"Just4Keepers has been running successfully now for the past seven years; and over this time period we at J4K have produced more schoolboy goalkeepers than any of our top professional clubs."
Ray Newland - J4K Founder
James Russell
Flying the Flag for Hertfordshire Keepers
James Russell is an ex Republic of Ireland International
Born in Welyn Garden City, James was originally a schoolboy at Arsenal academy before signing for Chelsea at the age of fourteen.
He then went on to sign a two year apprenticeship at Chelsea before signing professional forms at aged nineteen.
During this season James become an International goalkeeper being called up by and representing the Republic Of Ireland under 21's on two occasions versus Slovakia and Portugal respectively.
After five years and a combined total of 46 competitive matches for both Chelsea's youth team and reserves, James joined Stevenage borough in the Blue Square Premier. In his first season at Stevenage, James missed out on the playoffs by one point. He was then loaned out to Ryman side Canvey Island where he helped push the club up the league which ended in a promotion via the playoffs.
With a new manager appointed at Stevenage and the arrival of two senior goalkeepers opportunities were extremely limited for James at the start of the 08/09 season. After couple of loan moves to Halesowen Town and Arseley Town respectively James completed a free transfer to Arseley where he made 36 appearances and helped the club avoid relegation on the last day of the season.
Having been managed by and trained with the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Mick Mcgiven, Don Givens, Mark Beeney, Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini, Henrique Hillario and Neil Sullivan, James has picked up a unique blend of styles and techniques which can only benefit the young goalkeepers in the Hertfordshire area.
Ray J4K founder - Thursday, 13 May 2010, 2:36pm
If you want to train like a professional keeper for a week, be sure to note the summer residential courses we have in place.Details at
www.goalkeepercamps.co.uk