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To mark Black History Month 2022, this special episode of The Grassroots Football Coach is dedicated to celebrating Black History Month. Black History Month is a national celebration which aims to promote and celebrate achievements by Black people and their contributions to the British society. First celebrated in this 1987, this year marks the 35th anniversary with this years theme being; "Time for Change: Action Not Words". On the pod, Rivo & Rich talk about Black History Month with Rivo sharing his journey and passion for change. We will also hear from previous guests including Mikele Leigertwood, Paul Davis, Michael Gilkes & Emmerson Boyce celebrating their successes including league title wins and FA Cup victories.

To mark World Mental Health Day 2022, this special episode of The Grassroots Football Coach listens back at clips from our previous Mental Health episodes. On the pod, we hear from Jason McMahon, Manisha Tailor MBE, Marvin Sordell, Cara Ostryn, Martin Sinclair & Martin McCloskey who all shared their own experiences of mental health. You will also hear about Berks & Bucks FA's "Pedal to the Metal" challenge to raise awareness of mental health and funds for our new charity partner, Sport in Mind. The team at BBFA are cycling 185 miles in 12 hours. The number is significant because last year, the office of national statistics registered 185 suicide deaths across local authorities in our region. Sport in Mind is the UK's leading mental health sports charity. Their mission is to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport & physical activity.  To date, they have supported the recovery of over 15,000 people through their physical activity programmes, and the money you raise will help support them to reach more people and provide more programmes for adults and children across our region and beyond.To show your support and donate to Sport in Mind, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bbfa-simTo find out more about Sport in Mind, please follow them on social media via @sportinmind or visit their website www.sportinmind.org for more information and support.Caution Advised - This episode contains sensitive material, with references to bereavement, which some listeners may find difficult to listen to.Need support? The Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.orgMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

In the final episode of Series 6, Rivo & Rich week caught up with recently qualified UEFA B coach, Sukh Hunjan. On the pod, Sukh takes us on a journey from his playing days to the present day and his role as a Coach. Coinciding with South Asian Heritage month, he also discusses his personal experiences in the game, the barriers he has faced, his current role models in the game and what support is available.Sukh also shares his positive experiences with Coaches throughout his journey and why these encounters led him on a path into coaching alongside teaching.Plus, to celebrate the Lionesses' superb victory in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 we spend time discussing what this incredible achievement means, not just for Women’s football, but for sport in general - there's also pre-match thoughts from fans and wild celebrations following the final whistle, live from Wembley Stadium!For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

This week, marking the 50th episode of the podcast, Rivo & Rich caught up with West Ham United legend, Tony Carr MBE.In this episode, Tony shares his journey in the beautiful game. From his early playing days (which were cut short by injury) to turning his attention to coaching. Tony provides a fantastic insight into an incredible 43-year career at the same Club and gives us a fascinating in-depth look into the famous 'West Ham Way'.He also shares some brilliant stories of players he has helped through the years including, Paul Ince, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Mark Noble and Declan Rice.  All who have gone on to have fabulous careers at the top level.Tony also talks about his new book 'Tony Carr; A Lifetime in Football at West Ham United' and we find out if Rivo can recover from his first L in this week’s quiz! For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

This week, Rivo & Rich caught up with Maidenhead Utd First Team coach, Aaron O’Brien.In this episode, Aaron shares his journey from his early experiences playing to the present day where he is coaching at his hometown club. He also offers great insight into the weekly routine of a National League Club match analysis, match preparation and much more!Aaron also talks about the difference between National League and grassroots football and how much importance and pressure there is to compete with fully professional sides. Aaron also shares his day job and the development of the academy.There's also talk of Leeds Utd, Ryan Reynolds, and Rob McElhenney & we find out if Rivo can continue his undefeated streak in this week’s quiz! For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

