NEIL THOMPSON

 

 

Neil Thompson - Founder & Director of Goalkeeping

Thompson started working within the professional soccer system at age 16. The English native signed as a professional goalkeeper for Carlisle United, playing for Barnet and Hull City (England), and receiving U.E.F.A cup experience, with Llanelli AFC in Sweden against Allsvenskan team Gelfe IF (Swedish premier division). 

After finishing his professional playing career overseas, Neil "Big Cat" Thompson moved across the pond, landing himself in the Chicago suburbs at Judson University for a playing stint in the NAIA and to earn an American degree. Upon graduating, his mission was simple: to create a competitive and professional environment meant to push goalkeepers up to their highest possible playing potential. Thus, Big Cat Goalkeeping was born. His first successful venture was the launch of the still-popular Camp React, an elite, goalkeeper-specific camp designed for all ages. From there Big Cat has established itself with hundreds of Big Cats all around the country and world.

Now located in California, Neil directs both the Chicagoland and California branches of Big Cat, but keeps involved in the game by coaching, mentoring players, and elevating exciting youth prospects into the professional arena as an agent.

Neil has decades' worth of valuable knowledge and networking in the global soccer markets. He is always searching for ways to improve and refine Big Cat Goalkeeping to ensure any players who want to get themselves to the next level can do so.

" LET'S SMASH IT!"

INFO

  • Joined: 2011 (Founder)
  • Playing Experience:
    • Professional:
      • Hull City
      • Carlisle United
      • Barnet FC
      • Llanelli AFC
    • College: Judson University, Illinois
  • Coaching Experience:
    • USMYNT - U15/U19 GK Coach, Sub-Regional Training Centers, IL/CA Training Centers
    • LAFC - Head Academy GK Coach
    • ODP - Region II Coach
    • Loyola University - GK Coach
  • Notable Coaches & Players Worked With:
*Neil has had the pleasure of learning from an incredible number of elite coaches through his playing and coaching careers, and has helped along hundreds of youth players into the college and professional game. Listed below are some notable mentions:
    • Coaches:
      • Miguel Miranda
      • Curro Galan
      • Ben Benson
      • Aron Hyde
      • Tony Caig
    • Players:
      • Roman Celentano
      • Brian Schwake
      • Lysianne Proulx
      • Phallon Tullis-Joyce
      • Chris Brady
      • Brady Scott
      • Tim Dobrowolski
      • Damian Lass
      • Brandon Barnes
      • Duncan Turnbull
      • Parker Smith
      • Duran Ferree
      • Alex Budnik
      • Donovan Palomares
      • Kevin Silva
      • Damien Alguera
      • Diego Martinez
      • Anthony Campbell
      • & Many, many more