Claim OwnershipThe ProPlayer Podcast
Subscribed: 4Played: 4
Subscribe
© e.g. David Gough 2023
Description
I created my podcast to connect people to some of the games most influential players and coaches. Sharing what it's really like, lessons learned from all around the world in the last 25 years. Aspiring players get to hear direct from the superstars themselves. Learn about how to play your position, what it takes to make it and how you stay there. Aspiring coaches will get inside knowledge that can only be found here, real life insight you can use yourself. straight from the elite coaches and players themselves. We will bring you people who have chosen to devote their lives to the dream of being in the game and have risen to the top. The hope is, it helps you in your journey, wherever you are. Then maybe it brings you strength if sometimes you cant always see the clear path to your dream. Why now? Because I know how hard it can be to struggle when you dont feel like you're where you belong and I dont want you to feel alone in that. Also as the coaching industry continues to evolve, many people believe there is a better way to coach, connect, engage and even play as the next generation of players from Gen Z and Alpha emerge. I want you to join my community and share in this, so together we can learn from the best in class and eventually change the future game and help you get to where you want to be.
66 Episodes
Reverse
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!
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic development in athletes, especially in relation to their cell phone and tech usage: Larissa Mills.Larissa is the driving force behind The Mental Game Academy, a dynamic program born out of her 25-plus years of coaching across multiple sports and her educational expertise in sociology, psychology and the science of learning. With a B.A. in Sociology & English and a Master of Science in Education focused on behavioural management and brain functionality, Larissa has spent her career bridging high-level athletic coaching with a deep understanding of how technology, parenting and mental habits shape our young people’s potential. thementalgameacademy.caWhat drives her? As a mother of three growing up in this tech-fueled era, Larissa was alarmed by how many athletes—so talented, so full of promise—were being held back not by lack of ability, but by the silent obstacles of social-media overload, poor digital habits, and weak emotional foundations. That curiosity propelled her into the creation of The Mental Game Academy: a hybrid educational platform that doesn’t just train bodies, but nurtures resilient minds, strong character, and lifelong skills. thementalgameacademy.caIn our conversation today, we’ll explore how Larissa helps athletes and teams build a “mental advantage,” strategies for parents and coaches to support the next generation, and the impact of modern life on performance and wellbeing. So whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent—or simply someone curious about unlocking human potential—get ready for an insightful dialogue that will challenge your assumptions and elevate your game.Let’s jump in.
Michelle Betos is a seasoned professional goalkeeper whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep passion for the game. A standout at the University of Georgia, she quickly made a name for herself as a tenacious shot-stopper with sharp instincts and a commanding presence in the box. After college, Betos began her professional journey with stints in the USL W-League and abroad in Europe, including time in Norway with Avaldsnes IL.Her breakthrough came in the NWSL, where she played for multiple clubs including Seattle Reign FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Racing Louisville. At Portland, Betos became a fan favorite, famously scoring a stoppage-time equalizer in 2015 — the first goal ever scored by a goalkeeper in NWSL history. That same year, she earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors.Known for her leadership and vocal presence on and off the field, Betos has consistently been a mentor to younger players and a steadying force in goal. Her career has spanned over a decade and includes international experience with the U.S. U-23 team. Whether making crucial saves or inspiring teammates, Michelle Betos is currently coaching at Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League and she has life changing advice and vocational evidence for how players should be coached in the modern era. This is a must listen for any aspiring player (and their parents) or coach who one day dreams of operating in the professional technical area...
As the Associate AD Development Athletics at the University of North Florida, Derek' focus is on major gifts fundraising for athletics, a testament to his deep commitment to the institution and its sports programs. With 15 years of experience at the university, he has honed a keen eye for detail and a talent for communication, both essential in nurturing donor relationships and advancing the college's athletic endeavors.Transitioning from a 13-year tenure as Head Coach of the universities soccer team to a leadership role in administration and development, In this episode he leverages his in-depth understanding of the sports domain, enriched by relationship building in the Jacksonville community and opens up on his team's collaborative efforts to empower the university's athletic programs to achieve new heights. He also delivers a masterclass in the strategic approach to alumni engagement and financial stewardship. This is not only a must listen for anyone interested in college athletics in the USA but it is a step by step mentoring guide for those who dream of being athletic directors and working in college athletics one day.
