The coaches of the Goalkeeping.com Academy: Amro Khalid

In our series "Top Goalkeeper Coaches Worldwide," we're introducing you to Amro Khalid from England today – a true professional with over 15 years of experience who not only runs his own goalkeeper school in Leicester, but also works with the Leicester City Academy. Amro will be coaching the Goalkeeping.com Academy for the first time at the 18th International Goalkeeper Camp in Weyregg am Attersee from July 11th to 13th!

1. Please introduce yourself briefly: Who are you, where do you come from and how did you get into goalkeeping?

I'm Amro Khalid, a professional goalkeeping coach with over fifteen years of experience at various levels of football in the United Kingdom. I've been fortunate enough to work throughout the academy system of a Category 1 club—from foundational development through youth and professional development. I was introduced to goalkeeping at a young age, through the junior and amateur levels. Along the way, I've met many people with extensive football and goalkeeping knowledge who have had a profound impact on my learning and development.

2. How did your personal career path as a goalkeeping coach unfold? Was there a key moment that inspired you to take this path?

During my studies in sports coaching (HND), I had the opportunity to gain my first coaching experience – and I was immediately hooked. Shortly thereafter, I met goalkeeping coach Justin Bowley, who also works at Leicester City. He enabled me to shadow him and gain practical experience through his network. This led to my first job at a professional club and, at the same time, in the amateur sector (Step 3).

3. What positions have you held as a goalkeeper coach so far? At which clubs or academies have you worked?

I've been working in various roles at Leicester City for over ten years with goalkeepers of all ages and developmental levels. This has included supporting first-team training sessions with Mike Stowell, among others, and working with top international goalkeepers. I've also worked in the non-league sector at Nuneaton Borough and Barwell FC, while simultaneously building my own goalkeeping school, "A-Class Goalkeeper Coaching."

4. What licenses or training courses have you completed in the field of goalkeeping training? How important is professional development to you?

I'm currently completing the UEFA A Licence for Goalkeeping Coaches – a demanding but extremely rewarding experience. Professional development is extremely important to me: It offers the opportunity to share knowledge, gain new perspectives on player development (from planning to communication), and network with like-minded people – this can be crucial for both your career and goalkeeper recruitment.

5. What is your personal training philosophy? What makes good goalkeeping training for you?

My goal is to train adaptable goalkeepers who can make effective decisions under pressure and excel in game situations. For me, good goalkeeping training means building a trusting relationship with the players so they engage with the content. I emphasize that the players challenge each other, engage with techniques, and, as a coach, I recognize what each individual needs to develop further.

6. What content do you particularly value in training?

Each session begins with a competitive introduction (e.g., rondo or foot tennis) and an informal check-in with each player—this is how we build rapport. The training is then divided into three parts:

1. Technical development for the respective focus,

2. Exercises with unpredictable situations and active problem solving,

3. Live game formats as "organized chaos" in which goalkeepers are challenged in a variety of ways. This allows game situations to be systematically processed and individual learning processes to be optimally supported.

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7. How do you adapt your training to the individual performance level of your goalkeepers? Do you prefer to train young talents or experienced goalkeepers?

I see each group as a collection of individuals with different needs. Through one-on-one conversations and analysis, I find out where each individual is at—this is crucial, because learning processes are never linear. I think one of my greatest strengths is the ability to connect with players and find out exactly what support they need along their journey—as goalkeepers and as people.

8. What fascinates you most about goalkeeping?

I'm excited by the constant challenge of preparing goalkeepers for the changing demands of modern football. In an era where players are becoming increasingly athletic and technically advanced, goalkeepers must perform at the highest level both defensively and in build-up play—they are often both the first attacker and the last defender.

9. Who do you think is the best goalkeeper in the world right now – and why?

Jan Oblak of Atlético Madrid – a powerful goalkeeper who confidently defends the goal in a wide variety of situations and consistently masters his penalty area. He is a true match winner with outstanding concentration, even when out of the game for long periods, and his strong physical attributes add to that.

10. Do you have a personal motto or attitude that guides you as a coach?

No regrets—only lessons. We're all on a learning journey together.

11. Finally, what does the collaboration with Goalkeeping.com mean to you , and what makes our Academy special?

For me, it is a great opportunity to network with others across national borders, gain new perspectives, and share my experiences with the goalkeeping community.