The gloves are on as goalie Chris opens a new class
Kids will learn from the best
Craig Ritchie
A Paisley goalkeeper is bidding to make sure the next generation of local shot-stoppers have a safe pair of hands.
Chris Fahey has enjoyed an extensive career between the sticks, having played for the likes of Raith Rovers, Stranraer and Stenhousemuir.
The 38-year-old still turns out in goal for Lowland League outfit Cumbernauld Colts, but has now his sights set on a coaching career.
As a coach with GK Icon, Fahey is taking his new classes to Linwood’s On-X sports centre.
The club is having a launch night on Monday, with a host of former professional keepers in attendance to mark the special occasion.
Fahey will be joined by Dundee keeper David Mitchell, Stranraer goalkeeper coach Eric Phillips, and former Scotland B and current Oxford United stopper Scott Shearer as they welcome the first intake of pupils to the new venture.
Fahey told Express Sport: “I have always fancied moving into coaching when I finished playing and following a discussion with my friend Scott, who I played with at Albion Rovers, he told me all about Goalkeeper Icon, which was set up by a former Watford goalkeeper down south.
“There doesn’t seem to be that much specialist training for kids and it is something that I hope to be able to help with.
“We will deal with all the different aspects of what it takes to be a goalkeeper. Right now a lot of goalkeepers are left to their own devices, passing the ball about in the corner and doing their own drills, without much help.
“I will take them through all the drills, shotstopping, dealing with crosses – whatever it takes to help them improve.”
Monday will see GK Icon make its debut in Linwood, but Fahey already has his sights on expanding across Paisley and Renfrewshire.
He added: “Hopefully it takes off and we can take it around the pitches in the area. Ideally, we would bring it into Paisley, and Erskine and Johnstone too.
“It is easy to sign up for – all you have to do is follow the website link and register. I’d urge young goalies to come along and give it a try.”
Monday’s training takes place between 6pm and 7pm. To sign up, visit uk. challengersports. com/renfrewshire