Thurtell, 21, spoke to FourFourTwo about his elation over his ambitions in coaching finally becoming a reality as he seeks to increase the levels of professional tutoring for goalkeepers at junior levels. 

“I chose to do it because i’ve become more passionate about coaching,” he said. “It’s all in the setup phase at the moment but I am very excited to take on a new chapter.”

“I’ve always wanted to coach and I couldn’t help but chase it and follow through with it and I’m glad I did.”

The program provides individual tuition for players at junior level to hone in on specific goalkeeping attributes and skills. Thurtell has chosen to focus on coaching his fortè in goalkeeping finesse as he feels training for younger players is a niche market.

“Training for junior keepers rarely receives the attention it deserves,” he said. “Especially in youth football where coaches use exercises designed for older players.”

“The majority of the coaching will be goalkeeper based,” he said.” I feel like at junior levels goalkeeping gets pushed to the side.”

“One of Australia’s strongest positions is goalkeeping and it has always had a competitive list. The quality of coaches is there but it’s not widespread, it doesn’t have the quantity.” 

“In the future I can be involved in creating a new generation of goalkeepers.”

After departing Perth Glory in 2017 after three years of uncertainty over his A-League career, the 21-year old from Nambour traversed across the country to ply his trade in NPL Queensland for Moretan Bay United.

Thurtell sees his future in coaching but will still be competing in NPL Capital Football in Canberra for Canberra FC.

“Hopefully it opens up opportunities for me to land chances to coach in a semi-professional and professional environment," he said.  

Jordan Thurtell’s ‘Thurtell Football Coaching’ opens on February 19th in Canberra.