The impact of soccer camps can’t be understated. 

Whether it’s a weeklong day camp or a boarding opportunity that provides high-level experience, they can provide key experiences and training for players across every position.

At IMG Academy, the soccer camp programs include position-specific training. No position on the soccer field requires the same kind of specialization as a goalkeeper. Paul Jennison, the Head of Goalkeeping at IMG Academy, recently had a chat with us about both camp opportunities and the goalkeeping program at this global destination, located in Bradenton, FL.

Q: Tell us about the goalkeeping program at IMG Academy. What sets it apart from other programs?

Paul Jennison: The IMG Goalkeeping program has the mission of becoming the premier destination for holistic youth development in the country. We base our program around our motto: #1 Mentality. To us, this is driving the goalkeeper towards key character traits that will help them navigate the game and life. We want them to be coachable, leaders, positive, accountable, passionate, energizers and a student of the game. All of these qualities encompass what we think a goalkeeper should have to best help not only the individual but their team and the soccer landscape at IMG. 

 We also want our goalkeepers to prepare daily with the mindset they are either:

• #1 (Starting games)

• #1 (Preparing for an opportunity)

We also create a "culture of goalkeeping" on a daily basis. This means we have a positive, safe, challenging, fun and, most importantly, competitive training environment. We work daily to make sure our student-athletes follow these benchmark standards because a culture is more than just people; it is their successful habits or behaviors carried out on a daily basis.

Q: Talk about the IMG Goalkeeper camp. What will this camp focus on, and who is this camp intended for?

Paul Jennison: The IMG Goalkeeping camp is designed for the athlete who wishes to find their fullest potential. GK camp will mirror our IMG Goalkeeping Curriculum and athlete experience because we are adamant anyone attending the goalkeeping camp receives the same methodology, terminology and individual feedback/analysis they would receive as an IMG student-athlete. 

The camp will focus on all aspects of goalkeeping including the five pillars : Technical, Tactical, Physical, Psycho-Social and Leadership. We differentiate our learning because of the way we observe the game, specifically looking at the five Ws:

• Who Is performing the action?

• What action is occurring?

• When did the action occur?

• Where did the action occur?

• Why did the action occur?

Q: What’s unique about the IMG goalkeeping camp that you won’t find at other soccer camps?

Paul Jennison: Much of goalkeeping is designed around situations goalkeepers must react to. We teach them to not only understand how to deny opportunities but also how to prevent them occurring in the first place. We build our methodology around the three Cs principle: 

Command: Reactive Actions to the game

Conduct: Proactive Actions to the game

Connect: Constant positive influence while the game is in transition

We also believe goalkeeping can be broken down to these three factors in any decision making or tactical though within the game:

• Distance from goal

• Pressure on the ball

• Weight of the pass

This criteria helps our goalkeepers gather information quickly and organize, inform, and instruct their teammates to prevent and deny goal scoring opportunities for the opponent.

Q: Who will be leading this camp? Talk about the coaches at IMG’s soccer camps.

Paul Jennison: The IMG Goalkeeping Camp will be led by the IMG Goalkeeping coaches: Head of Goalkeeping (myself) and Goalkeeping Coach Cristiano Costa. We will have assistance from other well qualified IMG coaching staff who have demonstrated excellence in the craft of goalkeeping. All coaches have a vast playing background, as well as teaching, coaching and mentoring at high levels of the game including NCAA Division 1. 

Q: Paul – can we hear about your background? Talk about your experience and what you’re focused on at IMG Academy.

Paul Jennison: I am originally from Middlesbrough, England and was a collegiate soccer player here in the U.S with both Parkland College and Division I program Eastern Illinois University. 

I have been very fortunate to hold multiple positions in the game at various levels including: Assistant Coach/Goalkeeping Coach at Northwestern University Women's Soccer, U.S Soccer National Training Centers Goalkeeping Coach, Director of Goalkeeping at Illinois Olympic Development Program, Head Goalkeeping Coach Midwest Region ODP and Assistant Coach/ Goalkeeping Coach Chicago FC United (PDL/USL2). 

I also consider myself an educator and have most recently been involved in Coaching Education with Illinois Youth Soccer. I also hold the following certifications in the soccer world: USSF A-Youth License, USSF Grassroots Instructor License, USC Premier Diploma and USC Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma. 

As mentioned, I am focused on making IMG Goalkeeping the premier destination for holistic youth development in the country. The goalkeeping position has changed drastically in recent years, and we need to make sure our GK's do not only understand how to perform their own role and maximize their potential, but influence their team mates to reach theirs.

Interested in learning more about IMG Academy soccer? Ready to find a soccer camp that aligns with your goals this year? Check out this link to learn more about all of the available programs.