Emerald City to host summer goalkeeping clinic
Emerald City Football Club presents its Summer Goalkeeping Academy, a focused training opportunity for goalkeepers during summer 2026. Camp will be led by James Ritchie, UEFA-licensed coach and Director of Emerald City’s Elite Academy Program. Camp is open to players ages 10–18, boys and girls, both current Emerald City FC players as well as players from outside the club.
Goalkeeper Summer Camp
This specialized goalkeeper-only training camp is designed to elevate shot stopping, footwork, distribution, decision making, and command of the box. It’s built for keepers who want focused, position specific development before the season begins.
What players will experience:
- Shot stopping and handling: Angle play, reaction saves, parry/deflect decisions, clean handling under pressure
- Footwork and positioning: Efficient movement patterns, set shape, recovery steps, cross management
- Distribution and build out play: Passing quality, breaking lines, initiating attacks, playing under pressure
- One v. one and box command: Timing, bravery, smothering technique, claiming crosses, organizing defenders
- Professional goalkeeping methodology: Built from experience across MLS NEXT, USL Championship, NCAA Div. I, and elite youth environments
Details:
- When: Monday–Thursday, Aug. 10–13, 1:00–3:00 pm
- Where: Magnuson Park field #6
- Who: Ages 10–18
- Cost: $200
- Experience required? Ages 10–11 do not need prior goalkeeping experience. For ages 12 and older, prior goalkeeping experience is preferred.
Questions? Contact James Ritchie at james.ritchie@emeraldcityfc.org
About Coach James Ritchie:
James Ritchie is a UEFA-licensed coach with more than 20 years of experience across MLS NEXT, USL Championship, NCAA Division I, USL2, and elite youth environments. Known for his detailed methodology, goalkeeper expertise, and high performance training standards, James has led academy programs, developed top goalkeepers, and elevated club environments at the professional and collegiate levels. Players training under James experience professional-level coaching, clear development standards, and a competitive environment built to accelerate growth.
About Emerald City FC:
Emerald City FC is Seattle’s first premier youth soccer club, dedicated to a player-first approach to development. Our mission is to foster a love of the game and promote the growth and development of every player on and off the field, providing a positive environment in which to help players grow, as athletes and as people.
Photo credit: Brian Sisson
