The ProPlayer Podcast

Episode 64: Season 4: In conversation with...Samuel Fagerholm (Assistant Coach ACF Fiorentina Femminile in Serie A)

“Welcome to The Pro Player Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of elite athletes and coaches—those who’ve stepped into the spotlight, carved their paths, and now share their stories. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m thrilled to introduce someone who embodies transformation, ambition and the drive to lead. Samuel Fagerholm is not your typical coach. Born on the Åland Islands and armed with a UEFA Pro License, Samuel has coached at the highest level across Scandinavia, and now finds himself blazing a trail in Italy with the women’s game. From playing as a defender in his early days to managing champions and rebuilding teams, his story is one of resilience, adaptability and vision. His coaching career took a defining turn when he took over his hometown side, Åland United in Finland in 2018. Under his stewardship, in 2020 the club captured both the national league and the cup — a feat described as nearly “impossible” by the sporting director given the club’s remote island status. One favorite line of his: “We set up for a journey to become the best team in Finland … this year we managed to win” — a quote he shared on LinkedIn to mark the end of that breakthrough season. Today we’ll explore Samuel’s philosophy: how he builds a winning mindset in teams, how he handles pressure, how he cares for the human side of performance. Whether you’re a player, coach or just someone chasing excellence in your field, there’s something to learn from his path. So settle in, press play, and join us as Samuel Fagerholm draws back the curtain on the world inside the technical area—the high-stakes moments, the turning points, the setbacks and the breakthroughs. Let’s get into it.”

Episode 63: Season 4: In conversation with...Rob Porter "The Sunday Share".

Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we’re joined by a coach whose fingerprints can be found across every level of the English football landscape — from the first spark of a young player’s passion to the competitive fire of senior football. Rob Porter, Oxford United’s Advanced Programme Lead Coach, embodies what it means to live and breathe player development. Rob’s coaching journey spans an incredible breadth of environments. With UEFA B, the FA Youth Award, and the prestigious National Goalkeeper Award, he’s built a coaching toolbox grounded in technical excellence, psychological insight, and a true appreciation for long-term player growth. He’s served as an FA Grassroots Casual Coach Developer, sharing knowledge and elevating standards for coaches across the country. Over the years, Rob has guided players from pre-academy football all the way through open-age competition. His experience includes time in RTC leagues, grassroots systems, and even on the touchline during FA Cup and FA Plate fixtures. And that impact is measurable — several players under his guidance have gone on to first-team football and earned international youth call-ups. But Rob’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. He’s a published author and a dedicated educator, providing coaching content through articles, podcasts, and webinars that have supported thousands of developing coaches. His voice in the coaching community is trusted, thoughtful, and rooted in years of hands-on experience. Today, we’re diving into the mindset behind his work — the principles that shape his coaching, the lessons he’s learned across different levels of the game, and the philosophies that continue to drive him forward at Oxford United. Whether you’re a coach, a player, or simply someone who loves the game, you’re about to learn from one of the most committed development-minded coaches in modern English football. Let’s welcome Rob Porter to the show.

Episode 62: Season 4: In conversation with...Pete Sturgess - "The Godfather of the Foundation Phase"

Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we welcome a true architect of modern player development—Pete Sturgess, a name that resonates with anyone who follows the evolution of youth football in England and beyond. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the FA’s coaching system, Pete has spent decades shaping the way young players learn, think, and express themselves on the pitch. His vision helped redefine the early player pathway, emphasizing creativity, freedom, and emotional intelligence in a sport that too often focuses only on structure and results. As the mastermind behind the FA’s Foundation Phase DNA, Pete built a framework that has inspired thousands of coaches and supported the rise of some of the brightest talents in English football. His work has shifted the culture around youth development, championing environments where children feel empowered to play with joy, confidence, and imagination. From grassroots volunteers to academy coaches at the very top level, his influence is felt in training sessions, club philosophies, and coaching education throughout the game. But beyond the accolades and the impact, Pete is widely admired for his humility, his curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to serving the next generation of players. He sees football not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for human growth—where character, resilience, and love for the game matter just as much as technique or tactics. In this conversation, we dive deep into his journey, his guiding principles, and the lessons he’s gained from a lifetime dedicated to developing young people through football. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, a player, or simply someone who loves the sport, Pete’s wisdom will leave you inspired and thinking differently about the beautiful game. Please enjoy this special episode with Pete Sturgess.

Episode 61: Season 4: In conversation with...Larissa Mills - What you didn't know "YOU NEED TO KNOW" about our athletes and their cell phones

Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic development in athletes, especially in relation to their cell phone and tech usage: Larissa Mills. Larissa is the driving force behind The Mental Game Academy, a dynamic program born out of her 25-plus years of coaching across multiple sports and her educational expertise in sociology, psychology and the science of learning. With a B.A. in Sociology & English and a Master of Science in Education focused on behavioural management and brain functionality, Larissa has spent her career bridging high-level athletic coaching with a deep understanding of how technology, parenting and mental habits shape our young people’s potential. thementalgameacademy.ca [http://thementalgameacademy.ca] What drives her? As a mother of three growing up in this tech-fueled era, Larissa was alarmed by how many athletes—so talented, so full of promise—were being held back not by lack of ability, but by the silent obstacles of social-media overload, poor digital habits, and weak emotional foundations. That curiosity propelled her into the creation of The Mental Game Academy: a hybrid educational platform that doesn’t just train bodies, but nurtures resilient minds, strong character, and lifelong skills. thementalgameacademy.ca [http://thementalgameacademy.ca] In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Larissa helps athletes and teams build a “mental advantage,” strategies for parents and coaches to support the next generation, and the impact of modern life on performance and wellbeing. So whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent—or simply someone curious about unlocking human potential—get ready for an insightful dialogue that will challenge your assumptions and elevate your game. Let’s jump in.

Episode 60: Season 4: In conversation with...Michelle Betos "The first goalkeeper ever to score in the National Women's Soccer League" (NWSL)

Michelle Betos is a seasoned professional goalkeeper whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep passion for the game. A standout at the University of Georgia, she quickly made a name for herself as a tenacious shot-stopper with sharp instincts and a commanding presence in the box. After college, Betos began her professional journey with stints in the USL W-League and abroad in Europe, including time in Norway with Avaldsnes IL. Her breakthrough came in the NWSL, where she played for multiple clubs including Seattle Reign FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Racing Louisville. At Portland, Betos became a fan favorite, famously scoring a stoppage-time equalizer in 2015 — the first goal ever scored by a goalkeeper in NWSL history. That same year, she earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Known for her leadership and vocal presence on and off the field, Betos has consistently been a mentor to younger players and a steadying force in goal. Her career has spanned over a decade and includes international experience with the U.S. U-23 team. Whether making crucial saves or inspiring teammates, Michelle Betos is currently coaching at Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League and she has life changing advice and vocational evidence for how players should be coached in the modern era. This is a must listen for any aspiring player (and their parents) or coach who one day dreams of operating in the professional technical area...