From The Sidelines - from Northumberland FA

Geoff Pike, Football Coaching Consultant and former FA Coach Educator, chats about the coach development and education landscape. He discusses pathways for coaches, the evolution of coach education, and the insights he’s gained working with coaches at all levels. A must-listen for anyone interested in developing their coaching knowledge and understanding how education shapes the future of football...

In this episode of From the Sidelines, Gary Middleton is joined by former Manchester United Academy coach and FA Coach Developer Paul McGuinness for a fascinating deep dive into coaching, player development and the power of storytelling in football. Paul shares insights from over 28 years at Manchester United, his current work across the FA, women’s football, Leeds United and international consult...

In this episode of From the Sidelines , host Gary Middleton sits down with Newcastle United Academy Lead Coach Gregg Ryder to explore his remarkable coaching journey across Iceland, Denmark, America, and back home to the North East. Gregg shares how a broken leg in the U.S. unexpectedly sparked his passion for coaching, the opportunities and challenges he faced working abroad, and the cultural ins...

Host Gary Middleton is joined by Abdul “Butch” Fazal, The FA’s EDI Lead for the Men’s Game, to explore the importance of diversifying the coaching workforce. Butch discusses the barriers faced by historically underrepresented coaches, including access, affordability and opportunity, and explains how FA programmes such as mentoring, club placements and bespoke learning and development aim to create...

In this episode of Touchline to Three Lions , we sit down with Liam Bramley , England National Head Coach , as he shares his coaching journey from grassroots beginnings to the elite level of the game. With experience as First Team Coach at Aston Villa and Norwich City , Liam reflects on the lessons learned across his career, the moments that shaped his coaching philosophy, and the pathway that led...

In this episode, Northumberland FA Football Development Officer Gary Middleton chats with Tony Walmsley — former A-League Technical Director, UEFA Pro Licence holder, and performance specialist. Tony shares his experiences from across the game and explores how true success in football starts with people development . From leadership insights to building environments where individuals can thrive, t...

In this episode, we chat with Mark Lee, owner of Mark Lee Football Coaching in Australia, about developing your coaching philosophy within grassroots football. Mark shares his insights on building a clear coaching approach, nurturing players, and creating a positive impact in the game from the grassroots level up. A must-listen for coaches looking to refine their style and make a lasting differenc...

Join us as we sit down with Ben Dawson, current Brondby first-team coach and former first-team coach at Leicester City and Newcastle United. From his early days in academy coaching to leading top-flight squads, Ben shares insights, experiences, and lessons learned along the way. Perfect for aspiring coaches, football fans, and anyone interested in the journey from youth development to elite footba...

Gary Middleton is joined by Paul Holder — National FA Coach Developer in the professional game and former Head of Academy Coaching at Brighton & Hove Albion — to discuss the importance of core moves in football. Paul breaks down how understanding movement, technique, and player development can shape performance on the pitch, sharing expert insights drawn from years of experience in elite coach...

In this episode, Northumberland FA Football Development Officer Gary Middleton sits down with Ian Skinner — former Gateshead First Team Coach and ex-Newcastle United Academy Coach — to discuss his coaching journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From working in the professional game to developing players at grassroots level, Ian shares valuable insights into what it truly means to coac...

Joe Danquah, Pre-Academy Coach at NUFC, discusses his coaching journey and celebrates Black history within local football with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton.

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Pedley, U11/U12 Lead Coach at Newcastle United’s Academy, for an in-depth chat about the art of designing training sessions that truly support player learning. Michael shares his experience working within a Premier League academy environment, offering practical insights into how he approaches planning, structure, and delivery to help young players understan...

In this episode, we shine a light on the new generation of football coaches making their mark at academy level. We're joined by three young coaches – Jack Sadler (U14s Coach at Middlesbrough Academy), Charlie Bews (U11s Coach at Newcastle United Academy), and Isaac Gamblin (U9s Coach at Middlesbrough Academy) – who share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on what it’s like to work in e...

In this episode of The Female Landscape , we’re joined by Lloyd Miller – Football Development Officer for Women & Girls at Northumberland FA. Lloyd shares his insight into the local female football scene, discussing the progress that’s been made across the region and the work still to do to ensure every girl has the chance to play.

In this episode of Between the Posts , we catch up with Tony Caig , Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Newcastle United , as he reflects on his unique journey through football – from life as a professional goalkeeper to shaping the next generation at the NUFC Academy. Tony shares insights from his playing days, his transition into coaching, and how his experiences between the sticks have influenced hi...

In this episode of Developing your Coaching Craft , we’re joined by Martyn Irvine , Coach Development Lead at Staffordshire FA and UEFA B Coach Developer , to explore what it really means to grow as a coach. With years of experience supporting coaches across all levels of the game, Martyn shares valuable insights into the ongoing process of developing our coaching craft — from reflective practice...

In this episode of From the Sidelines , we’re joined by Jamie Williams , Pre-Academy Lead Coach, and Mark Bertram , Coach & Player Development Lead at Newcastle United Academy , as they explore the concept of learning the game from the game . Jamie and Mark delve into how game-based learning shapes player development, the importance of allowing young players to experience the game in real scen...

Gary Middleton, Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer chats with Emily Senior, England Learning Coach Developer around 'Maximising Player Engagement.'

Ian Macleod Head of Basketball at Newcastle Eagles chats with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton about his coaching journey

Roger Davies England Learning National Coach Developer Lead discusses the importance of understanding our practice returns with Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer, Gary Middleton.

Sarah Lowden former coach developer at the FA and currently working as a coach developer at PGMOL talks with Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer Gary Middleton about 'Who's Coaching You'

Michael Havelock talks to Gary Middleton about the UEFA B course and what coaches can expect when attending the course.

Jamie Barnwell (Former Lead Development Coach and Former Professional Footballer discusses 'Supporting the Individuals with Gary Middleton (Northumberland FA Football Development Officer)

Ian Watson chats with NFA's Gary Middleton about his coaching journey, from earning promotion at Gateshead FC to becoming the first team coach at MK Dons.

Robbie Pringle - Women's National Coach Developer chats about 'Transition and Counter Attacking' with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton - Football Development Officer.