8 questions, with why they’re asked and how to answer.
General
1Tell us about yourself and why you want to work in football.
Why they ask this: They want a clear, short story that links your experience to this role, and to see real motivation beyond being a fan.
How to answer: Spend about a minute: where you are now, two or three experiences that prepared you for this job, and why this step makes sense. Keep “I love football” to one sentence and focus on the work.
See an example answer
“I’ve spent three years coaching in grassroots and academy football while finishing my degree. The part I enjoy most is seeing players improve week by week, which is why I want a full-time academy role where I can work with the same group across a season.”
2Why do you want to work for our club?
Why they ask this: Clubs want people who have done their homework and will fit their culture, style and plans.
How to answer: Mention something specific: their playing style, academy pathway, community work or a recent change at the club, and connect it to how you work.
See an example answer
“Your academy has given first-team debuts to five players in two seasons, and the pathway is clearly a priority. That matches how I coach: I focus on long-term development, not just results on a Saturday.”
Role-specific
3How do you link goalkeeper training to the team’s style of play?
Why they ask this: Goalkeepers are part of the team’s build-up and defending, not a separate unit.
How to answer: Explain how your sessions reflect the team’s game model, for example distribution under pressure when the team plays out from the back.
Technical
4How do you develop a goalkeeper’s decision-making on crosses?
Why they ask this: Shows depth of specialist knowledge.
How to answer: Talk about starting position, reading the cross, communication, and realistic practices with opposition.
5Which data do you use to assess goalkeepers?
Why they ask this: Clubs increasingly use data in goalkeeping.
How to answer: Mention shot-stopping metrics (e.g. goals prevented), distribution accuracy, claims and sweeping actions, and combining data with video.
Behavioural
6Tell us about a goalkeeper who lost confidence. How did you help?
Why they ask this: Goalkeeping is mentally demanding; they want to see empathy and structure.
How to answer: Describe how you rebuilt confidence step by step: simplifying tasks, positive video, and clear routines.
Situational
7Your number one keeper makes an error that costs a goal. What do you say at half-time?
Why they ask this: Tests how you manage emotions in the moment.
How to answer: Keep it short and calm: reset, one clear focus for the second half, and leave detailed analysis for later.
Questions to ask them
8What would success look like in this role after six months?
Why they ask this: Asking this shows you’re thinking about results and how you’ll be measured, not just about getting the job.
How to answer: Ask it near the end, listen closely, and briefly connect their answer to something you’ve already mentioned.
