In this week’s brilliant episode, we sit down with Keegan Goss and Michael Green (aka Pickle) — and yes, he explains where that brilliant nickname comes from!

The lads open up about growing up in the Southern Hemisphere and reflect on their younger years back in New Zealand 🌿. They talk about the outdoor, carefree lifestyle, their first memories of picking up a rugby ball, and how being surrounded by sport shaped who they are today.

Pickle, who joined Nottingham in 2022, shares his journey since graduating in 2018 - from travelling the world 🌍 whilst chasing his rugby dreams, and what’s still to come as he hits 30 with no plans of slowing down.

Keegan also takes us through his own journey, playing in Ireland and Italy before arriving in Nottingham, and how rugby helped him. He even confesses to a short-lived cricket career at school before rugby stole his heart.

They both chat about:

School PE memories 🏏🏉

The importance of having great mentors growing up

The challenges of moving abroad for sport

Handling injuries and bouncing back

Their shared love of lawn bowls (because, why not? 😄)

Pickle talks about his Community Manager role and coaching in local schools and using touch rugby to inspire the next generation. Both players are passionate about showing kids the power of rugby — from teamwork to respect, on and off the pitch.

They even get into the meaning of the haka, how they learned it, and hint that we might just see a Pickle haka soon 👀🔥.

An honest, feel-good chat with two top blokes about life, rugby, and giving back. You don’t want to miss it.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more stories from Beyond the Sport! 🎥🏉

🌐 www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ - Nottingham Rugby

Check out our collection of Sports Podcast here: www.daviessports.co.uk/sports-podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring and down-to-earth interview, we sit down with Imogen Fowler – a rising star in women’s football ⚽🔥, currently playing for Chesterfield Ladies FC.

Imogen takes us back to where it all began – her primary school days, where her passion for football first took root. From playing with the boys at school and bonding over the love of the game, to dominating PE lessons and finding her footing across different sports like netball and badminton, her early years were packed with energy, competition, and a clear drive to stand out 💪.

She opens up about her journey from Derby County’s youth team (U18s) to making a bold move across the world at just 18, accepting a football scholarship in Illinois, USA 🇺🇸. Imogen shares what it was like arriving in the States, living and training as a student and athlete, along with navigating the big differences between UK and US football culture – especially when it comes to scholarships and training intensity.

From the highs of chasing her dream abroad to the challenges of COVID lockdown, she reflects on how the pandemic impacted both her education and her football career, and how she found the strength to push through, complete her studies, and return home to continue doing what she loves most.

Now back in England and playing for Chesterfield Ladies, Imogen’s ambition is laser-focused: become the league’s top goal scorer 🥅⚽ – all while balancing the demands of working at St George’s Park, the home of English football 🏟️.

This episode is packed with candid stories, real talk about women’s football, and a look at what it really takes to follow your dreams – on and off the pitch 🌟

A site for athletes endorsed by Imogen 🌐 www.p3rform.co.uk/

And for more Beyond the Sport podcasts check out all of them here 🌐 www.daviessports.co.uk/sports-podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this candid and inspiring interview, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Will Bayley – the world’s number 1 ranked Paralympic table tennis player 🏓✨

From being awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours to winning 7 Paralympic medals, Will shares stories that go far beyond the sporting arena. He opens up about his childhood, including how he became an Arsenal fan ❤️⚽ the real difference between ping pong and table tennis, and how sport became his outlet while growing up with a disability.

Will talks honestly about his early struggles, including being diagnosed with blood cancer at just 7 years old, undergoing multiple operations, and navigating school life while dealing with daily challenges. Through it all, his mum was his rock 💪 instilling in him a winning mindset and a relentless drive to succeed.

We follow his journey into table tennis – from his first serious training trip to Beijing, to reaching the Paralympic final in London 2012 in front of a roaring home crowd. He also shares what it was like competing in Rio, how passionate he gets with umpires (maybe a little too passionate), and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Off the table, Will reflects on collecting his MBE and the cheeky antics of his brother at the Palace, meeting Prince William, and how surreal it all felt.

We also get a glimpse into his time on Strictly Come Dancing – only bowing out due to a leg injury, his unexpected love for dancing (despite the two left feet), and how past experiences have always driven him to push boundaries.

Today, Will is based in Brighton, coaching the next generation of table tennis talent, passing on the wisdom, energy, and fighting spirit that have defined his career.

