"The Forgotten Position in Coaching? Investigating Challenges When Developing Goalkeepers in Soccer Academies"

This study explores the challenges and nuances of talent development for goalkeepers (GKs) within Irish soccer academies, a
position often overlooked in existing talent development literature. Adopting a coproduction methodology, the research
engaged academy managers and goalkeeping coaches from the League of Ireland to uncover lived experiences and contextual
insights (n = 16). Through semistructured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, three core themes were actively
generated: (a) gaps in individual GK development, (b) the process of collaboration, and (c) exploring the barriers to effective
GK development. Findings highlight the unique psychological and social demands placed on GKs, the need for cohesive
integrated coaching practices, and the importance of institutional support for GK-specific development nationally. The study
advocates for a nested approach to future research on the macro (national planning), meso (academy culture), and micro
(coaching practices) levels to inform more inclusive and impactful talent development strategies. Ultimately, this work
contributes to the growing body of research of sport, laying the groundwork for future research for sport initiatives aimed at
enhancing GK development in Ireland.