Professional international goalkeepers put New College Durham’s £4.5m multi-use games area to the test
New College Durham recently welcomed professional goalkeepers from across Europe to its multi-use games area.
The all-weather facility at the college’s Framwellgate Moor campus was recently used by specialist goalkeeping organisation Modern-Day GK for an intensive training session involving professional players from Sweden, Portugal and Poland.
Modern-Day GK focuses on modern player mindsets, decision-making, game analysis and error-resilience training rather than traditional shot-stopping drills.
The organisation has also developed a strong network of contacts across professional football, helping players who have been released from clubs or previously overlooked by the traditional pathway to find new opportunities.
Mark Robinson, co-founder of Modern-Day GK, said: “We’re always looking for venues where we can train and, ultimately, we want to be on a full-size football pitch that meets the professional standards we need.
“When I heard how good the facility was here, I had to see it for myself – and the pitch is amazing.
"We had three professional goalkeepers here at New College Durham’s multi-use games area, and when you reach their level, you want to coach on a professionally maintained pitch – and this definitely is.”
The multi-use games area forms part of New College Durham’s continued investment in high-quality facilities for students and the community.
Officially opened in 2025, the facility features an all-weather pitch built to FA and Sport England standards, and it is already popular with local football organisations.
Barry Poskett, curriculum manager for sport at New College Durham, said: “This is much more than just a pitch. Here at New College Durham, we actively pursue and achieve the ideal of being a catalyst for positive change.
"It is great to see our facilities being used by organisations across the whole spectrum of ability.
"Whether starting out as an under-six team member or attracting interest from players in Europe seeking to benefit from the coaching skills and facilities in the North East, is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.
"Our facilities are here to inspire talent, build resilience and create pathways from grassroots football to professional academies.”
Local clubs already using the facilities include Durham Women FC, Durham FC, Durham Athletic, Durham United and Shincliffe Juniors.