In this podcast, we sat down with Soheil, who just signed a professional contract with a club in Dubai.

How I Signed A Professional Football Contract In Dubai! ✍️| Soheil Var

We sat down with ex Premier League star, Steven Caulker, to discuss all things professional football. From the very highs of playing for Liverpool and Tottenham, to the lows of struggling with addiction. He opens up on the dark secrets of football, the parts of the game which aren't so luxurious, but also reveals how he made it to the top level, and what young ballers can do to the same.

The Dark Side Of Football. Ex Liverpool Star, Steven Caulker - “I Started Drinking & Gambling.”

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Across the next month, they break down everything you need to know to level up your game and push toward a pro career, mindset, training, habits, and the realities players ignore.

They’re going live every day, answering your questions and guiding you step-by-step through the challenge.

Today Nick and Sam dive into the truth about hard work, why it matters more than talent, where talent fails players, and how effort becomes your biggest advantage.

Talent or Hard work? | Day 1/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.
Across the next month, they break down everything you need to know to level up your game and push toward a pro career, mindset, training, habits, and the realities players ignore.
They’re going live every day, answering your questions and guiding you step-by-step through the challenge.

Today, Nick and Sam dive into one of football’s most debated questions:
Is Cristiano Ronaldo actually humble?

Is Ronaldo Humble? | Day 2/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 3 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.
Today, they break down one of the biggest questions young players ask: Do the Train Effective Camps actually lead to pro opportunities?

They go deep into how the camps work, why so many players use them as their stepping stone, and the reality behind how many attendees end up signing trials, academy opportunities, or pro deals after showing up prepared.

They’ll explain what separates the players who get noticed, how coaches scout during camp sessions, and why the environment pushes you further than training alone ever could.

Today, Nick and Sam reveal how the Camps open doors, why exposure matters, and how to use every session to maximize your chances of being the next success story.

How Many Players Go Pro From Train Effective Camps | Day 3/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 4 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.
Today, they dive into one of the wildest stories in the TE community, a player who once shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo… and later formed part of the Train Effective team, sharing his knowledge and experience with all Train Effective users.

They break down what actually happened, what the player learned, and why even someone with that level of experience still needed structure, coaching, and the right environment to grow.

You’ll hear how the camp pushed him, what surprised him, and why he said it was the first time in years he felt like he had a real pathway forward.

Day 4: Nick and Sam unpack the lessons from his journey, humility, work rate, and why even the most talented players need the right environment to level up.

He Played With Cristiano Then Joined Train Effective | Day 4/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 5 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Today, they’re talking about performing when everything is stacked against you, the days when the pitch is frozen, the rain won’t stop, or you’re training in 38°C heat and every touch feels heavier.

They break down why the toughest conditions reveal who’s serious, how elite players stay focused when the environment is brutal, and the mindset shifts that separate those who show up from those who fall off.
You’ll hear strategies for staying sharp, adapting your game, and keeping your standards high no matter what’s happening around you.

Day 5: Nick and Sam dive into how to stay locked in when the conditions are trying to break you, and why mastering the worst days makes you unbeatable on the best ones.

How Do You Deal Playing In Awful Conditions? | Day 5/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 6 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Today, they’re pulling back the curtain on the real grind of football trials, the pressure, the uncertainty, the travel, and the mental battles players never talk about.

They kick things off with a raw story from Aussies fighting their way through foreign trials, then dive into your own experiences: how many trials you’ve been on, who you trialed for, whether you’ve braved an open trial, and what your best and worst moments looked like.

They break down the realities of trying to get noticed, the mistakes players make, and the mindset you need to survive trial after trial without losing belief.

You’ll hear honest insights, hard truths, and the perspective that separates players who keep going from those who fall off.

Day 6: Nick and Sam get real about the trial process, the highs, the setbacks, and what it actually takes to stay mentally strong when your future is on the line.

Trialing Is Awful The Truth About Football Tryouts | Day 6/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 7 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Today, they dive into one of the most overlooked parts of becoming a footballer, staying injury-free and building a body that can handle the real demands of the game.

