Testimonials

I worked with Steve from the January 2023 to June 2024.

During my 18 months with Steve he has been 2 things, a coach on the field and a friend off it. Steve is a kind, friendly and professional person. He is very open and easy to speak with. His coaching style is fun but very hard working, we work throughout the week on various game like situations where Steve will study the opposition in great length and detail.

Also Steve takes immense pride in his work. During our time together at Crawley Town FC Steve also took charge of defensive set pieces, as a unit we were very organised and well drilled and this is purely a reflection of his work. I have enjoyed my time with Steve having learnt so much from training and analysis sessions he has also helped me develop as person so I am very thankful I had an opportunity to work with him.

I first developed a working relationship with Steve when he joined Coventry City football club. Both on and off the field, Steve is a very personable yet professional goalkeeping coach. Steve’s daily preparations for training had me feeling well equipped and confident leading into the games ahead. His work ethic as a coach is second to none. Steve is always looking to develop his goalkeepers, whether that be on the training field or doing analysis after games or training. I am very grateful for having the opportunities to train with Steve at Coventry City. If given the chance, I would encourage anyone to work with him and take on board his fresh ideas and knowledge of the modern game

I first started working with Steve during my 2nd year scholar/1st year pro.

He is a very professional person on and off the pitch. His work ethic is something else when it comes to coaching and improving his goalkeepers. His training sessions make you feel confident when stepping onto the pitch because he creates scenarios within his sessions that when it comes to that moment you are ready.

I am truly grateful to have had Steve as a coach and I highly recommend him as his knowledge and understanding for the modern game is top and will improve you as a goalkeeper.

I’ve only known and worked with Steve throughout this season and can say that with him employing a variety of sessions training was different and challenging every day.

I’ve only known and worked with Steve throughout this season and can say that with him employing a variety of sessions training was different and challenging every day.

Additionally his attention to detail off the pitch in analysis sessions was key to identifying areas I could improve on, he does like his statistics. We then took this back into training sessions with him pushing me and also helping me with extras after training had finished. It was a pleasure to work with him.

Steve is a good goalkeeper coach who I have worked with for six months while on loan at Oldham Athletic in League Two

Steve has helped to develop and improve me during this season. Steve has done some detailed training sessions and helped me to prepare well for the games. One of the tools we have used to improve is video material. After the matches we have reviewed the video to see where I am doing well and where I need to improve myself in the future for the next matches. His detailed homework also helped me to save a crucial penalty against Premiership side Fulham in the FA Cup which saw us go on and beat them.

Having only worked with Steve for one full season I owe a lot of thanks to him as I wouldn’t be where I am if he hadn’t of signed me when I was released from Bristol City FC at the end of the 2014/15 season.

Steve is a top class goalkeeper coach and has helped me develop massively over the course of one season with him which enabled me to make my first team debut at 17 for Swindon Town FC and to have signed my first professional contract as well. Steve is very detailed in his sessions and always based his sessions on the oppositions strengths that would effect us in matches and he would always get the work out well with the goalkeepers. Steve would also go through a lot of video analysis with me to review games and pick up on anything that could help improve my game.

When the opportunity came to recommend a new first team goalkeeper coach at Swindon Town, Steve was my first and only choice.

I first worked with Steve Hale at Swindon Town when he was the academy goalkeeper coach. He covered a few of the first team sessions which were brilliant. When the opportunity came to recommend a new first team goalkeeper coach at Swindon Town, Steve was my first and only choice. Having spent the last season working with him almost every day I can honestly say he is one of the best coaches I have worked with as a professional. He prepares us thoroughly for games with insights on the opposition and interesting after match statistical analysis. Exceptional practises, training methods and fresh ideas on the modern goalkeeper and distribution is what places Steve above other coaches I have worked with.

Steve constantly comes up with great training ideas…

I have known Steve Hale for approximately two years now and he continues to amaze me with all the hard work and dedication he puts into his professional career.

As a coach, I know that Steve is well-known and respected in the goalkeeper community. Steve has been the Head of Goalkeeping for Swindon Town FC for just over a year now stepping up from the Academy Goalkeeping Coach position. He dedicates all of his time to the football club and goalkeepers.

We all know that it is not easy being Head of Goalkeeping at any professional football club, yet Steve makes it seem like a piece of cake. He is very organised and truly cares about the integrity of the football club and development of the keepers.

