The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Football Academies – A conversation with Steve Sallis

In this episode author, educator and mindset coach Steve Sallis and Gordon MacLelland discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of life in football academies exploring the process based on their own experiences through a range of different lenses.

They share their thoughts around their life in football and education, what they have learnt, what they have reflected on and what some of the priorities should be moving forward to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people and their parents.

During the conversation they discuss amongst other things:

• The inspiration behind the writing of the book ‘Educating Football’
• The importance of involving external influences into the world of academy football
• The importance of education and holistic development alongside the footballing journey for young players
• Supporting parents through high quality programmes to help them best support their children
• Academies being more realistic about the footballing journey and the release process with their parents
• The benefits of paying for high quality staff
• The importance of academies having a high quality strategy that brings together club, coach, parent and child to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people
• Player identity
• Perspective and the need for it by all stakeholders

If you have enjoyed this conversation and would like to buy a copy of Steve’s book ‘Educating Football’ please click here.

Additional Reading

The ‘Unknown Damage?’ caused from the sideline

Meet the Parents – ‘A sports parenting journey with David Meli’