For any new player those first few days are full of excitement, nerves and uncertainty. Moving away from being a key senior player at youth team level to fundamentally the bottom of the ladder again will unsettle the strongest of minds. Early player care support is vital

As we move into the new season if any parents or coaches wish to reach out to discuss any aspects of the academy pathway then please feel free to do so. The DM’s are always open. I am committed in providing greater transparency and insight into the process. Please share…

Here we go for another season of non league managers not committing or communicating, going against their word whilst using poor phrases such as “we’ve taken a different direction” etc although then complaining when players apparently then show a lack of respect to said club ⚽️🤦‍♂️

Top tip for young players/parents when transitioning from academy to scholar to u21s or indeed another club u21s. What’s the reason for being there? Do they have a developmt plan? Or are you there to make up numbers, after all they must have a team. Be clear and ask The Academy Dad.

3 ways to manage your child's unrealistic expectations for football #academyfootball #sportpsychology

Pro clubs are fixated on conversion rates from academy to 1st team. They have to as a requirement to have “X” number of home grown in the squad. Be careful not to become that number and never kick a ball. Going out on loan at any level can do more for your career The Academy Dad.

As a young player it’s tough waiting for an opportunity. When you’re given that chance wouldn’t it be great if you had the same amount of games to prove yourself as the seasoned pro was given before losing their place to you? Reality is no. Patience has to be a strong virtue! ⚽️

🧵 Here Are 3 Things I’ve Learned about Inspiring Players To Achieve More… After Coaching 1000’s of youth players of whom some have gone on to play in D1 Colleges, Professional Clubs and The Champions League…

SPORT PARENTS: Ask your own parents if the 4th game of your season when you were 11 determined your fate as a human being. If it did not carry such importance, then don’t be the parent that loses your head over the 4th game of your child’s U12 game this weekend. Please. 🙏 #TOVO

Skill/ability clearly important but it’s mentality that gets you over the line. Matchday prep week in week out, remaining disciplined/focused in the hope you get your moment is the challenge. Will the gaffer say yes or no, a few mins or more? Stay strong and keep the faith. 🙏

U21s football has a purpose but it’s so unrealistic and quite boring. Time for a change!

Nervous time for academy football parents/young players up and down the country as retained/release meetings take place. Remember your child might not be for one club but maybe another. Clubs talk, so stay graceful in meetings and use any support offered by the releasing club⚽️

Well here we go again. That time of the season. Ive the best job but I hate this constant waiting to know if I’m in the gaffers plans again! The not knowing if I have a job for the next 10 months is excruciating #football eh!! ⚽️

As a young player, it's better to play for a supportive lower club than a higher club with limited opportunity. You'll get more match experience, improve your skills, and have more chances to impress. #Atalanta #ThinkDeeply #youthplayer

Things can change quickly in football. A new manager might like your style, an injury to a teammate could give you a chance, or your hard work in training could get the manager's attention. If you haven't been working hard, you won't be ready to take that opportunity. #work

Do you have a child in the academy system, or are you just curious about it? Find all the information you need about academy classification on the Football Scholar website. #footballacademy #academyfootball #youthfootball thefootballscholar.com/academy-classi…

With scholarships now being offered, a message to those who have been released: ‘Football does not define you. You have many other outstanding qualities, be open to discover them. Take these lessons learnt and apply them to your next move. An exciting new opportunity awaits.’

Release/retain time again.Remember you got there in the first place, release is just a few people opinions, many others will hold a different view. Don’t give up, other pathways in u21s, lower leagues/ non league (hate that phrase btw). If you still playing you have made it! ⚽️💪