Paul Jones helps develop next generation of Canberra NPLW goalkeepers

Capital Football reached out to Jones in a bid to improve and even out the quality of goalkeepers across all levels of the women's game.

Canberra United technical director Scott O'Donell identified a lack of quality goalkeepers across the league and limited facilities to support them.

O'Donell worked with Capital Football boss Phil Brown to rearrange some budgets and approached Jones about running exclusive training sessions.

Jones, and former Canberra United goalkeeper Chantel Jones, run weekly sessions at Hawker Football Centre to provide specialist training and help develop female goalkeepers inside the NPLW environment.

The former Matildas goalkeeping coach has focused on improving their technique as well as the mental and physical parts of the game. Jones believes the program will help strengthen the quality of keepers across the region in the long-term.

"The benefit won't start to come through for another three or four years but I've already seen massive improvements," Jones said.

"It's like a draft system, the younger players coming through will become better over time."

Jones has his sights set on continuing the program next season but wishes to separate the premier league players from the younger ones.

"The improvement of senior players has been dramatic," Jones said.

"Belconnen's Sally James has gone from a level two goalkeeper to one of the best in the country. She came to the NPLW program and her development has been phenomenal in combination with Belconnen trainings."

Another one of those rising stars is Woden-Weston keeper Cristina Esposito.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper has trained under Jones for nearly 18 months and has become one of the stand-out goalies in the competition.

Esposito guided her team to their maiden Federation Cup final and believes programs like Jones' will help even out the competition.

"We have to bridge the gap in our own competition before [our quality] becomes as good as the likes of Sydney and Queensland," Esposito said.

"Shot-stopping and not conceding goals is so important in our close competition. We're two wins from the top four but the bottom teams are catching up."

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Meanwhile Esposito is preparing to face her former side when Woden-Weston take on Tuggeranong United at Melrose Synthetic on Sunday.

It'll be the first time Esposito plays against her former teammates after she was forced to watch their first encounter from the sidelines with injury.

Woden-Weston are seven-points shy of the top-four but have four 'very winnable' matches in the remaining rounds.

"We look fantastic and everyone is ready to go for the last four games," Esposito said.

"We want to have a crack at the top-four and this game is crucial."

CANBERRA WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE: Round 15

Sunday: Wagga City Wanderers v Gungahlin United at Gissing Oval, 3pm. Woden-Weston v Tuggeranong United at Melrose Synthetic, 3pm. Canberra Olympic v Belconnen United at O'Connor Enclosed, 3pm.