Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic, former Bournemouth goalkeeper, is channeling his passion for football into nurturing the next generation of goalkeepers through his academy. With branches across the UK, Germany, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the academy aims to inspire young talents and promote the art of goalkeeping. Together with his partner, Cai Rolfe, Begovic runs the academy at Cobham Sports and Social Club every Thursday night, focusing on instilling a love for the position among young players.
Asmir Begovic said: “It’s something obviously I’m very passionate about, having been in the game so long. My dad was a goalie, my granddad was a goalie, and with these academies and the coaching that we provide is just another way of trying to inspire the next generation and open up opportunities. That’s our ultimate goal, and to make goalkeeping fun. I know there is a thing in the football where maybe not as many kids want to play in goal or see it as maybe a fun position or glamorous position. So we want to try and be able to encourage more kids to play the position.”
Begovic’s academy is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of goalkeeping, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and skills. Despite the evolving nature of the goalkeeper’s role in modern football, the academy remains committed to foundational training.
He continued: “That’s the one thing that’s always stayed consistent. The goalkeeper position has, of course, evolved, like everything else in football. But, it’s always still about the fundamentals and making sure we teach kids the proper techniques and skills from the young ages. So that’s what we focus on. We’ve got different pillars of the fundamentals and the techniques that we teach. We’re very keen on that. Of course, you have to add a fun element. We want kids to enjoy it.”
Begovic’s connection to Bournemouth, where he played in two spells, first on loan from Portsmouth in 2007 and then permanently a decade later, made it a natural choice for one of the academy’s locations. His collaboration with Rolfe aims to make goalkeeping an attractive and enjoyable pursuit for young athletes.
Begovic added: “I absolutely love goalkeeping. Still fundamentally most important thing is to make sure you save the ball. So I think if we can get that into the kids early on, they get that mentality of keeping the ball out of the back of the net, then I think we’re off to a good start. So that’s where it is, and I just think it’s a lot of fun. There’s the camaraderie, there’s the social aspect of this, of course, the health aspect, let’s get kids outside playing sports, obviously doing goalkeeping. So there’s many different aspects but if I can carry over the enjoyment of the position, of the game and of course saving the ball, then we’re onto a winner.”
The Asmir Begovic Goalkeeping Academy not only focuses on technical skills but also highlights the social and health benefits of sports, encouraging children to engage in physical activities. By sharing his love and passion for goalkeeping, Begovic aims to cultivate a new generation of dedicated and skilled goalkeepers.
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