Advertise on podcast: The Final Whistle - Surrey FA Podcast

Kirk Ritchie is joined by Surrey FA's Rob Bryant and Peter Augustine to discuss FutureFit and the exciting introduction of the new 3v3 football format. Together, they explore the thinking behind FutureFit, how the 3v3 format is designed to support player development, and what it means for clubs, coaches, players, and the future of grassroots football. Whether you're involved in coaching, running a club, or simply passionate about the game, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the latest innovations shaping football. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the future of the game and the opportunities that FutureFit and 3v3 football can bring.

In this episode of The Final Whistle, we’re joined by award-winning sports broadcaster Charlotte Richardson. With over a decade of experience across leading organisations, Charlotte shares her journey into the industry, the challenges she’s faced, and the moments that have defined her career. We explore the power of storytelling in sport, what goes on behind the scenes in top-level broadcasting, and how the media landscape continues to evolve. Charlotte also offers valuable advice for aspiring broadcasters and reflects on the importance of representation in sport. An inspiring and insightful conversation for anyone passionate about football and media.

What does peak performance really mean — and how can it apply to everyone, not just elite athletes? In the latest episode of The Final Whistle, we’re joined by Ben Bacon, Strength and Fitness Coach at Dorking Wanderers and founder of Your Peak Performance. With experience working across the football pyramid and beyond, Ben has supported everyone from professional players and amputees to everyday people looking to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. In this episode, Ben shares his insight into the key pillars of performance, the importance of mindset alongside physical preparation, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at Dorking Wanderers. Whether you’re involved in grassroots football, elite sport, or simply interested in improving your own performance, this conversation offers valuable lessons that go far beyond the gym. 🎧 Listen now to gain an inside look at what drives peak performance — on and off the pitch.

Kirk Ritchie sits down with Guildford Saints chair Alex Forbes to explore how Johan Cruyff’s philosophy has shaped the club’s style of play. They discuss the role of high-performance coaching and its impact on grassroots football, and why a clear, consistent philosophy is essential for transforming a grassroots team.

In this episode of The Final Whistle, host Kirk Ritchie sits down with Julie Spalding, Chair of Mole Valley Girls FC, to explore her journey into football leadership and what it takes to build a thriving grassroots club. Julie opens up about stepping into the chair role, the challenges and rewards of leading an all-girls football organisation, and why community, sustainability, and strong values are essential to the success of any grassroots team. We also dive into the growing importance of women’s football leadership and how clubs like Mole Valley Girls FC are shaping the future of the game from the ground up. If you’re passionate about women’s football, community sport, or grassroots development, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In September 2025, we launched Game Ready. Period. — an initiative aimed at tackling period poverty in football across Surrey while educating everyone involved in the game. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Thorpe Park and Hey Girls, who generously provided period products to help make a real difference. We caught up with Jemma Atkinson from Hey Girls to discuss Game Ready. Period. and the positive impact it’s having on football across Surrey.

In the latest episode we’re sitting down with the man who guided South Park Reigate to glory with their 1-0 win in the Specsavers Senior County Cup Final back in the 23/24 season. Fast forward to now, and he’s taken on a new role as Head of Youth at South Park. We’ll be diving into Tom Cope’s fascinating views on how clubs can collaborate more closely — and even explore the idea of forming a buying alliance.

The Final Whistle Podcast is Back! We’re joined by Joe Robinson, Sports Partnerships Manager at our partners Easyfundraising.In this episode, we dive into:How grassroots clubs can unlock extra funding opportunities through everyday spending and their special September campaign to help you generate even more money for your club from your wider community.Register your team with easyfundraising: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/surrey-fa/

In this episode of The Final Whistle Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Roe, a true grassroots football legend and the man behind the lens at countless matches across Surrey and Sussex. From capturing unforgettable moments at Brighton FC games to being the official photographer for Surrey FA and Sussex FA County Cup Finals, Simon has seen it all. Tune in as he shares his passion for grassroots football, the stories behind his iconic shots, and the challenges of photographing the beautiful game. Don’t miss this conversation with one of grassroots football’s most celebrated storytellers!" Would you like any tweaks or additional details? Spotify Bio:

Podcast Bio: In this episode of The Final Whistle, we take a closer look at the growing phenomenon of Walking Football—a slower-paced version of the beautiful game that’s changing lives across Surrey. Designed to help people stay active regardless of age or past injuries, Walking Football is about more than just playing; it’s about community, inclusion, and rediscovering a love for the game. We’re joined by three legends of Walking Football—Mark Blythe, Clive "Bill" Billingham, and Carl Barker—as they share their personal journeys, insights into the sport’s rapid rise, and what it truly means to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about the game, this episode is sure to inspire. Tune in as The Final Whistle celebrates the power of Walking Football to bring people together, one step at a time.

We’re thrilled to welcome not one but two incredible guests who play pivotal roles in shaping the game we all love. Joining us is Steph Powell, National Development Manager for Volunteering and Harry Diggens, National Development Manager for Solutions at The FA Steph works tirelessly to create opportunities and pathways for volunteers across the football landscape, ensuring their vital contributions are recognized and supported and Harry’s expertise lies in crafting innovative strategies and programs to solve challenges in football development, ensuring the sport remains inclusive, accessible, and progressive. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to today’s conversation, and we can’t wait to dive into their insights on the future of grassroots football.

We're thrilled to welcome a number of special guests to SFA HQ including Monjur from Dorking Mosque. As we enter November and mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, we’re taking the opportunity to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and explore the incredible work that Monjur and the mosque are doing to bring people together. Stay tuned as we highlight how football and faith can unite communities for a positive change. It really is a brilliant episode.

In the latest episode of The Final Whistle podcast, Nicola Henderson, CEO of Godstone Farm popped into Meadowbank to talk with Kirk Ritchie. Godstone Farm are sponsors of the Pan Disability Tournament, hosted yearly at Meadowbank and is a true celebration that football is for all. Nicola spoke about the updates at the farm and how they are making it more accessible for everyone. Not forgetting the latest edition - Surrey's BIGGEST indoor play barn. We spoke about the brilliant events they are hosting for fireworks, Halloween and of course Christmas. Remember to take advantage of the SFA discount for visiting Godstone Farm https://tickets.godstonefarm.co.uk/#category_23

When a group of friends came together to launch a women’s football team, no one could have predicted the incredible journey ahead. Nicola McKelvey and Charlotte Wilkes have led TD Sirens FC from a simple idea to triumph in the Surrey FA Rec League. In this episode, they share their story—the highs, the lows, and the passion that drives them to succeed. Tune in to hear about their inspiring journey and the importance of just getting out there and making it happen. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Surrey FA's Designated Safeguarding Manager Phil Rendell talks to us about the FA-led national safeguarding campaign - the annual Play Safe Weekend.  This year that’s on 28th/29th September, when the whole of football in England – from the professional game to the grassroots, and every level in between – joins forces to promote awareness of the importance of safeguarding across the game we all love. Once again the Play Safe weekend is endorsed by leading children’s charity the NSPCC and will see a huge range of activity across the nation, fuelled by the encouragement and resources The FA provides. “The central push behind this year’s weekend is to create awareness among individuals of the vital safeguarding role they can play in football. It really is about Everyone Everywhere, Every Time,” says Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding.