Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.I ask Chris if he thinks that academy football should begin at the age of 14 like a lot of parents are suggesting.

On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.I ask Chris about racism in football, especially towards the South Asian community and he candidly shares his views on the matter.

In this episode 33, I am joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship Club Southampton FC. Chris shares insights into scouting, player development, and the nuances of identifying future football stars. Discover how character, technical skills, and early development influence success in professional football. Chris shares insights into football scouting, player development, risk management, and the importance of character and education in nurturing future stars. This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE15

On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.Chris tells me that although development of players for the First Team is the main focus of academies. Players will also be judged on their desire to win matches. Chris lets me know that personally, if he sees players laughing and joking after they’ve lost a match. That’s an immediate red flag for him, because he’ll question how seriously they take football and if their desire to win is meaningless

On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.Chris tells me about the importance of running on and off the pitch. He explains how running benefits fitness and also shows who’s prepared to do the extrasFull Episode: Friday August 14th 2026

On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.Chris tells me that when he goes to scout players. He likes to go to see how they warm up. He lets me know that the scouting begins with your character long before your talent is expressed on the pitch on match day

On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.Alex talks to me about the birthday bias in football and how the month you’re born can influence your pathway into academy football. In the UK, players born in June, July and August (Quarter 4) are often competing against Quarter 1 players born up to 11 months earlier in September, creating differences in physical and emotional development.Quarter 1 to 4 births are measured according to the start of the school calendar which operates from September to July in the UK.In a time when most academies are not patient enough to wait for late developers to catch up. We discuss how this relative age effect influences recruitment decisions, and how Alex approaches this challenge as a Head of Recruitment.

On this episode 32, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years has been the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.In this episode, Alex tells me that tours and tournaments are vital in the development of young players.

On this episode 32, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years has been the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.In this episode, Alex Kaufman shares his extensive experience in football recruitment, talent identification, and youth development.He discusses key traits for players, the importance of culture, and how data and scouting work together to shape future stars.

On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.In this episode, Alex tells me that in his early days of recruitment. Some of the mistakes he made were letting go of players too quickly and also registering players too quickly without seeing if there were any red flags in their behaviour.In the past Alex says he was blinded by talent and once some players got their foot in the door. They changed and their approach became lazy. So now he vets talent and character to make sure it’s the right player and person he’s bringing into the club.

On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.In this episode, Alex tells me that District, County, and schools football are still important pathways into academy football because they attract a lot of scouts.Full Episode: Friday July 31st

On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.In this episode, Alex tells me that no one’s place is safe. There is no time to relax because the recruitment team is looking for new players every day.Alex lets me know that just because a player is registered, They can be replaced at any time. It’s the nature of football.

On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy and eventually became the academy manager.Burton Albion’s academy also trains and plays its home matches at St George’s Park, the England National Team’s official training ground.Jack let me know in Episode 31 that misbehaving in school is a red flag, because you can’t be full of good character at the club and have negative characteristics outside the club. You’re representing the Burton Albion at all times. So having a split personality will raise some concerns and question marks around your character.

On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy and eventually became the academy manager.Burton Albion’s academy also trains and plays its home matches at St George’s Park, the England National Team’s official training ground.Jack let me know in Episode 31 that how you handle criticism and setbacks will define you. He lets me know that recilience is an important part of football.

On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy to know becoming the academy manager.Burton Albion’s academy also train and play their home matches at St George’s Park which is the England National Team’s official training ground.Jack shares with me know in Episode 31, insights into youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of resilience, communication, and holistic growth in football. Discover how Burton's academy nurtures talent and prepares players for professional success.This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy WearResonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marveeUse Discount Code: MARVEE11

On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy to know becoming the academy manager.Burton Albion’s academy also train and play their home matches at St George’s Park which is the England National Team’s official training ground.Jack lets me know in Episode 31 that youth development is all about building character, not just footballers. Jack mentions that when he used to play in Burton’s academy. It developed who he has become today and he believes that the academy experience will do the same for others ⚽️Full Episode: Friday July 17th (More In Comments)

On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy to know becoming the academy manager. Burton Albion’s academy also train and play their home matches at St George’s Park which is the England National Team’s official training ground.Jack lets me know in Episode 31 that the academy football journey is full of ups and downs. Very rarely will a player join the under 9s and make it to the First Team smooth sailing without any challenges along the way.Full Episode: Friday July 17th

