Project Footballer

In this episode I sit down with two of the leaders in Wycombe's bold academy vision! Academy Director Jeremy Sauer and Chairman & Chief Football Office Dan Rice offer a behind-the-scenes look at Wycombe's ambitious plans to build one of the leading academies in the UK.

In May 2024 Wycombe Wanders was purchased by the billionaire owner Mikheil Lomtadze through his company Blue Ocean Partners. Mikel and his partners had been looking for a professional club in England without an academy so they could build one from scratch. After great research Wycombe Wanderers came out as the perfect opportunity with its geographical proximity to football talent and its incredible football history and culture.

Expect to learn how you would create the perfect academy if you were starting one from scratch and what goes into the process from club playing style to how to building the facilities.

In this episode, Marcelo and I have the pleasure of speaking with Peter Sturgess, the Ex-Head of Futsal for the FA. Peter is thought of by many as one of the best youth coaches in England, and is responsible for so much of the great work done by the FA in recent years which led to vast improvements in our national team.

Join us as we dive deep into the help Peter had in creating much of the foundation phase coaching courses in England, as well as his role as Head of Futsal for the FA.

Expect to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of youth football coaching, the importance futsal has on today’s generation and the ongoing journey to produce world-class talent, especially in England!

Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or just a passionate football fan, this conversation is packed with knowledge and perspectives you won’t want to miss!

This week, the Coach Raf and Sean discuss all things tactics after Manchester City's last gasp equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

In this episode, we chat about the big issues in youth soccer in the USA. Did you know that 75% of kids quit playing by age 14? We explore why that’s happening and how the focus on winning is making the game less fun and stifling creativity.

In this episode, Darius and I have the pleasure of speaking with John Allpress, the original creator of the FA Coaching Awards. These awards have evolved into the Youth Module courses currently used across England, shaping our football coaching culture and contributing to the development of the talented players we see in our national senior team today.

In this episode, Marcelo and I speak to Richard Allen.

Richard Allen is the former Head of Talent ID for the FA as well as Head of Recruitment for Tottenham and Academy Director for QPR. He was responsible for creating the original Talent ID courses that govern how we scout in England today. These courses range from teaching scouts at the grassroots level what they should look for and how academy directors should manage their heads of recruitment and their scouting departments.

We ask the question have academies in England got this right? Expect to learn how English recruitment works, the English talent ID model,the psychological and social factors which helped Harry Kane get scouted and much much more

🔔 Follow for more insights on what parents must know about academy signings!

Could you develop your child into a footballer if you followed the 'perfect' formula? Sean Conlon, the founder of We Make Footballers and a Scout with Chelsea believes some people can.

Follow our journey to discovering what it really takes to become a footballer. How much is down to luck, genetics or being born into a football family. 🎧

Follow us on social platforms for more exclusive content and updates! 🌟

https://www.instagram.com/projectfootballer/

Join us for an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the journey of our special guest, Matt Jarvis, as he shares his incredible story of determination, resilience, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.

From his early days of being sport-crazy, juggling football, swimming, and athletics, to the heart-wrenching moment of being released at 16, and finally, to his triumphant return to football, Matt's journey is a testament to the power of nurturing sporting talent. Parents, coaches, and young athletes will find practical advice on balancing multiple sports, dealing with setbacks, and fostering a competitive yet healthy environment.

Discover how nature and nurture play pivotal roles in youth football development, and gain insights into the mindset and training techniques that can help your child excel.

Whether you're a parent looking to support your child's dreams, a coach aiming to inspire, or an aspiring young footballer, this episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life experiences.

Stay tuned until the end for Matt's key advice on parenting in football and the importance of letting children find their own passion. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons from football legends and experts!

Join us as we discuss the world of academy signings and uncover the truth behind some horror stories involving player recruitment. Learn why it's crucial for parents to be informed about the process and how to navigate the tricky landscape of youth football.

Join us on a journey with SE Dons as they discuss how learning dark arts develops football IQ! Get ready for an inside look at the Sunday League football team that's changing the game. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting episodes like this!

In this episode, we speak to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, one of the Premier League's most legendary midfielders.

From early childhood training under his father's watchful eye to becoming a football icon, Lampard shares personal anecdotes and insights that shaped his career.

Discover the intense and unique training methods that set him apart from an early age, the motivations and expectations placed upon him before he was even born, and how these experiences influenced his approach to football and life.

Lampard also reflects on the evolution of football training, the challenges of youth development, and his philosophy on coaching and parenting in the modern era.