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What does it really take to raise a professional footballer in the US?Johnathan Shaw, father of Inter Miami player Alex Shaw, joins Project Footballer to share the story behind his son’s journey from a young child who wasn’t initially interested in football to making it as a professional. With no football background himself, Johnathan reflects on the decisions, sacrifices and family experiences that shaped Alex along the way — and what it feels like to now watch his son play alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Most recently, Alex scored on his home debut in the same game Messi scored four, bringing years of hard work, sacrifice and belief full circle.In this episode, we discuss: ⚽ How a 4-year-old who "never watched soccer" and a dad with zero football background built a pathway to professional football through multi-sport foundations, tough love and consistent discipline ⚽ The family separation and reconciliation that shaped Alex's mindset - and why gratitude, not talent alone, became his "secret sauce" ⚽ Why a life-changing trip to England at age 9 reset Alex's work ethic. ⚽ A father's take on discipline, boundaries and coachability - including tough coaching and where to draw the line between pressure and support. ⚽ What it really felt like watching his son score his Inter Miami home debut goal, and the sacrifices behind that moment Are you pushing your kid too hard, or not hard enough? Where do you draw the line between discipline and pressure?If you're a football parent trying to understand what it really takes to help your child chase a professional dream, this conversation offers an honest look at the journey from a parent who has lived it. Project Footballer is the voice of youth football, bringing together experts, coaches and industry leaders to explore the biggest issues shaping player development.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 🎧 Listen to the full podcast on:https://open.spotify.com/show/2hHiSvpzpc6S50Jn6Hu69e Follow us on social platforms for more exclusive content and updates! 🌟 / projectfootballer / project_footballer Check out our Merch: https://shop.wemakefootballers.com/collections #FootballPassion #KidsFootballTraining #DevelopFootballSkills #RaisingFootballer #YoungFootballers

Manchester United’s 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel has asked for his academy registration to be cancelled, and we’re reacting to what it means for the player, his family and the club.Gabriel has been one of the most talked-about names to come out of the Carrington academy in years. He’s won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League last week and has even been compared by some to Manchester United legend Duncan Edwards.So why would one of Manchester United’s brightest young talents want to walk away?We break down what’s actually been reported, what his decision could mean for his future, and what happens next under Premier League rules on academy registrations.We also look at the bigger question this raises for academy football: clubs can release young players when it suits them, so should families be just as willing to take control when they believe it’s in their child’s best interests?This is the first episode in a new Project Footballer series reacting to the biggest stories in youth football.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more youth football news, discussion and insight from Project Footballer.🎧 Listen to the full news on:https://open.spotify.com/show/2hHiSvpzpc6S50Jn6Hu69eGrab our Merch: https://shop.wemakefootballers.com/Follow us on social platforms for more exclusive content and updates! 🌟https://www.instagram.com/projectfootballer/https://www.tiktok.com/@project_footballer#YouthFootball # FootballPassion #RaisingFootballer #Young Footballers

Former Premier League and England Footballer Joleon Lescott and Futsal and Football Veteran and Coach Rob Ursell sat down with Sean Conlon, CEO of We Make Footballers, to settle a heated Instagram debate that started after a clip of Rob's comments on futsal and player development went viral. What follows is a deep, no-holds-barred conversation about why Spain keeps winning — and why England might not, no matter how much money it spends.⚽ The Bukayo Saka vs Nani debate — Jolean challenges Rob's original comparison whether receiving the ball well is really about individual skill - or the players and instructions around you.⚽ Futsal's real role in Spanish development — does futsal genuinely develop greater game intelligence, or is Spain's success more about specialised positional training from a young age?⚽ Athleticism vs game intelligence in academies — why English recruitment prioritizes physically dominant kids at young ages, and what that costs England in the long run⚽ England's World Cup heartbreak — an honest look at the semi-final loss to Argentina, Spain's dominance, and whether England's population and investment should guarantee more success⚽ Fixing the system — Lescott's blueprint for individualized "development sessions" over generic team coaching, plus a candid discussion on why Ashley Cole hasn't been given a head coaching role despite his pedigreeDoes futsal really make Spanish players smarter — or is it something else entirely? And are we identifying the right young players in England in the first place?Project Footballer is the voice of youth football, bringing together experts, coaches and industry leaders to explore the biggest issues shaping player development.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!🎧 Listen to the full podcast on:https://open.spotify.com/show/2hHiSvpzpc6S50Jn6Hu69eFollow us on social platforms for more exclusive content and updates! 🌟https://www.instagram.com/projectfootballer/https://www.tiktok.com/@project_footballer#FootballPassion #KidsFootballTraining #DevelopFootballSkills #RaisingFootballer #YoungFootballers

