In this episode the parent of young Arsenal premier league footballer Myles Lewis-Skelly, Marcia Lewis, joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss sports parenting and how we can best navigate the journey from grassroots to professional football.
During the conversation they discuss amongst other things:
- Enjoying the journey as a family from development centre to young professional
- The importance of wider family structure and support on the journey
- Developing our own self-awareness and communication skills to help us navigate the journey effectively
- Exploring the information, we read and hear from different sources
- The healthy management of expectations, balance and boundaries
- The challenges of instant gratification
- Making healthy choices and recognising the potential consequences of our choices
- The importance of focussing on ‘today’ and not looking too far into the future
- The huge influence of parents and home in helping our young people fulfil their potential
Marcia Lewis is the founder and CEO of No1Fan.club, a platform dedicated to supporting families of young footballers. Inspired by her son Myles’ journey as a professional footballer at Arsenal, Marcia recognised the unique challenges faced by families of talented youth players.
No1Fan.club was born out of her passion for creating a supportive community for these families, offering resources, advice, and a space to connect with others on similar journeys. With years of experience navigating the world of youth football, Marcia brings a wealth of knowledge on balancing family life, education, and the demands of elite sports. Her insights on supporting young footballers while maintaining a healthy family dynamic have made her a sought-after speaker and advisor in the football community.
As a devoted mother and advocate for youth footballers and their families, Marcia is committed to fostering an environment where talent can thrive with the right support system. Through No1Fan.club and her various speaking engagements, she continues to inspire and guide families on their own footballing journeys.
Additional Reading
How can we help our children with change and transitions during the sporting experience?
Meet the Parents – A sports parenting journey with Rhidian and Jane Davies