This is a powerful story of resilience, mindset, family, sport, and never giving up – no matter what life throws at you 💯🔥

🌐 https://en.butterfly.tt/ - Will's table tennis shop

Check out our collection of Sports Podcast here: www.daviessports.co.uk/sports-podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we sit down with Gregg Cropper, better known as Mr Touch Rugby, to explore one of the fastest growing sports in the UK—touch rugby 🏉🔥

Gregg shares his journey over the last decade, from discovering the UK touch rugby scene to founding his own club and representing England 🇬🇧 at the highest level. We talk about where his passion comes from, what makes touch rugby so appealing, and how it offers something for everyone - from tactical gameplay to physical and mental health benefits 💪

Gregg breaks down how trials for the national team come about, what it’s like to play on the international stage 🌍, and what it means to be part of England’s touch rugby setup. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at running his club in Manchester, his coaching work, and how his events company, On The 7 Events (www.onthesevenevents.com/

), is helping grow the sport through exciting, inclusive competitions 🎯🏟️

We also chat about:

Pitch sizes & team formats 📏

Men’s, women’s, and mixed games 👥

Rules of touch rugby vs. traditional rugby ⚖️

Tactical play & positioning 🎯

The sport’s global growth and future 🚀

Gregg reflects on his own sporting roots, the teachers who made an impact, and how school sports shaped his path. He talks about the challenges and rewards of building community-led events and bringing people together through sport 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

If you’re into sport, coaching, or just curious about the rise of touch rugby, this one’s for you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏐 Alice Harvey: From Netball Dreams to International Success 🌟

In this week’s exclusive interview, we sit down with Alice Harvey, the 6'3" defensive powerhouse for Loughborough Lightning and a rising star in international netball. Since joining Lightning, Alice has played a key role in their historic first Netball Super League title, securing two championships in the last three seasons and a runners-up finish.

As a goalkeeper and goal defence, her height and defensive skills make her a dominant force on the court. With 9 caps for England, Alice shares insights into her journey from school sports to the international stage and her ambitions for more Roses appearances. She also opens up about her early experiences in judo and swimming, before netball became her passion.

💬 In this video, Alice discusses:

✅ Growing up tall and finding confidence through netball

✅ Life at Loughborough Lightning and the team's close-knit "family" culture

✅ The importance of fans and outreach programs in Loughborough

✅ The evolution of the Super League and the exciting new era for netball in the UK

✅ Playing on the international stage and learning from her idols

✅ Her dream of netball making it to the Olympics

✅ Balancing a netball career with real-life experiences - including an early job stint at McDonald's

✅ Her passion for growing the sport, and how the men’s game can help

As a proud Shoshin ambassador

🌐 www.shoshin-sports.com

🏐 www.lboro.ac.uk/lightning/netball

Alice is committed to making netball more accessible to all. She also shares advice for aspiring players, proving that with dedication, confidence, and the right mindset, anyone can achieve their sporting dreams.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the World of Mike Phelan

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Mike Phelan, one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted advisors, to explore the incredible journey of his football career — from his school days to player to coach and beyond.

Mike shares the highs and lows of his time at Manchester United, including the unforgettable balloon-popping incident at Chelsea and Fergie’s famous reaction: "Get in the office, lad!"

We delve into Mike's early days at Burnley, his move to Norwich City, and how he earned a spot in the Norwich Hall of Fame — moustache and all! Mike also opens up about his big move to Manchester United in 1989, scoring against his future club, and facing the intense pressure that comes with playing at Old Trafford.

Mike reflects on his coaching journey, from his early struggles at Stockport County to becoming an influential figure back at United. He shares insights on working with top players, coaching methods, and the invaluable lessons he learned from football’s greatest minds.

Beyond the pitch, Mike talks about family, almost representing Ireland, and how his father's guidance shaped his path. This inspiring and heartfelt conversation is packed with fascinating stories, insights, and many moments of laughter.

👉 Don't miss this incredible journey through football history with Mike Phelan!

Sports Equipment Supplies at Davies Sports

www.daviessports.co.uk

Mike Phelan Coaching School

www.mikephelancoaching.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following on from our last episode with Jason Gardener and Darren Campbell, where we explored the challenges of elite athletics, we now dive deeper into the impact of their success and what drives them today.

In this episode, Jason and Darren reflect on the lasting effects of winning Olympic gold in 2004 - how that moment shaped their lives and continues to fuel their passion. They discuss the importance of motivation, not just in sport but in everyday life, and how they use their experiences to inspire the next generation.

They also share their work as ambassadors, visiting schools and engaging with young athletes. The satisfaction of making a real difference in young people’s lives is what pushes them to do even more.

Join us for another inspiring conversation about motivation, mentorship, and the power of sport to change lives.

🔗 Team Superschools - www.teamsuperschools.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our first guests for the launch of Beyond the Sport features Olympic gold medallists Darren Campbell and Jason Gardener, providing us with fascinating insight into the world of elite athletics.

Delve inside the world of athletics, listen to first-hand accounts from both Darren Campbell and Jason Gardener, about the dedication, challenges, and triumphs they faced as professional athletes. Explore their journey from youth competition to the highest levels of sport.

In this podcast both Darren and Jason discuss their careers, candidly at times. From early inspirations and overcoming setbacks – discussing injury and personal challenges they each faced - to the experiences leading up to the winning of Olympic gold in the Men’s 4x100m relay in Athens 2004.

The open discussion extends beyond just competition, as we chat about their lives after sport and the transition into new careers.

🔗 Team Superschools - www.teamsuperschools.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.