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Our Team

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Michael Dougherty

Director & Specialist GK Coach

A highly ambitious and diversely experienced goalkeeping coach with a proven track record coaching and developing elite academy, international, semi professional and professional first team goalkeepers. 

 

Michael’s current roles are Head of Goalkeeping at Irish League side Ballyclare Comrades And Director Of Coaching at The Northern Ireland Goalkeeping Institute.  While continuing his role as Talent ID & Lead Goalkeeping Coach for Rangers Football Club within their Northern Ireland based Advanced Goalkeeping Centre. 

Michael has previously held roles as Lead Goalkeeping Coach within the Irish Football Association, And as player / GK coach at Crusaders Football Club and Larne Football Club of the Irish League. 

 

Michaels expert services continue to be in high demand with regular visits to North America & Canada to carry out Elite Level Goalkeeping Workshops & Goalkeeping Coach Education clinics ( Clean Sheet International Goalkeeping & Modern Goalkeeping Solutions) 

 

Michael has also carried out goalkeeping sessions during CPD & Club visits at a host of top clubs across the UK & Europe,   Including Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Rangers, Riga Utd (Latvia), Quarteira Utd (Portugal) and Clemson University (USA). 

 

A visible leader who has established a portfolio of experience nurturing the talent and developing elite players to support age group transition and youth international call-ups. Applies a unique coaching style, professional approach to management and knowledge gained from a long and established professional playing career to support the next generation of goalkeepers in achieving their full potential.

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Lee Rutherford

Specialist GK Coach

Another highly ambitious and diversely experienced goalkeeping coach, Lee has been with NIGK since its formation in 2013.

Lee’s current roles are Goalkeeping Coach for Irish League side Crusaders FC, an Academy Goalkeeping Coach for Rangers Football Club within their NI based Advanced Goalkeeping Centre, Goalkeeping coach for the Northern Ireland Disability team as well as a Specialist GK Coach for NIGK.

 

Lee has also previously worked within the Northern Ireland National Team set-up coaching the JD Club NI Goalkeepers.

A hugely popular and talented member of the NIGK coaching team, Lee has plenty of knowledge to offer our Goalkeepers.

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Rob Murdie

Specialist GK Coach

Rob is a highly ambitious and experienced goalkeeping coach who has been with NIGK since 2020.

Rob’s current role along with NIGK is with Irish League Side Ballyclare Comrades where he is Assistant 1st Team GK Coach to NIGK Director Michael Dougherty and Head of Academy Goalkeeping.

Rob previously held the role of Head of Academy Goalkeeping at former club Crusaders FC where he was a GK Coach for 5 Years so hugely understands the dedication required for developing Goalkeepers to reach their potential.

Rob has gained vital experience not only from both Michael & Lee at NIGK, but also from world renowned GK Coach Eric Steele, who he completed a 6-month long mentorship with in 2020 through the GK Nexus platform.

A young, talented & passionate Goalkeeping coach of the NIGK coaching team.

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