This time around, he was accompanied by Vasilis Petropoulos, goalkeeping coach of PAOK U20s, with whom Giorgos Skiathitis had an excellent cooperation throughout the season as the U20 keepers participated in the men’s team training sessions. The two coaches follow the same training methods, preparing young shot-stoppers for a big career leap.

During their stay in Poland, the two men had the opportunity to exchange ideas with renowned names of the field. Also present were the goalkeeping coaches of FC Porto and Fulham FC, as well as the heads of the academies of AFC Ajax, RB Leipzig, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Arsenal FC, GNK Dinamo Zagreb and Śląsk Wrocław.

The topics presented and discussed during the workshop varied from philosophy issues regarding the goalkeeper’s position, annual programming of training sessions, long-range training programming and formation for youth age groups and scouting. Participants also studied the importance of the goalkeeping coach and the necessity to establish a trusting relation with the players and help them grow and evolve.

The coaches also got to put on their gloves and go through a practice session, highlighting and discussing similarities and differences in technical and tactical issues.