Talented young goalkeepers from all over the country gathered at St. George’s Park for a development day, where they got the chance to meet and learn from the three current Lionesses goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, and Ellie Roebuck.
20 of England’s most promising goalkeepers were identified from across the England talent pathway and invited to the national football centre to take part in an inspiring event focused on honing their skillset and exposing them to an elite senior environment.
The aim of the day was to develop the goalkeepers’ technical skills, with a specific focus on three areas: distribution, 1v1 and communication. As the women’s game develops, these skills have been identified by FA coaches as increasingly important for high-performing goalkeepers.
The event began with the group observing the England senior women’s team training, with insight from goalkeeping coach Darren Ward. Later in the afternoon, Hampton, Moorhouse and Roebuck returned for a Q&A session led by former Lioness and current Goalkeeping Top Talent Programme coach, Rachel Brown-Finnis.
The day also saw a communication workshop led by England para team coaches Liam Drake and Duncan Gilchrist which explored how the para-Lioness goalkeepers communicate effectively with visually impaired players. In addition, a cross-sport collaboration session was also prepared with the Red Roses kicking coach Andy Holloway, who shared his advice on how to improve their kicking technique and distribution.
The participants are all part of The FA’s Regional Goalkeeping Top Talent Programme, which operates across three hubs in the South, Midlands and North of England, supporting the development of emerging goalkeepers nationwide. Established at the start of the 2025/26 season, the programme was created by The FA to offer specialised coaching and opportunities to learn from some of the game’s leading figures, including former Lionesses goalkeepers Pauline Cope and Rachel Brown-Finnis.
Women’s Goalkeeping Manager at The FA, Jamie Annerson, said: “The aim of the day was to create a unique event at St. George’s Park that left our goalkeepers feeling more enthused, inspired and motivated to continue their journey within their clubs and the England pathway. We pushed the girls out of their comfort zone, working on different aspects of goalkeeping to challenge their skillset. It was also a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from, and observe, the senior Lionesses goalkeepers, and we hope the experience inspires them to pursue their ambitions in the game.”
Lionesses goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, said: “Events like this are really valuable in providing opportunities for goalkeepers to come together and learn from one another. Every goalkeeper has had different experiences on their journey, particularly in comparison to their outfield teammates, so I think to bring together a group who actually understand how you feel, will be a big benefit to their development on and off the grass.”
“I would tell all young goalkeepers to be brave and be you; people think we’re unique as goalkeepers and it’s good to be unique. And obviously enjoy it, never be afraid to make mistakes – mistakes are what shape us into becoming better and you learn from those minor setbacks to be able to push on and achieve great things.”
Enjoying our women’s football news?
Take a look inside the latest issue of Her Goal Magazine, packed with exclusive interviews, player features and in-depth stories from across the women’s game.
Discover more stories, interviews and features from the world of women’s football — including players, teams and posters... loads more of what you’re reading about here.
Also available at TG Jones, WHSmith, Asda, Morrisons and independent newsagents.