Life Through Ball

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You’ve seen the mask. You’ve seen the £5 challenges. But how much do you really know about Two Touch King?

In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with Two Touch King to explore the person behind the content.

From his relationship with football to the realities of building a platform, we go beyond the viral videos for an honest conversation about identity, ambition, setbacks and the challenges of pursuing something you’r...

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We often talk about football through results, tactics and performance. But what happens when you look beyond the game?

In this episode, Joe Worf joins us for an honest conversation about the people behind football, what drives performance, and the moments that shape how we think, feel and grow. It’s less about having all the answers, and more about asking better questions.

Follow Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-worf-762aa...

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What happens when the football you play for fun becomes the thing that pays your bills?

In this episode of Life Through Ball, I sit down with football content creator AB30 (Anas), who has turned playing Sunday League football into a full-time career through content creation.

We explore how a hobby became a job, what that transition has been like, and the challenges that come with relying on the game you love for your...

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What really happens in a footballer’s life away from the pitch? Life Through Ball is back, and for the first episode of the new season I’m joined by Jack ‘Tebbs’ Tebbutt, Head of Player Wellbeing at Charlton Athletic. Tebbs has spent years working closely with players inside professional football, including his time at Burnley and now Charlton. But as he explains in this conversation, most of the conversations he has with players have nothing to do with foo...

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What if the biggest challenge in football isn't making it… but staying there? In this episode of Life Through Ball, I sit down with Dr Chris Platts to discuss the realities of academy football, career transitions, identity and the decisions that can shape a young player's future. Whether you're a player, parent or coach, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Dr Chris Platts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrispl... Website: www.chrisplatts.co.uk Email: in...

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Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paddy Gamble joins Life Through Ball to talk about the realities of football beyond the pitch.

Released at just 20 years old, Paddy reflects on the emotional side of leaving the professional game, rebuilding identity beyond football, and the lessons that shaped his journey after the academy system.

We also dive into the unique pressures of being a goalkeeper, player wellbeing, transition, and why support systems in football matter more than...

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The Hidden Side Of The Football Industry

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In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Tekky FC to explore his journey from Preston to London, and how he built a platform focused on developing young players beyond just football.

We dive into the realities of the academy system, why it doesn’t work for everyone, and the importance of creating environments where players can grow both on and off the pitch.

This conversation goes beyond the game — touching on iden...

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In this episode, we sit down with Johnny Kay, the mind behind Versus, to explore where football meets culture. From the power of identity in the modern game to the often-unspoken realities of mental health, Johnny opens up on what it really means to navigate life in and around football today. We dive into how Versus is reshaping storytelling in sport, why culture and community are inseparable from the game, and the pressures that players, creators, and fans...

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, I sit down with renowned football journalist and author Guillem Balagué for a conversation about his journey through the world of football. Known for his work covering some of the biggest names in the game, Guillem shares a perspective that might surprise many fans, football itself was never his true passion. Instead, it has always been storytelling. We discuss how his career developed, the lessons he has learned from decades working a...

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with KK, founder of Proficient Youth Development (@proficientyouthdev), to explore his journey and the reason he built a platform dedicated to supporting young athletes and their parents.

We discuss identity beyond performance, the role of parental guidance in youth sport, and where youth development is heading. KK shares why he felt there was a gap in the space and how he is working to change the...

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with Kamil, founder and owner of Euston Lane FC — a football club he started at just 20 years old.

We explore the reality of building a club from the ground up — the vision, the challenges, and the responsibility that comes with leading players while still being early in your own journey.

From organising fixtures and managing operations to taking his team abroad to face opposition like...

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Football doesn’t always end how you imagine.

Injury. Identity. Starting again.

In this episode, Sami opens up about his journey through football — moving between Spain and England, battling long-term injury, and navigating the uncertainty that comes when the game stops.

This conversation captures exactly what Life Through Ball is about: the parts of football we don’t prepare players for, and the resilience it takes to build a life beyond the pitch...

