The recruitment of goalkeeping coach Julian Lopez has further bolstered the Inglewood Football Institute team. New Jersey-born Lopez has been tasked with developing and delivering specialist training sessions for emerging goalkeepers within in the Institute. He is the second major addition to the Institute coaching team in as many weeks, following on from Rodney Njirich.
“I’m excited to join the IFI coaching team,” commented 26-year old Lopez. “The IFI provides kids a great opportunity to learn the beautiful game, and the hard work they put in at training will make them the player they want to be. I look forward in teaching the younger boys what I have learned, as well as to bring a taste of America to the fields of Perth.”
As a teenager Lopez played for Clifton Stallions, where he was coached by former New York Metros Stars goalkeeper Dany Estupinan, and later wore the captains armband for Lodi High School. A strong desire to play professionally took Lopez to United State college team New Jersey Institute of Technology and the cusp of the Major League Soccer, before study became his number one priority.
Lopez remembers very clearly the moment his passion for goalkeeping began. “I was watching an international friendly, England verses Colombia at Wembley Stadium, with my brother and my uncle,” recalls Lopez, who was 7 at the time. “In the middle of the game Rene Higuita did what today we know as the scorpion kick … from that moment on I was in love with the goalkeeping position.”
“I look back on what I achieved and recognise the importance of goalkeepers having their own training session. Unfortunately I never had that, it was always the other goalkeeper and me,” Lopez said. “I’ve always wanted to give something back to the game and trained the goalkeepers at my high school during their pre-season. I enjoy passing along what I’ve learnt at different levels, and want to help other goalkeepers become better footballers.”
Lopez, who is working towards his Goalkeeping Certificate, will conduct his first goalkeeping session with the Inglewood Football Institute on Saturday 7 February (8:30am) at Inglewood Stadium. Places are limited to eight children per session and those wishing to take part are advised to visit ifi.net.au to secure their place.
