Sydney FC and Socceroo Goalkeeper, Clint Bolton, dropped into the International Goalkeeping Academy at Blacktown Olympic Park during the recent school holidays to offer advice to aspiring young goalkeepers. Bolton gave tips and valuable advice to children participating in school holiday programs, confirming for them that hard work pays off.

Bolton started his football career as a striker but was persuaded into becoming a goalkeeper when his local Bundaberg side had no-one to keep goal. Bolton enjoyed the experience so much he decided to make it a regular thing and after much hard work he was selected for his local representative side at the age of 15. Now 33, Bolton is better than ever and continues to command Sydney FC's back line as they prepare for season 5 of the Hyundai A league.

Bolton spent time with the young goalkeepers and reminded players to "never give up" adding "if you work hard in training it pays off in game time."

Bolton emphasized how important it is for young keepers to have support and access to first class facilities such as the International Goalkeepers Academy at Blacktown Olympic Park. Bolton exudes enormous respect for Jim Fraser, Australian football great and coaching director at the International Goalkeepers Academy. Bolton trained under Fraser for nearly 10 years and commented "Jim is an excellent coach and friend but most importantly a mentor."

Fraser added "the school holiday camps were a great success and young keepers can get so much out of them. Our training schedules were structured around the wet weather and focusing on wet weather game situations, tactical and psychological elements."

Developed in 2000, the International Goalkeepers Academy provides specialist goalkeeper training and development for players at all skill levels and ages. The academy runs specialized goalkeeper training throughout the year and runs school holiday clinics every school holiday period. For bookings or more information, please contact the International Goalkeepers Academy on 9675 2963.

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Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6593