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In this episode of Life Through Ball, Tarek sits down with Kraig McLeod to talk about the realities of football that often get laughed off but rarely spoken about properly. Kraig shares his journey through academy football at QPR and Norwich, the transition into non-leaguee, and the moments that forced him to rethink his relationship with the game. We explore what it really feels like to be released, the identity shift that follows, and how humour became a...

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Firstly, I want to acknowledge the gap for audio listeners and say thank you for your patience. Life happens, growth takes time, and I really appreciate everyone who has stayed connected during this period.

Welcome to the Season 2 finale of Life Through Ball.

This season has been a journey. We explored the game beyond the pitch through conversations around player care, coaching, media, analysis, identity, and the human stories that sit behind football. It’s...

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In this episode I sit down with Daniel Geey, one of the leading sports lawyers in football. We talk about his journey into the industry, how he found his path, and the steps that led him to working on some of the biggest deals in the game. Daniel also gives clear insight into how football contracts actually work, what really happens during a transfer, and the legal challenges that shape the modern game. This is a look behind...

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In this episode, I sit down with Theo Brown — former academy footballer turned entrepreneur — to talk about his journey through football, resilience, and finding purpose beyond the game. From chasing the dream as a young player to building his own business, Theo shares honest insights about life in and after football, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the mindset developed in sport can fuel success in any field. This is a real and reflective conver...

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Hugo Scheckter “the godfather of player care” has worked across multiple Premier League clubs including West Ham United, Southampton, and Brentford, gaining extensive first-team experience along the way. He’s since used his experience and network to found The Player Care Group, where he runs a course for people looking to break into the world of player care. Hugo also works as a consultant with clubs around the world, helping them improve their player welfare structures and overall player...

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S2 EP8 | Beyond Grenfell: How Football Became a Beacon of Hope ft Paul Menacer Our most personal episode yet. Paul Menacer — manager of Grenfell Athletic and survivor of the Grenfell fire — opens up about loss, resilience, and how football and community helped him rebuild. Paul’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward. 🎧 Watch / Listen / Connect 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conv...

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S2 EP8 | Football Academies Are Broken: The Truth No One Wants to Admit ft Dr Chris Platts In this episode of Life in Sport, Dr Chris Platts draws on over 10 years of research across 300 players to challenge our assumptions about success in football. He argues that the academy system is broken, and shares what his work has revealed about who “makes it”—and why most don’t. 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side o...

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🎙️ Sam Holden | Life in Sport Podcast From the academy system at Manchester United to building his own sports psychology company, Sam Holden has experienced both the highs and challenges of life in football. In this episode, Sam opens up about his academy journey, the mental battles players face, and why he created Unlock Performance — a platform making sports psychology more affordable and accessible for athletes at every level. We talk about identity, resilience, and the lessons Sam has carried...

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In this episode, I sit down with Jess Simnett, who shares her journey from the England setup to Alliance FC in Dubai. We talk about the challenges that shaped her, the shifts in perspective along the way, and how sport continues to influence her story beyond the pitch.

Check out our guest: - - -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-simnett-635190157?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android...

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In this episode of the Life In Sport Podcast, I sit down with Budreya Faisal, founder and owner of Banaat FC, a pioneering football club based in Dubai that is empowering young women and building a global community around sport.

We spoke about her journey, the importance of representation, and how Banaat FC is creating a space for women to express their abilities and identities on and off the pitch.

This is a powerful...

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New episode of the Life in Sport Podcast! I’m joined by Ben Pringle, a former EFL midfielder with a 14-year career at clubs like Derby, Rotherham and Preston. ⚽ We dive into the highs and challenges of life as a professional footballer, his transition out of the league, and what inspired his move to Dubai. 🌍 If you're into football, career journeys or life transitions — this one’s for you. 🎧

https://linktr.ee/lispod?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0C...

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In this episode, I sat down with Temisan Williams, an experienced academy coach who’s worked with some of London’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Fulham, and Southend United. With over 700 elite academy players coached, Temisan brings a wealth of insight and experience into youth development.

He’s also the founder of the Coach Accelerator Community, where he supports coaches across the world in breaking into the professional game through proven development strategies and personal growth...

