Players Get Lost In The Academy System… So He Built His Own

The Football Career Trap Nobody Talks About | Ft. Dr Chris Platts

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrispl]... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTd4dHN3TjhfT0xiTFdGNFJNM3pWNE5NUHVtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttQjV6WDA4aFdybVM4MHZMZ0loN3BORGNhY3ZndDJjMWRxNFphOTl1SEFiTUcwUDVzNmMyd1ptSE5Sd3M5VlpHQ1RocGdjUk12NVExT2ltWHdwUmJ5MG1VaFBUVjEzdzJ6NTRVeWRqblg0X05Mdk5BYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdrchrisplatts%3Futm_source%3Dshare_via%26utm_content%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dmember_android&v=C0d9-Qj5LAo] Website: www.chrisplatts.co.uk [http://www.chrisplatts.co.uk] Email: info@drchrisplatts.co.uk [info@drchrisplatts.co.uk] Follow us on all platforms @lifethroughball.

Released At 20… The Reality Of Leaving Football | Paddy Gamble

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 ever. A powerful conversation around football, identity and the human side of the game. You can find Paddy on LinkedIn and through his platform, Person Before Player. #LifeThroughBall #Football #PlayerCare #Goalkeeper #MentalHealth #NottinghamForest

The Hidden Side Of The Football Industry | Lifethroughball

The Hidden Side Of The Football Industry

Players Get Lost In The Academy System… So He Built His Own

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 identity, development, and what it really takes to support young people in football today.

Where Football Meets Culture | Johnny Kay on Versus, Identity & Mental Health

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 carry behind the scenes. This is more than football it’s about people, purpose, and perspective. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation.