What's Your Goal?

What if the academy isn’t the only route to football success—or even the right one for every child? In this episode, we explore the different pathways through the game and challenge the pressure to chase academy places at all costs. We’ll compare the academy route with starting at the appropriate step level, where many players can enjoy more game time, build confidence, develop resilience and progress at their own pace. Because football journeys are not one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, the best place to start is not the most prestigious one—it’s the environment where a player can grow, thrive and keep moving forward.  The majority of young people who enter academy football do not progress to a professional playing career, so managing expectations and protecting enjoyment are essential. Research also suggests that deselection is common during adolescence, reinforcing the value of seeing academy football as one possible route rather than the only definition of success. We will be joined by former lioness Claire Rafferty, and Tony May, Independent Football Scout/Player Recruitment to discuss. If you want to be a guest, request a topic to discuss or feedback then please email us at:  [email protected] You can check out Claire's new project at Transferroom: https://www.transferroom.com/?utm_campaign=soclcnt_%5Bsocial%5D_%5Bba%5D_trall_global_2022&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Website%20Home%20Page%20Bio%20sep13 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Katie and Simon explore the physical, psychological and hormonal changes that shape, break and create footballers. If you ever wondered about injury problems, growth spurts, hormonal changes, sleep and how much football a young player should be playing in a week and even if you should have a nap in the car on the way to the game - then listen in! They explore these issues with their guests,  a Professor of Paediatric Exercise Science. Expert in growth and maturation in sport and exercise who works with many Premiership Clubs and a Senior Physiotherapist who has worked with the Chelsea Women's First Team.  Have a question or want to be a guest? then contact us on [email protected] Produced by Leo Audio Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this new episode Katie and Simon discuss how we might rethink mistakes and failure on and off the football pitch. With their guests: Clare Rafferty (Former England, Chelsea and West Ham defender), Richard Allen (FIFA High Performance Specialist and Talent ID Technical Lead), Michael Wright (~Former Southampton FC Head of Academy Coaching and now Head of Academy Coaching at Forest Green Astrid Lockwood (Stoke City Women's Team Footballer) they explore what professional clubs and players think of mistakes, how embracing them improves your football and what happens to your game if you play to avoid mistakes. As usual Simon tests Katie's football knowledge and they answer questions from the listeners. A must listen to if you are a parent or a coach looking to improve the mindsets, resilience and skills of footballers. Link to Michaels podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sports-initiative-podcast/id1506472692 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do young footballers really think about the game—and how does it compare to their parents’ perspectives? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Simon Moore and Katie Chapman sit down with young players (girls and boys) and their parents to uncover:  The good, the bad, and the cringe: What kids love (and loathe) about football today.  Parent-coach dilemmas: The challenges of coaching your own child—and how they really feel about it.  Sideline science: We reveal the actual impact of parental shouting on passing, defending, reaction times, and even penalty outcomes (spoiler: some surprises ahead!). Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode will change how you see youth football. If you are interested in reading more on the scientific findings of the impact of parent sideline behaviour then please email us in at Whatsyourgoalpodcast.co.uk This podcast is run voluntarily and is self funded  - we welcome small donations to keep this series running - please contribute what you feel based on your listening experience! https://www.gofundme.com/f/game-of-two-halves/cl/o?lang=en_GB&ts=1749491721&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl%3Acdbc2795-93e4-4525-b78a-35810474f4ed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Katie and Simon are invited to the Brentford Gtech Stadium in front of a live audience to explore careers in football off the field and within the sports industry. They are joined by Harvey Grout, MD of Careers in Sport and James Dickens, Former Editor in Chief and Head of Content for the likes of Goal.com, Yahoo Sports and Match of the Day. We discuss how you might start your career in the sports industry and analyse what skills and characteristics might help or hinder you on that journey. We chat about how you might approach or work with some of the Premiership Football Clubs directly and how using indirect strategies might be more successful. This episode was kindly sponsored by the OSB Finance Group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you move up the football ladder? How do you attract the attention of scouts, coaches and football talent leads? How do you know the club will be the right for for you and what questions are good to ask before you join a club or academy trial? Tops tips for girls and boys from the game's talent spotters; in this episode, experts from the likes West Ham, Middlesborough, Bristol City And Lewes Women Football clubs join us to share their tips and advice on getting scouted and having a positive football trial experience... and potentially making the transition from part-time to pro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we are joined by club experts from Chelsea, QPR, Burnley and Cambridge to discuss a topic that grips many footballing households - 'what is the best food to eat before a game and when should I eat it?' Along with former Chelsea and England player Katie Chapman we explore the myths and assumptions of preparing for playing. What is the best advice (some surprising ones) from professionals working with first team players in terms of nutritional and physical preparation to ensure you get the best out of your performance. Some genuine insights also into what you should not be eating and drinking! We also explore the psychological aspects of food and hydration. This is a must listen to for any footballer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this first episode Katie and Simon explore the various reasons, motivations, and needs that playing football provides. We look at the physical, psychological, mental and social benefits of playing the sport from nursery age through to adulthood. We are joined by England Lioness Captain, Millie Bright, Psychologist, Kev Patel from QPR and former Watford and England youth player, Jordan Parkes. WHAT'S YOUR GOAL is a podcast that aims to support the welfare, progress and enjoyment of girls and boys and their parents participating in the sport. With ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and England pro, Katie Chapman and psychologist, Simon Moore. Check out https://whatsmygoal.co.uk/ and get in touch with comments, questions and experiences by email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Or Text/WhatsApp: 07792 344637 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this preview episode of our new footballing podcast, we find out how a chartered psychologist and a former professional footballer teamed up to create a podcast that explores the wonderful world of playing football. Rather than a series about famous footballers and teams that play football, the podcast explores the whole footballing industry - from grassroots, through to youth and semi-professional level. Examining the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the game and the various career opportunities within it. If you play, have children that play or are interested in the backroom of football then this is for you! WHAT'S YOUR GOAL is a podcast that aims to support the welfare, progress and enjoyment of girls and boys and their parents participating in the sport. With ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and England pro, Katie Chapman and psychologist, Simon Moore. Check out https://whatsmygoal.co.uk/ and get in touch with comments, questions and experiences by email ⁠[email protected]⁠ Or Text/WhatsApp: 07792 344637 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new footballing podcast to support the welfare, progress and enjoyment of girls and boys and their parents participating in the sport. With ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and England pro, Katie Chapman and psychologist, Simon Moore. Check out https://whatsmygoal.co.uk/ and get in touch with comments, questions and experiences by email [email protected] Or Text/WhatsApp: 07792 344637 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices