Dashun Cooper has continued to build on his coaching skills after gaining his Uefa Goalkeeping B badge.

The 29-year-old, who is head of goalkeeping at English semi-professional side Hartley Wintney, successfully completed the course’s curriculum that included goalkeeping, session and curriculum planning and psychology last month.

“I am over the moon and definitely grateful and excited,” an elated Cooper told The Royal Gazette.

“But it’s straight back to work because I have my B-licence assessment in December and obviously everything else within football life here such as sessions and matches.”

Cooper was kept busy throughout the extensive course, which began in February.

“We had to submit tons of coursework and assignments as well as doing analysis within our own goalkeeping departments and in general,” he explained.

“Analysis from matches, gathering data and then turning it into a session plan that would help with any problems presented.”

The Uefa Goalkeeping B Licence course helps successful candidates acclimatise to the demands associated with semi-professional and professional football.

“A lot of it touched on the tactical side of goalkeeping as well,” Cooper added. “For example, in our session plan was a component where we have outfield players included to generate match scenarios, rather than just working with one goalkeeper or a group of goalkeepers.

“My assessment topic was on defending wide areas, so for one component I had 12 players in total and I had to create a practice with the desired outcomes and coaching points for the goalkeeper. This moved into an 8-versus-8 match in which we coach the goalkeeper in the game.

“When the licence started, we met up via Zoom for a link to lay down ground rules, what the plan would be going forward and for coursework. We then had a practical coaching session at Oriam, Scotland’s national training facility.

“We then had an assessment there followed by post-course reflections submitted after.”

The former X-Roads goalkeeper moved to England primarily to complete his goalkeeping badges.

“I have to thank my friends, Andrew Sparkes from Southampton and James Russell from Chelsea, who have given me advice, insight on life, the game and goalkeeping,” said Cooper, who is also working towards obtaining his Level 2 Analyst certification. “Those guys have been massive for me.”

The Uefa Goalkeeping B badge is mandatory in order to apply or work full time in professional clubs.

“Most clubs, when you apply for a position, will say you need a minimum of a B Licence depending on the position,” Cooper said.

“I definitely want to move on to the Uefa Goalkeeping A course as soon as the dates are released and I want to use these badges as a means to obtain a full-time position in a professional club.”