Life Through Ball

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with KK, founder of Proficient Youth Development (@proficientyouthdev), to explore his journey and the reason he built a platform dedicated to supporting young athletes and their parents.

We discuss identity beyond performance, the role of parental guidance in youth sport, and where youth development is heading. KK shares why he felt there was a gap in the space and how he is working to change the way players are supported on and off the pitch.

A conversation about purpose, responsibility and building something bigger than the game.

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with Kamil, founder and owner of Euston Lane FC — a football club he started at just 20 years old.

We explore the reality of building a club from the ground up — the vision, the challenges, and the responsibility that comes with leading players while still being early in your own journey.

From organising fixtures and managing operations to taking his team abroad to face opposition like Rayo Vallecano’s B team, this conversation dives into what it really takes to turn an idea into a footballing project.

This is a story about leadership, ambition, and creating opportunities through football — not just playing the game, but building something bigger than yourself.

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Football doesn’t always end how you imagine.

Injury. Identity. Starting again.

In this episode, Sami opens up about his journey through football — moving between Spain and England, battling long-term injury, and navigating the uncertainty that comes when the game stops.

This conversation captures exactly what Life Through Ball is about: the parts of football we don’t prepare players for, and the resilience it takes to build a life beyond the pitch.

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https://beacons.ai/lifethroughball?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAPjQtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAacc3YnHWXhEeZtq3pWygS7PVA8VX3Db8IpecRpZa2VuGxRZ9Rtotec6XcbM5Q_aem_w1L4hVL8oeGgworWzYnxdw

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, Tarek sits down with Kraig McLeod to talk about the realities of football that often get laughed off but rarely spoken about properly. Kraig shares his journey through academy football at QPR and Norwich, the transition into non-leaguee, and the moments that forced him to rethink his relationship with the game. We explore what it really feels like to be released, the identity shift that follows, and how humour became a way to process the harder parts of football life. Now known for his football skits and content that resonate with players who have been or are still on that same journey, Kraig explains why laughing through it all became his coping mechanism and creative outlet. This conversation goes beyond football careers and into identity, resilience, mental health and finding your voice when the game does not go to plan. A real and honest conversation about life through football.

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https://www.instagram.com/_1kmac?igsh=ZzJ5NnVveG82MTdt

https://www.tiktok.com/@1kmac_?_r=1&_t=ZN-93EwYngBjFO

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https://beacons.ai/lifethroughball

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Firstly, I want to acknowledge the gap for audio listeners and say thank you for your patience. Life happens, growth takes time, and I really appreciate everyone who has stayed connected during this period.

Welcome to the Season 2 finale of Life Through Ball.

This season has been a journey. We explored the game beyond the pitch through conversations around player care, coaching, media, analysis, identity, and the human stories that sit behind football. It’s taken the platform deeper than ever into the lives of the people who shape the game, often away from the spotlight.

In this episode, I reflect on the defining moments, lessons, and themes that shaped Season 2, and share why now feels like the right time to close this chapter.

This finale also marks an important transition.

Life Through Ball represents an evolution of the platform. A return to the heart of why this started in the first place: using football as a lens to explore life, identity, culture, and personal journeys. The game remains the constant, but the conversations are widening.

Season 3 builds on everything that’s come before, with a clearer focus, deeper storytelling, and voices that reflect football in all its complexity.

Thank you for being part of the journey so far. Season 3 is just getting started, and there’s a lot more to come.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifethroughball

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In this episode I sit down with Daniel Geey, one of the leading sports lawyers in football. We talk about his journey into the industry, how he found his path, and the steps that led him to working on some of the biggest deals in the game. Daniel also gives clear insight into how football contracts actually work, what really happens during a transfer, and the legal challenges that shape the modern game. This is a look behind the curtain at a side of football most fans never get to see. A conversation about ambition, opportunity, and the business of sport. Much love and welcome to Life Through Sport.

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In this episode, I sit down with Theo Brown — former academy footballer turned entrepreneur — to talk about his journey through football, resilience, and finding purpose beyond the game. From chasing the dream as a young player to building his own business, Theo shares honest insights about life in and after football, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the mindset developed in sport can fuel success in any field. This is a real and reflective conversation about transition, growth, and redefining what “making it” means.

Check out our guest:

• https://www.theobrownonline.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-brow...

#LifeInSport #entrepreneur #tech #business #football #footballshorts #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

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Hugo Scheckter “the godfather of player care” has worked across multiple Premier League clubs including West Ham United, Southampton, and Brentford, gaining extensive first-team experience along the way. He’s since used his experience and network to found The Player Care Group, where he runs a course for people looking to break into the world of player care. Hugo also works as a consultant with clubs around the world, helping them improve their player welfare structures and overall player care practice.

In this episode we were able to talk about:

⚽ His journey through football and the lessons along the way

🧠 The different areas that make up Player Care

💬 The importance of personal life, balance, and well-being beyond the pitch

A really open and valuable conversation with someone who’s helped shape the way modern clubs look after their players.

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S2 EP8 | Beyond Grenfell: How Football Became a Beacon of Hope ft Paul Menacer Our most personal episode yet. Paul Menacer — manager of Grenfell Athletic and survivor of the Grenfell fire — opens up about loss, resilience, and how football and community helped him rebuild. Paul’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward. 🎧 Watch / Listen / Connect 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conversation is packed with insight. Check out our guest:

• https://grenfellathletic.co.uk/
• https://www.instagram.com/p.menacer?i...
• https://www.instagram.com/grenfellath...

DOCUMENTARY

• https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/en/m...

Transcript

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S2 EP8 | Football Academies Are Broken: The Truth No One Wants to Admit ft Dr Chris Platts In this episode of Life in Sport, Dr Chris Platts draws on over 10 years of research across 300 players to challenge our assumptions about success in football. He argues that the academy system is broken, and shares what his work has revealed about who “makes it”—and why most don’t. 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conversation is packed with insight. Check out our guest:

• https://www.chrisplatts.co.uk/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrispl...

- / @dr_chris_platts #LifeInSport #entrepreneur #tech #technology #football #footballshorts #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #manchesterunited