Life Through Ball

We often talk about football through results, tactics and performance. But what happens when you look beyond the game?In this episode, Joe Worf joins us for an honest conversation about the people behind football, what drives performance, and the moments that shape how we think, feel and grow. It’s less about having all the answers, and more about asking better questions.Follow Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-worf-762aa7101/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worfj93/?hl=en

What happens when the football you play for fun becomes the thing that pays your bills?In this episode of Life Through Ball, I sit down with football content creator AB30 (Anas), who has turned playing Sunday League football into a full-time career through content creation.We explore how a hobby became a job, what that transition has been like, and the challenges that come with relying on the game you love for your livelihood.But this conversation goes far beyond content creation. We discuss grassroots football, the elitism that can exist within the game, the pressure of social media, fatherhood, injuries, burnout, changing priorities and trying to hold onto the enjoyment that made football special in the first place.Whether you’re a football fan, a creator, or simply someone trying to build a career around something you love, there’s plenty to take from this conversation.

What really happens in a footballer’s life away from the pitch? Life Through Ball is back, and for the first episode of the new season I’m joined by Jack ‘Tebbs’ Tebbutt, Head of Player Wellbeing at Charlton Athletic. Tebbs has spent years working closely with players inside professional football, including his time at Burnley and now Charlton. But as he explains in this conversation, most of the conversations he has with players have nothing to do with football. LinkedIn +1 We get into the side of the game supporters rarely see: the challenges players can experience away from the pitch, dealing with setbacks, pressure and difficult periods, the importance of having a strong routine and a “default” to come back to, and why understanding someone is often more valuable than judging them. Tebbs also explains his approach to player wellbeing and why he believes that every person needs a champion — someone willing to understand the person behind the player. A conversation about football, but even more about people. Follow Jack Tebbutt: LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-tebbutt-4bb369111?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tebbs__?igsh=ZWU4Y2hpYWE5eDU=&igsi=ZWU4Y2hpYWE5eDU= Follow the Person First: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonfirst_?igsh=MWU5NG0xMHd4dTI4bw==&igsi=MWU5NG0xMHd4dTI4bw== 00:00 Introduction & What Does Player Wellbeing Really Mean? 02:17 Dealing With Stress, Routine & "Being Middle" 06:36 The Pit of Doom & Building Resilience 10:46 Becoming Head of Player Wellbeing at Charlton Athletic 13:48 Growing Up, Football & Finding Purpose 19:41 A Career in Education Before Football 30:23 Misconceptions, Bias & Understanding Young People 35:36 Building Trust With Young People 40:37 What Is Player Care Really? 47:06 Why 80% of Player Care Has Nothing To Do With Football 52:16 Role Play: Helping a Young Player Through a Relationship Problem 57:57 Academy Players vs First Team Players 01:00:34 The Hidden Challenges Footballers Face 01:05:29 Losing Your Identity as a Footballer 01:08:02 Working With Coaches & The MDT Approach 01:12:11 Why Players Don't Always Open Up 01:17:13 Why Player Wellbeing Should Be the Heartbeat of Football Clubs 01:19:45 Building Person First 01:26:21 Can You Measure the Impact of Helping People? 01:29:39 Is Behaviour Really Communication? 01:33:16 Social Media, Young People & Modern Education 01:40:25 Final Reflections

What if the biggest challenge in football isn't making it… but staying there? In this episode of Life Through Ball, I sit down with Dr Chris Platts to discuss the realities of academy football, career transitions, identity and the decisions that can shape a young player's future. Whether you're a player, parent or coach, this is a conversation worth hearing. Dr Chris Platts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrispl... Website: www.chrisplatts.co.uk Email: [email protected] Follow us on all platforms @lifethroughball.

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paddy Gamble joins Life Through Ball to talk about the realities of football beyond the pitch.Released at just 20 years old, Paddy reflects on the emotional side of leaving the professional game, rebuilding identity beyond football, and the lessons that shaped his journey after the academy system.We also dive into the unique pressures of being a goalkeeper, player wellbeing, transition, and why support systems in football matter more than ever.A powerful conversation around football, identity and the human side of the game.You can find Paddy on LinkedIn and through his platform, Person Before Player.#LifeThroughBall #Football #PlayerCare #Goalkeeper #MentalHealth #NottinghamForest