They break down why players actually get injured, the hidden weaknesses that lead to overcompensation, and the key pillars every athlete needs to take seriously: sleep, mobility, gym work, core strength, and recovery habits that keep you on the pitch instead of on the sideline.

You’ll hear how small imbalances turn into big problems, the mistakes players make without realizing it, and the practical steps you can take to stay healthy, durable, and consistent.

Day 7: Nick and Sam reveal what separates players who stay available all season from those constantly battling knocks, and how to build a body that won’t break when the intensity rises.
Lock in. Listen daily. Level up.

How To Stay Injury Free All Season! | Day 7/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.
Across this month, they’re breaking down the habits, mindset shifts, and training details players need to level up their game, live, every day.
They answer your questions, challenge your thinking, and guide you step-by-step through the journey.
Today’s episode is a full Q&A.
Players from around the world ask their biggest football questions live, and Sam and Nick go deep on each one.
How to control a game.
How to balance school and football.
How to build confidence and handle nerves.
How to improve your shooting.
How to get noticed as a CDM.
How to create a proper highlight video.
Day 8 is all about clarity, giving players real answers and real direction for the obstacles they’re facing today.

How to Get Seen and Scouted as a Footballer! | Day 8/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 9 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.
Today, they’re breaking down why so many players misunderstand their own position, and what it actually takes to dominate your role on the pitch.

They explain the essentials for every position: the elite mentality of a goalkeeper, fullback 1v1 defending, centre-back positioning, CDM scanning and anticipation, box-to-box work rate, CAM creativity, winger fearlessness, and striker movement and finishing.

You’ll hear real examples from Rodri, Kanté, Gerrard, Saliba, Vini Jr, Yamal, Ronaldo and more, plus live reactions from players asking how to build confidence, fix decision-making, and understand what scouts really look for.

They show you what separates players who “play the position” from players who own it, and how to become that difference-maker for your team.

Day 9: Nick and Sam reveal the truth about mastering your position, and how understanding your role can transform your entire game.

You’re Playing Your Position Wrong | Day 9/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 10 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.
Today, they’re tackling one of the biggest dangers young players face, agents who promise the world but deliver nothing. They expose the traps, the scams, and the red flags every player needs to understand before trusting anyone with their career.

They dive into real trial stories, the difference between development and winning, how to navigate cultural transitions in football, and the mindset needed to stay resilient when rejection hits. They also answer your questions on confidence, first-team opportunities, over-80s football in Japan, and how to keep enjoying the game in the long run.

You’ll hear what legit agents actually do, why you should never pay upfront, and how to build the awareness to avoid the people who can derail your entire journey.

Day 10: Nick and Sam break down how to protect your future, choose the right environment, and move intelligently in a football world full of noise and manipulation.

Should You Trust Soccer Agents? The Biggest Risks in 2025 | Day 10/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 11 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Today, they start with a breakdown you didn’t expect, analysing whether Barron Trump actually has the potential to go pro. They look at his size, his academy background, his technical profile, and what realistically matters when evaluating a young player’s pathway.

After that, they open the floor to your live football questions: development, mindset, opportunities, training structure, and anything else you need clarity on. Nothing filtered, nothing rehearsed, just real answers in real time.

You’ll hear what indicators truly matter when assessing a player’s future, why physical tools alone aren’t enough, and how to approach your own journey with more precision and self-awareness.

Day 11: Nick and Sam dive into player evaluation, potential, and the mindset required to rise while everyone else slows down.

Could Donald Trump's Son Go Pro? | Day 11/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 12 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Today, they break down the brand-new inside look at Erling Haaland’s full training day at Manchester City, a rare glimpse into how one of the world’s most dominant strikers prepares his body and mind during the Premier League season.

They analyse how Haaland maintains peak physical condition: his strength work, mobility routines, recovery habits, tempo training, and the micro-details that keep him one step ahead. They also dive into the mindset and environment that allow him to perform at world-class levels week after week.

