Charlton Athletic Academy Manager Tom Pell talks to me on Episode 9 of my Podcast about his journey from being a young player at Peterborough United to becoming a coach and eventually the Academy Manager at Charlton.

Tom discusses the importance of youth development, balancing results with player growth, and the significance of nutrition and sleep in athletic performance. Tom also delves into the academy's recruitment strategies, the value of academy tours, and the emphasis on punctuality and discipline in developing young players.

The conversation,includes Tom Pell discussing the multifaceted approach to youth development in football, emphasizing the importance of transferable skills, behavioral assessments, and the challenges faced by players, including those who are homeschooled or have ADHD. He highlights the significance of communication between academy and first team staff, the emotional impact of release decisions, and the role of data in decision-making.

Pell also shares insights on the qualities needed for success as a player, coach, scout, and academy manager, advocating for a culture of support and challenge within the academy.

Ian Buckman, the Academy Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 8 of my Podcast. About his journey from non-league football to managing a successful academy.

Ian discusses the importance of youth development, the balance between results and personal growth, and the role of education in shaping young players.

He emphasizes the significance of resilience, the use of data in player development, and the supportive environment created within the academy. Ian also touches on the challenges of player loans, the influence of parents, and the future vision for Brighton's academy as they aim to be recognized among the best in the world.

Ian also talks to me about the interest in the Academy from Chairman & Owner Mr Tony Bloom and shares with me the working relationship between First Team Manager Fabian Hurzeler and himself.

Paul Gray, the Academy Manager of Blackburn Rovers tells me on Episode 7 of my Podcast, about his journey from a young football enthusiast to the head of the Blackburn Rovers Academy.

Paul discusses his early experiences in coaching, the various clubs he has worked with, and the importance of youth development in football. Gray emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment for young players, the role of academy tours, and the differences between grassroots and academy football. He also explains the structure and requirements of a Category 1 academy, highlighting the investment and staffing needed to maintain high standards.

Paul also delves into the intricacies of youth football training, focusing on the structure, commitment, and the importance of managing player behavior and parental involvement. It highlights the learning experiences from loan spells, the necessity of resilience in young players, and the challenges posed by age group disparities. Additionally, Gray emphasizes the significance of sleep and nutrition in performance, while addressing the distractions that young athletes face in today's world.

Paul discusses the emotional challenges faced in football, particularly in relation to player retention and development. He speaks about the characteristics needed for success in various roles within an academy, including players, coaches, scouts, and managers. The discussion highlights the importance of personal qualities, adaptability, and the broad responsibilities of an academy manager.