutes he understood me as a goalkeeper' was a direct quote from her. His training has made a noticeable difference, really pushing and challenging her. It has built confidence and left her ready for the season ahead."
Mike
Parent of Eva (16)
"I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help this season, I know for a fact that I wouldn't have performed as well as I have if it wasn't for you, and I regard this season as my best at Charterhouse not just based off match day performances, but also actually enjoying every moment of training and the work behind the scenes and that's mostly thanks to you. Although I'm not sure yet if I'm staying in the UK or will be continuing my education in the US, I'll keep in touch and I'll keep you updated."
Talal
Charterhouse 1st Team GK
The Elite Advantage: A Data-Driven Look
The path to a professional academy is incredibly competitive. While thousands of goalkeepers have good technical skills, academies are looking for the few who possess the game-changing cognitive and tactical abilities. Here’s what the data tells us.
What Professional Academies Look For in a Modern Goalkeeper
Nearly every player scouted for an academy possesses strong core technical abilities. This is the entry ticket, not the differentiator.
Research and scouting reports show that a goalkeeper's tactical understanding, decision-making under pressure, and mental resilience are what separate 'good' from 'academy-ready'. This is the edge you need.
Fact: According to data from the Premier League, of the thousands of players in the academy system, less than 1% will make a long-term professional career. Advanced skills are no longer a bonus; they are essential for success.
Goalkeeper Analysis Tool
Answer a few questions to get an instant analysis of your goalkeeping profile, highlighting your strengths and providing actionable tips for improvement.
Areas Covered in West Sussex
I provide 1-on-1 and group goalkeeper coaching across West Sussex, including the following towns and villages. While I am based in Sussex, I also cover parts of Surrey.
If your location isn't listed, please get in touch to discuss.
Secure Your 1-to-1 Training
I provide exclusive 1-to-1 coaching and travel to a location convenient to you. Fill out the form below to enquire about availability and book your sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about my 1-to-1 goalkeeper coaching, locations, and what to expect from the sessions.