Stick around after the breakdown for a live Q&A, where Sam and Nick show you how to apply Haaland’s routines, principles, and discipline to your own game.

Day 12: Nick and Sam unpack what makes Haaland so effective, and how you can take these same habits into your daily training.

Erling Haalands Secrets For Peak Performance! | Day 12/30 Days of Dedication

Join Sam Shaban and Nick Humphries for Day 13 of Train Effective’s 30 Days of Dedication.

Today, they introduce a brand-new Train Effective success story, a player who attended two London Camps, pushed himself at the Elite Camp, and is now heading to play college soccer at Tiffin University in the United States. His journey shows exactly what repeated effort, the right environment, and real exposure can create.

They also break down Sam and Nick’s personal pre-match routines, the habits that actually help you perform, and why Sam swears by pickle juice before kickoff. Throughout the session, they share practical insights, mindset advice, and match-day strategies that players at every level can use to level up.

Day 13: Nick and Sam reveal how consistent work and the right opportunities can change your path, and how to prepare your body and mind to show your best when it matters.

A New Success Story: From Elite Camp to College Soccer! | Day 13/30 Days of Dedication

Today we break down a wild weekend of football the Train Effective way! 

Starting with Eberechi Eze scoring his first ever hat trick in the NDL. We also react to Newcastle beating Man City, Harvey Barnes missing a huge open goal (yet watch what he did next!),  Liverpool losing 3-0 at home, and Cristiano Ronaldo hitting another insane bicycle kick at age 40!

We also shout out Rhys for signing up to the Train Effective camp this weekend. That means Sam is gonna be drinking pickle juice! 

Stick around for the live Q&A where we answer your football questions in real time.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries ‪@nickhumph‬ and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

"Let It All Work Out" - Eze's Hat Trick, Ronaldo’s Bicycle & Big Football Moments! | Day 14/30 Days of Dedication

Today we talked about why there are no excuses if you really want to level up, with players flying into our London and Miami camps from the US, Canada, India, UAE, Ireland, Sweden, South Africa and more. 

We shared what happens when players come back for a second camp and why the sooner you put yourself in that environment, the quicker you improve. 

On the live we brought viewers on stage for 1-to-1 chats about finding your best position, fixing decision making, bouncing back from injuries like Achilles tendinitis and hamstring problems, and even heard from a Nigerian academy owner and a US sports nutritionist about recovery, creatine and playing multiple games a week! 

We also broke down Harry Kane and Chicharito as perfect models for strikers to study, and highlighted Callum as an example of consistency, mindset and preparation paying off. 

If you want real talk about mentality, pathways, camps and what it actually takes to move forward, this session is for you.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries ‪@nickhumph‬ and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

How Smart Strikers Score Easy Goals Live | Day 15/30 Days of Dedication

Today we’re breaking down Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League and the Champions League, and why they look like one of the most complete teams in world football right now. 

We dive into Declan Rice’s unreal scanning habits, why some people are calling him the best midfielder in the world, and revisit the time he made a public apology through Train Effective early in his journey. We also talk about Tomiyasu’s personal training grind and how he’s staging his comeback through discipline, consistency and work rate.

This stream brings match analysis, mentality lessons and elite habits you can apply to your own game. Stick around for the Q&A.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries ‪@nickhumph‬ and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

Are Arsenal The World's Best Team | Day 16/30 Days Of Dedication

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries ‪@nickhumph‬  Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

⚽ Join us live every weekday (Nov 4 – Dec 15)
Track your growth in the Train Effective App and tag #30DaysOfDedication

Your moment to reset, refocus, and rise.

My Friends Think I'm Too Old To Play Football | Day 17/30 Days of Dedication

Reece James delivered one of the best fullback performances of the season last night. Today we’re doing a quick breakdown of the habits, decisions and athletic qualities that allowed him to dominate Arsenal – and what developing players can take from it. Modern fullbacks need power, scanning, composure and timing. James showed all four at an elite level.

After the analysis we’ll go into live Q&A and talk through your football questions, plus anything from the rest of the weekend’s action.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬ and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

How To Play Like Reece James | Day 18/30 Days Of Dedication

Struggling to figure out how much training is too much? 

