"These women are absolute warriors!" - Gillian Burgess on the female walking football goalkeepers she coaches.

We took the opportunity of an invite from Gillian Burgess Director at GK316 Academy to pop down to Gloucester FA at Almondsbury and watch one of her training sessions for GKs.

Gillian writes: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet and train with other goalkeepers within the Walking Football format!”

On a balmy Saturday in June, there were 15 goalkeepers mainly representing clubs from the South West but also from the South East. Following goalkeeper specific warm-ups, the group were led through a series of progressive exercises. The session ended with small team goalkeeper focussed games ”for a bit of competitive fun.”

Gillian - a UEFA B Goalkeeper Coach and UEFA C Outfield Coach – says her Goalkeeper events offer those attending:

“Super insights into transferables from the 11 aside game and Futsal Goalkeeping into the Walking Football format. How they can be utilised and more importantly how we can look to protect our bodies and still be effective.”

This was evident throughout the session where Gillian offered advice on leg and arm positioning to reduce the risk of injury to walking football keepers.

Gillian, who also has caps in a Walking Football National Squad and is a FA Women’s England Talent Pathway Coach, adds that her events provide: “Insights into what managers are looking for at higher levels within this format.” 

As well as running events for Goalkeepers of every age and ability, Gillian reflects on why she is now planning more walking football specific coaching sessions: “Having started Walking Football Goalkeeper sessions in Exeter and hosting a few events, alongside supporting the WFA O50 England squad, it became clear there was a demand for coaching within this format. Taking into consideration women that were brand-new to the position and experienced and Goalkeepers transitioning from 11 aside and hockey.” Talking about what the sessions offer female walking footballers, Gillian tells us that the specialised training sessions are built around developing all areas: Technical, Tactical, Physical and Psychological.

We’ve all heard of the Goalkeepers Union and Gillian explains that part of the event is most definitely about this unity and camaraderie. “The sessions offer encouragement and support and create a community for Goalkeepers. Recognising and understanding our strengths and areas of development. Plus celebrating our achievements and successes.”

As well as those who have transitioned from hockey or 11-a-side there are women who have never played in goal before. “It is fantastic to see women who are aged 40+ and especially those representing 60+ that have never stepped into goal succeeding and making the saves.”

Gillian says of these women: “They’re being brave and focused, putting their body on the line, defending the goal and starting the counter attacks. Age is just a number. These women are absolute warriors!”

With more Walking Football GK events being planned, Gillian is keen to reach more women in the game: “Women’s Walking Football is a fantastic format the longevity as a player is exciting especially as the game continues to transition and grow with a variety of events for all age ages to participate in. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with these women. We are hoping very much that we can reach wider areas with these events.”

Some feedback and a photo gallery of the event:

“The workshop with Gillian was amazing! I learned so much about blocks, diving and activation in a fun and supportive environment. Gillian’s demos and explanations were made easy to follow and understand. I left feeling more confident and excited about my future matches - goalkeeping super powers unlocked." Becs

“Today showed me that you are never too old to learn something new and with the right technique to allow stiff and damaged joints to do the practices, bring on a match now. Gillian thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills.” Helen

“Learnt loads today from Gillian but it’s also lovely being with other keepers. My hockey team disbanded when my second was born and I never had any interest in pursuing anything else at the time. So now I have found something that I love and they both get to see me play and see that I am not ‘just mum’.” Gillian A

If you are interested in attending one of Gillian’s sessions, or have a suitable venue she could use, please contact Gillian: GK316 Academy  07704444593

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Session led by Gillian Burgess:

UEFA B GK coach, UEFA C Outfield, Futsal GK Cert., FA Womens England Talent Pathway Coach, GK316 Academy Director, Walking Football Club Manager/Coach/Player, GK (Caps) in a Walking Football National Squad.