GOALKEEPING:
FOUNDATION
The Foundation program is a grassroots introduction to goalkeeping, designed for new and developing goalkeepers. It emphasizes fun, confidence, safety, and foundational movement skills, giving young goalkeepers a positive first experience in the position while building strong technical habits for long-term development.
The Keeper Collective: High Performance Goalkeeper Training
Aligned With Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Model
The programming is delivered through a three-tiered, age-appropriate pathway that develops goalkeepers from their first exposure to high-performance preparation. Each stage is fully aligned with Canada Soccer’s LTPD principles, ensuring safe, progressive, and holistic development.
This training experience is led by former Canadian Men's National Team Goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld, with over 25 years of professional playing and coaching experience and holder of a Canadian National B, UEFA B and UEFA Goalkeeping A license.
Goalkeeping: Foundation
2026 Program Intakes:
Outdoor Semester #1: (Apr. - May 2026)
Apr. 12/19/26, May 3/10/24
Outdoor Semester #2: (May - Jul. 2026)
May 31, Jun. 7/14/28, Jul. 5/12
Indoor Semester #1: (Sep. - Nov. 2026)
Sep 20/27, Oct 4/18/25, Nov 1
Indoor Semester #2: (Nov. - Dec. 2026)
Nov 8/22/29, Dec 6/13/20
Age Group: U8-U12 (2014-2018)
Current Phoenix FC Member?
Email Lars for a special discount code
NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION
Requires written permission from your parent club sent to Lars before you attend a Goalkeeping Training Session
Our 4 Pillars of Coaching
1
Working
Hard
2
Positive Team Spirit
3
Positive
Coaching
4
Learning &
Improving
LTPD Stages
This program is based around supporting Soccer Canada concepts from Active Start with a primary focus on concepts from FUNdamentals.
LTPD Compliance
Fun and player-centered
Emphasis on fundamentals, not outcomes
Safe, age-appropriate introduction to goalkeeping
Supports long-term engagement and enjoyment
Program Objectives
This program is designed around these core objectives:
Introduce goalkeeping in a fun, engaging, and pressure-free environment
Build confidence through repetition and success
Establish safe and correct technical habits
Program Focus
Technical Focus
Basic handling and catching
Footwork and movement patterns
Introductory diving techniques
Positioning and basic distribution
Simple goalkeeping principles of play
Physical Development
Coordination, balance, agility, and general athleticism
Movement-based activities rather than position specialization
Emphasis on safe falling and landing mechanics
Mental & Social Development
Confidence and enjoyment
Decision-making in simple game situations
Communication and teamwork through cohort training
Coaching + Training Environment
Training Environment
Grouped by ability level, not just age
Positive reinforcement and guided discovery
Led by licensed, experienced coaches
1:6 Coach to Player Ratio
Coaching & Environment (All Programs)
Led by Lars Hirschfeld, former Canadian Men’s National Team goalkeeper
Licensed: Canadian National B, UEFA B, UEFA Goalkeeping A
Structured, supervised, and developmentally appropriate training
Aligned with Canada Soccer standards for coach education, safety, and player welfare
Semester Schedule
Outdoor Semester #1: Apr. - May 2026
Time: 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Location: Phoenix FC Facility
Dates:
April 12
April 19
April 26
May 3
May 10
May 24
Outdoor Semester #2: May - Jul. 2026
Time: 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Location: Phoenix FC Facility
Dates:
May 31
June 7
June 14
June 28
July 5
July 12
Indoor Semester #1: Sep. - Nov. 2026
Time: 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Location: Phoenix FC Facility
Dates:
Sep 20
Sep 27
Oct 4
Oct 18
Oct 25
Nov 1
Indoor Semester #2: Nov. - Dec. 2026
Time: 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Location: Phoenix FC Facility
Dates:
Nov 8
Nov 22
Nov 29
Dec 6
Dec 13
Dec 20
Cost
Price: $240 (Phoenix FC Members: $210)
Players: U8-U12 players (2014-2018)
Gender: Male + Female
Level: All Levels
Coach to Player Ratio: 1:6
LTPD Stages: Active Start + FUNdamentals
Registration fees cover all program/training and facility rental costs.
Current Phoenix FC Member?
Email Lars for a special discount code
NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION
Requires written permission from your parent club sent to Lars before you attend a Goalkeeping Training Session