Playground to Premiership https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com
Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on development of young players in the game today.]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:13:14 +0100 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Sports:Soccer 1440 episodic Ex-pro footballers talk about the highs and lows of a career in football, and give advice to young players and their families. The Circle Media / ACE Academy The Circle Media / ACE Academy No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12304090/P2P_Linkedin_Logo_v363km3.png Playground to Premiership https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com 144 144 Matt Le Tissier; 'Le God' from Guernsey Matt Le Tissier; 'Le God' from Guernsey https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/matt-le-tissier-le-god-from-guernsey/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/matt-le-tissier-le-god-from-guernsey/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:13:14 +0100 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/751207a7-9ec3-359e-aaeb-b7c4e18542fc Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier talks to Wayne Thomas about his footballing journey, starting on the Channel Island of Guernsey and how he became the first midfielder to score 100 Premier League goals, his limited chances for England, and his thoughts on our chances in the 2026 World Cup.

Matt also gives his thoughts on 'Spygate', Southampton's unprecedented expulsion from the 2026 Championship play-off final.

In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters.

Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today.

 

View the full video episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/ZmLLrGSsc5w

Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com

Visit ACE Academy - https://footballaceacademy.com

 

]]> Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier talks to Wayne Thomas about his footballing journey, starting on the Channel Island of Guernsey and how he became the first midfielder to score 100 Premier League goals, his limited chances for England, and his thoughts on our chances in the 2026 World Cup.

Matt also gives his thoughts on 'Spygate', Southampton's unprecedented expulsion from the 2026 Championship play-off final.

In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters.

Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today.

 

View the full video episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/ZmLLrGSsc5w

Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com

Visit ACE Academy - https://footballaceacademy.com

 

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 3775 12 full Playground to Premiership | Steve Hayward Playground to Premiership | Steve Hayward https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-steve-hayward/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-steve-hayward/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:11:37 +0000 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/9707a480-d5cf-3dd6-8302-a67b0b99581b In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas sits down with former midfielder Steve Hayward to trace a career defined by promotion battles, Wembley wins, and the dawn of a new era at Fulham. Steve opens up about his early days at Derby County and the pivotal move to Carlisle United, where he became a key figure in the club’s mid-90s resurgence. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1997 Football League Trophy win and his eventual move to Fulham, where he played under Kevin Keegan during the club’s meteoric rise through the divisions. We also shift focus to the modern game and the next generation. As the father of Vinnie Hayward—who recently signed for Aston Villa—Steve provides a unique perspective on navigating the academy system as both a professional and a parent.

]]> In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas sits down with former midfielder Steve Hayward to trace a career defined by promotion battles, Wembley wins, and the dawn of a new era at Fulham. Steve opens up about his early days at Derby County and the pivotal move to Carlisle United, where he became a key figure in the club’s mid-90s resurgence. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1997 Football League Trophy win and his eventual move to Fulham, where he played under Kevin Keegan during the club’s meteoric rise through the divisions. We also shift focus to the modern game and the next generation. As the father of Vinnie Hayward—who recently signed for Aston Villa—Steve provides a unique perspective on navigating the academy system as both a professional and a parent.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 4866 11 full Playground to Premiership | Martin O'Connor Playground to Premiership | Martin O'Connor https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-martin-oconnor/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-martin-oconnor/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:55:00 +0000 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/ec02a2f8-fd36-3471-a368-37c211971d1b Former Birmingham City and Walsall captain Martin O’Connor joins Wayne Thomas on Playground to Premiership to reflect on his impressive footballing journey, from developing as a young player to fulfilling his dream of playing for his boyhood club. Martin shares the key moments that shaped his pathway into the professional game, his rise into leadership roles, and what it meant to captain Birmingham City — including the unforgettable experience of featuring in a League Cup Final. He also discusses his playing and leadership styles, the demands of the modern game, and offers valuable advice for young players working their way through their own development journey. A fascinating insight into football, leadership, and progression to the highest level.

