Merry Christmas

It's the final newsletter of the year! I know what you are thinking...where did 2025 go? Before I say anything else, let me wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Whatever your plans are, I hope this time is a joyful one.

Highlights

This has been a great year in terms of helping young players and their families understand what clubs can't tell them. I've met so many amazing families and players and have genuinely loved helping whether it has been a one off chat to a full on 24 week course with me.

The Media

Two things jump out here and it is the recording of the BBC documentary, which you can watch here:

What Happens When - What Happens When Football Isn’t Forever?

When football academies release young players, futures change overnight. Lives are reshaped as they face the challenge of moving on from the game that once defined them.

BBC iPlayer

...and the Guardian article, which you can read here:

England’s under-21 leagues are filled with players whose clubs see no future for them

Contract award at 18 is a false dawn for many who are there to make up the numbers and get no benefit from it

The GuardianChris Platts

✍️ Blogs

Here are a selection of blogs that I have released, all with some great feedback, "Survivorship bias and why you need to know about it", "Why young footballers should think globally", "Are we doing the right thing?" and "Football academies are a business".

🎙️ Podcasts

It has been another year of recording podcasts and if that is what you like, then head over to this page on the website where you can access all the recordings. And don't worry, there are more to be released in 2026!

🎄 Have a great Christmas 🎄

Chris