Join the BAAC Pod team in this explosive episode of Ball At All Cost as we debunk FA Level 2 with our special guest! We dive deep into grassroots football, uncovering what kids really need for development, key aspects of their game that often get overlooked, and much more. Get ready for deep insights that every coach, parent, and football lover needs to hear. Like, comment, and subscribe for more hard-hitting football discussions! 

Debunking FA Level 2

In this episode of Ballatallcost Podcast, we welcome Nathan, founder of Proverbs FC, for an in-depth conversation about grassroots football and youth player development.

We cover the story behind Proverbs FC and its mission in grassroots football, parents’ role in supporting young footballers without adding pressure, why parents watching training can help player confidence and growth, do kids need to join an academy to become professionals? How Proverbs FC creates a safe, positive environment for young players to thrive. 

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Clubs in Focus - Proverbs FC

In this episode of Ball At All Cost, we sit down with Ayman, who has just signed his first scholar contract with Millwall. 

He takes us through his inspiring journey. From early trials to finally earning a place at Millwall, how he balances football, school, and friendships, overcoming setbacks and challenges along the way, the reality of academy life and what it takes to keep pushing forward

This is a must-watch for anyone chasing the dream of becoming a professional footballer. Ayman’s story proves that with hard work, discipline, and belief, progress will always come.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful football journeys and stories

From Playball to Millwall

In this Ballatallcost episode, we dive into the realities of youth football development.

Topics include: The right age for kids to join academy football, early vs later development. How parental pressure and unmet expectations can impact young players. The role of social media in recruitment and parental influence. The rise of one-on-one coaching and the financial strains on families. Mental health, aftercare, and bio-banding as crucial aspects of player development.

We’re joined by Jake Hammon (Foundation Phase Lead at Cambridge United), as he shares his experiences from both academy and grassroots levels.

From balancing school, family, and football, to what scouts look for in talent! This episode is packed with insights for parents, players, and coaches.

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What Scouts Really Look for w/ Jake Hammond

In this powerful episode of Ballatallcost, we sit down with Melvin Minter, a seasoned non-league goalkeeper, entrepreneur, and inspiring figure in the world of football.

We go beyond the pitch to explore: Mental resilience and bouncing back from setbacks, Fly4Sport and goalkeeping entrepreneurship, Rising Ballers’ impact on players like Iliman Ndiaye, working with Harry Kane, the viral spotlight, staying grounded, and lessons from High Performance Habits, the importance of starting young with technical basics, how to develop as a modern-day goalkeeper in the Pep Guardiola era, a heartfelt tribute to Lisa, a grassroots football legend

Melvin shares the realities of non-league football, the pressure of going viral, and the mindset needed to thrive.

👉🏾 Watch, share, and be inspired.

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From Non-League Dreams to Viral Success

This episode of BallAtAllCost tells a dad’s story as he watches his daughter grow in the game. It starts quietly and builds to a Chelsea trial where she scores from midfield, the moment everything shifts.

It shows what people don’t see: late nights, tough calls, money worries, and the ups and downs of backing a young player. It also touches on why representation matters, the hurdles girls still face, and the pride that comes when hard work turns into real progress.

The goal is the headline. The journey is the heart.

Academy Series - A Dad's Story

Marcus joins us on BallAtAllCost to share what really goes on in the world of scouting and youth football. From spotting talent at U9–U16, to why showcase leagues like Ballers Link-Up are catching the eye of recruiters, this episode gives a proper inside look at how young players get noticed.

We talk about what scouts actually look for beyond just skills, why showcase formats are creating new opportunities, how grassroots setups can sometimes outshine academies, honest advice for parents on travel, training, nutrition and supporting development, the overlooked areas that matter most: mindset, resilience, off-the-ball work and fitness, success stories with players getting trials and signings at top clubs

If you’re into youth development, scouting or helping the next generation of players, you’ll find plenty of value here.

How Scouts Spot Future Stars

In this powerful episode of BallAtAllCost, we sit down with Dave Bricknell of Ryan FC, a passionate figure in football whose journey spans grassroots to professional levels.

From spotting the next Harry Kane to guiding players through the unpredictable world of youth academies, Dave shares raw insight into the mindset required to succeed in football, balancing opportunity with player well-being, overtraining, early pressure & protecting young talent, the art of scouting… what really makes a future star, Glenn Hoddle, passing football, and why basics still matter, navigating football dreams as a parent or coach 

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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#ballatallcost #youthfootball #footballscouting #grassrootsfootball #footballdevelopment #harrykane #spursacademy #mentorship #football #coachingkids #footballpodcast #ukfootball #FIFA #academylife #UEFA

The Truth About Making it in Football w/Dave Bricknell

In this episode of Ballatallcost, we sit down with Keaton Hutchings to explore his unique journey in football, from South London and Millwall to working with top players through the Spanish agency Niagara Sports.

We talk about: The transition from academy life at Millwall to representing global stars like Dani Olmo and Álvaro Morata. The passion of South London football and its role in shaping talent. Why character and personality matter just as much as skill. How recruitment, coaching, and mentorship define Millwall’s identity. The role of passports, Brexit, and player mobility in shaping careers today. The pressure, unpredictability, and rewards of grassroots and academy football. 

Keaton shares raw insights into building a career in football, balancing passion with family life, and how relationships can shape opportunities in this beautiful game.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments… what do you think defines a top player?

#ballatallcost #footballpodcast #millwall #southlondonfootball #daniolmo #alvaromorata #footballcommunity #grassrootsfootball #academyfootball #playerdevelopment #football #premierleague #laliga #kidsfootball #fifa #uefa

Talent, Mentorship & Football Dreams

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.

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#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

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.

Debunking FA Level 2

Ball at all Cost