In this episode of the Beyond Football podcast, we dive deep into the intricate world of football, exploring the realities faced by young players in the sport. Our guest, Dr. Chris Platts, brings a wealth of knowledge and research experience, having studied the experiences of footballers at various levels for over 15 years. We kick off the conversation with a light-hearted discussion about the fierce rivalry between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, setting the stage for a broader exploration of football culture. Dr. Platts shares his journey into the world of football research, detailing how his background in sports science and sociology led him to investigate the welfare and educational experiences of young footballers. He emphasises the importance of understanding the social dynamics within football clubs, particularly the hierarchies that can impact players' mental health and overall well-being. Throughout the episode, we discuss the challenges young players face, including the sacrifices they must make in their personal lives and the often harsh realities of being at the bottom of the club hierarchy. Dr. Platts highlights the need for parents and guardians to be aware of these challenges, encouraging open communication and support for their children as they navigate their football careers. We delve into the statistics surrounding player retention and career longevity, revealing that while over half of scholarship players secure some form of professional contract, the journey is fraught with obstacles. By the age of 26, only a small percentage remain in the upper echelons of the sport, with many finding themselves in lower leagues or out of the game entirely. Dr. Platts also addresses the cultural aspects of football, discussing how the hyper-masculine environment can stifle players' voices and discourage them from expressing their true selves. He advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging players to embrace identities beyond football to foster resilience and adaptability in their careers. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the importance of education and awareness in the football community. Dr. Platts emphasises that understanding the realities of the sport can empower players and their families to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and sustainable career in football. Join us for this insightful conversation that not only sheds light on the challenges within the football industry but also offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate the complexities of a career in sport. Whether you're a player, parent, coach, or simply a football enthusiast, this episode is packed with knowledge that can help you go beyond football. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-nwR5edMODelU3OsaVTNA/join ⬇️ REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE TO US ON SPOTIFY HERE ⬇️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondfootball/subscribe REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! The Beyond Football Podcast PART OF EUROPES #1 SPORT SOCIAL PODCAST NETWORK 🧠 Insight to the journeys of Ballers 🚀 Having an Identity Beyond Football®️ 🎙️ @daniel.jinadu @tobisho_ 👨‍💻 @beyondfootball.uk AVAILBLE ON YOUTUBE, SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS AND MOST MAJOR PLATFORMS! 🎙️ SEARCH 'THE BEYOND FOOTBALL PODCAST' FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: ➡️Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/daniel.jinadu/?hl=en ➡️Twitter // https://twitter.com/danieljinadu1 ➡️TikTok // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZS3d6QXF/ CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE 👨🏾‍💻 ➡️https://www.beyondfootball.uk OUR MISSION: To ensure every player has a second Plan A, creating an Identity Beyond Football™️ that is beneficial, necessary, and possible. ​ #BeyondFootball™️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices