Where do you get your information?
Reading this article made me realise the need for people like me (and others, of course) to rally against such populist writing.
Football career knowledge base
Latest
What can we learn from Benfica Academy
Last week, I chatted with a representative from Benfica about their academy. There are some valuable lessons for us all to take from that chat.
Live in your ears 馃帶
Podcasting has been a great experience for me. I get asked so many useful questions that help me to outline exactly why my services are needed. For you, they also highlight some of the gems in the research I have undertaken to help you take control of your son or daughter's career in football.
Kid's football: Risk, and the fear of fear
Facing fear and taking risks in football develops resilience, improves performance, and builds confidence. Resilience is one of life鈥檚 underrated traits.
I strongly believe...
I believe in putting more power in the hands of players and their families, and that is what I can do.
Education in Academies
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between education and professional football. So let me be clear on this. Undertaking education alongside your playing career makes you a better player.
Why the academy system is dead
While I believe the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.
Three Essential Lessons for New Football Scholars
A football scholarship isn鈥檛 just about the game; it is about growing into the kind of person who can thrive on and off the pitch throughout a career.
Punishment or Discipline? The Hidden Reality of Youth Football Training
Behind every professional prospect is a young person learning about themselves, the sport, and, of course, the world. Education and development should be built on support and growth, not fear and punishment. It is up to us to take control of that.
Why Young Footballers Should Think Globally, Not Just Locally
The takeaway is simple but powerful: Don鈥檛 let geography limit your football dreams. Whether you鈥檙e a player or a parent guiding one, broaden your horizons. Think globally, act boldly, and see football for what it truly is鈥攁 game that offers opportunities far beyond your backyard.
Why Loan Moves Matter in a Young Footballer鈥檚 Career
For young players who have just been offered professional contracts, the next phase is likely to be entering under-21 squads. But there is a hidden danger to this, and you need to be aware of it.
Football academies are a business and your child is the product
Making the most of time in a professional football academy means understanding what you are entering. I speak with Heads of Academies, Player Care Officers and Coaches weekly, and all speak about the same thing... "at the end of the day, we're a business"
"Because of what he鈥檚 saying, like that they think you鈥檙e a faggot"
Let's be clear, professional football is a high-risk occupation, with research showing injury rates as high as 0.40 per player per season at the academy level.