On the Field Podcast

What happens when a seventeen-year-old from Auckland ends up at one of the largest universities in the United States, competing in a tough Division I conference, without ever having planned for it? Jo Dawkins, the man behind Auckland United's player development programme and a former Division I college footballer at FIU, joins Amrit to talk through his journey, the reality of balancing academi...

Jay grew up in New Plymouth, New Zealand, where he was a three-time high school champion. His first coach was Amrit Rai’s father, so the idea of U.S. college tennis was not a distant rumour. It was on court with him from the beginning. Today, Jay is part of the team at Platform Sports. He spends his time helping other athletes do what he did: leave home, back themselves, and turn a New Zealand or...

Senior physiotherapist Chris Hitchens shares a practical recovery blueprint for student-athletes, focusing on sleep, nutrition, hydration, and how to balance load for long-term performance. Ready to build your U.S. college pathway with the right support around you? Book a Platform Sports consult or listen to the full episode now.

In Episode 2 of Keep It Real , we sit down with Austin Ludwig and Leah Bermudez; two standout captains from Gannon University who’ve turned their U.S. college football journeys into real-world pro opportunities. From Brisbane Roar to Souths United, Austin and Leah unpack the realities of college sport: performance pressure, culture shocks, what made their program successful, and why leadership sta...

In this debut episode of our new Keep It Real talk track, Josh sits down with two familiar faces; Jordan Acevedo and Mackenzie Roach. From 76-game college careers at Niagara University to unexpected football adventures in Australia, these two D1 athletes share the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. They reflect on injuries, leadership, navigating setbacks, and what it really takes...

In this episode of On the Field , we sit down with high-performance mindset coach David Neithe—who has worked with Olympic athletes, national teams, and some of the top student-athletes in New Zealand. David breaks down what it really takes to perform under pressure, the role fear plays in sport, and why the best moments in your career often happen when you stop worrying about the outcome. He shar...

From College Rugby to FIFA Agent – Tay Hawker on NIL, Branding & Making It Pro In this episode, we sit down with Tay Hawker—a certified pro agent and key figure at Halo Sports, one of the world’s leading pro sports agencies. Tay shares his journey from college rugby in the U.S. to managing elite athletes worldwide—breaking down what it really takes to go pro in today’s sports landscape. Whethe...

In this episode of 'On the Field, ' Amrit and Will discuss the best way to capitalise on your scholarship and the transfer window to rise through the American college system, as well as a look at how things are shaping for Platform in 2025. 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study...

In this episode of On The Field Will catches up with Zack Swanwick and dives deep on what it takes to gain a scholarship to the top college in America, how the 2023 cyclone effected his coaches trial and where Zack has his sights set in the future. 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we dive into the incredible journey of Courtney Fitzgibbon, whose unique start in running—training alongside 60-year-olds—led her to compete at the NCAA Division I level. Courtney shares her inspiring story of perseverance, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she’s learned as a collegiate athlete. If you’re looking for motivation to chase your goals, thi...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we sit down with former NCAA Division I football players and current Platform team members, Josh Tufino and Mack Roach. Josh and Mack share their journeys through D1 sports, the lessons they learned along the way, and how their college experiences helped them build successful lives on the Gold Coast. Packed with insights and personal stories, this episode is perf...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we dive into the exciting changes in scholarship funding within the NCAA system and what it means for aspiring student-athletes. We’re also joined by Sammi, who shares her journey and insights from her time at the University of Iowa. From navigating college life to maximizing scholarship opportunities, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration f...

In this inspiring episode of ‘On the Field,’ we sit down with All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown. Anton opens up about his journey back from injury, how he prepares for All Blacks games, and the importance of staying present in high-pressure moments. Whether you’re a college athlete or simply passionate about sports, Anton’s insights offer valuable lessons to help you succeed both on and of...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai and Ryan Arvin, ASM’s soccer recruiter, recap the highlights of the recent Platform Soccer Showcase. From standout performances to valuable lessons for aspiring athletes, Ryan shares his expert insights on what it takes to get noticed by college coaches. Whether you attended the showcase or are looking for tips to excel at future events, this episode is...

In this exciting episode of ‘On the Field,’ we announce that Brandon Denoyer, Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Syracuse University, is attending the upcoming Platform Soccer Showcase! Coach Denoyer shares his approach to recruiting top talent, what he looks for in prospective players, and how athletes can stand out during showcases. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from a coach at one...

Go to https://asmscholarships.typeform.com/to/NTNKMYBR to book a FREE consultation with our experts and discover where you stand in your athletic prowess and academic achievements regarding the American college system! 🔗 LINKS Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platform_sports_management/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@platformsportsmanagement Follow us on Facebook: h...

Go to https://asmscholarships.typeform.com/to/NTNKMYBR to book a FREE consultation with our experts and discover where you stand in your athletic prowess and academic achievements regarding the American college system! 🔗 LINKS Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platform_sports_management/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@platformsportsmanagement Follow us on Facebook: h...

In this special episode of ‘On the Field,’ Platform’s swimming recruiter, Natasha Lloyd, shares her excitement about attending Nationals! A former Auburn University swimmer and Olympic competitor, Natasha dives into what she looks for in recruits, her advice for aspiring swimmers, and how attending Nationals is a crucial step in identifying top talent. If you’re gearing up for Nationals or dreamin...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we dive into the process of transferring between colleges and the challenges of transitioning from high school to collegiate life. Amrit Rai and Will Clarkson discuss how Platform Sports assists athletes with college placement, the realities of student life balance, and tips for making the most of every opportunity. Whether you’re considering a transfer or prepar...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai sits down with Harry Eastwick to talk about his incredible journey of going viral on TikTok, amassing over 13 million views on a single video. Harry shares insights into how he uses social media to showcase his athletic journey, the importance of preparation for college, and tips for posting impactful athletic content online. Whether you’re an aspiring...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai catches up with Ronan Wynne, one of Platform’s standout athletes and a key player for the Denver Pioneers. Despite recovering from an injury, Ronan shares his journey of playing on national television, his approach to recovery, and what a typical day in the life of a college athlete looks like. Packed with inspiration and insights, this episode offers a...

In this special episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai sits down with Mark Holt, a former NCAA Division I soccer coach from New Zealand, during the WSAFC U17 Tournament. Mark shares invaluable recruitment tips, breaks down common misconceptions about Division II and III programs, and provides an insider’s perspective on how athletes and parents can navigate the college recruiting process for maximum...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai and Will Clarkson dive into the exciting events Platform has lined up for the end of 2023 and into 2024. They also explore the transition from college athlete to professional, sharing what it takes to succeed at the next level. Additionally, they discuss the growing challenge of dealing with negative comments from sports bettors and how athletes can sta...

In this bonus episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai sits down with Ryan Arvin, former Division I college coach and athlete, now a soccer recruiter for ASM Scholarships. Ryan shares his journey, insights into the recruitment process, and the exciting news about his upcoming visit to New Zealand for the U17 Western Springs Tournament. If you’re competing in the tournament, don’t miss the chance to me...

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ Amrit Rai and Will Clarkson cover a range of exciting topics, including Amrit’s much-anticipated return to interclub tennis and the highlights of signing week. They also dive into the best U.S. cities for college life, focusing on what makes them ideal for Kiwi student-athletes. Plus, they discuss the most accessible sports for New Zealanders looking to be recrui...