Unfortunately Antonio was not able to attend this week's recording (which Brad wasn't salty about at all...) however this was made up for by yet another fantastic guest. This week Brad was joined by UEFA C licensed and full time coach at Bromley FC George Orchard. George offers a fantastic look into his journey through the academy system and some of the struggles he experienced. From balancing school and football to utilising relationships built in academy football there is loads for a young oplayer to take away from the episode.
If you wish to find out more about George you can find him using the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_georgecoaching_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-orchard-1373b7253/
Time stamps:
1. Intro and welcome to the episode (00:00 – 02:45)
2. How he got into the sport and who he supports (02:45 – 04:43)
3. His experience with wellbeing support in football and how it affected his confidence and wellbeing (04:44 – 09:55)
4. The difficulty of balancing school with elite football and his lack of support network (09:56 – 13:06)
5. Being part of his boyhood club (13:07 – 16:38)
6. His time at Gillingham (16:39 – 19:37)
7. How the Scholar system works in England (19:38 – 21:05)
8. The journey to West Ham, his experience there and the support offered after suffering a major injury (21:06 – 26:20)
9. How he dealt with his long-term injury (26:21 – 29:52)
10. The decision to start coaching and the skills needed to be a successful coach (29:53 – 36:15)
11. Does he have any regrets around his career (36:16 – 38:00)
12. How the UEFA coaching qualifications work and his goals (38:01 – 40:55)
13. How he looks after his wellbeing (40:56 – 44:12)
14. Advice to young players (44:13 – 46:12)
15. George’s plan, where you can contact him (46:12 - end)
