Aaron Webster, Player Care Lead, Burton Albion Football Club
"Chris Platts provided exceptional service delivering to our young footballers' parents. His dedication, professionalism and research made a real difference, offering guidance and creating a positive experience for everyone involved.
Chris was approachable, responsive, proactive, and ensured smooth communication and a supportive environment for our parents. I highly recommend Chris to anyone seeking someone who truly cares about providing great service and fostering strong, positive relationships between academies, players and parents."
Anthony McCool, Professional Football Coach and Scout
"Chris has spent over a decade in research in this field and is passionate about following the data to predictable outcomes. For someone that is so extremely well qualified and able to articulate the pros and cons of the industry he comes across extremely personal, humble and easy going. I have met plenty of people in football that are highly qualified and highly positioned, that rather than carry an aura, they instead carry rather a significant ego. This is certainly not the case with Dr Chris Platts, and the more I spoke to him the more I felt that he is an incredible asset for football clubs, and should be made readily available to parents and players. I could also see him providing excellent thought provoking sessions for coaches, he certainly had that impression on me.
I have worked around professional academy football for around 17 years and seen a lot of excellent work, and some areas I feel could be improved upon. One topic I have thought about a lot is player reporting and the player review meetings. Dr Chris Platts' calm and intelligent approach to these delicate topics enabled me to really take in my own performance and think what I can do better. I heard about this comment that a parent said, "The coaches talk to my 10 year old like an adult but talk to me like a child". This is so thought provoking and due to my time with Chris I was able to understand it and process it better, leading to a better response. Since talking to Chris I had realised myself that in self reflection I had missed all those opportunities in those parents meetings to engage better. Now, as a parent I aways thought I could empathise better, but could I have shared more detail about the development and involved them more? Absolutely I could. I was always acutely aware that no one is more important in that child's life than the parents/guardians. They always simply want the best for their child and not all are blindly living their broken dreams through their child"
Christian Beaumont, Worksop College
"Chris came and delivered a fantastic lecture regarding dealing with adversity and failure. The lecture engaged sports scholars and allowed them to reflect on their past experiences and how they can use them to better their future prospects. The children and coaches in the room were fascinated by the topics and statistics presented by Chris. It elicited some great debates on how to always see the bigger picture in sports and life. Having spoken to the scholars after the lecture, I know they took a lot away from it. The lecture was everything we had hoped for and more, we can't wait to welcome Chris back to Worksop College in the future for another one of his workshops."
Tobi Sho-Silva, Professional Footballer
"Great to meet and thanks once again for your time and the wisdom you shared on the podcast. Honestly, you’re an industry thought leader and pioneer in the work you’ve been doing over the years."
Lewis Dallas, Head of Education, Colchester United Football Club
"Chris conducted a Zoom call with all of our Under 18 players and parents regarding ‘Is university right for you?’ The session was attended by all players, who commented on the professional insight that Chris offered. The session was engaging and thought-provoking, enabling all players to make well-informed decisions regarding their future education. Parents all commented on the session and how it enabled them to have a better understanding of the choices their sons have both after and during their football career. I fully recommend and endorse the services that Chris offers."