Swansea City gave one lucky fan a money cannot buy opportunity to learn to Save Like A Pro, alongside their experienced goalkeeping star, Ben Hamer.

Ahead of the new season, Mumbles Rangers FC's goalkeeper Geraint Davies was invited to Swansea City Training Ground Fairwood to experience a professional goalkeeping coaching session and get tips on saving energy when playing.

The session included ball-control drills, crossing practice, and some reflex work, along with discussions on how to minimise energy waste when moving across the goal.

The training session was organised as part of Smart Energy GB and EFL's 'Save Like a Pro' campaign, which highlights how getting a smart meter installed can help people make small changes at home to save energy and be more in control of their energy bills.

Davies, 35, an engineer from Swansea, was put through his paces under the clear skies of South Wales by Hamer and Swansea City goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton.

Hamer, who made his name at Charlton Athletic, where he won the League One title in 2012 before spells in the Premier League with Leicester City and Huddersfield Town, wanted to get involved to give fans like Davies a chance to experience a professional standard training session.

"We went through various drills and put him through his paces, with a focus on conserving as much energy as possible in goal," said Hamer, speaking to encourage Swansea City fans to get a smart meter installed.

"He got on well, I think.

"We worked him hard but started nice and easy, so he thought it would be an easy session.

"But then we put him through his paces a bit towards the end, and I think he'll have a good night's sleep tonight after that.

"He looked like he enjoyed it; the main focus of the session was saving energy around the goal, fast foot movement, and learning how to work faster, not harder."

Smart meters come with an in-home display screen so users can easily see where energy is being used, meaning they can make small changes to be more efficient, budget more easily, and put an end to estimated bills.

Hamer added: "I'm great at controlling my energy on the pitch but not so great at controlling it off the pitch, getting a smart meter installed is one easy step I can take to help manage that"

"I really enjoyed learning and talking about how we can control energy off the pitch, too, such as getting a smart meter installed. They help people to see where they can save energy and, in turn, money by showing energy use throughout the home."

South Wales Argus:

Hamer signed for Swansea City during last season's January transfer window but had to wait until a 0-0 draw against Hull City in September to make his debut for the Swans.

Davies' drew the short straw' of playing in goal as a youngster but quickly learned to love being between the sticks, and he represents Mumbles Rangers FC, who play in the West Wales Premier League.

The 35-year-old is a lifelong Swansea City fan, having followed the club since Roger Freestone managed the club back in 2002 all the way to the Premier League.

He said: "I'm excited to have been invited down by the EFL and SEGB to learn how to save like a pro.

"I really enjoyed today, and I really enjoyed the session.

"It was an unbelievable experience and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"As a goalkeeper, you're not very active throughout the game, but there are certain points where you're expected to make a crucial intervention or a vital save.

"So, it's all about conserving your energy for those moments."

Davies was keen to prove that the amateur and professional gap isn't as large as some might expect.

South Wales Argus:

He added: "I never in a million years imagined I'd be running out at the training ground in full goalkeeper kit; I just want to see how they go about doing things and get that experience off the first team goalkeepers themselves.

"I've obviously always wanted to be a professional footballer, but working with Ben has shown me how much hard work it is. I was very tired after our session!

"I think I did well with the drills, but I'm not sure I'll be challenging him for his spot in the team just yet!"

Among the tips discussed to manage energy off the pitch by Hamer and Davies was using fewer appliances and lights during the summer months, hang washing outside rather than using a dryer, and turn your appliances off standby mode.

While speaking to your energy supplier about getting a meter installed to control your usage, switching off lights when not in use and cooking for everyone at once, to ensure using the oven less, are key energy-saving practices.  

South Wales Argus:

Robert Cheesewright, Director at Smart Energy GB, said: "Footballers and goalkeepers need to know how to conserve their energy on and off the pitch, and the same goes for our own energy use at home.

"Getting a smart meter from your energy supplier means, through automatic billing and having greater control of your energy use, you'll have one less thing to worry about.

"The in-home display allows you to see in near-real-time how much energy you are using in pounds and pence - meaning you can make some great saves, just like our goalkeepers today.

"Join the energy revolution and help upgrade Britain's energy infrastructure by getting a smart meter installed at no extra cost."

If you would like to register your interest in getting a smart meter installed, contact your energy supplier. Smart Energy GB and the EFL Partnership: Save Like a Pro. For more information, visit smartenergyGB.