In this heartfelt episode of Ball at all Cost, we dive into the incredible dedication of parents and kids in grassroots football. From early morning drives to cheering on the sidelines, we explore the sacrifices, passion, and love that fuel the journey. Join us for an inspiring discussion on what commitment truly means in the beautiful game! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories from the heart of football.

Commitment

In this inspiring episode of Ballatallcost, we sit down with Eartha Pond, former Arsenal player, Westminster councilor, and founder of the ESP Foundation, for a deep and powerful conversation on football, education, inclusion, and policy.

We explore: Her football journey from Arsenal to public service. How to improve access, comfort, and participation for girls in sports. The rise of women’s football and its evolving business landscape. Why Arsenal’s fanbase and ticket sales model stands out. The need for medical support and professional standards in the women’s game. Why PE should be a core subject in schools. Cultural barriers faced by Black girls in sports. Hidden talent and the impact of location on scouting. The importance of sports bras, Nike’s voucher investments & access. The harsh reality of football as a business, elitism, transitions, and unloyalty. Are we close to a level playing field in football? Or is true equality still far off?

We also break down the Hashtag FC situation in women’s football, and the WSL’s challenges with game time and development. Plus: we shine a spotlight on Girls Aloud, a program bringing sports, music, and health education to over 22 London boroughs.

This is a conversation about culture, equity, identity, and transformation and how we build a better future in sports from grassroots to elite.

🔔 Subscribe, like, and join the conversation. 

#ballatallcost #womensfootball #girlsinsport #arsenalfc #footballbusiness #football #WSL #grassrootsfootball #sports #youthempowerment #blackgirlsinsport #hashtagsfc #PEinschools #nike #womeninfootball #footballpodcast #FIFA #UEFA #premierleague

Changing the Game for Girls in Sport  w/ Eartha Pond

We’re joined by Brazilian coach and youth mentor Ghabriel Teles, whose journey from watching legends like Rivaldo and Ronaldinho in Brazil to shaping futures in England is nothing short of inspiring.

We go deep into: His love for football growing up in Brazil. The power of joy, belonging, and relationships in building winning teams. The emotional journey of youth players: signings, dropouts & safeguarding. Silent coaching, connection over control, and coaching with legacy in mind. What scouts really look for in grassroots & pre-academy environments. The ‘both-footed vs both-sided’ debate. Why multi-sport kids (like tennis or basketball players) often thrive in football. Brazilian football culture: from Pele to Vinicius Jr. The age-old GOAT debate, is it still Ronaldo Nazario for us? Modern frustrations: inverted wingers, zonal marking & Pep’s tactical myths. We also dive into coaching philosophy, player care, emotional intelligence, and how to truly prepare kids for life in and beyond football.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations from the grassroots to the game’s highest levels.

#ballatallcost #grassrootsfootball #youthdevelopment #footballcoaching #brazil #england #footballjourney #ronaldonazario #ronaldinho #youthqcademy #footballpodcast #football #coachingphilosophy #footballgoat #coach #preacademy #footballtips #footballskills #footballtalk #winterfootball #scoutingtips #fifa #uefa #modernfootball #laliga #premierleague

From Brazil to England w/Ghabriel Teles

It’s another episode, and we sit down with Kenzer Lee and Philip Roberts for an honest and powerful conversation about grassroots football, parenting, and the real journey behind the dream of going pro.

We dive deep into the philosophy of Balance, developing great footballers, but even better human beings. From the pressures of academy life to the fine line between discipline and joy, this episode explores the mental, emotional, and social sides of the game that rarely get discussed.

Kenzer and Philip share their experiences from West Ham, Arsenal, and beyond. The highs, the heartbreaks, and what it really takes to stay grounded in such a brutal industry.

We also talk about: The importance of balance between football and real life. Parenting in youth football, pushing vs. supporting. The psychological journey from academy dreams to life after football. Why identity, self-awareness, and perspective matter more than ever

It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent, coach, or player, this episode will change how you see the game.

Smash the like button and subscribe if you haven’t. 👊🏾


Beyond Football w/ Kenzer Lee & Philip Roberts

We’re joined by Fin Fletcher, the founder of F7 Coaching, to explore what truly drives success in youth football.

We dive into the power of game analysis, how self-reflection and player feedback can shape understanding and performance, and why enjoyment and development should always come before pressure to win.

From grassroots to academy football, we discuss: The art of analysing games and encouraging players to self-assess. How parents can support their kids without adding pressure. The importance of patience, confidence, and leadership in young players. F7 Coaching’s approach to developing talent from ages 5 to 18. A grassroots story that led to a six-week trial at West Ham. Insights on academy life, trust-building, and rediscovering love for the game

This episode is a must-watch for parents, coaches, and aspiring young players.

Youth Football Development Explained w/Fin Fletcher

Jason shares a deeply insightful journey into academy football, from the early days of lockdown kicking a ball in the garden, to joining Tigers JFC and catching the eye of professional scouts.

We explore: Ralph’s journey from grassroots to academy football, showcasing adaptability, humility, and determination. The realities of academy life and how parents can support their kids through challenges and pressure. How to nurture talent while maintaining a love for the game. The role of family, coaching, and environment in developing young players. Balancing discipline, education, and ambition without burning out. Technical drills, confidence-building, and the father-son coaching dynamic. 