Steve constantly comes up with great training ideas and the variety of training techniques that Steve puts us through is new, exciting and motivational, it’s safe to say Steve is always thinking outside of the box.

Steve’s strong work ethic has allowed him to lead by example, inspiring those around him to go the extra mile needed for success at the football club. Steve has accomplished so much from his time at Swindon Town FC having coached the senior keepers to the successful season where they reached the League One Play off Finals at Wembley and he will continue to rise above expectations.

Steve is without a doubt one of the best coaches I have worked with in my career to date.

Having only worked with Steve Hale for a short period of time it is still evident to see the dedication and attention to detail he has with all aspects of goalkeeping. Steve is without a doubt one of the best coaches I have worked with in my career to date. Providing the goalkeepers with not only in depth, game related and tailored goal keeping sessions but information, statistics and pre and post game analysis to help and improve performance. Steve’s sessions are all conducted with a smile on the face but with the seriousness to listen and learn. If anybody were to ask me for a recommendation on appointment of goalkeeping coach Steve Hale would be the first name is put forward without a doubt.

Steve has put in many hours on and off the training pitch to improve me as a goalkeeper technically, tactically,physically and mentally

I started playing for Swindon Town at the age of eight and for the first couple of years I did not have frequent goalkeeper coaching. Steve began coaching me at Swindon when I was 10 and since then has helped me to develop my game and help me earn a full-time scholarship with Swindon’s Youth Team for the next 2 years. Steve has put in many hours on and off the training pitch to improve me as a goalkeeper technically, tactically,physically and mentally. I would like to thank Steve for the work he has put in to help me to enable me to take a step closer to my goal and I would recommend him to any young goalkeeper that is willing to learn and work hard.

If you’re looking for a goalkeeper coach, I can’t recommend Steve Hale enough.

He coached my son when he first started at Swindon Town Academy at 7 years old and stayed with him for a few years. Steve has years of experience at professional level, so he knows his stuff, but he delivers it in a way that’s friendly, encouraging and really well structured for young keepers.

Professional, patient, and makes the sessions enjoyable while still teaching proper technique. Made a huge difference to my son’s confidence and development. Top coach.

Just wanted to say thanks

Charlie’s team aren’t having the best of seasons, rooted to the bottom, even tougher when you are the last man standing.

Yet each week he goes onto that pitch with confidence. I can only see this being confidence he has gained through knowledge gained each week at Steve Hale Goalkeeping School.

I watch every Wednesday him learning and mastering skills to then put them into action on a Sunday; to the point I can actually talk through why he’s done something!

So again thank you, I think your help, guidance and drilling is helping a 12 year old goalie through a very tough season

Steve has helped develop my game to a standard that has recently been noted by other clubs.

I began playing football for Old Town Utd FC where I attended Steve Hale Goalkeeping School. Whilst working with Steve I was lucky enough to sign for Swindon Town FC Centre Of Excellence. Fortunately Steve was also the goalkeeping coach at Swindon Town and I have been coached by Steve for the past 4 years there. Within that space of time Steve has helped develop my game to a standard that has recently been noted by other clubs. Not only has Steve helped me develop as a goalkeeper he has helped me away from the pitch as well. I have recently signed a contract at Chelsea FC and feel that without the support from Steve and Swindon Town FC I would not have been capable of achieving such an opportunity. I would like to thank Steve for all his help and support and hope other goalkeepers with Steve’s help can achieve what I have in such a short space of time.

He leaves no stone un-turned in trying to get you to your full potential.

Having previously been in the professional game with Swindon Town I have spent the last few years playing part time in non league. 12 months ago I joined Cirencester Town in the Zamaretto Premier Division and started working with Steve and I can honestly say he’s been a fantastic support for me and my career. He is always available for extra sessions when called upon. When joining Cirencester I was looking forward to working with Steve because I had heard good things from experienced professionals and also the younger goalkeepers trying to make it. He leaves no stone un-turned in trying to get you to your full potential. He will make you feel positive both mentally and physically, and as a goalkeeper that is vital. I have just been offered and accepted a two year full-time professional deal and I don’t think I would be turning professional again if it wasn’t for Steve, in my 12 months with him he has brought me on leaps and bounds and I owe him many thanks for that.

