FC Cincinnati held its first Pro Goalkeeper Training Combine this past weekend at Mercy Health Training Center in Milford, Ohio. The combine featured 21 collegiate and professional goalkeepers from around the country.
The combine, hosted by FC Cincinnati’s Director of Goalkeeping, Paul Rogers, ran from Thursday, Dec. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 18 and was free of charge for goalkeepers accepted to the combine.
FC Cincinnati 2 goalkeeper coach Ryan Coulter and FCC Academy goalkeeper coach Dave Schureck joined Rogers in leading the combine. Goalkeeper coaches from the University of Louisville, Wright State, Dayton and George Washington University also participated in the combine as well as coaches from Lexington Sports Club (USL League One), Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL League One) and Kings Hammer FC.
“The combine was designed to educate these young players about the process of becoming a professional goalkeeper,” said Rogers following the combine. “We’ve been able to expand our network of goalkeepers and get to know these players outside of just watching their games throughout the season.”
The four-day combine featured presentations from Rogers and practical training sessions that mirrored the day-to-day training of FC Cincinnati goalkeepers. Roman Celentano attended the combine in preparation for the 2023 MLS season.
Participants of the combine were treated to a full professional training experience which included transport to MHTC and access to the world class training center amenities including use of the first team workout facilities.
Notable goalkeepers that attended the combine included Hunter Morse who was selected by FC Cincinnati in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft 2023 Wednesday night and Xavier goalkeeper Cole Jensen, who was selected 18th overall by Inter Miami CF. Jensen spoke on the value of training with Rogers and the other goalkeeper coaches this past weekend.
“To be able to come and work out at a club and be in the facilities and around the pro-environment is great,” said Jensen. “You get to work with pros. You learn a lot from an event like this.”
Noah Lawrence, who spent three years playing soccer at the University of Cincinnati, also took part in the combine and has worked extensively with Rogers in the past.
“This is my third time coming to a camp lead by Rogers,” said Lawrence. “Every time I come to one of these camps, whether it’s the first session or the last session, I always learn something new.”
Rogers will host one, three-day camp from December 28-30. More information on the camp, including a registration link, can be found here.
