Bond signing session part of 'Discovery Day' (From Watford Observer)

Signing session with Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and free coaching from former Hornets

7:00am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in Sport

Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond will be signing autographs as part of free goalkeeping sessions provided by former Hornets Richard Lee and Jamie Irving.

Bond has replaced ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia in recent weeks due to injury to the Spaniard and a couple of errors have not overshadowed good performances from the youngster.

Lee, who used to play with Bond at Watford, has set up a goalkeeping academy called GK Icon and they will be hosting a ‘Discovery Day’ on Sunday, March 24, which will include a signing session from Bond.

Lee said: "We are delighted to have Jonathan attending our free Discovery Day. He is a goalkeeper with immense potential, which he has shown in recent weeks and also by the fact he was called up to the full Wales squad at the age of just 17.

"Our Discovery Day will be a great opportunity to not only meet an outstanding young goalkeeper, but also receive free goalkeeper training from myself and Jamie Irving.

"With no Premier League or Championship games that weekend, it will be a great chance for parents to give their child their football fix, have a fantastic time and also improve their skills in the process."

Lee and Irving, who was part of the club’s academy, will be offering two hours of free goalkeeper training. Between 5pm and 6pm will be for those who are 12 years and under, and from 6pm to 7pm will be for those over the age of 12.

The coaching at Evergreen FC, in Abbots Langley, will include lots of fun exercises and parents are welcome to stay and watch.

As well as signing autographs, Bond will be providing two pairs of signed gloves for a competition.

GK Icon has goalkeeping academies across the UK and abroad and has centres locally in Watford, Welwyn and Barnet - with another soon to be opened in the Aylesbury area.

They are always looking for more coaches, so the ‘Discovery Day’ is also a chance for goalkeeping coaches to learn about what taking on a franchise involves.

Those hoping to attend are free to arrive unannounced but it the organisers would appreciate if you could express an interest by emailing sarah@gkicon.com.