From Benfleet, keepers head east to PL1 Goalkeeping Academy on Eastwoodbury Lane — around twenty to twenty-five minutes via the A127, past the airport.
South Benfleet is the gateway to Canvey, with Benfleet Downs and the Hadleigh Castle country park on its edge and a strong grassroots scene feeding local schools and clubs. Their goalkeepers, though, have to travel for coaching that is actually about goalkeeping.
That trip earns Benfleet's number ones a genuinely specialist environment — outdoor, all-weather and built around the position — plus a pathway that has taken 25 PL1 keepers to professional academies since 2018, all under UEFA/FA-qualified coaches.
Group Academy training, the elite PRO stream, 1-to-1 coaching and a free taster — open to Benfleet keepers of every age and ability.
A variety of programmes and training sessions for goalkeepers of all ages and abilities, hosted in Southend, Essex. Core technique, decision-making and game understanding, built session by session.
A unique opportunity for elite goalkeepers who have the desire to work towards academy-based football — higher intensity and individualised development.
Focused individual sessions tailored to a single keeper's goals, with detailed feedback and a personal development plan.
Book a free taster session, meet the coaches and experience the PL1 method first-hand before you commit.
Our holiday camps are open to outfield players as well as keepers — every age, every ability. They run at the academy on Eastwoodbury Lane, about 24 minutes from Benfleet, 10am–3pm. Drop in for one date or come to them all.
See camp datesPL1 gloves are made with professional-grade German latex and tested by our own academy keepers. Junior and adult sizes. Benfleet families can collect free at a session, or have them delivered.
Browse glovesSessions run Monday, Wednesday and Friday — outdoors, all-weather, all year round. Get in touch to book a taster, or read up first:
