Train With Former MLS All-Star Goalkeeper Mark Dougherty
Elevate your goalkeeping skills under the expert guidance of Mark Dougherty, former MLS All-Star goalkeeper with over 20 years of professional playing and coaching experience. As Miami's most experienced goalkeeper coach, Mark has developed a unique training methodology that combines technical excellence with tactical awareness and mental preparation.
Mark's professional career includes 12 seasons in Major League Soccer, where he earned All-Star honors and set multiple club records. His coaching philosophy emphasizes proper technique, decision-making under pressure, and the mental aspects of goalkeeping that separate good goalkeepers from great ones.
Based in Miami since 2015, Mark has helped dozens of local goalkeepers earn collegiate scholarships and professional opportunities through his specialized training programs at Proactive Goalkeeping.
mark's Training Philosophy
MLS All-Star Goalkeeper
Mark Dougherty
Mark Dougherty's training philosophy centers on complete goalkeeper development—integrating technical skills, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude into a comprehensive approach that prepares goalkeepers for the demands of modern soccer.
Understanding that each athlete develops at their own pace, Mark implements age-appropriate progression, carefully calibrating drills and concepts to match the physical capabilities and cognitive development of each goalkeeper, whether they're 12 or 18.
What truly distinguishes Mark's methodology is his unwavering emphasis on teaching the "why" behind every technique. Rather than simply instructing goalkeepers on what to do, he ensures they understand the underlying principles and decision-making processes, creating intelligent players who can adapt to game situations independently.
This three-dimensional approach—holistic development, personalized progression, and conceptual understanding—transforms promising young athletes into confident, technically sound goalkeepers prepared for collegiate and professional opportunities.
MARK's Biography
Professional Career & Achievements
Mark Dougherty's distinguished career in soccer spans decades of excellence both on the field and on the sidelines. As a professional goalkeeper, Mark's journey began in California, where his natural talent and dedication quickly set him apart from his peers. His collegiate career at Fresno State University was marked by exceptional performance, where he served as team captain and still holds the conference record for career shutouts.
Mark's professional playing career reached its pinnacle in Major League Soccer, where he made history as the first goalkeeper selected in the inaugural MLS draft by the Tampa Bay Mutiny. His exceptional skills between the posts later took him to the Columbus Crew, where his outstanding performance earned him the team's Most Valuable Player award in 1999. Throughout his illustrious playing career, Mark was twice named an MLS All-Star, cementing his reputation as one of the league's premier goalkeepers.
Coaching Excellence
Following his retirement from professional play in 2001, Mark seamlessly transitioned to coaching, where his expertise and leadership qualities continued to shine. His coaching journey has included prestigious positions at:
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Bowling Green State University
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Colorado Rapids (MLS)
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U.S. National Teams (Men's and Women's programs)
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U.S. Men's Olympic Team
As an active member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Mark has remained at the forefront of coaching innovation and player development methodologies. His coaching philosophy emphasizes complete goalkeeper development, combining technical excellence with tactical awareness and mental fortitude.
Current Leadership
Today, Mark serves as the founder and head coach at ProActive Goalkeeping, where he applies his wealth of experience to develop the next generation of elite goalkeepers. His program has become renowned for its comprehensive approach to goalkeeper training, emphasizing age-appropriate progression and conceptual understanding of techniques.
Mark also serves as the Director of Coaching for Coral Gables' youth soccer program, where he oversees a team of coaches dedicated to grassroots development and fostering a love for the beautiful game among young players.
Education & Credentials
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Bachelor's Degree from Fresno State University
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USSF Coaching Licenses
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National Soccer Coaches Association of America Certifications
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Specialized Goalkeeper Training Certifications
Mark's combination of professional playing experience, elite coaching credentials, and passion for player development makes him one of the most respected goalkeeper coaches in the United States, with a proven track record of elevating players to collegiate and professional opportunities.