It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey

Stories from across the game by people involved in the football Academy journey. Created by @Towno10…We are also on TikTok: footballacademyjourney

[𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 MBE @Towno10]

Overwhelmed by all the love I have received since the announcement ❤️

Thank you all for your kind messages, very grateful.

This is more than me, it’s us, it’s we and a movement that’s growing in the right direction, at last 🙏🏽

This is also for my Pops 🕊️ 💫 Thank you 🙏🏽

[unedited: ™ @weareunedited]

Unedited had the pleasure of producing this podcast documentary series IT WAS ALL A DREAM...THE FOOTBALL ACADEMY JOURNEY
@EbereEze10 shares some powerful insights. Do you agree⁉️

Produced by us for @talksport
Hosted by Troy Townsend @Towno10
Follow @weareunedited for more 🔥

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

@StaffsSchoolsFA @Towno10 Thank you for your kind review 🙏🏽

[Staffordshire Schools & Colleges FA @StaffsSchoolsFA]

This is a crucially important piece of work for ALL current/prospective/ex academy players and their families. @Towno10 offers expertise, honesty and emotional intelligence at all levels with complete lack of bias or agenda other than education.

LISTEN: https://t.co/1mnaBecEjh

[Crystal Palace F.C. Academy @CPFCAcademy]

The Players' Voice 🗣️

A @kickitout platform giving young Academy players a voice on their experiences 🤝

The two-part series will be dropping 🔜 on our YouTube channel

#CPFC | @vsrsus

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

The very reason our documentary was created. Football needs to take a long hard look at itself but does it care enough?

The 3 part podcast can be found here https://t.co/zLPuhleyKl with contributions from many within the game, players, parents, staff, gov bodies and many more.

[Daniel Taylor @DTathletic]

Matthew Langton, 20, took his own life after losing his chance to make it as a footballer.

I spoke to his family about his life, their grief and what football needs to learn from his story.

Please read. I’m grateful for their time and trust. 🙏 https://t.co/F6fglmvNnR

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

Where did #CPFC star Ebere Eze learn the art of playing football? #Cages

[𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 MBE @Towno10]

This is NOT a post about Ronaldo.

I’m aware I’ll lose some of you now 😢 but those they stay and understand please share #MentalHealth 💚

[𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 MBE @Towno10]

🕊️🕊️💔

[Armed Forces Spurs Official Supporters Club 🇺🇦 @AF_Spurs_OSC]

@Towno10 @ltWasAllADream_ Beautiful and poignant words 💙

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

@ground_guru @thefootballfam2 @stevenreid12 @loulangdown Horrible that we have to bring this into play but actually it’s unfortunately too truly. More control is needed to bring the game back in order. So anyone can play, coach, support with out fear.

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

@thefootballfam2 @stevenreid12 @loulangdown @ground_guru Later entry into the system can be a real positive for so many reasons. I often thought U14s was a good time but will absolutely accept U12s after transition into senior school.

[The Football Family @thefootballfam2]

@stevenreid12 @loulangdown @ltWasAllADream_ @ground_guru opened our minds to the German model.

Big believer U12’s should remain in teams with friends

There’s a time for structured football, which when delivered right is an amazing environment. In our opinion, timing has a major affect on a child’s innate love of ⚽️

[STEVEN REID @stevenreid12]

@loulangdown @ltWasAllADream_ There’s many that feel that way. Just want to play with their mates, local teams and schools until the time is right for the structured sessions.

[Louis Langdown @loulangdown]

@stevenreid12 @ltWasAllADream_ Fun has to be the aim.. you plsy for the love of it.

Some lads released from academy football actually cite ‘Relief’ as their overriding feeling

Shock horror, not every child wants structured football 5 days a week

[STEVEN REID @stevenreid12]

🙈 I think it stops when the kids are burnt out at 16 falling out of love with football. Too much pressure and professionalism too young.. Not enough fun!!

[Justin Cochrane @JustinCochrane8]

The desire to have their son signed by an academy is causing so many issues. Many kids are over training with multiple teams and a 1 to 1 coach. Parents are paying a lot of money, doing lots of miles and children are being taken from pitch to pitch. Where does it stop? 2/2

[Justin Cochrane @JustinCochrane8]

I took my son football training for his local team last night and I was talking to 2 parents. I was so shocked to hear from both parents that take their sons to football 6 days a week! The boys are 8. The only thing this guarantees is fatigue. 1/2

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

Is there a right time to utilise a Sports Psychologist?

Jamie Carragher did when he was at his best. #ItWasAllADream #Academy #Journey #Carragher #LFC #England #MentalHealth #psychologist #Support

[It Was All A Dream, The Football Academy Journey @ltWasAllADream_]

🗣️ You need to be able to think to allow yourself to be confident, not to be anxious, going into games - Eberechi Eze #CPFC #ItWasAllADream #Academy #Eze #Journey