For the present and future of the Malaguista goal

A new season begins in the Goalkeeper Department, an area promoted by the sports management to enhance the feeling of belonging and the specific qualities of the position.

The first day took place on the main pitch of the Federación Malagueña de Fútbol ground and was attended by a large Malaguista representation. Loren Juarros, sporting director; Sergio Pellicer, first team coach; and Alfonso Herrero and Carlos López, first team goalkeepers. They didn’t want to miss out on the first steps of The Academy goalkeepers.

Francisco de la Torre Castillo ‘Caco’, current first-team goalkeeper coach and head of the Goalkeeper Department, explained to the MCFTV cameras the dynamics of these joint work sessions and that the boys “live together, play the roles of goalkeepers and forwards, they have to collaborate with each other” on Mondays, known as 'Goalkeeper Day'. “The idea is to do it every week,” said the coach.

It's a very important day for the homegrown players as it brings together the lower categories of the MCF Academy at the start of each week. Prebenjamines, Benjamines and Alevines (7-a-side), and Infantiles, Cadetes and Juveniles (11-a-side) train together, either at the Federación Malagueña or El Viso, to showcase their abilities and progress.

Alfonso Herrero and Carlos López were present on the first day of the 23/24 season. “The boys see themselves reflected in what they see in the top teams, they all go to La Rosaleda to watch their idols, who are Carlos and Alfonso. For them it was a lovely surprise that they can share their knowledge and passion with them. We must thank the sports management for their support and resources so that this can be undertaken,” commented Caco.

The Malaguista manager expressed that “the main long-term objective is that we can train up goalkeepers from a very young age, products of Málaga, with the idea that some may reach the first team.” In addition, he explained the current situation of the Blue and White goal and the importance it represents for The Academy: “Carlos López recently debuted with the first team, he is an example and a mirror where all the boys look at themselves today, like Alfonso, who has also gone through the youth academy. It’s important that this work continues to be done so that we can train Málaga's goalkeepers of the future.”

The way of working is coordinated and follows a set line to promote progressive development as a goalkeeper: “We give guidelines to goalkeeper coaches so that they focus on a certain concept based on the various stages. In 7-a-side football we work in a certain way and, as they get older, we progressively introduce tactics, physical and mental issues.”

Adrián, Málaga CF Benjamín goalkeeper, was delighted by the visit from the first team goalkeepers and said they urged him to continue training, making an effort and improving. “These training sessions serve for us to improve and learn more. We do goalkeeper training, blocks, falls and recoveries,” said Adrián. In addition, MCFTV also spoke to Richard, Blue and White Cadete goalkeeper, who affirmed the importance of being complete as goalkeepers and dreams of being able to play at La Rosaleda one day.

Málaga CF remains committed to The Academy as the cornerstone of its long-term project. The Malaguista entity is dedicated to promoting the development of homegrown players to preserve the future of the entity. In this case, the young goalkeepers have a common path and dream: to be Blue and White first team players.

Keep working hard lads!