Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

by Marvee Woods

Season 1

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

Bristol Rovers Academy Manager - Byron Anthony ("Never Run Out Of Gas")

Byron Anthony, the former defender, now Academy Manager and also currently the Interim First Team Assistant Head Coach of EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers FC tells me on Episode 22 of my Podcast. About his journey from youth player to coaching, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mindset, and development pathways in football. Discover how Bristol Rovers is shaping future talent and the key qualities for success in football academies.

S1 · E22

Mar 27, 2026

1:08:05

Sunderland AFC Academy Manager - Robin Nicholls ("Under The Stadium Of Light")

Robin Nicholls, the Academy Manager of Premier League club Sunderland AFC tells me on Episode 21 of my Podcast. About playing youth team football for Brentford, shares insights into youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of holistic player growth at Sunderland AFC. Robin also speaks about how talent is identified, nurtured, and the role of mental and physical development in creating future football stars.

S1 · E21

Mar 13, 2026

1:07:56

Southampton Academy Manager - Duncan Fearnhead ("Angels Of The Saints")

Duncan Fearnhead, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Southampton FC tells me on Episode 20 of my Podcast. About his journey from coach to academy manager, his experiences in various football academies, and his current role at Southampton. Duncan shares insights on the importance of player development, the structure of football academies, and the challenges and rewards of working in youth football. The conversation also touches on the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and the significance of having a clear pathway for young players to progress through the ranks. Duncan also discusses the various components that make up a successful football program, emphasizing the importance of training variety, support services, and the focus on developing professional footballers. He explains how category status influences player development timelines and expectations, and highlights the critical roles of nutrition and sleep in athletic performance. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of managing release and retain periods, the definition of youth development, and the value of loan experiences in shaping players' careers. Duncan mentions the strategic planning involved in youth development, emphasizing the importance of individual learning plans that balance team success with personal growth. He shares insights on coaching philosophies, the significance of education, and the challenges of managing expectations from parents and players. He also highlights the benefits of international exposure through European youth leagues and outlines the daily responsibilities of an academy manager. He concludes by discussing the essential qualities needed for players, coaches, scouts, and managers in the academy system.

S1 · E20

Feb 27, 2026

1:45:51

1 of 22

Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

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")

Bristol Rovers Academy Manager - Byron Anthony ("Never Run Out Of Gas")

Sunderland AFC Academy Manager - Robin Nicholls ("Under The Stadium Of Light")

Southampton Academy Manager - Duncan Fearnhead ("Angels Of The Saints")