Misha Sher spent years managing some football legends including Pelé, Mesut Özil, Vinícius Júnior and Alessia Russo - but in this episode, he's talking about a different kind of talent: his own daughter, Maia, a rising star in Arsenal's academy.We dig into:⚽ What it's really like managing Pelé — his discipline, his love of the game, and why he thought modern football had become "too tactical".⚽ The economics of women's football — why WSL wages have doubled in two years, and where salaries could be in 5-10 years.⚽ Maia's journey from age 5 to Arsenal's academy, training alongside boys at Hale End.⚽ Why "just let her have fun" might be the wrong approach for young girls in football, and how to build genuine love and obsession for the game.⚽ Why girls aged 6-9 are missing crucial technical development time compared to boys — and what to do about it⚽ Athlete branding, how sports organizations can leverage digital media, the future of sponsorship deals, and strategies for commercial growth within football clubs and global sports franchises.This episode will also answer some questions about women's football ecosystem like:🏆 What can your daughter actually earn if she makes it professionally — and how fast are wages growing in the women's game?🏆 Should you prioritize "fun" over skill development, or can both coexist?🚀 Help us reach 20k subscribers by hitting the subscribe button and joining our community dedicated to youth football development!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell for more insights on what parents must know about academy signings!How much is down to luck, genetics or being born into a football family. Follow us on social platforms for more exclusive content and updates! 🌟https://www.instagram.com/projectfootballer/https://www.tiktok.com/@project_footballer#FootballPassion #KidsFootballTraining #DevelopFootballSkills #RaisingFootballer #YoungFootballers

Could AI change the way young footballers are scouted?Footballers are getting taller, and physical development is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation around youth football. But when two players of the same age can be at completely different stages of growth and maturation, are we judging young talent fairly?In this episode of Project Footballer, Sean sits down with Haniff Brown, Founder and CEO of FIT:MATCH.ai, to explore how artificial intelligence and computer vision could transform youth football scouting and player development.FIT:MATCH.ai uses just four smartphone images to assess a young athlete's growth and development — including how fast they're growing, whether they're an early or late developer, when they're likely to hit their growth spurt and their predicted adult height.Together, they discuss:⚽ Why height and physical maturation matter in youth football scouting⚽ How AI can predict a young player's future height and growth trajectory⚽ Why an early-developing 14-year-old may outperform a late developer — without necessarily having more long-term potential⚽ How professional clubs are beginning to use technology to assess academy players⚽ The limitations of traditional scouting and physical measurements⚽ How smartphones could give scouts, coaches and parents access to data previously reserved for sports scientists⚽ Whether technology could help prevent talented late developers from being overlookedAs AI becomes a bigger part of professional sport, could technology like this fundamentally change how we identify and develop the next generation of footballers?Project Footballer is the voice of youth football, bringing together experts, coaches and industry leaders to explore the biggest issues shaping player development.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

England has world-class facilities, world-class clubs and the richest football league in the world. So why are England not winning more trophies as a nation? In this episode of Project Footballer, Sean sits down with former professional footballer, England Futsal international and coach Robert Ursell to discuss why England continues to fall short—and what needs to change.Together, they explore:⚽ Why Robert believes England needs a "complete cultural rethink"⚽ Why technique and decision-making should come before athleticism⚽ What Spain and Argentina are doing differently to develop world-class players⚽ Why Premier League success doesn't necessarily translate to international success⚽ Whether English academies are prioritising the right thingsWhether you're a coach, parent or player, this conversation will challenge the way you think about football development.