He has had a massive impact on my goalkeeping, helping me to improve constantly…

I’ve worked with Steve for around five years now at Swindon. He has had a massive impact on my goalkeeping, helping me to improve constantly and learn from every session. Steve has overseen my development from Under 14’s through to achieving my full time scholarship at the club and i’ve now achieved my first professional contract. Without him I feel this would not have been possible. Steve helped me towards this as he made special efforts and went out of his way to give me extra coaching over the summer periods. For this I thank Steve for helping me to take a step closer to achieving my dream. As well as being a great coach Steve is a very sociable guy, easy to talk to and get along with and he often talks to me about the mental side of the game and is always there for me to discuss any concerns or ideas I have about my game. I would recommend Steve to any keeper, if they are willing to learn he is more than capable of teaching.

Steve has never hesitated in helping me with extra training or any advice I’ve needed.

Steve Hale has been such a support and help to my football career so far. He is an excellent coach that’s been dedicated and committed to helping encourage my maximum ability both on the pitch and in training. Steve has never hesitated in helping me with extra training or any advice i’ve needed. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a good goalkeeping coach.

I would recommend Steve to anyone who wants to be a goalkeeper…

I would like to thank Steve for all the hard work he has done with me over the last year. He has helped me immensely in all parts of my game and helped me also become mentally stronger. I would recommend Steve to anyone who wants to be a goalkeeper as he will get the maximum ability out of you and push you as far as he can. He is not only a very good goalkeeping coach he is also someone who you can talk to if you have any problems about how you are playing or what you can improve on. I owe alot to Steve and im looking forward to working with him over the rest of this season.

I owe Steve much applause and praise for everything he has done for me on and off the pitch.

Steve has been nothing but help since I first met him. I feel he’s improved my all-round game in many aspects and I owe Steve much applause and praise for everything he has done for me on and off the pitch. I believe there has been a significant improvement in my game since working with Steve from the start of the season and can’t thank him enough for this! He is always detailed and informative when explaining and discussing points and drills which is key for any goalkeeper looking to improve their game. He helps psychologically which is a huge part of goalkeeping these days and is experienced which is why I look forward to every session with Steve and can’t recommend him highly enough to any keeper at any level.

He is enjoying his football and its thanks to those that have coached him like yourself…

Hi Steve, Jack’s been confirmed as Barnet’s Under 16 keeper for next year and appears to be doing well, even training with the Youth team this week. He is enjoying his football and its thanks to those that have coached him like yourself that this is the case.

…he has worked wonders with Bathy’s confidence.

Steve has recently joined us as goalkeeping coach and stats man. He has done alot of work with Bathy (Matt Bath, first team goalkeeper), there is a goalkeepers union and he has worked wonders with Bathy’s confidence. Also his stats on games make interesting reading and now I would not want to be without them.”

I’ve noticed a great improvement in Archie’s behaviour.

I’ve noticed a great improvement in Archie’s behaviour. He used to mess around even though he wanted to be part of the team. Since joining your school on a Wednesday evening his approach is improving & we are extremely proud of the positive changes in him. After watching him last Wednesday, apart from a few lads, some of them were mucking about. Archie purposely didn’t get involved in this and stayed focused. This has also shown during training or match days with his team too and I’d just like to say thank you for everything you’ve done for our son. He is growing into a fabulous young lad & I’d like you to know that you are part of that. Again, thank you & to your team.

… he just picked up the “most improved” player award at Ferndale Rodbourne awards night…

Whilst Declan is a new member to your training school, he just picked up the “most improved” player award at Ferndale Rodbourne awards night on Saturday. This is down to new skills that he has acquired since joining your goalkeeping school.

Many Thanks

The quality of the coaching given to Ross by Steve has been exceptional.

I wanted to state how delighted I am at the progress my son Ross is making whilst currently attending The Steve Hale Goalkeeping School.

The quality of the coaching given to Ross by Steve has been exceptional. Ross joined the School last summer and his skill level, ability to read the game and confidence has increased enormously. This has been demonstrated by Ross’ performances in league and cup matches for his Club side. For example, He has earned clean sheets in his last four matches and produced some very slick goalkeeping. His improvement can be directly attributable to Steve Hale’s coaching.

The Goalkeeping School is very professionally run and Steve has a genuine rapport with the boys they coach. I would highly recommend the School to budding young Goalkeepers who want to develop their goalkeeping education.

