Manchester United U14s coach, Neil Harris, tells us what it takes to make it in football
🚀 Help us reach 20k subscribers by hitting the subscribe button and joining our growing community dedicated to youth football development!In this episode, we sit down with Neil Harris, a highly experienced academy coach with over 20 years at Manchester United. Neil has been instrumental in shaping the journeys of countless young players (such as Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and more!) and brings a wealth of insight into what it really takes to progress through one of the most competitive youth systems in the world.Together, we explore the inner workings of elite academies, the qualities top clubs look for in young talent, and how families can best support aspiring footballers through the highs and lows of academy life.💡 Expect to learn:• The key attributes that separate good players from great prospects.• What it’s really like inside a Premier League academy.• Advice for parents navigating the emotional and practical challenges of youth football.This conversation is full of first-hand experiences and practical advice for anyone involved in the journey of a young footballer.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments below!#ProjectFootballer #AcademyFootball #YouthDevelopment #FootballJourney #ManUtdAcademy #ParentalSupport
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2:03:24
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2:03:24
What Are the REAL Odds of “Making It” in Football? Chris Platts Breaks it Down
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Platts, a career coach and leading researcher in football career trajectories. Chris holds a PhD focused on the lives of over 300 young footballers and has led one of the largest independent studies into player career pathways.We dive deep into the real data behind football development, uncovering what it truly takes to “make it” in the game—and how parents can better support their children through the realities of academy football.💡 In this episode, you'll learn:• How to navigate the academy system• Why it’s so important to redefine what “making it” actually means• How to help your child build resilience and plan for life beyond footballThis one is packed with powerful, practical advice for anyone supporting a young player.👉 Follow the podcast to never miss an episode—and let us know your thoughts after listening!#ProjectFootballer #AcademyFootball #YouthDevelopment #ParentSupport #FootballJourney
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2:15:59
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2:15:59
The Mindset Behind Raising Football Stars - Jenny Boateng's Winning Formula!
In this episode, we’re joined by Jenny and Jeriah Boateng, a mother-son duo with an incredible story. Jeriah is an academy footballer, paving the way for his younger brother Zachary, and their journey is nothing short of inspiring.Jeriah, at just 11 years old, has already made waves both on and off the pitch. After experiencing racism at school, he channeled his emotions into writing a book, Back in Time, which helps parents discuss racism with their young children. His story is a powerful reminder of how challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth and education.Jenny opens up about what it’s like raising academy footballers while managing a family of four, sharing valuable insights on balancing football, school, and life. She also offers advice to parents navigating the academy system, emphasizing the importance of patience, resilience, and fostering multiple passions in young athletes.💡 Expect to learn:* How parents can support their children in academy football.* The importance of teaching kids to handle pressure and think beyond the game.* How Jeriah’s book is creating meaningful conversations about racism.This is an episode packed with wisdom and inspiration—you don’t want to miss it!#ProjectFootballer #AcademyFootball #YouthDevelopment #ParentSupport #FootballJourney
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1:27:25
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1:27:25
Troy Deeney - Ex-Premier League Star Discusses How to Raise a Footballer
In this episode, we sit down with one of our biggest guests to date! Troy Deeney is known to many as a Watford legend, and most certainly a player who enjoyed ruffling the feathers of defenders and fans all around the country.
Since his retirement, Troy had a management spell at Forest Green Rovers, however now spends the majority of his time raising his son and daughter. We discuss with Troy the ins and outs of raising children of a professional footballer and whether or not he believes they have what it takes to make it as footballers!
Expect to learn how you would raise the perfect footballer, from a retired pro who has gone through so much! This is an episode you cannot miss...
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1:31:35
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1:31:35
Jeremy Sauer & Dan Rice - How To Build The Perfect Football Academy From Scratch
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.
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.
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