By P. Chandra Sagaran
Ten school students from SMK Gunung Rapat (Perak State Sports School), SMK Raja Perempuan and SK Jelapang acquired valuable knowledge in goalkeeping at a course conducted by former national goalkeeper and current national goalkeeping coach S. Kumar who is with national squad participating in the ongoing 30th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here.
The oldest participant was Form Five student Nur Adlin Husna from SMK Gunung Rapat while 12-year-old Suhaila Hasif from SK Jelapang was the youngest.
The session was held on the sideline of the Perak State Education Department Director Trophy involving sports schools from four other states.
The course included basic principals in goalkeeping, especially warm up sessions before and after a game, running with pads and the correct way of padding the ball away.
Kumar said:”almost most of these goalkeepers do not have the basic knowledge in goalkeeping.. This is evident during the session and I am happy to share my knowledge. I am glad that they learnt something that they never knew before.
“Goalkeepers at all age – groups must be taught the basics first to avoid injuries during training and matches,” he added.