Join us in this in-depth interview with Clayton Donaldson, a seasoned professional footballer and current player-manager. Clayton shares his fascinating journey from playing street football as a child to navigating the challenges of a professional career in the English football leagues.

He discusses his time at Brentford and Birmingham, the importance of resilience, and the lessons learned from various managers throughout his career. Clayton also provides insights into his coaching philosophy and future aspirations in football management.

Moreover, Clayton offers deep insights into his coaching philosophy and discusses his aspirations for the future in football management. Whether you're a football enthusiast, aspiring player, or coach, this conversation provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of professional football and leadership.

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Join us as we dive into the inspiring yet challenging journey of former professional footballer Simon Church. In this candid interview, Simon opens up about making his international debut at 20, coping with personal hardships, and navigating the pressures of professional football. Discover his decade-long career at Reading, his significant contributions to Wales' historic 2016 UEFA Euro semi-final run, and his experiences with clubs like Charlton Athletic and MK Dons.

Simon reflects on his struggles with consistent performance, mental health issues, and the transition from football to life after retirement. Hear about the pivotal support from his dad, Academy manager Aman Dolan, and coach Brendan Rogers, who guided him through personal and professional challenges. Now sharing his story on the Mindset for Sport podcast, Simon offers valuable insights into balancing a high-stakes career and individual well-being.

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Join us for an in-depth interview with Jake Jervis as he opens up about his football career's highs and lows. From being a key player at Plymouth to facing challenges in new environments, Jake shares his struggles with cliquey team dynamics, the lack of mentorship, and the temptations of life off the pitch. He reflects on the impact of influential figures like Barry Ferguson and Terry Westley, and how overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating the pressures of a Premier League academy shaped his journey.

Discover how Jake's values have evolved over time, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, gratitude, and personal growth. This candid conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of professional football and the path to finding balance and purpose beyond the game.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring and challenging journey of Vincent Pericard, a former professional footballer who played for top clubs like Juventus, Portsmouth, and Stoke City. Vincent shares his unique experiences, from his early days at Saint-Étienne in France to an unexpected prison sentence and the mental health struggles that defined his career. Discover how a single text message drastically changed his life, leading to unforeseen consequences and a forced prison stay.

Vincent opens up about the immense pressures of professional football, the lack of mental health support in the sport, and his battles with recurring injuries. Post-retirement, he founded Elite Welfare Management to support athlete well-being and pursued business studies to help athletes transition smoothly to life after sports.

This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of mental well-being and personal development for athletes, and how Vincent is making a difference through his initiatives. Don't miss this compelling conversation about resilience, adaptation, and the road to recovery.

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Join us as we delve into the captivating football journey of Michael Morrison, a seasoned center-back whose career has spanned across clubs like Leicester City, Birmingham City, and more. In this insightful podcast episode, Morrison shares his experiences, from his early days at Cambridge United to his pivotal role at Birmingham City, where he earned both admiration and acclaim.

Get ready to gain valuable insights into leadership, mental resilience, and the ups and downs of professional football. Morrison reflects on the challenges of moving clubs, adapting to different managerial styles, and the importance of maintaining focus amidst off-field distractions. Whether you're a football enthusiast, an aspiring player, or simply curious about the inner workings of the game, this podcast offers a compelling glimpse into the life and career of a dedicated athlete.

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Kris O'Hare, reflecting on his transition from Liverpool to Villareal, delves into how his upbringing in a working-class environment shaped his perspective and approach to coaching. He emphasises experiential learning and understanding diverse perspectives as crucial for effective teaching.

O'Hare shares personal experiences of self-education, highlighting the importance of building structure and resilience. In coaching, he stresses empathy and understanding, especially in challenging environments. His experiences in China and South Korea underscore the significance of cultural understanding and adaptability in his coaching and psychology practices.

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#psychology #athletes #sports #mental #athlete #sport #training #motivation #wellness #football

The Player Care Group, led by Hugo Scheckter, is committed to providing holistic support for football players, focusing on personal development, welfare, and off-field organisation. Hugo's journey into player care began unexpectedly during his coaching stint in America, where he discovered his talent for off-field operations and player support. His role transitioned from team operations management to becoming a key figure in player care within Premier League clubs like Southampton.

Hugo strongly emphasises personal growth and welfare, prioritizing these aspects over operational tasks. He aims to equip players with vital life skills that extend beyond their football careers. Through his consultancy work, Hugo customises player care strategies to meet the specific needs of each club, placing importance on proactive support and adaptation to diverse cultural contexts. His approach highlights the importance of fostering trust and authenticity among players, clubs, and the broader football community, ultimately aiming to improve players' overall well-being and performance both on and off the field.

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(00:00) Where it Started

(03:30) More Awareness

(05:11) How To Start A Business In Sport?

(12:24) Working In Football Issues

(20:21) Common Challenges in Football

(31:41) Convincing People About Player Care

(37:45) Life Experience

(39:14) Developing Player Care

(47:21) Future Of Player Care

(52:13) Final Thoughts

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Alan Tonge, from his early days as a promising footballer at Manchester United to his current role as a respected academic and sports commentator. Despite facing setbacks and career-ending injuries, Dr. Tonge's resilience and passion for the game have led him on a unique path of triumph and transformation.

In this podcast, we explore Dr. Tonge's transition from the football pitch to academia. We highlight his contributions to the field of sport psychology and his role as a prominent figure in sports commentary. You will discover the insights he shares about his experiences, the challenges he overcame, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Also, learn about Dr. Tonge's newly released book, "From Red to Red," which offers an inspiring account of his journey. The book emphasises the importance of perseverance and the boundless nature of passion in football. You can buy the book below.

📖 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Read-Story-Fergies-Fledgling/dp/1801506647

(00:00) Preview & Introduction

(05:18) Coping Young

(07:40) Manchester United Culture

(18:56) Modern Game Comparison

(20:36) Subscribe Advert

(20:42) Getting Realised From Manchester United

(25:26) Sir Alex Ferguson

(28:32) Playing Down The Leagues

(33:17) Coping With Injury

(40:50) Academic Journey

(43:47) Read to Red

(49:21) Final Thoughts

Lukas Van Rijswijk shares profound insights into the intricate world of player preparation, mindset development, and the strategic art of winning in football. Lukas, hailing from the Netherlands and linked with USV Hercules, navigates through the podcast with a focus on shaping the mindset of players, particularly in approaching pivotal moments and significant games.

Drawing from his own journey as both a player and practitioner, he sheds light on the importance of mental development and challenges the misconceptions surrounding sports psychology in the Netherlands. The discussion also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations and mindset strategies employed by USV Hercules before a crucial game against Ajax, addressing key aspects such as controlling controllables, managing arousal levels, and navigating the aftermath of intense high-pressure situations in football.

Join us for an engaging interview with football manager Gary Rowett as he reflects on pivotal moments in his managerial career, including his early days at Burton Albion and the challenges faced at Birmingham City and Stoke City. Rowett opens up about his upbringing, the impact of diverse locations on his career, and the invaluable lessons learned from various managers.

Explore Rowett's coaching philosophy and the strategic adjustments made during his tenure at different clubs. Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into his roles, with a particular focus on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Birmingham City. As Rowett discusses his future plans and potential job offers, delve into the mindset and resilience required to navigate the dynamic landscape of football management.

#birminghamcity #birmingham #bcfc #football #efl #birminghamcityfc #eflchampionship #championship #england