Are pre-academy players focusing on the wrong goals?In this episode of Project Footballer, we explore one of the biggest debates in youth football: whether too many young players are building their identity around academy status instead of long-term development.Many talented players tie their self-worth to pre-academy programmes that may never lead to professional football. We discuss the risks of early identity formation, why grassroots football remains one of the strongest environments for player development, and how parents and coaches can create healthier pathways for young footballers.We also discuss:- Why academy status shouldn't define a young player- Where the best talent is often overlooked- The pressures facing modern football parents- Social media's influence on youth football culture- How to prioritise development over recognition- What great coaching environments really look likeThis conversation offers a fresh perspective on helping young players reach their potential for the right reasons 🙌🏻

Aaron Burns spent over a decade inside Manchester United's academy, training alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. In this episode, he talks through his experience at Man Utd, what "purposeful practice" really looked like, and the culture shock of dropping down through Cardiff City, Iceland and non-league football once his time at United ended.He also opens up about walking away from chasing the top level in his mid-twenties, his current work leading the Association of Former Manchester United Players, and his advice to football parents on supporting young players without piling on the pressure.A conversation packed with insight on resilience, failure, and life after football.

🎙️ Project Footballer: I Made It Pro at QPR Without Loving Football What happens when a player has the talent to make it in professional football - but not the passion? In this episode of Project Footballer, former Chelsea Academy player and QPR scholar Jordan Buck shares the untold reality of his journey through elite football. From signing for Chelsea at 13 to earning a full-time scholarship at QPR, Jordan achieved what thousands of young players dream of. But behind the success was a surprising truth: He never truly loved the game. This is an honest conversation about talent, parental influence, motivation, and the question every football parent should ask: What happens when talent has no passion? ⚽ Chelsea Academy ⚽ QPR Scholarship ⚽ Youth Football Development ⚽ Football Parents ⚽ The Reality of Academy Football #ProjectFootballer #FootballParents #YouthFootball #AcademyFootball #QPR #ChelseaAcademy

🎙️ Project Footballer: The King Of Street Football - What Street Football Teaches UsWhat does street football really teach young players — and why are so many academy coaches now looking back to the cage?In this episode, Streetz Football founder Malachi Simpson joins Matthew Healy and Jenny Boateng to break down the real value of street football and why unstructured play might be the missing piece in modern player development.Growing up in South London, Malachi built a movement through Streetz Football, creating spaces where creativity, resilience, confidence, and identity thrive beyond the academy structure. He shares why some of the best decision-makers in the game are shaped not on pristine pitches — but on concrete cages.This conversation dives into the culture of street football, how it sharpens mentality, and why freedom, flair, and problem-solving are qualities that can't always be coached.💡 In this episode:What street football teaches that academies often can’tWhy creativity comes from freedom, not structureThe psychological edge cage football buildsHow street culture shapes confidence and identityCan street football and academy football coexist?🎧 Perfect for:Parents, coaches, and young players who want to understand how creativity, resilience, and football intelligence are developed — and why the cage might be football’s greatest classroom.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify👉 Follow @ProjectFootballer for weekly conversations with ex-pros, coaches, scouts, and experts helping families navigate the journey to professional football ⚽️

🎙️ Project Footballer – Topsy Ojo: How My Son Went From QPR to ArsenalWhat really shapes a young footballer’s journey — natural athleticism or the knowledge gained along the way? In this episode, former professional rugby player Topsy Ojo joins Matthew Healy and Jenny Boetang to share powerful insights from both sides of elite sport.Drawing on his experience as a top-level athlete, Topsy opens up about how he’s supported his child through the academy system, including a move from QPR to Arsenal, and the lessons parents can learn when navigating youth football.This episode goes beyond talent, exploring how environment, education, mindset, and parental support can influence a child’s development just as much as physical ability.💡 In this episode:What professional sport teaches you about long-term developmentSupporting a child emotionally and practically in the academy systemThe move from QPR to Arsenal — what really changes?Is success down to genetics or learned knowledge?The role parents play without overstepping🎧 Perfect for:Parents, coaches, and young players who want a realistic, honest insight into academy life — and how experience, not just talent, can shape a footballer’s future.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify👉 Follow @ProjectFootballer for weekly conversations with ex-pros, coaches, scouts, and experts helping families navigate the journey to professional football ⚽️#FootballPassion #KidsFootballTraining #DevelopFootballSkills #RaisingFootballer #YoungFootballers