On this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Bull the Academy Manager of EFL League Two team Gillingham FC. Bryan has managed the Gillingham academy for over 25 years and has seen players like Ryan Bertrand and others come through the ranks.Bryan in Episode 30 shares his thoughts on the release process. Letting me know that he feels that unlike most other industries. Academy football has aftercare programs. Whereas in other professions. People get released without any care.This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy WearResonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marveeUse Discount Code: MARVEE11

On this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Bull the Academy Manager of EFL League Two team Gillingham FC. Bryan has managed the Gillingham academy for over 25 years and has seen players like Ryan Bertrand and others come through the ranks.Bryan in Episode 30 shares his thoughts on desire. Bryan says that players who have a desire for the game catches his eye.This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy WearResonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marveeUse Discount Code: MARVEE11

On this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Bull the Academy Manager of EFL League Two team Gillingham FC. Bryan has managed the Gillingham academy for over 25 years and has seen players like Ryan Bertrand and others come through the ranks.Bryan in Episode 30 shares insights into youth development, training, and the intricacies of managing young talent in professional football. Bryan also shares how data, mentality, and strategic decisions shape future Gillingham players from the academy.This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy WearResonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marveeUse Discount Code: MARVEE11

On this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests. A well respected man in the recruitment side of football. He is responsible for discovering players like Djed Spence and more.Mr Martin Carter, the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Middlesbrough FC, who also played for the club's academy as a 12-year-old schoolboy, joins me on Episode 23 of my podcast and tells me.That everyone in the academy has talent. So character comes into question during the club's release and retain periods

Snippet: Alex Inglethorpe, the Academy Director of Liverpool FC, tells me on Episode 5 of my Podcast. That youth development is when you add value to a player and more

For episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work.The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history.DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor explained the importance of nutrition in football to me. He explained that the club has a full-time nutritionist working with the academy, teaching the players what to eat and what to avoid. Trevor believes that diet can make a difference to performance.

For episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work.The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history.DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor explains that the club like most around the world, is restricted by FIFA International Clearance rules when registering international players under 18 to the academy.Trevor says that although many international players get scholarships in American colleges, it's more difficult for an under18 player to get a scholarship at an MLS team like DC United.

For episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work.The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history.DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor explains how he feels that social media is affecting many young players. Trevor tells me that some players pre-plan goal celebrations to upload it to social media for likes. These players are more interested in promoting themselves online than in playing footballFull Episode: Out Now

For episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work.The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history.DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor explains how he loves lefties and dislikes confrontational parents.Full Episode: Out Now

I am excited to share Episode 29 of my podcast, a special World Cup edition focusing on the inner workings of MLS academies in North America. In this episode, I learn about the unique structure of the MLS as a franchiser, and not a league and how that impacts team operations, including the absence of promotion and relegation. My guest is Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director for D.C. United. Based in Washington D.C., D.C. United is the second most successful club (franchise) in league history and was once home to Wayne Rooney as both a player and head coach. Trevor provides fascinating insights into the U.S. football (soccer) academy system, comparing it to the UK model. We discuss the complexities of scouting, Parents, The impact of geography and economics on player pathways, and how technology and social media are changing the game. Trevor also shares his personal journey from player to director and explains how his team identifies top talent by prioritizing character. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the past, present and future of football (soccer) in America through Trevor's eyes and experience.This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE11

For episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work. The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history. DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor says parents can make or break a player's career. He's even been told not to sign certain players because of their parents' attitude. Full Episode: Friday June 19th 2026

For Episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work. The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history. DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor tells me that he can tell a lot about whether a player truly loves the game when the winter months come around and it is cold and wet outside.Full Episode: Friday June 19th 2026

For Episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work. The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history. DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor shares fascinating insights into the scouting process, explaining why left-footed left backs and centre backs are the hardest players to find globally.Full Episode: Friday June 19th 2026

For Episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work. The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history. DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor explains how he’s having to pay extortionate prices for World Cup tickets. $3,000 upwards in comparison to usual ticket prices. He wishes the tournament was more affordable for the general public to come and watch the games.

