Pitchside Perspective Podcast

In this episode, Stuart and Jack welcome Mark Phillips — aka The Neurodivergent Footballer — a former pro who played for Millwall, Brentford, AFC Wimbledon, and Southend United. ⚽

Recently diagnosed with ADHD, Mark has turned his journey of self-discovery into a mission to raise awareness around neurodiversity in sport and help the next generation of players thrive — both on and off the pitch.

The conversation explores how understanding neurodiversity can transform coaching, communication, and player development. From emotional regulation to celebrating achievements, Mark shares how coaches and parents can create more supportive, inclusive environments for all young athletes.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Mark’s journey through football and his ADHD diagnosis

✅ Why neurodiversity awareness matters in coaching

✅ Building supportive environments for every player

✅ Emotional regulation and managing pressure

✅ The importance of celebrating achievements

✅ The role of parents in youth sports

✅ Communication and empathy in player development

✅ Resources and support networks for neurodivergent individuals

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode offers invaluable insight into how understanding the mind can unlock potential — and make football a more inclusive, empowering space for everyone.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations shaping the game.

Check out his platforms  @TheNDFootballer 

#Neurodiversity #FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #ADHDAwareness #TheNeurodivergentFootballer #MarkPhillips #YouthSports #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #InclusionInSport #PitchsidePerspective

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In this episode, Stuart and Jack sit down with John Gordon, businessman turned football club owner, to talk about his incredible journey taking over Armoy FC in Cyprus⚽

John shares his experiences navigating the challenges of club ownership, his emotional connection to the game, and the vision driving Armoy’s rise through the divisions. The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a successful club from the ground up — balancing tradition with modern ambition.

Topics We Cover:

✅ The emotional side of football celebrations

✅ Challenges of owning and managing a club abroad

✅ Building a strong community around Armoy FC

✅ Balancing tradition and modernity in football

✅ Attracting players and sponsors with purpose

✅ Creating a unique club culture and long-term vision

✅ Armoy FC’s ambitious path toward European competition

Whether you’re a football enthusiast, coach, or just love stories of passion and perseverance, this episode is a must-listen.

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories shaping the game!

#FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #ArmoyFC #ClubOwnership #CyprusFootball #PitchsidePerspective #FootballJourney #GrassrootsFootball

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In this episode of the Pitchside Perspective podcast, hosts Stuart and Jack welcome Phil Phillipou, a youth coach and author of 'Inspiring Young Minds'. They discuss the importance of mental skills in youth sports, the role of parents, and the differences in coaching styles across countries. Phil shares his experiences coaching young players and emphasizes the need for a supportive environment, commitment over motivation, and the development of leadership skills. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of coaching and the significance of creating a positive atmosphere for young athletes.

Topics We Cover:

✅ The importance of mental skills in youth sports

✅ How parents can positively (or negatively) impact young athletes

✅ Differences in coaching styles across countries

✅ Creating supportive environments for players

✅ Why commitment outweighs motivation

✅ Developing leadership skills in youth soccer

✅ Managing the emotional side of coaching

✅ Building positive, lasting atmospheres for young athletes

Whether you're a youth coach or just passionate about the game, this episode gives you unique insight into the mental side of the game.

Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe for more football analysis, different perspectives and conversations shaping the game.

#YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #FootballPodcast #SoccerCoaching #MentalSkills #SoccerParents #PitchSidePerspective

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In this episode of the Pitchside Perspective Podcast, hosts Stuart Sharples and Jack Koleszar delve into the art of 1v1s in modern football with former England & Premier League player Steve Guppy. They discuss the importance of creativity, resilience, and the role of coaches in fostering an environment that encourages players to take risks. Steve shares his personal journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through hard work and dedication. The conversation also touches on the evolution of tactics and the significance of practice in developing essential skills for success on the pitch.

We covered:

✅ The importance of creativity and resilience

✅ How coaches can build environments that encourage risk-taking

✅ Steve’s personal journey and the challenges he overcame

✅ The 1v1 Formula

✅ Why practice is key to developing world-class skills

Whether you’re a passionate soccer fan or just curious about the future of the sport, this episode gives you unique insight into the evolving landscape of world football.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football analysis and conversations with voices shaping the game.

