Kicking It Off

Thank you for listening to this series, we hope you've enjoyed the guests so far, and thank you for your support! In today's final episode, we're joined by Gabriel Bussinger, Technical Coordinator and Director of Football at Vasco da Gama. With more than 20 years of experience in coaching and youth development, Gabriel has worked across some of Brazil’s biggest clubs, from Santos to Avaí, before taking on his current role in Rio. In this conversation, he shares his vision for shaping football environments that nurture both players and coaches. We talk about what it takes to build a strong culture, why development goes beyond the pitch, and how creating the right structures can unlock potential at every level of the game.

We’re back with Dan Micciche for part two of our conversation! In Series 1, Dan began to share his journey through coaching England U16s and shaping young talent at academy level. This time, we go even deeper into his coaching philosophy — exploring the principles that still guide his work today, what makes an effective learning environment and why it's not always about winning or losing but what's learned along the way. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Scott and Paul from Skillwise Sports, a coaching company that’s been rooted in Wigan since 2002. What started with football skills has grown into a community-based approach that’s all about how children learn, build confidence, and fall in love with the game. From multi-sport holiday camps to helping players progress into academies, Skillwise have built their reputation on creating fun, inclusive environments for kids of all ages. We talk about their journey, the lessons they’ve learned from two decades in grassroots football, and why joy and inclusivity should always come first in coaching.

This week we welcome Joe Harvey, Head of Pre-Academy Recruitment at Norwich City. Joe is a strong advocate for a child-first approach, making sure that enjoyment, wellbeing, and development come before results. In our conversation, he talks about what good recruitment looks like in the academy system, why creating the right environment matters so much, and how to keep the joy of football alive for children stepping into those first stages of the pathway. It’s a reminder that when we put the child before the player, everything else follows! 

Futsal fans, this one's for you! In this episode, we shine a light on Mary Pacitti, founder and Head Coach of Chiltern Futsal FC. Mary’s journey is one of passion, dedication, and community impact — showing how you can truly shape the future of the game. Mary's love for futsal combined with the aim to create equal chances for women and girls to play & lead sport makes this a brilliant listen. We discuss the challenges grassroots coaches face, the joy of seeing young players thrive, and the difference that committed people can make when they put children first.