The Grassroots Football Coach Berks & Bucks FA

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 7 of the award-winning podcast and this week they are joined by Berks & Bucks FA's Football Development Officer, Alex Pratt.  

On the pod this week, Alex talks about his journey which started playing at U9 and becoming secretary of his local grassroots Club at the age of just 17. Alex talks in detail about his passion for goalkeeping and him & Rivo share a funny story from a GK course they were on together a few years ago.

Alex talks about the pressures he and other young people face when leaving school and the added pressure to make life-changing decisions about their careers at such an early age. Alex opens up on his experience at university in particular during the Covid pandemic and how upon leaving university, he was able to be in a job which he is passionate about and making a difference. 

Alex also talks about the Women's World Cup and the legacy the competition will have for aspiring female players both locally and across the globe.   Also find out if Alex can end Rivo's winning streak in the end of the pod quiz.
 
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 7 of the award-winning podcast and this weeks guest is FA Coach Developer & Mentor, Chris Berry.  

This week, Football Development Officer Alex Pratt is guest co-host alongside Rich as Rivo is away on holiday in Portugal. 

On the pod, Chris shares his journey from his experience starting playing a year up at 11 years old up to setting up a new Club with his friends named Harchester Hawks (can you guess why it was called Harchester......). 

Chris talks about being a 4th generation Reading FC fan and how his career coaching a variety of sports led him to his current role at the Community Trust at Reading FC. Chris talks about the different roles he's has had at the Trust plus he shares his thoughts on the benefits of smaller formats of the game in particular at the younger age group in the Foundation phase. 
Chris also talks about his role as Developer and Mentor at The FA plus his role in supporting the growth of the BBFA Female Coaches Community over the past 18 months.  Also find out if Chris can beat guest co-host Alex in the end of the pod quiz. 
 
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 7 of the award-winning podcast and this weeks guest is Premier League Referee Graham Scott. 

This week, Referee Development Officer Sam Myatt leads a Referee Takeover of the podcast in Rivo's absence alongside Rich. 

On the pod, Graham shares his journey from his playing days as Abingdon Town and his memories of playing in the FA Youth Cup. Graham talks about how an injury forced Graham to stop playing and why he took up refereeing at the age of 27. 

Graham talks about his love for refereeing and how he made the journey through the pathway and become a Premier League Referee.  
Graham also talks about VAR, the best goal he has witnessed and gives us an insight into what a normal week as a Premier League Referee looks like. Also find out if Graham can overcome Sam in the end of the pod quiz plus hear what type of biscuit is Graham's favourite! 
 
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 7 of the award-winning podcast and this week they are joined by grassroots coach, Stephen Jeffery. 

In the episode, Stephen shares his journey from his first memories of playing football and a memory that has stayed with him to his current role as a grassroots coach. Stephen talks about how to maximise his time with his weekly hourly training sessions with his time and his preferred coaching style.  

Stephen gives a great insight into his football experiences in football outside of the UK in Seychelles and Australia and how football has enabled lifelong friendships. 
Stephen also talks about his passion to develop coaches and his aspirations on the next part of his coaching career.  Also find out if Stephen can put stop Rivo's winning streak in the end of the pod quiz.
 
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 7 of the award-winning podcast and this week they are joined by FA Regional Coach Development Officer, Vicky Fisher. 

In the episode, Vicky shares her fantastic journey from her first memories of football playing at primary school to her current role at The FA. Vicky talks about her career path and how a tragic incident transformed her outlook on life and ensured Vicky maximised every opportunity that has been available. 

Vicky gives a great insight in her coaching role in Dubai before returning back to Cornwall. Vicky also talks about barriers she and other females have experienced in the game and how the pathway and support has improved massively over the last decade. 
Vicky also talks about her passion for football, her grassroots team plus we look forward to the the World Cup in Australia & New Zealand. Also find out if Vicky can put an end to Rivo's winning streak in the end of the pod quiz.
 
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 7 of the award-winning podcast and to help them kick off the new season, the duo are joined by Berks & Bucks FA’s Chief Executive Officer, Liz Verrall.
 
In the episode, Liz shares her journey about her first football experience at just 5 years old and how the sport has played a major part in her life. Liz shares her career path in sport and the various roles she has held in her career including recently marking her 10-year anniversary as CEO.
Liz also talks about her passion for football and how sport can drive change, connect people and change lives. There’s also a chat about England’s chances at the World Cup in Australia & New Zealand plus find out if Rivo can start this series well in the end of the pod quiz.
 
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.