Life Through Ball

Life Through Ball

di Tarek
FitnessSalute mentale
Stagione 4
The Person Behind the Performance with Joe Worf
IA
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
S4 · E3
21 set 2026
1:49:33
How Anas (GrassrootsAB3O) turned Sunday League Football into a Career
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.
S4 · E2
7 set 2026
1:42:44
The Hidden Side of Professional Football Nobody Talks About
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
S4 · E1
19 ago 2026
1:45:35
Stagione 3
The Football Career Trap Nobody Talks About | Ft. Dr Chris Platts
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: info@drchrisplatts.co.uk Follow us on all platforms @lifethroughball.
S3 · E10
7 giu 2026
2:05:25
Why He Founded Proficient Youth Development | KK
In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with KK, founder of Proficient Youth Development (@proficientyouthdev), to explore his journey and the reason he built a platform dedicated to supporting young athletes and their parents. We discuss identity beyond performance, the role of parental guidance in youth sport, and where youth development is heading. KK shares why he felt there was a gap in the space and how he is working to change the way players are supported on and off the pitch. A conversation about purpose, responsibility and building something bigger than the game.
S3 · E4
2 mar 2026
1:10:12
When Football Ends: Injury, Identity & Life After the Game
Football doesn’t always end how you imagine. Injury. Identity. Starting again. In this episode, Sami opens up about his journey through football — moving between Spain and England, battling long-term injury, and navigating the uncertainty that comes when the game stops. This conversation captures exactly what Life Through Ball is about: the parts of football we don’t prepare players for, and the resilience it takes to build a life beyond the pitch. Follow us on all platforms: https://beacons.ai/lifethroughball?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAPjQtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAacc3YnHWXhEeZtq3pWygS7PVA8VX3Db8IpecRpZa2VuGxRZ9Rtotec6XcbM5Q_aem_w1L4hVL8oeGgworWzYnxdw
S3 · E2
25 gen 2026
1:18:44
The Part of Football Life Nobody Warns You About | Life Through Ball Podcast ft Kmac
In this episode of Life Through Ball, Tarek sits down with Kraig McLeod to talk about the realities of football that often get laughed off but rarely spoken about properly. Kraig shares his journey through academy football at QPR and Norwich, the transition into non-leaguee, and the moments that forced him to rethink his relationship with the game. We explore what it really feels like to be released, the identity shift that follows, and how humour became a way to process the harder parts of football life. Now known for his football skits and content that resonate with players who have been or are still on that same journey, Kraig explains why laughing through it all became his coping mechanism and creative outlet. This conversation goes beyond football careers and into identity, resilience, mental health and finding your voice when the game does not go to plan. A real and honest conversation about life through football. Follow Kraig: https://www.instagram.com/_1kmac?igsh=ZzJ5NnVveG82MTdt https://www.tiktok.com/@1kmac_?_r=1&_t=ZN-93EwYngBjFO Follow Life Through Ball on all platforms: https://beacons.ai/lifethroughball
S3 · E1
21 gen 2026
1:53:06
Stagione 2
S2 FINALE | "Closing This Chapter, Preparing for the Next" | LTBPOD
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the gap for audio listeners and say thank you for your patience. Life happens, growth takes time, and I really appreciate everyone who has stayed connected during this period. Welcome to the Season 2 finale of Life Through Ball. This season has been a journey. We explored the game beyond the pitch through conversations around player care, coaching, media, analysis, identity, and the human stories that sit behind football. It’s taken the platform deeper than ever into the lives of the people who shape the game, often away from the spotlight. In this episode, I reflect on the defining moments, lessons, and themes that shaped Season 2, and share why now feels like the right time to close this chapter. This finale also marks an important transition. Life Through Ball represents an evolution of the platform. A return to the heart of why this started in the first place: using football as a lens to explore life, identity, culture, and personal journeys. The game remains the constant, but the conversations are widening. Season 3 builds on everything that’s come before, with a clearer focus, deeper storytelling, and voices that reflect football in all its complexity. Thank you for being part of the journey so far. Season 3 is just getting started, and there’s a lot more to come. https://www.youtube.com/@lifethroughball
S2 · E13
18 gen 2026
29:12
What Really Happens When You Don’t Make It in Football ft Theo Brown
In this episode, I sit down with Theo Brown — former academy footballer turned entrepreneur — to talk about his journey through football, resilience, and finding purpose beyond the game. From chasing the dream as a young player to building his own business, Theo shares honest insights about life in and after football, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the mindset developed in sport can fuel success in any field. This is a real and reflective conversation about transition, growth, and redefining what “making it” means. Check out our guest: https://www.theobrownonline.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-brow... #LifeInSport #entrepreneur #tech #business #football #footballshorts #PersonalGrowth #Podcast
S2 · E11
10 nov 2025
1:35:06
Beyond Grenfell: How Football Became a Beacon of Hope ft Paul Menacer
S2 EP8 | Beyond Grenfell: How Football Became a Beacon of Hope ft Paul Menacer Our most personal episode yet. Paul Menacer — manager of Grenfell Athletic and survivor of the Grenfell fire — opens up about loss, resilience, and how football and community helped him rebuild. Paul’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward. 🎧 Watch / Listen / Connect 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conversation is packed with insight. Check out our guest: https://grenfellathletic.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/p.menacer?i... https://www.instagram.com/grenfellath... DOCUMENTARY https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/en/m... Transcript
S2 · E9
13 ott 2025
1:21:33
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