This is a special episode from inside the industry as Chris currently sits as Technical Director at one of the United States biggest women's soccer clubs - San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League. (NWSL). He not only shares his day to day life at the club with us but also fills this episode with amazing insight and advice for aspiring coaches. For sure check out the advice on how to get your first interview and get noticed...A former Technical Advisor at the League Coaches Association, A strategic advisor to CONCACAF, with over 5 years experience as Strategic advisor of football performance insights and Group Leader Football for Performance and Anlaysis at FIFA. A graduate of Northumbria University with a Masters Degree from The University of Staffordshire. He is also a UEFA A License Coach with a. Level 1 In Introduction to Talent Identification from the FA. More than any of that, Chris is a true Gentleman who genuinely wants to help and inspire the next generation of coaches within the women's game. His warmth, and his passion shine through numerous times during the episode and you will be investing your time well spending an hour with us today.
Albert Anson Dorrance IV (born April 9, 1951) is a retired American soccer coach. He was the head coach of the women's soccer program at the University of North Carolina from 1979 to 2024. He has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics. Under Dorrance's leadership, the Tar Heels have won 21 of the 41 NCAA Women's Soccer Championships. The Tar Heels' record under Dorrance stood at 809-67-36 (.887 winning percentage) over 33 seasons at the end of the 2017 season. He has led his team to a 101-game unbeaten streak and coached 13 different women to a total of 20 National Player of the Year awards.The NCAA has recognized Dorrance as the Women's Soccer Coach of the Year seven times (1982, 1986, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006) and as the Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987. On March 10, 2008, Dorrance was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.In this episode we get to see behind the winning and delve into a little more of what makes a great mind tick...Anson at his informal and eminent best.
Matthew BishopThe Football Association (THE FA) Senior Professional Game UEFA A Diploma LeadA Mentoring Masterclass...Matt experience is off the chart. Currently, he is the Football Association (THE FA), Senior Professional Game UEFA A Diploma Lead, Former Assistant Manager Aldershot Town FC, Newport County FC, Hereford FC and a UEFA Pro Diploma coach."Bish" as he is more affectionately known will be well know in the United Kingdom and Europe, responsible for mentoring and supporting thousands of coaches and ex professional players currently working in the game and aspiring to reach the top. A man with over 30 years experience at the forfront of the coach education and mentoring game. This is an absolute must listen for any aspiring coach. Lessons in the journey, lessons in reflection, how to treat people and how to have a major impact. I want to say a huge thank you from a personal standpoint to Bish as he remains of the major influences in my life and we talk about that genuine empathy and warmth that he knew I needed during the early years of my life in the game. An expert in every sense, with the humility and drive to continue learning and a great example of exactly the kind of person we know the game is in good hands with...
JJ is a highly ambitious and forward-thinking UEFA Pro Licence holder and he is still under 40. A father of 2, a husband and a man who has accumulated vast experience within coaching, at first team and Academy level, through roles in Wales in the UK.He possess diverse experience as head coach, academy coach, coach educator, analyst and lecturer in football and coaching performance at the illustrious University of South Wales, and he uses these facets to enhance the development and performance of the players and aspiring coaches under his tutelage.Throughout his coaching career, he has led from the front to motivate and drive players, playing a key role within a multi-disciplined team having furthered his professional development through attainment of degree qualifications.He is the current assistant coach of the mens u19 Wales International football team and he is here today top talk about all that, including the journey to obtaining the famous UEFA Pro License and the week he spent with Carlo Ancelotti and his staff inside Real Madrid FC in Spain. A must listen for any aspiring coaches everywhere...
