On this episode Brad and Toni chat to Ewan McLevy. Ewan is currently playing in the West of Scotland junior league for Troon FC, studying football coach performance and development at Edinburgh Napier and is a coach for the U14's at Kilmarnock FC. Our guest played with Kilmarnock FC's academy for around 8 years. We talk about the highs and lows of academy football, including attending a performance school, making sacrifices and picking up skills that can help you later in life. Unfortunately, Ewan was released in 2020; he provides insight into the challenges that this raised, which was heightened due to the outbreak of the pandemic around this time. Ewan also sheds some light on the junior game, where more and more academy players are being sent out on loan. As our title suggests, we learn about how Ewan rediscovered his love for the game through playing junior football but also through coaching. Ewan's story is one that is extremely relatable to players and we hope that his openness helps to normalise some of the feelings that academy players across the country may experience. Other highlights include the pros and cons of having a strong identity as a footballer, fighting for relegation at Brechin City FC, using psychology within coaching, a trip to Benfica's academy and of course tips for players. Use the chapters function below. Instagram: EwanMcLevy15 Twitter: EwanMcLevy Talking Points Intro and welcome to episode (00:00) Ewan’s experience in sport growing up (2:54) Experiences with wellbeing / psychology as an athlete (7:54) Being released - a challenging transition (11:59) Having a strong identity as a footballer (19:28) Strengths of the academy system in Scotland (23:35) Personal benefits from playing academy football (28:34) Time at Brechin City (30.45) Troon FC and junior football (34:16) Discovering and studying coaching at uni (40:10) Psychology within Ewan’s coaching (43:25) Playing career influencing coaching (49:51) Learning in Benfica (53:22) Looking after well-being (57:45) Tips for academy players (1:01:57) Closing thoughts