Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast
Interviewing professionals about their experiences in football academies 🎙️⚽️
England U17-U20 Lead Phase Coach - Chris Ramsey MBE ("Discipline Over Motivation") - Episode 34
On this episode 34, I’m joined by Chris Ramsey MBE who is the England U17-U20 Lead Phase Coach.
Chris tells me that discipline is more important than motivation ⚽️
Full Episode: Friday August 28th 2026
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("Don't Cut Corners") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
Chris tells me what his definition of a model pro is and emphasises that they don’t cut corners in matches or training.
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("Off The Ball Movement Defines Great Players") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
Chris talks to me about the importance of off the ball movement ⚽️
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("No Academy Football Unitil 14?") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
I ask Chris if he thinks that academy football should begin at the age of 14 like a lot of parents are suggesting.
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("Does Football Have A Race Problem") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
I ask Chris about racism in football, especially towards the South Asian community and he candidly shares his views on the matter.
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("See The Game Like A Scout")
In this episode 33, I am joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship Club Southampton FC.
Chris shares insights into scouting, player development, and the nuances of identifying future football stars. Discover how character, technical skills, and early development influence success in professional football.
Chris shares insights into football scouting, player development, risk management, and the importance of character and education in nurturing future stars.
This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear
Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear...
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("Losing Is No Joke") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
Chris tells me that although development of players for the First Team is the main focus of academies. Players will also be judged on their desire to win matches.
Chris lets me know that personally, if he sees players laughing and joking after they’ve lost a match. That’s an immediate red flag for him, because he’ll question how seriously they take football and if their desire to win i...
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("The Best Players Run") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
Chris tells me about the importance of running on and off the pitch. He explains how running benefits fitness and also shows who’s prepared to do the extras
Full Episode: Friday August 14th 2026
Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("Scouts Watch How You Warm Up") - Episode 33
On this episode 33, I’m joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship club Southampton.
Chris tells me that when he goes to scout players. He likes to go to see how they warm up. He lets me know that the scouting begins with your character long before your talent is expressed on the pitch on match day
Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("The Birthday Bias In Football") - Episode 32
On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.
Alex talks to me about the birthday bias in football and how the month you’re born can influence your pathway into academy football. In the UK, players born in June, July and August (Quarter 4) are often competing against Quarter 1 players born up to 11 months earlier in September, creating differences in physical and emotional development.
Quarter 1 to 4 births are...
Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("Tours And Tournaments Create Better Players") - Episode 32
On this episode 32, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years has been the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.
In this episode, Alex tells me that tours and tournaments are vital in the development of young players.
Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("Inside Academy Football") - Episode 32
On this episode 32, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years has been the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.
In this episode, Alex Kaufman shares his extensive experience in football recruitment, talent identification, and youth development.
He discusses key traits for players, the importance of culture, and how data and scouting work together to shape future stars.
Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("Don't Change After You Get Signed") - Episode 32 Snippet""
On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.
In this episode, Alex tells me that in his early days of recruitment. Some of the mistakes he made were letting go of players too quickly and also registering players too quickly without seeing if there were any red flags in their behaviour.
In the past Alex says he was blinded by talent and once some players got th...
Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("District And County Football Is Important") - Episode 32 Snippet""
On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.
In this episode, Alex tells me that District, County, and schools football are still important pathways into academy football because they attract a lot of scouts.
Full Episode: Friday July 31st
Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("You Can Be Replaced Tomorrow") - Episode 32 Snippet""
On this episode, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years was the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago.
In this episode, Alex tells me that no one’s place is safe. There is no time to relax because the recruitment team is looking for new players every day.
Alex lets me know that just because a player is registered, They can be replaced at any time. It’s the nature of football.
Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("Misbehaving In School Is A Red Flag") - Episode 31 Snippet""
On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy and eventually became the academy manager.
Burton Albion’s academy also trains and plays its home matches at St George’s Park, the England National Team’s official training ground.
Jack let me know in Episode 31 that misbehaving in school is a red flag, because you can’t be full of good character at the club and have negat...
Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("How You Handle Setbacks Defines You") - Episode 31 Snippet""
On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy and eventually became the academy manager.
Burton Albion’s academy also trains and plays its home matches at St George’s Park, the England National Team’s official training ground.
Jack let me know in Episode 31 that how you handle criticism and setbacks will define you. He lets me know that recilience is an important part of football.
Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("Brewing The Next Generation")
On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy to know becoming the academy manager.
Burton Albion’s academy also train and play their home matches at St George’s Park which is the England National Team’s official training ground.
Jack shares with me know in Episode 31, insights into youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of resilience, communication, and holistic growth in football. Discover how...
Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("Academies Buid Character, Not Just Footballers") - Episode 31 Snippet""
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 Burt...
Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("The Truth About Academy Football") - Episode 31 Snippet""
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...
Gillingham Academy Manager - Bryan Bull ("Academies Don't Abandon Released Players) - Episode 30 Snippet""
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 Wear
Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/ma...
Gillingham Academy Manager - Bryan Bull ("Desire Is Everything) - Episode 30 Snippet""
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 Wear
Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee
Use Discount Code: MARVEE11
Gillingham Academy Manager - Bryan Bull ("Bull's Eye View Of Gillingham"")
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 Wear
Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee
...Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Character Defines You, More Than Talent"") - Episode 23 Recap")
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
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 and more
DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("Better Nutrition, Better Performance"") - 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 ("FIFA Restricts Under 18 Transfers"") - 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 ("Social Media First, Football Second"") - 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 ("Academies Love Lefties. Hate Parent Drama"") - 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 ("The United State Of Mind"")
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...
DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("Are Parents Ruining Their Kids' Chances"") - 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 ("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...