]]> Former Birmingham City and Walsall captain Martin O’Connor joins Wayne Thomas on Playground to Premiership to reflect on his impressive footballing journey, from developing as a young player to fulfilling his dream of playing for his boyhood club. Martin shares the key moments that shaped his pathway into the professional game, his rise into leadership roles, and what it meant to captain Birmingham City — including the unforgettable experience of featuring in a League Cup Final. He also discusses his playing and leadership styles, the demands of the modern game, and offers valuable advice for young players working their way through their own development journey. A fascinating insight into football, leadership, and progression to the highest level.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 3841 10 full Keith Gillespie PART 2 - Playground to Premiership Keith Gillespie PART 2 - Playground to Premiership https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/keith-gillespie-part-2-playground-to-premiership/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/keith-gillespie-part-2-playground-to-premiership/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:30:00 +0000 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/9f58680e-d174-3846-af52-c52dc8ef94ae Part TWO of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 1 on our main show page. Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today, and reveals his all-time team-mates 5-a-side team! With 86 caps for Northern Ireland and a career spanning over two decades, Keith offers fascinating insights into the game, both past and present.

]]> Part TWO of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 1 on our main show page.

Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today, and reveals his all-time team-mates 5-a-side team! With 86 caps for Northern Ireland and a career spanning over two decades, Keith offers fascinating insights into the game, both past and present.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 2347 9 full Keith Gillespie PART 1 - Playground to Premiership Keith Gillespie PART 1 - Playground to Premiership https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/keith-gillespie-part-1-playground-to-premiership/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/keith-gillespie-part-1-playground-to-premiership/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/568968da-b85f-3b90-a0b4-36fa11769ac1 Part ONE of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 2 on our main show page. Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today, and reveals his all-time team-mates 5-a-side team! With 86 caps for Northern Ireland and a career spanning over two decades, Keith offers fascinating insights into the game, both past and present.

]]> Part ONE of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 2 on our main show page.

Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today, and reveals his all-time team-mates 5-a-side team! With 86 caps for Northern Ireland and a career spanning over two decades, Keith offers fascinating insights into the game, both past and present.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 2879 8 full Playground to Premiership | James Morrison Playground to Premiership | James Morrison https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-james-morrison/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-james-morrison/#comments Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:42:07 +0000 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/f8ba12c3-911c-3f8a-a81c-d27e7e99ca36 West Bromwich Albion legend, 46-cap Scotland international, former Middlesborough midfielder James Morrison talks to Wayne Thomas about his journey into football, his thoughts on young players in the game today and names his all-time team-mates 5 a side team!

]]> West Bromwich Albion legend, 46-cap Scotland international, former Middlesborough midfielder James Morrison talks to Wayne Thomas about his journey into football, his thoughts on young players in the game today and names his all-time team-mates 5 a side team!

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 3696 7 full Playground to Premiership | Bonus Compilation Episode Playground to Premiership | Bonus Compilation Episode https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-bonus-compilation-episode/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-bonus-compilation-episode/#comments Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:54:15 +0000 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/099d64b7-ebff-30d9-9d3c-8ad62b7de4ab 2024 has been a great start for Playground to Premiership, with 5 episodes recorded to date. Host Wayne has been busy since the birth of his son in November, so we thought we'd bring you this bonus episode featuring clips from all five episodes so far, featurinf Stephen Cooke, Jimmy Walker, Ade Viveash, Mick Halsall, and Nathan Cantrill.

]]> 2024 has been a great start for Playground to Premiership, with 5 episodes recorded to date. Host Wayne has been busy since the birth of his son in November, so we thought we'd bring you this bonus episode featuring clips from all five episodes so far, featurinf Stephen Cooke, Jimmy Walker, Ade Viveash, Mick Halsall, and Nathan Cantrill.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 1833 6 full Playground to Premiership | Nathan Cantrill Playground to Premiership | Nathan Cantrill https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-nathan-cantrill/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-nathan-cantrill/#comments Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:45:00 +0100 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/fdd785c7-a12a-3425-8443-3ee2911af90b Nathan Cantrill is Head of Foundation Phase at Premier League club Nottingham Forest, leading on the development of the club's 7-12 year olds. Nathan has a wealth of experience in youth development and coaching, having held positions as FP Lead and u18 development coach at Mansfield Town, Pre-Academy lead coach Doncaster Rovers, and is also passionate about Futsal, having been Academy Manager at London Helvecia Futsal club, and Futsal lead at Chesterfield FC. Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com/ Listen to the Playground to Premiership Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

]]> Nathan Cantrill is Head of Foundation Phase at Premier League club Nottingham Forest, leading on the development of the club's 7-12 year olds. Nathan has a wealth of experience in youth development and coaching, having held positions as FP Lead and u18 development coach at Mansfield Town, Pre-Academy lead coach Doncaster Rovers, and is also passionate about Futsal, having been Academy Manager at London Helvecia Futsal club, and Futsal lead at Chesterfield FC.

Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com/ Listen to the Playground to Premiership Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 3774 5 full Playground to Premiership | Mick Halsall Playground to Premiership | Mick Halsall https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-mick-halsall/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-mick-halsall/#comments Fri, 27 Sep 2024 10:12:13 +0100 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/c656d466-eeb5-31ac-b2f0-2f35269bdddf In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Mick Halsall talks about what it takes to be a top player, including hard work and developing technique. Mick also picks his all-time 5-a-side team, featuring players he coached along their journey to professional football.

]]> In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Mick Halsall talks about what it takes to be a top player, including hard work and developing technique.

Mick also picks his all-time 5-a-side team, featuring players he coached along their journey to professional football.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 4174 4 full Playground to Premiership | Adi Viveash Playground to Premiership | Adi Viveash https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-adi-viveash/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-adi-viveash/#comments Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:55:00 +0100 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/7112e9e0-29b7-3d4b-9895-7756c8bd1482 In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas talks to former Chelsea Under 18 and Under 21 Manager and Coventry City Assistant Manager to Adi Viveash about his experiences in developing some of Englands brightest talents, his playing days as a Swindon Town, Walsall and Reading player, and his advice to parents and coaches of young players today. In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters. Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today. Visit the Playground to Premiership Podbean page - https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/ Listen to the Playground to Premiership Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

Playground to Premiership ]]> In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas talks to former Chelsea Under 18 and Under 21 Manager and Coventry City Assistant Manager to Adi Viveash about his experiences in developing some of Englands brightest talents, his playing days as a Swindon Town, Walsall and Reading player, and his advice to parents and coaches of young players today.

In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters. Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today.

Visit the Playground to Premiership Podbean page - https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/ Listen to the Playground to Premiership Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

Playground to Premiership ]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 4305 3 full Playground to Premiership | Jimmy Walker Playground to Premiership | Jimmy Walker https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-episode-001-jimmy-walker/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-episode-001-jimmy-walker/#comments Mon, 20 May 2024 19:54:01 +0100 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/9d4c0a3b-2d29-3e45-ba61-377a4d1472d3 Jimmy Walker holds the all time appearance record for Walsall Football Club, and went on to sign for West Ham United in 2004. After a spell at Tottenham Hotspur he went on to coach at several clubs. Jimmy talks to Wayne Thomas about his career path, the highs and lows, and gives his advice to young players starting out on their journey from playground to premiership.

]]> Jimmy Walker holds the all time appearance record for Walsall Football Club, and went on to sign for West Ham United in 2004. After a spell at Tottenham Hotspur he went on to coach at several clubs. Jimmy talks to Wayne Thomas about his career path, the highs and lows, and gives his advice to young players starting out on their journey from playground to premiership.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 4577 1 1 full Playground to Premiership | Stephen Cooke Playground to Premiership | Stephen Cooke https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-stephen-cooke/ https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e/playground-to-premiership-stephen-cooke/#comments Wed, 01 May 2024 15:06:07 +0100 playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/e6caa822-9c8f-39d3-a062-f6baba4f7ef3 Stephen Cooke, former Manchester United & Aston Villa player and Lilleshall graduate speaks to ACE Academy's Wayne Thomas. Stephen discusses rising through the English football system, being wanted by the best at a tender age and his thoughts on developing young players in his coaching role today. Stephen also picks his dream 5-a-side team of players he was lucky enough to call friends and teammates during his development.

]]> Stephen Cooke, former Manchester United & Aston Villa player and Lilleshall graduate speaks to ACE Academy's Wayne Thomas. Stephen discusses rising through the English football system, being wanted by the best at a tender age and his thoughts on developing young players in his coaching role today.

Stephen also picks his dream 5-a-side team of players he was lucky enough to call friends and teammates during his development.

]]> The Circle Media / ACE Academy false No 3758 2 full