ABOUT GKSCIENCE - RESEARCH and CONSULTANCY

Although initially slow to gain acceptance, the recent remarkable expansion of sports science, in particular science and football, has led to science based support systems forming an integral part of the back -up to professional players at an elite level. Indeed, applying the latest scientific research and techniques to players training is essential for developing and maintaining high levels of physical fitness vital for success at the highest level.

Unfortunately, the goalkeeper has been continually overlooked within the science and football literature, despite their importance to the success of the team, with little information available to describe their activity profile and physical activity during match-play. Effective physical training requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs and demands of the sport, so that a scientific approach to training can be adopted. For example, identifying frequently recurring patterns of movement that can be replicated in training to make them more automatic and explosive, or using knowledge of the intensity, duration and work:rest ratios of match activity to manipulate the intensity of training to develop specific energy systems, and thus endurance, required on a match day. Consequently, it is through the appliance of science that training can be designed to improve the ability of goalkeeper where it matters most, on the pitch.

Therefore, GKSCIENCE has been established to continue the vital, innovative research (supported by the FA) investigating the needs and demands of this specialist position, and to work with professional goalkeepers and their coaches to educate them and apply the knowledge gained to develop specific fitness and conditioning programs to enhance their performance on the pitch and minimise the risk of injury. GKSCIENCE has worked with goalkeepers and coaches at all levels of both the men's and women's game, ranging from full internationals and professional players to young amateur and academy goalkeepers.

The research and consultancy arms of GKSCIENCE work hand in hand, the research provided the basis for the consultancy work, the consultancy generating the funds to continue the research and maintain the position of GKSCIENCE at the forefront of developments in sports science.