🎄 Project Footballer: Christmas Special — Your Questions, Our Answers 🎙️⚽In this festive Christmas Special of Project Footballer, Sean, Matt, and Jenny sit down to reflect on the year and dive into the comments and private messages you’ve been sending in.From honest questions to spicy takes, we unpack the hot topics shaping youth football right now — sharing practical advice, real experiences, and thoughtful debate along the way.In this episode, we cover:🎅 The most common questions from parents, players, and coaches🔥 Big talking points in youth football (development, pathways, pressure & more)💬 Responding to your DMs and comments — the good, the challenging, and the controversial⚽ What really matters for young players at different stages🎁 Key takeaways for families heading into the new yearWhether you’re a parent, coach, or young player, this Christmas catch-up is packed with insight, reflection, and plenty of honest conversation.👉 Subscribe for more episodes featuring parents of elite players, coaches, and experts👉 Comment below with your thoughts — or tell us what topic you want covered in the new yearWishing you a Merry Christmas and a football-filled New Year from all of us at Project Footballer 🎄⚽

🎥 Project Footballer: The Making of Fulham’s Josh King (England U21)In this new format of Project Footballer, we sit down with the parents behind some of the most exciting young talents in the game — starting with Fulham and England U21 star Josh King. At just 19, Josh has already made 13 senior appearances for Fulham, including 10 Premier League games this season, marking him as one of the brightest prospects in English football.In this episode, we dive deep into: ⚽ The role his parents played in his journey 🧬 How much of Josh’s talent comes down to genetics vs nurture 🏡 What they did at home to support his development 💥 The habits, environment, and decisions that shaped his path 🎯 Practical lessons parents can apply with their own football-loving children If you’re a parent, coach, or young player, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe for more interviews with parents of elite players, coaches, and industry experts. 👉 Comment below — which player’s family should we speak to next?

🚀 Help us reach 20k subscribers by hitting the subscribe button and joining our community dedicated to youth football development!🎙️ Project Footballer – Tom Farrow: The Science of Speed, Strength & Youth DevelopmentWhat separates the next-generation footballers from the rest? In this episode, elite strength and conditioning coach Tom Farrow (formerly Wolves, Brentford) joins Matthew Healy and Jenny Boetang to break down the science of physical performance in youth football.From developing speed at different ages to safe strength trainin, nutrition, and the mindset behind elite athleticism, this episode is packed with insights every parent, coach, and young player needs to hear.💡 In this episode:- How important are speed and strength in modern football?- How to safely build athleticism from U8 to U18.- The truth about strength training and growth.- Multi-sport vs. early football specialisation — which wins?- Recovery, nutrition, and mental toughness in young athletes.- What separates Premier League pros from academy players.- The future of strength and conditioning in football — AI, data, and the next wave of athletic talent.🎧 Perfect for:Parents, coaches, and aspiring footballers who want to understand how athletic development really works — and how to give kids the best possible chance to reach their potential.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify👉 Follow @ProjectFootballer for weekly interviews with world-class coaches, scouts, and experts helping families navigate the journey to professional football.#FootballPassion #KidsFootballTraining #DevelopFootballSkills #RaisingFootballer #YoungFootballers #ProjectFootballer

🚀 Help us reach 20k subscribers by hitting the subscribe button and joining our growing community dedicated to youth football development!This episode features Godfrey Torto — a football agent, academy coach, and owner of both a football academy and player agency. A former academy player at Chelsea, Godfrey has spent years helping grassroots and released footballers find their way back into the professional game.In this episode, Godfrey shares powerful insights into how players outside the academy system can still achieve their football dreams. From building the right mindset to taking practical steps toward earning professional contracts, he breaks down what it truly takes to stand out and get noticed.💡 Expect to learn:• How released players can rebuild their path to professional football.• The biggest opportunities and pitfalls in grassroots and academy football.• What scouts and agents really look for when signing players.• How to take control of your journey and create your own opportunities.This conversation is packed with real-world advice and motivation for any player chasing a professional contract — or for parents and coaches supporting them along the way.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes. We would love to hear your thoughts - drop them in the comments below!#projectfootballer #football #podcast #developfootballskills #footballpassion #youthdevelopment #footballagent