#PitchsidePerspective #SoccerPodcast #SteveGuppy #FootballDevelopment #Coaching #1v1 #1v1challenge

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In this episode of the Pitch Side Perspective Podcast, hosts Stuart Sharples and Jack Koleszar are joined by WNBC News Anchor Michael Gargiulo to break down the FIFA Club World Cup.

We dive into the tournament’s significance, the skepticism surrounding its growth, and what it means for the future of soccer in the U.S. and beyond. From ticket accessibility and fan culture to financial challenges and the influence of corporate interests, we explore how this competition could shape the global game.

Topics we cover:

⚽ The evolution of the Club World Cup & what it represents

🎟️ Fan experience, ticketing issues, and accessibility

🌍 Cultural impact of soccer in the U.S. and worldwide

💰 Financial and corporate pressures on global tournaments

🌦️ Weather, scheduling, and logistical challenges

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of family engagement in soccer

🔮 Why FIFA must balance tradition with modernization

Whether you’re a passionate soccer fan or just curious about the future of the sport, this episode gives you unique insight into the evolving landscape of world football.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football analysis and conversations with voices shaping the game.

#ClubWorldCup #FIFA #SoccerPodcast #WorldFootball #MichaelGargiulo #PitchSidePerspective

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The 2025/26 Premier League is here – and we’ve got some bold predictions 🔥 Who’s winning the title? Who’s going down? And which manager is first to get the sack? Expect hot takes, surprise picks, and a few controversial calls…

We’re kicking off the new season with our complete Premier League predictions! 🏆 From title contenders to relegation battlers, European spots to surprise packages, we break down every major storyline for the season ahead. Whether you’re a Manchester City fan chasing another title, a Liverpool supporter hoping for glory, or just here for the banter, this episode has it all.

📢 Join the debate in the comments – which prediction do you agree with? Which one do you think is wild?

🎧 Follow the Pitchside Perspective Podcast for weekly football talk, tactical insights, and honest opinions on the beautiful game.

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This week, we're wrapping up the 2024/25 Premier League season with our End-of-Season Awards episode! From Manager of the Year to Signing of the Season, and the always controversial Premier League Team of the Year (TOTY) — we're breaking it all down.

Join us as we relive the biggest moments, spotlight the breakout stars, and debate who really deserves the top honors from one of the most dramatic EPL campaigns in recent memory.

Who makes your Premier League XI?

As always please like, subscribe and follow.

Jack & Stu

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This week, we're joined by returning guest Ross McNeilly, former coach at Dorking Wanderers and Aldershot, to explore what really happens once the final whistle blows.

We break down the modern off-season: from post-season tours and player fatigue, to the growing trend of “pre-season before pre-season.” Are clubs overworking their players? Is the off-season becoming a myth? And how can coaches better support recovery while still preparing for the season ahead?

Whether you’re a player about to head into your off-season or a coach looking for fresh ideas and perspective, this is a must-listen conversation on rest, readiness, and the changing rhythm of the football calendar.

Check out https://www.p2wfootball.com/ for more info on Perform 2 Win Football

As always please like, subscribe and follow

Jack, Stu & Ross.

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This week we’re diving into the ultimate Football Manager dream come true. Joined by Nathan Owolabi—a legend of the FM community turned real-life first-team analyst at Bromley FC—we explore how a passion for virtual tactics led to a pitchside role during a National League promotion push. After winning a competition run by Xbox and Football Manager, Nathan made the leap from screen to sideline, and he’s here to share the incredible journey. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go from gaming to ground-level in professional football, this one’s for you.

Check out the featured documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbTs3MFUB1Q

As always please like, subscribe and follow

Jack, Stu & Nathan

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This week we dive into the meaning of Premier League legacy. With Kevin De Bruyne rumored to be leaving Manchester City this summer, we reflect on the impact he’s had—one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history? Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah looks set to extend his time at Liverpool, strengthening his case as one of the league’s all-time greats. From goals and assists to trophies and cultural influence, we debate what defines a lasting legacy in the Premier League and which players—past and present—have truly cemented their status. Featuring Premier League legends, iconic moments, and football legacy debates you don’t want to miss.

What does a player have to do to create a legacy?

As always please like, subscribe, follow.

Jack & Stu

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