IKC Residential Goalkeeper Development

The Island Keeper Clinic Residential Camp on Denman Island in British Columbia is an opportunity for aspiring goalkeepers to receive the finest training available in Canada. The camp founded in 2000 by Shel Brodsgaard, who is the current Canadian Soccer Association Goalkeeper Coach Shel has been visiting the rural community of Denman Island since his early childhood years, dating back to 1974.


The Aspiring Goalkeeper

This is a tremendous opportunity for the aspiring goalkeeper to work with some of the best goalkeeper coaches in Canada. As well, the experience provides an opportunity for you to make lifelong friends who share the same passion and excitement for the position of goalkeeper. Additional highlights included a daily slideshow, which is prepared from action shots taken during the camp and displayed on the outside of the cabin each night with an LCD projector; group discussion addressing the “mentality” of the goalkeeper; plus a question & answer with our special guest. Please note, each participant receives a copy of the camp photos on disc following the residential camp.


IKC Coaching Staff

The IKC Coaching Staff is a combination of national, professional and collegiate level goalkeeper coaches who offer the finest goalkeeper training techniques, drills and exercises. Special Guests at the camp from the Canadian Women’s National Team have included Nicole Wright (2002), Erin McLeod (2003) and Stephanie Labbe (2004).

Training Curriculum

The training curriculum is designed to improve individual technical abilities, as well as address the physical, tactical and mental demands for the position. All participants are arranged according to skill level rather than age and the technical areas of focus in the camp are listed below:

Goalkeeper Warm-up
Ball handling
Breakaways 
Collapsing and Diving  
Reaction drills 
Crossed balls 
Angles
Distribution

Daily Schedule

There are three training sessions each day (a morning run & two technical sessions) and there is a cultural component featuring: oyster picking & shucking; a hike to Eagle Rock or Fillongley Provincial park; swimming at Chickadee and Graham lakes; and a trip to Tribune Bay on Hornby Island.

Camp Food

The meals are prepared fresh daily by Kathy, Chrystal & Zoe, who are wonderful cooks. The dinner menu includes lasagna, pizza, roasted chicken, a BBQ and a Mexican night. Kjeld Brodsgaard, who also tends to lend a helping hand when and where it is needed, handles the transportation on the island.

Accommodations

Part of the Denman experience is the opportunity for the goalkeepers to experience the outdoors first hand.  IKC supplies the shelter in our temporary tent city where campers rest there weary legs at the end of an enjoyable day! It is essential for each participant to bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad, towel, hat & sunscreen. Additional items include jogging shoes and lots, and lots of training gear!

Educational Opportunities

The residential camp gives the group an opportunity to explore everything our Gulf Islands has to offer.  Whether it is digging and shucking oysters or having the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Denman Island on the Eagle Rock nature hike.
                  

Training at Tribune Bay

Mid-week IKC will make a road trip to neighbouring Hornby Island.  The morning starts off with a vigorous workout of beach/sand goalkeeper training in Tribune Bay.  The afternoon is capped off with some relaxation time to enjoy the sun, sand and ocean while wearing your SPF 45.

Testimonials

“… a very happy thank you for the role model and mentoring that our son has found in you.  Your drive, determination and pro-active coaching have profoundly shaped our son in his goals and ideals.”


“… thank you so much for giving our son such a wonderful week. He has had a rough couple of years with soccer an was on the verge of quitting. You have sent him home to us full of confidence and determination to make the gold team he is trying out for.”


“… thank you both for providing our daughter with this opportunity.  Her report to us included the fact that she was challenged each and every day, the coaching staff was fantastic (they expected her to work hard but made it fun at the same time), she felt like she belonged and she made new friends. Other comments included:  best camp food she ever eaten, opportunity to practice her French and the added bonus – watching the meteor shower.  Her one and only disappointment:  no camp fire- due to restrictions. As parents we couldn’t have asked for more. “


“Thank you so very much for a wonderful week at Denman. Our son cannot stop talking about all the friends he made and great coaching he received. He says that the week went way to fast and he wished he could stay a bit longer. You know when they want to stay, they're having a great time. He also said the food was great and I can't believe he tried oysters. He never would have tried or eaten them at home. Thank your Mom and Dad and all the staff.”


“I would like to say a very big thank-you, for the bottom of our hearts. This was an excellent opportunity in all aspects for our daughter. She has been so pumped and is still on a high about all the training and everything else that was done on the special little island. She would have never been able to ever get that kind and intensity trainnig in our soccer community, we just don't have the resources, coaches, and large pool of athletes to train with and compete with… Our daughter has come back with a fresh and different self confidence. She feels very confident about her self and is looking forward to the fall season.”