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In today's episode T sits down with one half of the Mates with Mics Podcast Paul Williams. Paul is an advocate for the holistic development of young people and players and a current compliance officer. He is extremely passionate about Player Care especially after his own experiences in the Academy set up and how that part of his journey has shaped him.

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Welcome back to Life in Sport — Season 2 kicks off with Matt Shepherd, Player Care Manager at Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Academy. In this powerful conversation, Matt opens up about what Player Care really means, why it's essential in modern football, and how the role has evolved to support players as people first — not just athletes.

We discuss:

What Player Care actually involves day to day

The human side of elite football

How...

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In todays episode T is joined by the one and only James Cox the founder of Work in Football, who is a former Performance Analyst who then transitioned into Player Care at Portsmouth FC. We discuss his journey through football as he gives us his insight on how to break into the ultra competitive industry and how through Work in Football he is helping the next generation! Like, Subscribe and Comment! Big Love People!

If you...

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In todays episode we see the return of our first guest on the LIS Podcast Ossama Aslam! It was great to be able to catch up with him again as we reflect on his first season at London Welsh, the inclusion of Rugby and learning about South Asian culture and sport!

Follow us on our other platforms: https://linktr.ee/lispod?

Check out our previous episode with Ossama:

https://open.spotify.com...

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In Episode 12, T travels up to Leeds to meet the ambitious Olly Wilson who has his goals of making it in Marketing in Football. Here, we learn about what drives Olly's passion, the importance of resilience in this industry, as well as his current projects he has going on.

Like and Subscribe!

Olly's Portfolio:

https://sites.google.com/view/olly-wilson-website-portfolio/home?authuser=0

Follow us on our other platforms:

...

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In todays episode T has his first guest since Episode 7! Introducing our guest Chauncey who transitioned from rugby to boxing and coaching. He talks us through his ACL injury, how this changed his perspective and approach to sport and exercise and his passion for boxing and sharing it with the next generation!

Follow us on our Social Media!

https://linktr.ee/lispod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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We have made it to Episode 10! This is a great milestone that means a lot to the LIS Podcast! In todays episode T speaks about his future goals as well as a little recap of what the LIS Podcast is and talks about the previous episodes with past guests. You cannot wipe the smile from his face! Like, Subscribe and Comment!

Follow us on the Socials: https://linktr.ee/lispodutm_source=linktree_profile_share<...

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In todays episode, we continue to get to know our host as T does some general reflection on how he thought the last solo episode went, speaks a bit on his relationship with sport and exercise and gives his view point of life and the deeper meaning of perspective and perception.

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In todays episode T gets in front of the microphone to talk about his perspective on the Podcast, touches a little on the fans perspective of watching sport and goes a bit personal in terms of his Autism diagnosis, his outlook on it and how it affected him growing up and into adulthood. T loves a little ramble!

Much Love!

Comment, Like and Subscribe!

Follow on...

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Todays episode is a continuation of Part 1 where Morgan talks about his journey in Aussie Rules Football, County Rugby and goes more into his journey in his rise through the Physio industry in Sport.

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In todays episode T sits down with his good friend Morgan who talks us through his journey and rise in the Physiotherapy/medical care industry.

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In todays episode T speaks with his good friend Aadil Sajid. Here they speak about his journey from Rugby, the difficulties he found while playing, culturally, mentally and physically. They also speak about his transition from Rugby to Boxing and the change that has made in his life both personally and professionally as well as the different challenges he has come across.

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After a long time without an upload T comes to talk by himself addressing some changes made to the LIS Podcast as well as some other chit chat about the podcast and life in this shorter episode.

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In todays Episode T and Bo have travelled up to York to speak with former Muay-thai fighter and current coach and gym owner Rich Cadden. Here we learn about his journey and his beliefs in the psychological world of a combat fighter.

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Today T and Bo delve into the Life of Ealing Trailfinders very own Fiona Cooper. A very interesting conversation about her journey through Rugby and Life, with a very unique and insightful perspective from a Premiership Rugby player.