For Episode 29 of my podcast, to coincide with the World Cup, I decided to do something different. On this episode, I chose to focus on how MLS academies in North America work. The MLS is more than a league with teams. The MLS is a Franchiser that owns all the teams in the MLS. All the teams in the MLS are called franchises. They are all franchises of the MLS. There are no promotions or relegations. Any team (franchise) buying or selling gives a percentage of its sales to the MLS (the franchiser).On this episode, I speak to Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director of DC United, which is the second most successful team (franchise) in MLS history. DC United is based in Washington DC, the capital city in the USA. Fun fact: Wayne Rooney was also once a player and Head Coach of DC United.Trevor explains how some academies in North America have over 10,000 kids in an academy, and we compare how the academy system in the MLS academy system to the system in the UK for this special World Cup Edition.

Snippet: Alex Inglethorpe, the Academy Director of Liverpool FC, tells me on Episode 5 of my Podcast. That youth development is when you add value to a player.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me about pathways and academy depth charts. These depth charts compare players from under-9 to under-18, noting their attributes, strengths etc and are rag rated based on their potential readiness for the First Team.The depth charts are created for every position. So, let's say all the strikers from under-9 to under-18 score goals, but one in the under-15s is quick, and one in the under-18s is quick and technical, while all the other strikers throughout the age groups are similar. Those two strikers will stand out on the chart, and these are what decisions are based on comparison wise in every position in the academy.This relates to academy transfers, trialists, and release/retain decisions in most academies like the one at Port Vale.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me about adapting to unexpected changes, facing difficult times and overcoming challenges. We also discuss what drives him and the power of visualisation.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me that he’s seen some good players not fulfil their potential because they thought just having talent was enough. Matt says that young players need self motivation to have a career in football.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me that First-Team managers are under so much pressure to deliver results. With their jobs on the line, they are more inclined to give experienced players a chance ahead of an academy graduate. This is one of the challenges faced at Port Vale and the club is trying to change it's philoshy to give academy players more opportunities to play First-Team football.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me about the dilemma of exceptional young talents breaking into the first team early. Academy players with exceptional talent have been bought by Premier League clubs before they got the chance to play in the Port Vale First Team.Big clubs buying young talented academy players before they play First Team football is one of the challenges lower league clubs face when developing young players.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt shares with me his journey to becoming a club executive. He discusses the importance of adaptability, hard work, youth development, the sustainability of lower league academies and strategic decision-making in football management.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me that he believes football clubs should have academies and develop youth, after I asked him about the sustainability of lower league clubs financially funding academies. More in my commentsFull Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026 (6pm)

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me that the club invests around £800k yearly in the academy alongside the Premier League's (EPPP) funding. With so much money invested in the academy. The club wants to produce more players to benefit and impact the First Team.Full Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026 (6pm)

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.Matt tells me that there are currently 180 boys in the academy. He says that although it would be ideal, it's highly unlikely for a player to go straight from under 9s all the way through the age groups into the First Team.Full Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast. Matt tells me that listening is very important and it’s a common trait that he’s seen in players who have joined the First Team from the academy. They all seem to be good listeners. Processing information and executing it.

I’m joined byCalum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City on Episode 26 of my podcast.Calum tells me that in the Lincoln academy. They are trying to develop good young people, alongside developing their talent.

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast. Calum tells me that scholars at Lincoln have to be physically and mentally ready to enter the First Team by age 18 because the club doesn’t have an under 21s team to continue development.

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast.Calum tells me that Lincoln scouts players with certain movements and abilities that they can develop long term when considering registering a player to the academy in all age groups.The club accepts that due to their limited resources, the perfect players don’t walk through the door. Full Episode in my bio

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast. Calum Oakenfold shares his journey through football coaching, from grassroots to academy management. Calum also gives insights on youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of experience in shaping successful football careers. In this insightful interview, Calum tells me about his extensive experience in youth football development, focusing on education, player management, and the importance of a holistic approach to nurturing talent. Discover strategies for handling player transitions, the role of data, and the qualities that define a model professional.

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast. Calum tells me that the academy takes education seriously and encourages it, because the club cannot guarantee the boys will become professionals in the game. More in my commentsFull Episode: Friday May 8th 2026 (6pm)

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast. Calum tells me that they play teams like Arsenal, Man United, Man City for a challenge when the under 9s and other age groups are winning consistently to help the development of the academy boys. Full Episode: Friday May 8th 2026

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast. Calum tells me about seeing academy players fall out of love with the game due to distractions, pressure and change of interestsFull Episode: Friday May 8th 2026