Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

by Marvee Woods

Season 1

England U17-U20 Lead Phase Coach - Chris Ramsey MBE ("Arsenal To England And Beyond")

On this episode 34, I’m joined by Chris Ramsey MBE who is the England U17-U20 Lead Phase Coach. Chris shares his extensive journey in football, from his early days as a schoolboy at Arsenal to becoming a professional player and eventually transitioning into coaching. He discusses the challenges he faced due to injuries, his unexpected rise to coaching in Malta, and his return to England where he has made significant contributions to youth development and talent identification for the England national teams. Chris emphasizes the importance of attitude, hard work, and the evolving landscape of football scouting and player development. He also discusses the complexities of player selection and development in football, emphasizing the importance of confidence, self-discipline, and the balance between athleticism and game intelligence. Ramsey highlights the realities of player dropout and the critical role of diet and sleep in performance. He also critiques current coaching styles, advocating for a focus on individual potential and creativity in youth development, and also discusses various aspects of youth football, including the ideal age for children to join academies, the critical role of parents in their children's football careers, and the importance of coaching techniques. He emphasizes the need for flexibility in player positions, the significance of scanning and communication on the pitch, and the qualities that define a model professional. Chris also shares insights from his coaching experience, the role of data in football, and the distractions young players should avoid. He concludes with thoughts on creating the right environment for player development and the essence of a winning mentality. This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE15 https://linktr.ee/marveewoodsfootballacademypod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

S1 · E34

Sep 4, 2026

1:31:09

Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("See The Game Like A Scout")

In this episode 33, I am joined by Chris Robinson aka The Scouting Game who is also the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL Championship Club Southampton FC. Chris shares insights into scouting, player development, and the nuances of identifying future football stars. Discover how character, technical skills, and early development influence success in professional football. Chris shares insights into football scouting, player development, risk management, and the importance of character and education in nurturing future stars. This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE15

S1 · E33

Aug 14, 2026

1:44:51

Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("Inside Academy Football") - Episode 32

On this episode 32, I’m joined by Alex Kaufman who for the last four years has been the Head Of Academy Recruitment at newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town before leaving his role a few weeks ago. In this episode, Alex Kaufman shares his extensive experience in football recruitment, talent identification, and youth development. He discusses key traits for players, the importance of culture, and how data and scouting work together to shape future stars.

S1 · E32

Jul 30, 2026

1:24:11

Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("Brewing The Next Generation")

On this episode, I’m joined by Jack O’Brien the Academy Manager of EFL League One team Burton Albion. Jack played for Burton’s academy as a youngster before he started coaching multiple age groups in the academy to know becoming the academy manager. Burton Albion’s academy also train and play their home matches at St George’s Park which is the England National Team’s official training ground. Jack shares with me know in Episode 31, insights into youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of resilience, communication, and holistic growth in football. Discover how Burton's academy nurtures talent and prepares players for professional success. This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE11

S1 · E31

Jul 20, 2026

56:13

Gillingham Academy Manager - Bryan Bull ("Bull's Eye View Of Gillingham"")

On this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Bull the Academy Manager of EFL League Two team Gillingham FC. Bryan has managed the Gillingham academy for over 25 years and has seen players like Ryan Bertrand and others come through the ranks. Bryan in Episode 30 shares insights into youth development, training, and the intricacies of managing young talent in professional football. Bryan also shares how data, mentality, and strategic decisions shape future Gillingham players from the academy. This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE11

S1 · E30

Jul 9, 2026

36:12

DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("The United State Of Mind"")

I am excited to share Episode 29 of my podcast, a special World Cup edition focusing on the inner workings of MLS academies in North America. In this episode, I learn about the unique structure of the MLS as a franchiser, and not a league and how that impacts team operations, including the absence of promotion and relegation. My guest is Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director for D.C. United. Based in Washington D.C., D.C. United is the second most successful club (franchise) in league history and was once home to Wayne Rooney as both a player and head coach. Trevor provides fascinating insights into the U.S. football (soccer) academy system, comparing it to the UK model. We discuss the complexities of scouting, Parents, The impact of geography and economics on player pathways, and how technology and social media are changing the game. Trevor also shares his personal journey from player to director and explains how his team identifies top talent by prioritizing character. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the past, present and future of football (soccer) in America through Trevor's eyes and experience. This Episode is Sponsored by Resonance Energy Wear Resonance Store Link: https://resonanceenergywear.com/marvee Use Discount Code: MARVEE11

S1 · E29

Jun 19, 2026

1:46:54

Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Living On Boro Time")

Martin Carter, the Head Of Academy Recruitment at EFL League Two club Middlesbrough FC tells me on Episode 23 of my Podcast. About his beginning playing football at academy level and the highs and lows of being an early developer physically. Martin reveals his extensive experience in youth talent identification, development, and recruitment. He discusses the nuances of talent ID, the importance of individual assessment, and the impact of physical and psychological growth on young players. Martin also shares to me his experience in youth football development, covering talent identification, character assessment, the importance of patience and holistic player growth. Discover practical advice for coaches, scouts, and parents aiming to nurture future football stars.

S1 · E23

Apr 10, 2026

1:43:13

1 of 25

Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

England U17-U20 Lead Phase Coach - Chris Ramsey MBE ("Arsenal To England And Beyond")

Southampton Head Of Academy Recruitment - Chris Robinson ("See The Game Like A Scout")

Ipswich Town Head Of Academy Recruitment - Alex Kaufman ("Inside Academy Football") - Episode 32

Burton Albion Academy Manager - Jack O'Brien ("Brewing The Next Generation")

Gillingham Academy Manager - Bryan Bull ("Bull's Eye View Of Gillingham"")

DC United Academy Scouting Director - Trevor Singer ("The United State Of Mind"")

Port Vale CEO - Matt Hancock ("Seeing Behind The Vale"")

Lincoln City Academy Manager - Calum Oakenfold ("City Boys"")

Walsall FC Academy Manager - Martyn Bowles ("In The Saddle"")

Middlesbrough Head Of Academy Recruitment - Martin Carter ("Living On Boro Time")