Over the last 35 years, I’ve lived every layer of American soccer — from youth standout to Division 1 captain, pro player, and coach at nearly every level: grassroots, college, and MLS academies.But along the way, something became painfully clear. Development — real, human-centered development — was missing. In 2022, I launched The Developer’s Way — a philosophy-driven coaching education platform dedicated to reshaping how we think about leadership, player development, and culture creation within a system that too often values short-term results over long-term growth. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to elevating the standards for coaching and development — not through wins and losses, but through ideas, environments, and leaders who put people first. My mission: to help coaches develop their people and build environments where long-term development thrives. Here’s how the work is evolving:→ I’ve published 165+ articles (and counting) breaking down leadership, culture, and development systems in our game.→ I’ve written 123+ newsletter issues educating 1,800+ coaches weekly on the art and science of development.→ I’m the Technical Director at Achilles FC (MLS NEXT), where we model the Developer’s Way in action.→ I show up on LinkedIn every weekday at 9AM ET, sharing ideas, frameworks, and provocations for coaches ready to evolve. If you’re interested in applying this philosophy to your own leadership, here’s where to begin: BECOMING THE DEVELOPER COACH MINDLAB. A self-paced program designed to help coaches clarify their values, align their methods, and build environments that prioritize long-term development.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nate-baker-86580942
I am not a coach. I am a Player Performance Manager — working at the highest level of professional football to guide, protect, and evolve the mental side of elite performance.With over a decade of experience across the biggest leagues in the world — from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A to La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Eredivisie — I’ve worked with players at every level of the game, helping them navigate the psychological demands of elite sport. My work isn’t built around sessions. It’s built around partnerships — deep, high-trust collaborations with players who are ready to take ownership of their careers and perform from the inside out. From navigating career-defining decisions to regulating energy, rebuilding confidence after injury, or preparing for the World Cup — I help players lead from their inner core. My role is to build and manage the mental architecture behind a sustainable, high-impact career. The individual is always at the forefront. There is no fixed model. We find the approach that fits you — your identity, your path, your ambition. Together, we don’t just work on performance. We protect what makes you unique and build a future that aligns with it. My work is strategic, personal, and deeply committed — designed for players who want to go all in.If you're ready to lead from the inside out — we go together.
Amber Jean Wisner (née Brooks; born January 23, 1991) is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a defender for USL Super League club Dallas Trinity. She has previously played for Adelaide United, the Houston Dash, OL Reign, the Washington Spirit, the Portland Thorns, Bayern Munich, and the Vancouver Whitecaps. She also represented the United States on numerous youth national teams and earned one cap with the senior national team.Born in Evansville, Indiana, and raised in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Wisner attended The Pennington School in New Jersey. She scored 62 goals and had 30 assists during her first three years for a total of 154 points. She did not play as a senior due to a knee injury and National Team commitments. Wisner was named first-team All-County and a Parade Magazine All-America as a junior after she helped the team finish the 2008 season undefeated at 18–0, winning its sixth straight Prep-A state championship and its third MCT Championship in five years. Pennington was ranked by the NSCAA and ESPN Rise as the number one team in the nation the same year. Wisner was awarded the 2008 NSCAA Girls' Scholar Athlete of the Year Award and was ranked by ESPN Rise as the number one recruit in the nation in 2009.Wisner was captain of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels women's soccer team her junior and senior year (2011–2012). She accrued several accolades during her four years with the Tar Heels, becoming a two-time NCAA National Champion and winning the College Cup in 2009 and in 2012. She scored 34 goals and added 19 assists during her college career.
Jason the Director of Coaching at FC Portland in Oregon, United States of America. He is an A-Licensed coach with extensive professional experience, including time at Preston North End FC (1996–2002). Proven ability to develop players across all stages — from academy to first team — while fostering strong team cultures and positive learning environments. Now based in Oregon, he is passionate about contributing to the growth of soccer in the U.S. and bringing high standards and methodologies to ambitious American clubs. Committed to continuous learning and mentoring both players and fellow coaches.Jason is so. much more than the sum of his parts and his impressive experience and qualifications. He is a seminal voice in what surely has to be the change agent for youth soccer across the United States. A man who is happy to share his opinions and say what others won't ...His common sense, educated approach is a refreshing listen. In a world that can sometimes forget about the people, Jason takes on all the big issues, "Winning vs Development", "Playing time" "What does good look like". , How parents need to be eductaed"..He is just the right voice at the right time in the multi million $ business of youth sport which needs monumental change to evolve. A Must Listen for any aspiring coach, player or parent...enjoy.
This Historic episode marks the special 50th episode of the podcast and It couldn't be a realer, more authentic account of real life success and failure. No matter what industry your in or what your trying to get to the top of this is worth every second of your time spent...Hal DellaTorre is a Husband, father, family man, businessman, entrepreneur and CrossFit coach who is so much more than physical fitness. His story is one that anyone striving to achieve anything should listen too. From growing up in humble beginnings in 1970s New York, struggling through both his parent's suffering with drug addiction issues, a father at 18 years old, a family man, with over 20 years working for the New York City Sanitation Department. A self made millionaire, who has had every reason not to succeed but did it anyway. His authentic take on life, overcoming obstacles, connecting with people and always making the most of the opportunities in front of you will change your life. This one isn't like the others. It's a "warts and all" account and Hal leaves nothing out from time spent in correctional facilities to the day you wake up check your bank account and see a $1,000,000 balance...The true power is in the way you see your circumstances and the drive that's within you to manifest what you want...Inspiration and strength to chase your own dreams guaranteed...enjoy.
