Interviews from the Locker

It is at this stage of the year when many Academy Players and Graduates are looking for new opportunities after being released from their respective Clubs and this episode is aimed at supporting this. With 1 Academy Graduate who is living this very experience now, another who has gone through it and come out the other side, plus an Intermediary who has supported this process and a Non-League Manag...

Monthly interviews with current Academy Players/Academy Graduates, where we learn about their journey, their ups, their downs, their highs, their lows and all that's inbetween. This month we have 2 Graduates who started their football journey on Merseyside, but that is where the similarities end. Press play to find out why.

An insight into what you the listener can expect in Season 2 of our Podcast. For most this time of year may be the off-season, but we know your development and transition doesn't take a break and neither do we. Over the next 12 months, we will cover a variety of topics that you the listener have asked for via our 'Feedback Forms' and will be inviting a plethora of guests over the next 52 weeks as...

We finish off Season 1 with Nutrition, as we welcome 2 guests to talk about their experiences working within the different levels of Football, challenges along the way and their aspirations for the future of Nutrition within Academies up and down the country. In Owen and Emmy, we have 2 amazing practitioners who are able to simplify key messages within this particular domain, as well as put forwar...

In this week's episode, we drill down into the world of Sports Science, how key staff prepare Players for the physical demands of the sport, as well as prevent injuries and aid their recovery towards a return to performing. With 2 exceptional guests, we discuss the reasons behind their chosen job roles within the Academy System, the challenges and barriers they have had to face in practicing in th...

Player Care is all about supporting and assisting the Person behind the Player, in this week's Episode we have 3 of the best Guest Speakers who are doing just that.  With a wealth of experience, tons of knowledge and deep understanding on what the needs of Academy Players are, today's Guest Speakers offer plenty in terms of advice and guidance to current Academy Players, Graduates of the Academy S...

As we near the end of Season One and outlining our Why, we move onto the mental side of development, as we discuss things from a Psychological perspective. We welcomed Nat, Ryan and Neil from their respective Clubs/Organisations to discuss why they chose the career they have, as well as what challenges they have faced along the way and most importantly what advice they would give to Academy Player...

In this episode, we highlight the academic side of life as an Academy Player, delving into the world of Education and how this works in the Academy System at Present. Our guest speakers, who all have a wealth of experience, high levels of knowledge and are at the forefront of the development of the person as well as the player. Simon, Mike and Phil have faced many challenges, delivered and witness...

The often overlooked Key Stakeholder in the Development of Academy Players and their Transition through the System. We listen to the stories of 3 Parents, from different Age Groups and Phases in Academy Football. The challenges they have faced, the good practice they have witnessed, along with advice and guidance for other Parents of Academy Players across the country. Although I know each of the...

This week's episode is an opportunity for today's guest speakers to outline how they each impact on the futures of Academy Players and what their individual organisations do to contribute to their life skills and career opportunities after Graduation. We discuss good practice towards having a positive impact on young peoples' lives and more importantly on how current Players and Graduates can cont...

In this week's episode we continue to demonstrate the Why, our purpose for the Podcast, this time providing Academy Coaches with an opportunity to share their experience of developing the person behind the player. As well as discussing improvements to be made within the system, highlighting areas of good practice and offering advice to current and future Academy Players as they transition through...

An episode that gets the views and opinions of Academy Graduates who have come through the Academy System, lived unique experiences, been grateful for the opportunities presented to them and telling their story behind their journey to this point in their careers. As well as using those experiences and their knowledge to discuss what needs to be done, how and more importantly why things need to cha...

An insight into the upcoming episodes of the official Podcast from the Development Locker, as we look forward to bringing you Interviews from the Locker.