This week, Rivo & Rich catch up with the MK Warriors, UEFA B Licenced Coach, Elijah Bada. In this episode, Elijah shares his journey from growing up in Brixton, South London before moving to Milton Keynes and his first experiences of football. Elijah opens up about his personal experiences which ultimately led to him taking up coaching from which he hasn’t looked back since.Elijah also talks about the importance his mother played in his upbringing and how that has shaped his values as a coach and as a human being.There's also talk of Klopp, Pep, and roundabouts and we find out if Elijah was able to defeat Rivo in this week’s quiz. For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

This week, our dynamic duo, Rivo & Rich caught up with the brilliant, Sarah Davern. In this episode, Sarah shares her fantastic journey in the game. From her first experiences of grassroots football right up to the present day and playing for Ascot United. She talks in detail about her experiences playing mixed football and the differences she noticed once she joined the Reading FC Girls' Academy. Sarah also discusses her coaching journey, from starting out in her teens with Reading Community Trust before going on to set up and develop her own coaching company at the age of just 21, through to establishing it over the last decade and still finding the time to coach two local grassroots teams.Sarah also talks about modelling her free-kicks on David Beckham, her “beat the sun up” routine, her early entrepreneur skills at school, her friendship with Lioness Fran Kirby and owning the world’s most powerful water gun!For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 6 of the award-winning podcast. The duo are joined by special guest, Grant Downie OBE, to help them kick off the new season!In this episode, Grant shares his incredible journey from his early days at the NHS all the way to the present day as a Consultant in medical & performance solutions in elite sports & industry. Grant gives us his thoughts on player ownership, positive vulnerability, embracing diversity, investing time in your players and the importance of mental health. He also provides insight into what it was like to receive his OBE in 2013.There are also tales from his time at Rangers, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, The FA & the Premier League and talk of his friendships with Gareth Southgate and the late, Walter Smith. For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

To support Mental Health Awareness Week, this special episode of The Grassroots Football Coach features our hosts Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant discussing their own mental health experiences. The theme of the week is loneliness, and together, Rivo and Rich talk openly about their own experiences and discuss the impact loneliness can have on individuals.Caution Advised - This episode contains sensitive material, with references to bereavement, which some listeners may find difficult to listen to.Need support? The Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.orgMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

For this years Christmas Special, Rivo & Rich caught up with Arsenal legend and World Cup Winner Per Mertesacker. On the pod Per opens up about his early experiences in football and what impact his Dad had on his career. Per speaks of taking opportunities presented to him which led to making his debut for Germany at just 20 years old. Per also shares his historic journey with the national team which ultimately resulted in winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014. Per also talks about his wonderful time at Arsenal including winning 3 FA Cups, his current role as Academy Manager at the Gunners and the emerging talent of Bukayo Saka & Emile Smith-Rowe. There’s also talk of leadership, Arsene Wenger, Santi Cazorla, Fernando Torres, Phillipe Lahm and find out who wins this week’s festive themed feature, “…..and a Partridge in a Per Tree.”  For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Rivo & Rich caught up with FA Tutor and UK Coaching’s Adam Colley.In this episode, Adam shares his journey from his early playing days and coaching experiences. He talks about his positive attitude and his determination to continue developing as a coach which he believes has led him to the roles he is in today.Adam also talks about the social and personable skills which are important as a coach. There’s also talk of multiple sports, the different ways to learn and Craig David. Plus, will Rivo break his duck in this week’s feature, “Can you Adam & Eve it”For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Rivo & Rich caught up with MK Dons SET, Women’s Participation Officer, Ellie Reid. In this episode, Ellie shares her experiences as a young player in grassroots football and reflects on the resilience she has gained as a result. She provides an insight into the journey that has since led her to her current role at MK Dons SET. Ellie talks in-depth about a recent project she led highlighting the 50 lost years of the female game in this country and the huge strides female football has made in the last 50 years. There’s also talk of next year’s UEFA Women’s EUROs and The FA & BBFA Youth Councils before we put Ellie to the test in the first (and last) game of 'FamEllie' Fortunes.For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

