THERE is no rest for the goalkeepers of Gwent – nine of them will be back in training almost as soon as the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League season ends next month, writes Andrew Penman.

John Burrows and Nicky Church, goalkeeping coaches at Caldicot Town and Cwmbran Celtic respectively, have set up a specialised training initiative for south Wales stoppers.

The initiative is set to go ahead for six weeks, starting on May 20, on the 3G pitch at Caldicot Leisure Centre with each goalkeeper paying just £30 for the full course.

Keepers confirmed as attending are Caldicot Town trio Ben Davidson, Matt Sandiford and Louis Randall, James Smallcombe (Undy), Lewis Watkins (Cwmbran Celtic), Jack Harris (Newport County AFC academy), Will Fuller (Cardiff Met), Ben Fletcher (Llanwern) and Alex Harris (Cinderford Town).

“Nicky and I realised there is nothing like this for goalkeepers in the Gwent area and with many clubs not having goalkeeper coaches, we decided to set up this programme,” said Burrows.

“Each of the sessions will concentrate on all aspects of goalkeeping, including fitness, and obviously if it turns out to be popular, it is certainly something we could expand upon in the future.

“We must stress we are not looking to make money from it. We only want to cover the cost of the 3G facility and at this stage all we seek is to keep the cost as low as possible.”

Newport County AFC fans may recall Church making two appearances for the Exiles during the 2008/09 season – Dean Holdsworth’s first campaign at Spytty Park.

He also made the headlines in 2012 when he was rushed to intensive care after rupturing his spleen while playing for Cwmbran Celtic in a Gwent FA Senior Cup game against Risca United.

“I couldn’t quite get over that injury so I'm concentrating on coaching now,” said Church.

“I’m doing my coaching badges over the summer and we’re hoping this course will be helpful for those who don’t have a specialist goalkeeping coach at their clubs.”

Burrows added: “A big thank you from myself and Nicky to Caldicot Town and Crook, Hudson and Flynn estate agents for helping towards the cost of the 3G, to keep the course as cheap as possible.

“And also to Nicky Matthews at Total Teamwear for sponsoring the nine keepers, myself and Nicky by giving us all fantastic Joma training tops.”