Shrewsbury has been chosen as one of only 18 centres in the UK to host a new goalkeeping school because of its strong links with England shot-stopper Joe Hart.
Hundreds of youngsters will now have the chance to follow in the footsteps of rising star Hart after the Manchester City and former Shrewsbury Town keeper became one of the consultants behind the scheme, called GK Icon.
The ex-Meole Brace School pupil recommended his home town as one of the locations for the project, which aims to raise goalkeeping standards across the UK.
Sessions will be held at Shrewsbury Town’s Greenhous Meadow for 36 weeks, with just a two week break for Christmas, on Friday evenings between 5pm and 7.25pm depending on age.
Budding players of all ages will have four course options available to them, each one varying in length. Gk Icon goalkeeping camps will also be held in the school holidays.
Courses have been designed in consultation with specialists in yoga, psychology, nutrition and physiotherapy and players will be taught by qualified coaches with close links to professional clubs.
The scheme is the brainchild of Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee and other consultants include Watford stopper Scott Loach and Birmingham City new-boy Ben Foster.
Joe Hart said: “I’m proud to put my name to GK Icon and offer advice and support where appropriate. The team behind the project appear highly driven and the different avenues they offer are innovative and exciting.
“I am confident that many keepers in Shrewsbury will graduate from this scheme.”
For more information call 020 8736 4087 or log on to the website www.gkicon.com
By David Seadon