It's Only Kids Football25 Elo 2025

What pro clubs don’t want you to know about the academy system

In this episode, Ben and Mike are joined by Chris Platts—a career coach working with professional clubs, parents and young players—to explore what grassroots football can learn from elite environments.

They take a candid look at the world of professional football academies—highlighting the pressure, uncertainty and harsh realities behind the polished image. Chris offers valuable insight into the emotional and developmental toll the system can take on young players and their families and how to approach it with greater awareness, balance and long-term perspective.

Drawing from his professional club experience and academic research, Chris breaks down what makes a good coach, why most grassroots clubs are set up backwards and how adults’ egos often get in the way of kids’ long-term development.

The conversation dives into building better club cultures, the importance of coach education and reflection and why focusing on people and purpose can transform how children experience the game.

More from Chris Platts: https://www.chrisplatts.co.uk/

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

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Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

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