Goalkeeper Facts for Kids

A goalkeeper is a special player in many sports. Their main job is to protect their team's goal. They stop the other team from scoring points or goals. You'll find goalkeepers in sports like football (also called soccer) and ice hockey. Goalkeepers often wear more protective gear than their teammates. This helps keep them safe during the game.

Joe Hart in goal for England vs Italy, European Championship 2012

Football Goalkeepers: Protecting the Net
Ice Hockey Goalies: Stopping the Puck
Field Hockey Goalkeepers: Full Protection
Images for kids
See also

Football Goalkeepers: Protecting the Net

In football, a goalkeeper wears a special uniform called a kit. This kit includes shin guards to protect their lower legs. They also wear gloves. These gloves are very important. They protect the goalkeeper's hands from the hard impact of the ball when they catch it.

Did you know that goalkeepers didn't always wear gloves? Until the 1960s, many goalkeepers played without any hand protection!

In the early 1900s, goalkeepers often wore the same colored uniform as their teammates. The only difference might have been a cap. However, in 1909, the Scottish Football Association made a rule. Goalkeepers had to wear a different color from the other players. This showed their unique role. They were the only players allowed to use their hands to touch the ball.

Ice Hockey Goalies: Stopping the Puck

Ice hockey goalie

In ice hockey, the goalkeeper is called a Goalie. Goalies wear much thicker padding than other players. This padding protects them from being hit by the fast-moving puck. The goalie's hockey stick is also different. It is much wider than other players' sticks. The bottom edge is longer and flatter.

Goalies wear a very large leather glove on one hand. This glove has a big area to help them catch the puck. Ice hockey goalies also wear masks. These masks protect their entire face, head, and neck.

Field Hockey Goalkeepers: Full Protection

Goal keeper with players stick

In field hockey, the goalkeeper stands in the goal net. Their job is to stop the other team from scoring. Field hockey goalkeepers need a lot of special gear. This kit protects them from the hard hockey balls hit at them. Here is some of their protective equipment:

Helmet - Protects the head and face.
Neck guard - Protects the neck.
Breastplate - Protects the body, and sometimes the back.
Elbow pads - Protect the arms. Sometimes the breastplate and elbow guards are combined.
Smock - An extra large shirt that covers the breastplate and elbow pads.
Gloves - Protect the hands. The right glove has a hole to hold the stick.
Box - Protects the groin area.
Shorts - Protect the thighs and upper bottom.
Shin guards - Protect the lower legs.
Kickers - Protect the feet.
Stick - Acts as an extra tool for reaching and making saves.