GK ICON ACADEMIES
The UK’s Largest Specialist Goalkeeper Training Provider
Founded by former Premier League goalkeeper Richard Lee, GK Icon runs 39 training centres across England and Scotland and international residentials at elite European clubs.
50 Weeks
Year-Round Programme
WHY GK ICON
Why Work at GK Icon Academies
GK Icon occupies a rare niche in football — an organisation built entirely around goalkeeper development. Staff work within a specialist coaching environment focused on a single position, using a structured methodology refined over nearly two decades. With 39 centres spanning Glasgow to Bristol, coaching roles are available across the country and most are based close to where coaches already live.
Beyond weekly sessions, coaches can work on international residentials at the training grounds of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and others. The organisation is founder-led — Richard Lee remains actively involved in coaching, mentoring, and shaping the company’s direction.
Sources: gkiconacademies.co.uk; LinkedIn — GK Icon Academies
ABOUT
About GK Icon Academies
GK Icon Academies was founded in 2007 by Richard Lee, a former professional goalkeeper who made over 200 appearances in a career that included Watford FC in the Premier League, along with spells at Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, and Brentford. Lee also authored the book Life Lessons of a Professional Footballer and has worked as a broadcaster with Sky Sports and TalkSport.
The organisation provides structured weekly goalkeeper training for young players of all ages and abilities across 39 centres in England and Scotland, running sessions 50 weeks of the year. It also operates half-term goalkeeper camps, one-to-one mentoring programmes, girls-only sessions, and international residentials at elite European club facilities. The company employs between 51 and 200 staff from its headquarters in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
WHAT WE DO
Three Pillars of GK Icon
GK Icon’s work spans three core areas, each offering distinct roles and career paths for staff.
Weekly Academy Training
39 centres across the UK delivering structured goalkeeper coaching 50 weeks a year, for goalkeepers of all ages and abilities.
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International Residentials
Training camps at the facilities of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Espanyol, and PSV Eindhoven, plus warm-weather camps in Dubai — led by professional coaches including current and former Premier League staff.
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Mentoring & Development
Individual goalkeeper mentoring programmes and girls-only camps, alongside a coaching pathway for staff to develop their own experience across the network.
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CAREER AREAS
Functions at GK Icon
GK Icon regularly recruits across its network of 39 centres. Most roles are part-time and based at a local centre, with pay ranging from £15 to £100 per hour depending on the role and experience level.
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Lead Goalkeeper Coach
Run weekly evening sessions at a local centre, coaching groups of goalkeepers aged 7–14. Requires prior goalkeeper coaching experience.
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Assistant Goalkeeper Coach
Support a lead coach at a local centre. An entry-level pathway suited to those building their coaching experience.
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Outfield Coach
Lead outfield training sessions at academy centres. Minimum FA Level 1–2 required, with UEFA B roles also available.
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Academy Management
Manage youth teams across age groups from U9 to U18, overseeing weekly training and match-day operations.
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Social Media & Content
Film sessions, create content, and manage social media across the academy network. Full-time hybrid roles available.
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International Camps
Experienced coaches can work on overseas residentials at Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and in Dubai.
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Source: Jobs In Football — GK Icon active listings (June 2026)
WORKING HERE
Life at GK Icon
Coaching staff at GK Icon work predominantly on evenings and weekends, running structured sessions at their local centre. The company operates across 39 locations, so most roles are based at a specific site close to where the coach lives. More experienced coaches may also travel with the organisation’s international residentials to Madrid, Barcelona, Eindhoven, or Dubai, working alongside professional goalkeeping coaches including former Premier League staff such as Neil Cutler and Hans Segers.
Sources: gkiconacademies.co.uk/goalkeeper-coach-jobs; gkiconacademies.co.uk/goalkeeping-residentials
LOCATION
GK Icon Headquarters
GK Icon’s head office is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, though coaching roles are spread across 39 centres nationwide.
At GK Icon, your work helps shape the next generation of goalkeepers — from local training pitches to the facilities of Europe’s biggest clubs.
