The Sports Initiative Podcast

Steve Lilley is the founder of Ecan passNsupport, a coach development company for grassroots clubs and coaches. Formally a County Coach Developer for the Gloucestershire F.A, Steve spent the last 5 years delivering the level 1/2 and Uefa B to variety of course participants. Also a coach in his own right, Steve has worked for clubs such as Peterborough United, Cambridge United and Bristol City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Collier is the Lead Professional Development Phase coach at MK Dons. Working with the U18's and 23's age groups, Lee's main role is to aid the players with their final transition into first team football. A coach with a wealth of knowledge, Lee has also worked for clubs such as Yeovil Town, Reading and Bournemouth. He has also worked for the FAW in a coach developer capacity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ebun Thomas is the Lead Foundation phase coach at Portsmouth Football Club. Formally working at Charlton Athletic and Barnet, Ebun has vast experience of working in youth development. In particular, Ebun has an in depth knowledge of the London 'Cage culture' and how to engage with players from differing cultures and backgrounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Mills is a Cat 1 academy coach in the Youth Development Phase. Also a lecturer at Southampton Solent University on their Football studies course, Graham combines academic theory with practical application in performance environments. Formally the Lead YDP at Bournemouth FC, Graham has an in depth knowledge of player development and has recently created 'Fifa' style IDP frameworks for multiple sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nathan Loader is the Pre-Academy lead for a Cat 1 academy. A specialist in Talent ID and skill development Nathan spends a large amount of his times developing young people both on and off the pitch. A keen self developer, he has also committed to self development in a variety of ways including ECAS and learning Mandarin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Donati is a academy coach for a CAT 3 academy.. Formally working in the PDP, YDP and Head of coaching role at a variety of academies across the country, Tom has a wealth of experience of player development. The clubs he has worked at include Watford, Barnet, Charlton Athletic and Peterborough United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell Earnshaw and John Fletcher are founders of popular coaching development company The Magic Academy. Former age group coaches for the English RFU, the pair now focus on coach delivery and how best to inspire players. They have worked across a number of sports/clubs including England Hockey, Birmingham City FC and England Rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greig Paterson is Head of coach education and development at the Scottish F.A. He formally also worked for the Irish F.A in a similar role and has experience of travelling around Europe to gain knowledge as part of the UEFA share scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Drowley is the Senior EIS Strength and Conditioning coach. Formally working for Gloucester Rugby and Southampton FC, Tom now leads on the Women's GB and England Hockey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oli Hhigginson is the assistant foundation phase lead coach at a Cat 1 academy. A Uefa qualified coach, one of his man roles is to engage with young players with their Individual Development Plan. He has also been fortunate enough to go on numerous study visits across Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.