Crossword Genius

Finders of soccer players, perhaps? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

keepers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'finders of soccer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'players perhaps?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'players' could be 'ee' (an abbreviation for a bridge player written twice) and 'ee' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for keepers that I've seen before include "Custodians, stewards" , "Goalies" , "Players in goal" , "Zoo attendants" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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