FREE Workshop
Myself and professional footballer Tobi Sho-Silva are delivering a set of workshops. Click to read more
Support your child through their football scholarship
Access FREE guideMyself and professional footballer Tobi Sho-Silva are delivering a set of workshops. Click to read more
Podcasting has been a great experience for me. I get asked so many useful questions that help me to outline exactly why my services are needed. For you, they also highlight some of the gems in the research I have undertaken to help you take control of your son or daughter's career in football.
I believe in putting more power in the hands of players and their families, and that is what I can do.
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between education and professional football. So let me be clear on this. Undertaking education alongside your playing career makes you a better player.
While I believe the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.
Reading this article made me realise the need for people like me (and others, of course) to rally against such populist writing.
Last week, I chatted with a representative from Benfica about their academy. There are some valuable lessons for us all to take from that chat.
Myself and professional footballer Tobi Sho-Silva are delivering a set of workshops. Click to read more
Podcasting has been a great experience for me. I get asked so many useful questions that help me to outline exactly why my services are needed. For you, they also highlight some of the gems in the research I have undertaken to help you take control of your son or daughter's career in football.
Facing fear and taking risks in football develops resilience, improves performance, and builds confidence. Resilience is one of life鈥檚 underrated traits.
I believe in putting more power in the hands of players and their families, and that is what I can do.
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between education and professional football. So let me be clear on this. Undertaking education alongside your playing career makes you a better player.
While I believe the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.
A football scholarship isn鈥檛 just about the game; it is about growing into the kind of person who can thrive on and off the pitch throughout a career.
Behind every professional prospect is a young person learning about themselves, the sport, and, of course, the world. Education and development should be built on support and growth, not fear and punishment. It is up to us to take control of that.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: Don鈥檛 let geography limit your football dreams. Whether you鈥檙e a player or a parent guiding one, broaden your horizons. Think globally, act boldly, and see football for what it truly is鈥攁 game that offers opportunities far beyond your backyard.
For young players who have just been offered professional contracts, the next phase is likely to be entering under-21 squads. But there is a hidden danger to this, and you need to be aware of it.
Making the most of time in a professional football academy means understanding what you are entering. I speak with Heads of Academies, Player Care Officers and Coaches weekly, and all speak about the same thing... "at the end of the day, we're a business"