Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

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.

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.That with the release and retain period for all academies around the corner in April. He finds it to be an intense time and lets me know the Bristol Rovers process when making release and retain decisions.

Byron Anthony, the former defender, now Academy Manager and also currently the Interim First Team Assistant Head Coach of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast.That different departments within the club will be involved in the registration of a successful Trialist. This usually involves a staff vote to determine who should be registered for the club after a trial.

Byron Anthony, the former defender, now Academy Manager and also currently the Interim First Team Assistant Head Coach of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast.That the club will not register a player who is on trial. Even if they are good enough to be in the age group that they are trialing in, because the club takes into consideration whether or not the Trialist has the same qualities as a player in the age group above or below.The club will not block the pathway of a talented player already registered at the club who has similar qualities to the Trialist.

Byron Anthony, the former defender, now Academy Manager and also 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 his journey from youth player to coaching, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mindset, and development pathways in football. Discover how Bristol Rovers is shaping future talent and the key qualities for success in football academies.

Byron Anthony, the former defender, now Academy Manager and also currently the Interim First Team Assistant Head Coach of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast.That the identity of the First Team and Academy is built on B.R.F.C which is a synonym of Brave, Resilient, Forward Thinking & Collaborative.These are the characteristics the club looks for in the players registered at Bristol Rovers. Full Episode: 27 March 2026 (6pm)

Byron Anthony, the Academy Manager and also currently the Interim First Team Assistant Manager of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast.That 80% of the game is mindset. Making quick decisions on the pitch, dealing with the ups and downs of the game. It all requires mindset.

Byron Anthony, the Academy Manager and also currently the Interim First Team Assistant Manager of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast.That it takes discipline, sacrifice and consistency to accomplish what you want not only in football, but in life. Byron believes that many players do not make the grade because they are lacking in these three areas.

Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That elite players are consistent in their actions on the pitch. Robin says that Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is the perfect example of an elite player.

Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That some of the academy players have ADHD and SEND needs and the club have a protocol in place to cater for those players

Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That the academy players they register at Sunderland have to have a Unique Selling Point (USP). If Grassroots players come to the club on trial and don’t have any unique stand out skill about them. The club will not take them on.

Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast. About playing youth team football for Brentford, shares insights into youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of holistic player growth at Sunderland AFC. Robin also speaks about how talent is identified, nurtured, and the role of mental and physical development in creating future football stars.

Snippet: Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That he is not focused on whether the academy boys win or lose. His job is to develop players for the Sunderland First Team.Full Episode: Friday March 13th (6pm)

Snippet: Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That the Under 18s on Scholarships study to be referees and more. They also do various work experiences. So if any of the players do not get offered a professional contract. They have some experiences outside of football that they can forge a career in, if they choose. Full Episode: Friday March 13th (6pm)

Snippet: Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That academy football is not fair because all players are not treated the same in the team. Some players play in age groups above their own, others play in age groups below their own. One player might get First Team opportunities earlier than the rest of their teammates. Outcomes vary for every player.Full Episode: Friday March 13th (6pm)

Snippet: Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast.That the Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus insists on making the academy a fundamental part of the club. Prioritising the academy has also had it’s benefits. The Sunderland academy, had many of it’s graduates playing a pivotal role in the Sunderland’s First Team recent success and promotion to the Premier League.Full Episode: Friday March 13th (6pm)

Snippet: Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.That he believes the benefits of good Sleep and Nutrition are undervalued in football. Especially, in relation to helping players prepare off the pitch for training and matches.

Snippet: Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.That many academy players dream of playing football in the Premier League. Duncan says that a player who forges a career playing outside the Premiership in the Championship, League 1 or League 2 should still be considered a success, especially since the chances of playing in the Prem are slim.

Snippet: Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.For an academy player to be a top performer in football, they must be able to cope with pressure and setbacks and maintain the mentality to keep going.

Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast. About his journey from coach to academy manager, his experiences in various football academies, and his current role at Southampton. Duncan shares insights on the importance of player development, the structure of football academies, and the challenges and rewards of working in youth football. The conversation also touches on the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and the significance of having a clear pathway for young players to progress through the ranks. Duncan also discusses the various components that make up a successful football program, emphasizing the importance of training variety, support services, and the focus on developing professional footballers. He explains how category status influences player development timelines and expectations, and highlights the critical roles of nutrition and sleep in athletic performance. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of managing release and retain periods, the definition of youth development, and the value of loan experiences in shaping players' careers. Duncan mentions the strategic planning involved in youth development, emphasizing the importance of individual learning plans that balance team success with personal growth. He shares insights on coaching philosophies, the significance of education, and the challenges of managing expectations from parents and players. He also highlights the benefits of international exposure through European youth leagues and outlines the daily responsibilities of an academy manager. He concludes by discussing the essential qualities needed for players, coaches, scouts, and managers in the academy system.

Snippet: Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.That the difference between Grassroots and Academy players is their awareness of time and space when on the ball.Full Episode: Friday February 27th (6pm)

Snippet: Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.That there is a birth bias in academy football. Clubs favour players born in certain calender months because they are deemed to be more physically developed and maturer than those born in later months. Being born in a certain month, can have an impact on players that clubs register, release and retain.Full Episode: Friday February 27th (6pm)

Snippet: Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.That the club manufactures challenging and sometimes smooth circumstances for the players, to give them a taste of the ups and downs that will come when they turn professional.Full Episode: Friday February 27th (6pm)

Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast.That winning behaviours and desire are important in football. Being clinical, winning all your duels. Taking care of the small details matters.Full Episode: Friday February 27th (6pm)

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That the First Team Manager and Sporting Director at the club, both scout the u18s and their matches at the training ground for potential First Team players.Full Episode: Out Now

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That Academy Under 18s players who are paid and employed to be full time scholars daily at the club. Have to follow strict time keeping guidelines that coincides with the First Team training schedule at the Training Ground or face being fined for lateness.Full Episode: Out Now

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That his dad Alex Miller who was a former Glasgow Rangers defender and First Team Manager of Aberdeen, Hibernian and St Mirren taught him about fizzy drinks spiking blood levels which reduces performance levels.So Alex took the decision to cut out fizzy drinks from the age of 14 to enhance his football performances. This helped him to become a First Team player starting his career at the Scottish club Hibernian, before becoming an academy manager. Full Episode: Out Now

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.About his journey from being a professional footballer to a coach and academy manager. We discuss the importance of family support, discipline, and lifestyle choices in youth football, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing an academy.Greg shares insights on player development, the role of communication with parents, and the metrics for success in youth development. He emphasizes the need for passion in players and the importance of creating an enriching experience for young athletes.

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That there is always someone ready to take your spot. Never get comfortable and think that you have made it just because a club gives you a pro contract.Full Episode: Friday February 13th 2026