The ProPlayer Podcast

Season 5: Episode 66: In conversation with...Georgia Evans Rugby Superstar "its about more than the bow"

Get ready for an inspiring kickoff to Season 5 of The Pro Player Podcast with our very special guest, Georgia Evans! 🌟 Georgia is a powerhouse of women’s rugby — a Welsh international playing for both the Wales women’s national rugby union team and Saracens in the Premier 15s. Born on January 29, 1997, she fell in love with rugby at age 16 and has since risen through the ranks to become a key figure in elite women’s sport. Since making her Wales debut in 2020, Georgia has earned over 40 caps and represented her country at major tournaments including the Women’s Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup. Off the field, she holds a master’s degree in strength and conditioning and is known for her fierce competitive spirit and authenticity — both on and off the pitch. You’ll also hear the story behind Georgia’s signature bow — a colourful ribbon she wears in her hair during matches as a bold expression of her personality and femininity. It’s become a symbol of self-expression and confidence in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and Georgia has used it to challenge stereotypes and inspire young fans to be unapologetically themselves. Tune in for her insights on elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to succeed in pro rugby!

Episode 65: Season 4: In conversation with...James Thomas Newcastle United Women Academy Manager

James Thomas joined Newcastle United to oversee our Professional Game Academy, having previously spent three years as Academy Manager at Bristol City Women. During his time with the Robins, they were noted as the most productive women’s academy in the game by an FA Productivity report, with a host of players making it into their first team via the pathway. Most recently, he was manager of Gwalia United in the Women’s National League South, and he also has international managerial experience as an assistant coach of Wales and as Head Coach with Trinidad and Tobago Women. Today he is sharing his insight and expertise from a life lived in professional football in the hope his journey can inspire and add support to all the aspiring coaches who find this episode.

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.