AFTER all the goal excitement of the World Cup in Brazil and in particularly those nerve-tingling penalty shoot-outs, young goalkeepers may be interested in a new training course starting this month 'between the sticks'. Long serving Tavistock AFC keeper Andy Meeds — together with community coach Mark Wickett — are holding goalkeeper coaching sessions for those aged 8 to 14, on Wednesday, July 23 and 30 at the Tavistock College 3G pitches at Crowndale. So if there is any youngster out there who wants to be the next Manuel Neuer (Germany) or Sergio Romero (Argentina) then this could be the opportunity to kick-off your footballing career. Andy made his goalkeeping debut at 16 and went on to become a permanent fixture in the Tavistock AFC side, playing a phenomenal 810 games for the Lambs — and in sides that were runners-up in the South West Peninsula Premier League and twice winners of the Devon Premier Cup. He also put on the number one shirt for the Lambs in friendlies against professional league sides such as Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and QPR. Despite having officially 'retired' aged 43 from playing, and out for most of last season with injury, Andy made his latest appearance on Tuesday when Tavistock AFC entertained Plymouth Argyle at Langsford Park. Football is a game Andy clearly loves and now, coming towards the end of his competitive career, he is anxious to give back something to the game which has brought him so much enjoyment. 'Now I have stopped playing I want to put something back into the community and what better than to encourage the youngsters. I remember when I was eight myself and my idols were England keepers Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton and I wanted to be just like them; unfortunately, there was no goalkeeper training for boys like me. 'The training course Mark and I have devised is a serious one with a lot of teaching and those taking part will learn a lot; however the focus and emphasis is on fun and we will make sure they will enjoy themselves!' But what is the appeal of a position that has kept Andy playing there for nearly 30 years? He said: 'It's a match winning position. You can be the good guy who saves the day or the baddie who loses the match. It's a lot of responsibility and can even be a very lonely position where you can spend 90 minutes doing virtually nothing. As a keeper you can make just one mistake and lose the match and nobody wants to know you but you make the save which wins the World Cup final and suddenly you are the hero!' The goalkeeping sessions, for 8 to 14-year-olds, are between 5pm and 6pm on July 23 and 30. Two further courses — one for minikeepers aged between 5 and 8, and another for seniors, aged 14 plus, is planned for the near future. For details call Mark Wickett on 07784 518645 or email markwickettsoccerschool.co.uk