Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast
Interviewing professionals about their experiences in football academies 🎙️⚽️
DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("Can't Play In The Cold"") - Episode 29 Snippet")
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...
DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("Left-Footed Defenders: Like Gold Dust"") - Episode 29 Snippet")
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...
DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("Would You Pay $3,000 For The World Cup"") - Episode 29 Snippet")
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...
DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("20,000 Kids. One Academy"") - Episode 29 Snippet")
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...
Liverpool Academy Director - Alex Inglethorpe ("Youth Development, is when you add value to a player" - Episode 5 Snippet)
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.
PGAAC Head Of Audit Development - Gary Penn ("What Makes An Academy Real"") - Episode 28 Snippet")
I am joined by Gary Penn, Head of Audit Development at the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), on Episode 28 of my podcast.
PGAAC was established by the Premier League, EFL, and the Football Association, and functions as the football version of OFSTED. They perform EPPP audits on all Category 1 to 4 academies, assessing everything from leadership and player care to education, safeguarding, and medical standards. Gary and his team ensure that academies meet the over 500 rules and guidelines of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to determine their Cat 1 to 4 status level.
Gary tells me...
PGAAC Head Of Audit Development - Gary Penn ("The Rules Enforcer"")
I am joined by Gary Penn, Head of Audit Development at the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), on Episode 28 of my podcast.
PGAAC was established by the Premier League, EFL, and the Football Association, and functions as the football version of OFSTED. They perform EPPP audits on all Category 1 to 4 academies, assessing everything from leadership and player care to education, safeguarding, and medical standards. Gary and his team ensure that academies meet the over 500 rules and guidelines of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to determine their Cat 1 to 4 status level.
Gary tells me...
PGAAC Head Of Audit Development - Gary Penn ("Academies Must Have Domes"") - Episode 28 Snippet")
I am joined by Gary Penn, Head of Audit Development at the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), on Episode 28 of my podcast.
PGAAC was established by the Premier League, EFL, and the Football Association, and functions as the football version of OFSTED. They perform EPPP audits on all Category 1 to 4 academies, assessing everything from leadership and player care to education, safeguarding, and medical standards. Gary and his team ensure that academies meet the over 500 rules and guidelines of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to determine their Cat 1 to 4 status level.
Gary tells me...
PGAAC Head Of Audit Development - Gary Penn ("The Academy Category Gatekeeper"") - Episode 28 Snippet")
I am joined by Gary Penn, Head of Audit Development at the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), on Episode 28 of my podcast.
PGAAC was established by the Premier League, EFL, and the Football Association, and functions as the football version of OFSTED. They perform EPPP audits on all Category 1 to 4 academies, assessing everything from leadership and player care to education, safeguarding, and medical standards. Gary and his team ensure that academies are meeting the over 500 rules and guidelines of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to determine their Cat 1 to 4 status level.
In this...
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Pathways, Depth Charts and Development"") - Episode 27 Snippet")
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 th...
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("The Power Of Visualation"") - Episode 27 Snippet")
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.
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Self Motivation Beats Talent"") - Episode 27 Snippet")
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.
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("No First-Team Chances For Academy Players"") - Episode 27 Snippet")
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.
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Big Clubs Take Our Talent Before First-Team Football"") - Episode 27 snippet")
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.
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Seeing Behind The Vale"")
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.
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Can League 1 & 2 Clubs Afford Their Academies"") - Episode 27 snippet")
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 comments
Full Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026 (6pm)
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("We Invest £800k In Our Academy Every Year"") - Episode 27 snippet")
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)
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("One Academy Player Goes Pro Every Year"") - Episode 27 snippet")
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
Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Listening Is Important"") - Episode 27 snippet")
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.
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("Good Person Vs Good Talent"") - Episode 26 snippet")
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.
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("Physicality And Mindset Are Important"") - Episode 26 snippet")
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.
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("Perfect Players Don't Walk Through The Door"") - Episode 26 snippet")
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
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("City Boys"")
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 da...
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("We Value Education And Football"") - Episode 26 snippet")
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 comments
Full Episode: Friday May 8th 2026 (6pm)
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("Playing Arsenal Is Challenge"") - Episode 26 snippet")
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
Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("Falling Out Of Love With Football"") - Episode 26 snippet")
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 interests
Full Episode: Friday May 8th 2026
Walsall Academy Manager - Martyn Bowles ("The 2033 Academy Vision"") - Episode 25 snippet")
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.
Walsall Academy Manager - Martyn Bowles ("Left Footers, Get More Favour"") - Episode 25 snippet")
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.
Walsall Academy Manager - Martyn Bowles ("We Don't Recruit Only 6ft Player Profiles"") - Episode 25 snippet")
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.
Walsall Academy Manager - Martyn Bowles ("Our Goalkeepers Play In Centre Midfield"") - Episode 25 snippet")
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.
Walsall FC Academy Manager - Martyn Bowles ("In The Saddle"")
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.
Stockport County Academy Manager - Damien Allen ("Control Your Emotions"") - Episode 24 snippet")
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)
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Be Patient Developing Talent"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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 ma...
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Plans Are Better Than Pathways"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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.
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Character Defines You, More Than Talent"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Living On Boro Time")
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...
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Player Profiles Are Ludicrous"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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 ge...
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Q4 Players Are Born 11 Months After Q1"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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 m...
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("I Recruit Players On Instinct"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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...
Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Young Players, Blinded By Good Facilities"") - Episode 23 snippet")
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 co...
