@pewpew,
I fundamentally disagree with your perspective on the relationship between game time and development as it relates to keepers. I agree with what
@Eagle33 wrote at the U12+ level. But, all of these comments and especially the underlined text is what I disagree with. (my explanation is below)
Full explanation:
My view is that
at the 7v7 and 9v9 levels there should never be a full-time GK. These are truly development levels and the GKs (plural) should be field players and GKs. They should always be splitting time, but more importantly working on their field player skills equally (during team training). Its a major mistake for parents to allow their kid to dedicate themselves to the GK position at these early levels. Moreover, the kids playing at this level are really playing for the fun of the game, thus, we should minimize players sitting on the bench and give all players touches in practice and during the games.
The exception to the above is U12, Flight 1, which is for those players that are physically and emotionally developed to embrace competition (see below).
At the the U13+ groups, here is my view:
Rec/Signature/Flight 3/Bronze/Silver - These players are playing for fun and the focus should be on developing skills. Teams should carry 2 keepers and give those keepers field time. Games are not that important from a competitive standpoint. All players should get at least 50% playing time.
Flight 2/Silver Elite - These players have transitioned from just fun to playing for competition. They want to move to the next level and should be rewarded for hard work and dedication developing their skills. We still want them to have fun, but are going to reward these players based on their skills. Having a 75%/25% split for players is acceptable. Because these players want to improve their positions, rewarding a player with playing time and focusing on winning competitions is good.
Flight 1/Gold/Premiere/DA/ECNL/NPL, etc. - These players should have the skills to play at these high levels and the mental competitive drive to push themselves and understand playing time is not guaranteed. Each practice, each game all factor into playing time. They should hate sitting on the bench and be driven to get better. This level is for athletes with a potential future and they need to have competition at their positions. When they sit, it hurts and they convert that hurt into fire to train better and harder and win the start. With regard to keepers, the keepers are dedicated to the position (especially at U14+) and training 3-4 days per week to improve and hone their skills.
With regard to keepers, having seen teams with 1, 2 and 3 keepers that the 2 and 3 keeper teams are able to develop their keepers better due to the fact that the keepers are always pushing the other. This internal friendly competition is good. They learn from their own and their teammates mistakes.
Because I believe 90% to 95% of keeper development occurs in training with good coaching, I view game time as purely a reward and an opportunity to demonstrate what they learned. There will be fewer learning opportunities in 90 minute games (or whatever the game length is) than would have occurred in 15 minutes of keeper/team training. For example, in a typical 90 minute game my kid may see 3 corners and 3 direct kicks. In 15 minutes of team training he will see 7-8 corners and 6 to 7 directs kicks and get coaching in between while the players reset.
I will be honest,I only understand parts of everyone's comments, simply because I don't really understand the lingo of soccer. yet. I really do appreciate everyone's advice and I feel more confident in knowing what questions to ask. 