He is given one to one training with very competent staff, if a particular area is causing a problem that needs extra work.

Our son Marcus has been attending the Steve Hale Goalkeeping School for 18 months now which we are extremely happy with. Our son enjoys the experience of being around other goalkeepers and the training we believe to be exceptionally good. He is given one to one training with very competent staff, if a particular area is causing a problem that needs extra work.

We have seen our son grow in confidence as a person and as a goalkeeper and we expect this to continue the more sessions he attends.

Thank you for your hard work!

Every week he looks forward to it, he has made some good friends at the school.

We are really pleased with the progress Dan has made since attending Steve Hale Goalkeeping School. Every week he looks forward to it, he has made some good friends at the school. He has also been selected to play for his league representative team.

It amazes me how many different drills for goalkeeping Steve comes up with!!

Max has been training with Steve for 2 1/2 years when he first started at Stratton under 6’s. He has really enjoyed the sessions and has shown great progress. In January 2008 Max was spotted by a Swindon Town Scout and now attends the Centre of Excellence where thankfully he continues to get his coaching from Steve. It amazes me how many different drills for goalkeeping Steve comes up with!! Even after 2 1/2 years Max isn’t bored and enjoys his sessions and continues to develop and recently won a “Player of the Day” award at a tournament.

We owe alot to Steve!!

I can thoroughly recommend all your training sessions to any keeper who wants to be the best they can be.

I just wanted to drop you a quick email to say a huge thank you for your wonderful coaching with Ryan. He has started this season as a confident and competent goalkeeper thanks to your goalkeeping school, Monday evening goalkeeper training and extra sessions he has had with you. I can thoroughly recommend all your training sessions to any keeper who wants to be the best they can be. As you know he has only been in the position of goalkeeper for 6 months but looking at the way he plays you would never know this.

Thank you so much.

Alex was always a good shot-stopper but now has much greater spatial awareness and an improved positioning sense

Alex Mathews has been our regular keeper for the last three years and we have noticed big improvements in his technique and confidence over that time which must in large part be attributable to Alex’s attendance at the Steve Hale Goalkeeping School. Alex was always a good shot-stopper but now has much greater spatial awareness and an improved positioning sense and his overall skills and technique have come on leaps and bounds.

I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who would like to take up goalkeeping

I would just like to say a big thank you, to you & the coaches for the work you have done with cons over the last 2 years or so,we are sorry to be leaving you (but hopefully it wont be for long) he has made massive progress under your guidance in that time no more so than last saturday where he had a great game which all stems from the coaching he gets from yourself. I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who would like to take up goalkeeping in the future. Again from me,lou,& most of all cons a big thank you.

Every opposition manager is beginning to say he is the best they have seen at his age.

On a personal note we would just like to thank you for the confidence and improvement you have put into Joshua. In the last month he has had man of the match twice and the first one was given by the GFA. Every opposition manager is beginning to say he is the best they have seen at his age. A comment today from the Lydney Town Juniors A, manager was he was glad he wont see him for a few weeks!.

We would just like you to know that we appreciate your hard work and effort of you and the other staff

… thank you very much for the weekend of goalkeeper training. Harry thoroughly enjoyed…

I just wanted to say thank you very much for the weekend of goalkeeper training. Harry thoroughly enjoyed it and has learnt so much. He was thrilled to have won a prize, which has given him much more confidence (shame its the end of the football season!).

Please pass on our thanks to Grubber. Thank you once again.

I was impressed with the level of commitment and professionalism

Lewis really enjoyed the weekend really helped his goalkeeping skills, I was impressed with the level of commitment and professionalism , great value for the training provided. Will definitely bring Lewis along to another session.

James has enjoyed your GK Training and he has learnt so much in just a few months

Just wanted to send you an email to say how much James has enjoyed your GK Training and he has learnt so much in just a few months. He was made to feel so welcome by both the coaches and other boys on his first night and was buzzing in the car on the way home (just a shame the weather stopped play at the beginning of the year). Every week he checks what the session will be covering and looks forward to seeing his friends. He has enjoyed playing with the ‘older’ boys and they have been so encouraging and supportive, it’s so good to see. All coaches have been so patient and approachable. James has really grown in confidence in goal at his club since he’s joined your GK School (something which he lacked before), so thank you. James is really looking forward to attending the course in June.

Many thanks

Ps- He thinks your gloves have made a difference!