ABOUT GKACADEMY
Our Aim
It is been noted at many levels that England are always been lacking in goalkeepers coming through and after seeing the lack of goalkeeper coaching available to young upcoming goalkeepers I decided it was time to help out as joining in with outfielders drills or standing in goal while shots are drilled at you can only teach you so much for match days.
About Gkacademy
Starting in 2012 with 1-2-1 sessions before running weekly group session at Downham Town Youth. After moving venues due to requiring more space we spent another 2 years before relocating due to space issues.
We found our new and current home moving to Southery Playing Field in 2020. With help from the village council we plan to build on the good work so far providing a fun and learning experience for all local goalkeepers at all levels.
Along with our weekly sessions in 2016 we started Norfolk's first goalkeeper tournament 'Keeper Wars' providing a totally new experience for keepers. We also plan day out trips for the group to experience professional set ups.
MEET OUR COACHES
Our Aim
It is been noted at many levels that England are always been lacking in goalkeepers coming through and after seeing the lack of goalkeeper coaching available to young upcoming goalkeepers I decided it was time to help out as joining in with outfielders drills or standing in goal while shots are drilled at you can only teach you so much for match days.
About Gkacademy
Starting in 2012 with 1-2-1 sessions before running weekly group session at Downham Town Youth. After moving venues due to requiring more space we spent another 2 years before relocating due to space issues.
We found our new and current home moving to Southery Playing Field in 2020. With help from the village council we plan to build on the good work so far providing a fun and learning experience for all local goalkeepers at all levels.
Along with our weekly sessions in 2016 we started Norfolk's first goalkeeper tournament 'Keeper Wars' providing a totally new experience for keepers. We also plan day out trips for the group to experience professional set ups.
MEET OUR COACHES
Nathan Nicholls
Played for Clenchwarton Youth before joining Kings Lynn U18. Moved to Fakenham Town playing for U18 and reserves. During this time was selected for Norfolk County U18. Enjoyed a spell with Fakenham first team before switching to local club Downham Town where finished playing days.
Joined Soham Town Rangers U18 as assistant manager/coach in 2012 while also starting up gkacademy. After 2 seasons left to concentrate on gkacademy by running weekly sessions.
Spent 1 season as goalkeeper coach at Kings Lynn Town FC in 2017/18.
Qualifications
FA Level 2 & FA Level 2 Goalkeeping
First Aid Trained
CRB Checked
Luke Pearson
Luke joined the coaching team in Summer 2018 and coaches our oldest group (U13-U16)
He came through the youth teams at Downham Town FC going on to feature for the first team at just aged 17 before moving to King's Lynn Town FC in 2014. A regular in the reserve side where he helped win the Thurlow Nunn League Cup.
Featured for first team on numerous occasions before spells at Fakenham Town, Norwich United and Wisbech Town before returning to Fakenham Town.
Qualifications
FA Level 1
First Aid Trained
CRB Checked
Ellie Prentice
Ellie attended our weekly sessions before joining the coaching team in 2019.
Played for Hungate Rovers Youth while also training with Peterborough United Ladies. She then made the move to King's Lynn Town Ladies FC in 2018 featuring a few times before making the breakthrough in 2019/20 becoming first team goalkeeper. Moved to Wroxham Ladies in 2020 before resigning back for King's Lynn Ladies however an injury cut short her playing time.
Overseas our girls department and coaches our girls only sessions.
Qualifications
FA Level 1
Fully qualified referee
First Aid Trained
CRB Checked
Ben Lincoln
Ben joined the coaching team in Summer 2022 after training within our weekly group for 8 years. Played youth level for Downham Town, Terrington Tigers, Kings Lynn Elites and Kings Lynn Academy.
Studying Sports at Downham Academy while helping and gaining coaching experience at our weekly group.
Danny Nash
Danny attended our weekly sessions before joining our coaching team in Summer 2024.
Looking to gain experience in coaching and help the new generation goalkeepers coming through our sessions.
Played youth level for Downham Town.