Steven Kinniburgh, the Oxford United Head Of Football Development tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast about his journey from a young player at Glasgow Rangers to becoming an academy manager to now Head Of Football Development at Oxford United.

Steven discusses the importance of habits, dedication, and the balance between results and development in youth football. Kinniburgh emphasizes the role of injuries, daily routines, and the significance of shaping good character in young athletes. He also explains the structure of football academies and the impact of nutrition and sleep on performance.

Stevie also speaks about the complexities of youth football development, focusing on the challenges of tournament football, the importance of adaptability, and the role of education in shaping young athletes. He emphasizes the need for resilience, the significance of understanding player loans, and the impact of parental expectations on player development.

Steven highlights another responsibility he has at the club which is looking after the Girls and Women's football at Oxford United and the unique challenges faced in developing female talent. Throughout the discussion, he shares insights on what it takes to succeed in academy football, including the importance of character, commitment, and the avoidance of excuses.

Perry Northeast, the Women's Academy Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast about Perry's journey from a young player to a coach. The structure and philosophy of the women's academy, and the importance of holistic development for young athletes.

Perry shares insights on training, nutrition, resilience, and the evolving landscape of women's football, emphasizing the need for players to be adaptable and well-rounded individuals.

The conversation also highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing talent in a competitive environment, as well as the significance of accountability and performance in youth development at the club.

Dom Knighton, the Academy Manager of Cambridge United Football Club tells me on Episode 13 of my Podcast about Dom's journey from a young player to a coach, the importance of family support, and the challenges faced by young players in the academy system.

Dom shares insights into the coaching philosophy at Cambridge, the significance of resilience, and the balance between development and results in youth football.

The conversation also touches on the role of nutrition, the impact of player releases, and the collaboration with first team management.

Dom emphasizes the importance of education for both players and parents and reflects on the pride he feels when players succeed in their football careers.

Stuart Glennie, the Academy Director of Aberdeen Football Club tells me on Episode 12 of my Podcast about Stuart's journey from being a player to a coach, the challenges of youth development in Scottish football, and the importance of community engagement. Stuart shares insights on the structure of training at the academy, the role of performance schools, and the emotional challenges faced during player releases.

The conversation also touches on the balance between winning and development, the influence of parents, and the unique experiences offered through international tournaments. In this conversation,

Stuart Glennie discusses the complexities of player selection and development within a youth football academy. He emphasizes the importance of considering physical maturity, the role of loans in player growth, and the evaluation of grassroots players. Glennie also highlights the significance of timekeeping, sleep, nutrition, and data analysis in enhancing player performance.

He addresses the need for collaboration with schools, the impact of discipline on player success, and the importance of building a strong culture within the academy. Ultimately, he reflects on the qualities that define a model professional and the lessons learned in academy management.

Michael Hamilton, the Academy Manager of AFC Wimbledon Football Club, tells me on Episode 11 of my Podcast about his journey from a young football enthusiast to a prominent figure in youth football coaching.

Michael shares insights into the challenges and rewards of managing an academy, the importance of developing self-managing athletes, and the critical role of mindset in player development. He discusses the impact of parents and agents on young players, the balance between education and football, and the emotional aspects of releasing players.

Michael emphasizes the need for players to take ownership of their careers and the significance of investing in their future.

In this episode, I am grateful to be joined by currently the only female Academy Manager in the Men's game. Louisa Collis, the Academy Manager of Birmingham City Football Club, tells me on Episode 10 of my Podcast. About her journey from netball to becoming an academy manager in football, breaking barriers as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.

She discusses the challenges and triumphs of achieving Category One status for the Birmingham City academy, emphasizing the importance of balancing player development with competitive results.

Louisa highlights the significance of education, nutrition, and resilience in shaping young athletes, while also addressing the complexities of parent relationships and the impact of social media. Her passion for the academy and commitment to nurturing exceptional individuals shines through as she outlines future aspirations for growth and success.

Charlton Athletic Academy Manager Tom Pell talks to me on Episode 9 of my Podcast about his journey from being a young player at Peterborough United to becoming a coach and eventually the Academy Manager at Charlton.

Tom discusses the importance of youth development, balancing results with player growth, and the significance of nutrition and sleep in athletic performance. Tom also delves into the academy's recruitment strategies, the value of academy tours, and the emphasis on punctuality and discipline in developing young players.

The conversation,includes Tom Pell discussing the multifaceted approach to youth development in football, emphasizing the importance of transferable skills, behavioral assessments, and the challenges faced by players, including those who are homeschooled or have ADHD. He highlights the significance of communication between academy and first team staff, the emotional impact of release decisions, and the role of data in decision-making.

Pell also shares insights on the qualities needed for success as a player, coach, scout, and academy manager, advocating for a culture of support and challenge within the academy.

Ian Buckman, the Academy Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 8 of my Podcast. About his journey from non-league football to managing a successful academy.

Ian discusses the importance of youth development, the balance between results and personal growth, and the role of education in shaping young players.

He emphasizes the significance of resilience, the use of data in player development, and the supportive environment created within the academy. Ian also touches on the challenges of player loans, the influence of parents, and the future vision for Brighton's academy as they aim to be recognized among the best in the world.

Ian also talks to me about the interest in the Academy from Chairman & Owner Mr Tony Bloom and shares with me the working relationship between First Team Manager Fabian Hurzeler and himself.