Today we dive into how many hours per week truly drive improvement - using examples from top pros, youth players, and elite training routines. We’ll cover both intensity and recovery balance so you train smarter, not just harder.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

How Many Hours A Week Should You Train? | Day 19/30 Days Of Dedication

In today’s Day 21 episode of 30 Days of Dedication, Sam and Nick break down Cole Palmer’s movement, scanning and body shape, how he creates time for himself on the ball, and why he looks so calm in big moments. We will react to training clips, match clips, and talk about what you can actually copy in your own game today.

Then we'll get into some general Q&A! 

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

What Is Cole Palmer’s SECRET Weapon? | Day 21/30 Days of Dedication

Today we’re studyings some world-class players who delivered a statement performance against Athletic Club: Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga in particular. We will break down clips from the match and analyse their movement, decision-making, scanning, body shape, pressing triggers and the little habits that separate elite players from everyone else.

After the breakdown, we’ll jump into a live Q&A covering training load, football IQ, development plans and anything you need help with as part of Day 22 of the 30 Days of Dedication.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

Studying Bellingham & Camavinga! | Day 22/30 Days Of Dedication

It's world cup draw time. So lets have a watch! 

And in true "effective" fashion - ask us any questions along the way to up your game!

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

World Cup Draw Watchalong and Your Questions! | Day 23/30 Days Of Dedication

Mo Salah is all over the headlines after being benched three matches in a row, so today we break down whether he actually deserves to be dropped. 

We look at his latest interview, Rio Ferdinand's reaction, and what this moment says about pressure, form and mentality at the highest level. 

We also dive into the mental training habits that made Salah world-class and what players can learn from how he handles setbacks.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

Does Mo Salah DESERVE to Be Dropped? | Day 24/30 Days of Dedication

Today we’re reviewing some of the most controversial ballers in football and combat sports. From Ivan Toney’s arrest, to people calling Richarlison lazy, to whether Conor McGregor can actually ball out, we break down the clips and look at what’s real and what’s just internet noise. 

We’ll also analyse the viral Veo footage and a set of UGC clips to talk about football IQ, movement and mentality. 

After that we’ll jump into live Q&A for Day 25 of 30 Days of Dedication.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

What Is Going On In These Football Clips!? | Day 25/30 Days Of Dedication

Talking all things about the US college soccer pathway with Hiro! Hiro plays for PLU in Washington State but he hails all the way from New Zealand! How did he get to the US? Lets chat about it! 

If you're interested in the US soccer pathway, this stream is for you!

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

How to Play College Soccer in the USA | Day 26/30 Days Of Dedication

Today we’re diving into some of the latest ref-cam footage from the MLS and Premier League, including Inter Miami and Chelsea. 

After breaking down the clips, we’ll jump into a Q&A and talk through how you can use insights from ref-cam to improve your own game!

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

POV: You're Playing with Messi! | Day 27/30 Days Of Dedication

Today we’re opening the floor for a live Q&A, answering questions on football development, training structure, mindset and long-term progression. 

We’ll share practical insights on what actually drives improvement, how to think like a professional, and how players should invest their time on and off the pitch. 

If you care about growth, discipline and high-performance habits, this session is for you.

🎙️ Hosted By Nick Humphries  ‪@nickhumph‬  and Sam Shaban @sshaban10 from the Train Effective team.

This is your Winter Arc. While others slow down, you level up.

Ask Train Effective Anything! | Day 28/30 Days Of Dedication

Scouts pick up on more than just your football skills. There's a few things you can do that don't require talent that will impress any scout!

What professional scouts look for

Our online football academy gives access to the resources of what was once available to a select few, to the whole world.

With expert content providers from teams in the English Premiership League & The Football Association, our first of its kind e-learning community transforms youth from over 50 countries into believers of themselves and trusters of "the process", resulting in an unshakeable confidence to take on any challenge, forever.

See the Academy at TrainEffective.com

The Train Effective Podcast

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