Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

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

On this episode, I’m joined by Martyn Bowles the Academy Manager of EFL League 2 club Walsall FC, on Episode 25 of my podcast.Martyn lets me know that he has planned for the academy 8 years ahead and his staff and him are daily working towards this vision that he has future proofed for the Walsall academy.

On this episode, I’m joined by Martyn Bowles the Academy Manager of EFL League 2 club Walsall FC, on Episode 25 of my podcast.Martyn discusses with me, why left footed players might be favoured and says that Walsall try to develop players to play with both feet from foundation phase.

On this episode, I’m joined by Martyn Bowles the Academy Manager of EFL League 2 club Walsall FC, on Episode 25 of my podcast.Martyn lets me know that the club does have a profile when it comes to recruiting players, but he emphasises that Walsall are not only registering 6ft plus players. This only occurs in specific positions.

On this episode, I’m joined by Martyn Bowles the Academy Manager of EFL League 2 club Walsall FC, on Episode 25 of my podcast.Martyn tells me that the academy plays goalkeepers outfield to help the keepers develop with the ball at their feet.

On this episode, I’m joined by Martyn Bowles the Academy Manager of EFL League 2 club Walsall FC, on Episode 25 of my podcast.Martyn shares his insights on Youth Development, coaching strategies, and future-proofing the academy 8 years ahead in preparation for 2033.Martyn also talks about data, goalkeepers, human development, and his strategic vision to shape the academy players into first-team members.

On this episode, I’m joined by Damien Allen the former First Team Midfielder turned Academy Manager of EFL League 1 club Stockport County FC, who tells me on Episode 24 of my podcast.Controlling your emotions and being able to deal with the psychological demands of football is key to becoming a professional footballer.Full Episode: Friday April 24th 2026 (6pm)

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 it's best to be patient when developing talent, because young players are dealing with a lot when it comes to schooling, growth and maturation.

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 plans are better than pathways. Martin says that players create their pathway with their performances.

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

Martin Carter, the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL League Two club Middlesbrough FC tells me on Episode 23 of my Podcast. About his beginning playing football at academy level and the highs and lows of being an early developer physically. Martin reveals his extensive experience in youth talent identification, development, and recruitment. He discusses the nuances of talent ID, the importance of individual assessment, and the impact of physical and psychological growth on young players. Martin also shares to me his experience in youth football development, covering talent identification, character assessment, the importance of patience and holistic player growth. Discover practical advice for coaches, scouts, and parents aiming to nurture future football stars.

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 he thinks player profiling is ludicrous. Martin believes clubs should not limit themselves when recruiting players because they might miss out on potential gems.Full Episode: Friday April 10th 2026 (6pm)

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 it’s no surprise that Quarter 4 players are favoured less by clubs, because they are born 11 months behind Quarter 1 September born players. Which in most cases, gives them an advantage. Martin advises that clubs should not bank on this short term thinking when recruiting. He suggests that, clubs should visualise the future, to a time when players growth and maturity will all balance out as they eventually reach their potential adult size. At that point all Q1 to Q4 born players will look similar. This is when technique and other qualities will be more important than how big or physically developed players are.Full Episode: Friday April 10th 2026

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 he recruits players on instinct. He doesn’t like watching players repeatedly, he can tell within 60 seconds if it’s a player he wants. Martin talks me through his process of discovering a 15-year-old Josh Coburn. The striker who eventually reached the Middlesbrough First Team was sold to Millwall in June 2025. Coincidentally, Josh returned to Middlesbrough on Good Friday April 3rd, 2026, and scored two goals to help Millwall win 2-1 against Middlesbrough. The result dented Middlesbrough’s Premier League promotion push. Taking Middlesbrough from second to third and Millwall from third to second in the EFL Championship table. Full Episode: Friday April 10th

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 clubs academy as a 12 year old schoolboy, joins me and tells me on Episode 23 of my Podcast.That a lot of young players are blinded by great facilities and they should be ready to adapt and play football anywhere, because conditions are not the same at every club.Full Episode: Friday April 10th

Byron Anthony, the former defender, now Academy Manager and currently the Interim First Team Assistant Head Coach of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast.About the sacrifices he made to sustain a long term career. Not only when he played in the Cardiff City youth ranks. Also when he went on to become Bristol Rovers longest serving player, making nearly 200 appearances in defence in the Rovers First Team. Whilst helping the club to gain a promotion to League One along the way.