"tired of never getting to hear from the Ref!!!" Well, that all changes right now...Mark R. Halsey is an English retired professional football referee who was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, later based in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Halsey primarily refereed in the Premier League from 1999 to 2013 and was on the league's list of Select Group Referees from its creation in 2001 until his retirement.His first Premier League appointment was a fixture between Wimbledon and Coventry City in August 1999 and over the course of his professional career he refereed a number of notable matches, including the FA Community Shield in 2007 and the 2008 final of the Football League Cup.In 2009 Halsey underwent chemotherapy to treat a cancerous tumour in his throat. He returned to refereeing in the top-flight in 2010. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2012–13 season.Today he joins us on the Pro Player Podcast to give us the referees perspective or what it takes to officiate a Premier League football match. He also shares his honest opinions on technology in football, VAR and the future development of the worlds most popular game. Never one to shy away from his authentic self, Mark is a living, breathing lesson in the importance of knowing yourself and leading from the front. A must listen for aspiring coaches and those already in the industry.
Stuart McLaren is a Scottish-Australian football player and coach, who is currently assistant coach for the Northern Ireland national women's team. As a player Queensland Roar signed McLaren on a short-term contract in early November 2005. He was signed due to Josh McCloughlan's injury, playing as a defender as he did when he was a former player-coach with the Brisbane Strikers in the NSL in Australia. He was then signed as a permanent player and regularly played in the starting eleven, occasionally captaining the Queensland Roar. McLaren left Australia in early 2011 returning to the United Kingdom to be nearer his place of birth with his family. In June 2011, he was appointed as head of Football at the world renowned Loughborough University in England. Following a very successful stint in British University Sport, McLaren began his journey in mens professional football when he was appointed manager of Stirling Albion in November 2014, where he experienced relegation from Scottish League One at the end of the 2014–15 season. He left Stirling Albion by mutual consent in September 2016, following a 4–0 defeat by Elgin City. In October 2018, McLaren was appointed by the Scottish Football Association to be a national youth team coach, with responsibility for the Scotland U16 team. McLaren was appointed interim manager of the Scotland women's national football team in January 2021 where he remained in the role until the appointment of permanent manager Pedro Martinez Losa at the end of 2021. In January 2022, one of the legacy football clubs from Glasgow, Scotland called on him. Celtic announced McLaren had joined them as their under-18s manager. He is here to share all that experience and knowledge with aspiring coaches and to offer strength and support to people already in the industry.
Football Australia is pleased to advise the appointment of highly regarded coach and women’s football specialist, Rae Dower, to the role of Technical Director – Women’s Football.Dower, who is also Head Coach of the Australian U-17 Women’s National Team – a position she will retain alongside this newly created position at Football Australia – will provide a position of leadership on women’s football matters relating to pathways, competitions, national teams, coach development, and participation.In her role as Technical Director – Women’s Football, Dower will also deliver advice on technical matters across the women’s game to all parts of the governing body, encompassing women’s national teams (senior and youth) and programs including pathways through to Future Matildas. Additionally, Dower will provide expertise in the implementation of the women’s football development elements of Football Australia’s XI Principles for the future of Australian football.Upon making the appointment, Football Australia Chief Football Officer, Ernie Merrick, said the creation of this role reflects the ambition of the governing body and its focus on the growth and development of the women’s game from grassroots to the elite throughout Australia.Rae is 18 months into her newly designed role with Football Federation of Australia. She is not just an ambassador for our sport but someone who represents everything thats right with the game, coaching, dealing with adversity and she is for sure leaving it better than she found it. Rae has done it all and remains at the pinnacle of the sport in a country that loves sport as much as anyone in the world. She joins us from Brisbane, Australia and tackles the real issues head on in this amazing special episode of the Pro Player Podcast. She goes deep into "being the only woman in the room", stepping outside your comfort zone, empowering people within the high performance team, bringing experience from outside football to aid decision making, following your passion and life in this industry.The game in Australia is clearly in great hands as you will hear from our extended special episode....
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States