This is a must-watch for parents, coaches, and young players aiming to understand what it truly takes to thrive in football’s competitive youth system.

➡️ Watch, learn, and be inspired by Jason’s wisdom and first-hand experience.

🎙️ Hosted by BallAtAllCost where passion meets purpose in football.

#ballatallcost #academyfootball #youthdevelopment #grassrootsfootball #parentinginfootball #footballjourney #footballtraining #footballpodcast #youngtalent #footballmotivation #ukfootball #footballeducation #footballparents #football #footballcoaching #premierleague #fifa #uefa

Academy Series - With Jason Johnson

We sit down with Coach George, an 18-year-old who’s already making serious noise in grassroots football. From being an average goalkeeper to managing and scouting, his journey is proof that passion, emotional intelligence, and experience beat age every single time.

We dive deep into: Why enjoyment matters more than competition in youth football. How young coaches like George are reshaping development through care, honesty, and communication. The role of parents in a player’s journey and how supportive ones make all the difference. The importance of emotional intelligence, individuality, and creating the right environment. How networking and real-life experience can open doors faster than coaching badges ever could. What it takes to be a top learner, not just a top player.

If you’re a parent, coach, or young player chasing your dream, this episode will hit home.

👇🏾 Watch. Learn. Be inspired.

#ballatallcost #footballpodcast #grassrootsfootball #coachingjourney #youthdevelopment #footballcoach #football #footballmindset #playerdevelopment #footballtalk #premierleague #youngcoach #sportsphilosophy #footballparent #footballeducation #footballcommunity #fifa #uefa

The 18-Year-Old Coach Changing Football Coaching Forever

We break down the real challenges young footballers face today, especially young girls pushing through mixed football, elite academies, and pressure-filled environments.

We speak with Chris, a parent whose daughter is thriving in Echo League, Arsenal and Finesse setups, and explore what it really takes: long travel, balancing school and sport, managing expectations, and building confidence in a tough football landscape.

We discuss why girls who train with boys often develop faster, why the development gap still exists between boys’ and girls’ football, and why the right environment matters far more than big club names.

We also dive into modern coaching, emotional intelligence, communication with parents, one-to-one training, and why a child’s ability to learn is more important than physical size or early technical ability.

If you’re a parent, coach, or young player trying to understand the real pathway to growth, this episode is a must-watch.

#ballatallcost #youthfootball #girlsfootball #grassrootsfootball #footballparents #arsenalacademy #footballdevelopment #coachingkids #footballpodcast #kidsinsport #academyfootball

The Truth About Raising Young Footballers Today

Welcome back to Ball at All Cost! We're doing it big this week with a very special guest, Danny O'Reilly, the father of Instagram-famous football talent, Mason O'Reilly.

Danny breaks down the crazy story of Mason's simple garden drills going viral and getting comments from stars like Neymar! Why is the system failing elite young players like Mason? Hear Danny's frustration with the "non-competitive" leagues in Ireland compared to the UK's demanding academy scene. We discuss the impossible choice Danny faced regarding a 4-hour daily round-trip academy offer and why talent isn't enough when opportunity is miles away. Danny shares the pride of seeing his gifted son prioritise setting up teammates over scoring goals.

Plus, we cover Movember, the latest Echo League news, and shout out our amazing listeners!

Subscribe and comment below: Is competitive youth football essential for development?

30 MILLION VIEWS! Ireland’s Viral Football Dad

Phil “PJ” Roberts is back on Ball At All Cost to talk about the side of football we don’t always see, the inner game. From academy trials and rejection to resilience, mental health, and parenting in sport, Phil shares his journey from professional footballer to mentor and founder of The Inner Game.

This episode is full of honest stories, practical advice, and powerful reminders that mindset matters just as much as skill. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, you’ll take something valuable away.

👉🏾 Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share this with someone who loves the game.

#ballatallcost #footballmindset #youthfootball #mentalhealthinfootball #parentinginfootball #academylife #football #fifa #uefa #premierleague

The Inner Game w/ Phil Roberts

Tune into the Ball At All Costs podcast as Mustapha Carayol shares his inspiring journey from grassroots football in Peckham to over 400 professional games. Discover his struggles with anxiety, safety challenges, and the pressures of pro football. Mustapha offers unique insights for parents and young players on mental health, player development, and the realities of the beautiful game.

Hit subscribe, smash the like button, and be part of the conversation!

#footballjourney #profootball #ballatallcosts #grassrootsfootball #mentalhealthinsport #footballparenting #footballpodcast #football #youthfootball #footballagent #footballlife #footballcareer #premierleague #fifa #uefa #championship
Transcript

The Pressure Behind The Dream w/Mustapha Carayol

This podcast dives deep into the world of grassroots football, offering insights and guidance to help parents navigate the often challenging and intricate landscape of youth sports. Each episode provides practical advice, tackling issues like player development, balancing commitments, managing expectations, and understanding the nuances of the grassroots football ecosystem.

Join the grassroots football dads as they share their insights and experiences along with  established guests sharing their vast knowledge on a  weekly basis.