In this episode, Rivo & Rich caught up with Oxford Utd U14 Girls' Head Coach and former colleague, Ellen Hopkins.On the pod, Ellen shares her journey from youth player, to coaching in the USA, and to becoming a UEFA B licenced Coach. She talks fondly of her experience across the pond and reflects on where she is now in her career and her various coaching roles. Always on the go, Ellen also explains how her car has transformed into a wardrobe!... For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark ”Rivo” Rivers & Richard Brant are back with Series 5 of The Grassroots Football Coach podcast.This week, Rivo & Rich caught up with local grassroots coach, Jay Lovejoy. In this episode, Jay shares his experiences as a grassroots coach, discussing the importance of the social and psychological on young players plus transferrable skills of other sports and what role they can play in a player's development.For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.This episode is in memory of Kyle Rivers.

Mark ”Rivo” Rivers & Richard Brant caught up with Mickey McCloskey for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.Mickey, Plymouth Argyle’s Community Trust Health & Disability Officer, shares his journey from growing up in Glasgow to his life-changing move to Plymouth and the impact his personal experiences of Mental Health had on his life.Caution advised - This episode contains sensitive material with references to drug/alcohol abuse, gambling, violence and criminal activity, which some listeners may find difficult to listen to.Need support? The Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.orgMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant revisit some of the best clips, interviews and discussions from a summer packed full of unmissable content.In this episode, we head back to May 2020 when Rivo caught up with QPR Techincal Director Chris Ramsey MBE. On the pod, Chris talks about his playing career before moving into coaching and hear Chris speak about his current role at QPR and thoughts on the coaching philosophy. Also this week, we listen back to Rich chat with FA Affiliate tutors Mick Lewin & Mitch Woodward about the Euro 96 classic England vs Holland the tournament in general. For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coachesMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant revisit some of the best clips, interviews and discussions from a summer packed full of unmissable content.In this episode, we head back to June 2020 when Rich caught up with Graeme Carrick, The FA's National Lead for the Youth Development Phase. On the pod, Graeme talks about his early playing career at West Ham Utd before moving into coaching at an early age with Newcastle Utd's Academy and also discusses The FA Youth Development Phase in more detail.Also this week, we listen back to an episode of 'The Panel' where our team of tutors, coaches and ex-pros debate a “Premier League All-Time XI” with a few notable shock inclusions and exclusions! For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coachesMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant revisit some of the best clips, interviews and discussions from a summer packed full of unmissable content.In this episode, we head back to May 2020 when Sally Needham, FA Affiliate Tutor, shared her coaching experiences and journey. Sally also talked to us about the Polyvagal Theory and the importance it can have on young children's development. Also featuring in this podcast, we listen back to an episode of 'The Panel' from June 2020 where our panel of tutors, coaches and ex-pros debated the “Best Combined XI - Manchester United 99’ Treble Winners vs Arsenal 2004 Invincibles”.For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coachesMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant revisit some of the best clips, interviews and discussions from a summer packed full of unmissable content.In this episode, we give grassroots coaches an early Christmas present as we head back to May 2020 to relive a brilliant from Pete Sturgess, The FA's Technical Lead for the Foundation Phase (5-11-year-olds).Listen back to this brilliant interview with Pete as he talks about where his own coaching journey began and offers some top advice, hints and tips for all grassroots coaches. For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coachesMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.

Mark 'Rivo' Rivers & Richard Brant revisit some of the best clips, interviews and discussions from a summer packed full of unmissable content.In this episode, we head back to May 2020 when Andy Ritchie, FA Affiliate Tutor, shared his coaching experiences and insight into the fantastic careers of Theo Walcott & Gareth Bale’s whilst at Southampton Academy. In the second part of the episode, we rewind to July 2020 and an episode of 'The Panel' where special guest Emmerson Boyce joined our hosts and grassroots coaches Jay Lovejoy & Elliot Rushforth to debate the topic of “Messi vs Ronaldo”...For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coachesMusic and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.