From growing up in France to carving out a career in rugby league, Kev Larroyer has never followed the obvious route. After moving to the UK unable to speak or read English, he threw himself into learning the language, studying a degree and navigating the realities of pro sport - leaning on the support of Rugby League Cares when he needed it. When the door to Catapult unexpectedly opened, Kevin backed himself again. Now thriving in sales and returning to university as a guest lecturer.
After coming through the academies at Man United, Man City and Burnley, Ntumba Massanka took a path few footballers choose. Instead of following the well-trodden routes after departing the pro game, he threw himself into his family business, Tshibangz Bakes, while continuing to play part-time - currently turning out for Daisy Hill. From early mornings in the bakery to evenings on the pitch, Ntumba is proving there’s more than one way to create a fulfilling future beyond football.
After coming through the academy system at Leicester City, Hervé Pepé-Ngoma’s early career was hampered by injury. Alongside part-time football, he discovered a new passion in music, turning his love for DJ’ing into a thriving career. Now also supporting League Football Education’s Life Skills programme as a cultural identity mentor, Hervé helps young athletes understand who they are beyond their sport.
After a career in the EFL with Bristol City, Scunthorpe United, Exeter City and Oxford United, and two senior caps for Wales, Christian Ribeiro saw his time in football cut short by injury at just 27. Determined not to stand still, he’s built Performance Property Group - helping players invest smart and secure their futures in the property world, with 180+ deals in seven years. In this episode, Christian shares how he harnessed some of his setbacks on the pitch to achieve success off it.
After progressing through the renowned Crewe Alexandra Academy and following in the footsteps of his father, Dean, Callum Saunders lived out his dream as a pro footballer. But during lockdown, he began building EasyEat with his childhood friend Declan - a raised pet feeder brand promoting healthier eating and better posture for dogs. From humble beginnings in their kitchen to shelves in Pets at Home, for the first time, Callum shares his story.
From captaining Loughborough’s first team to making her senior debut for Great Britain, up-and-coming hockey talent Beth Alexander has her whole career ahead of her. In this episode, she reflects on the key moments that have shaped her athletic journey - from international call-ups to building resilience through injury setbacks - and shares how she’s laying the foundations to thrive off the pitch, as well as on it.
Former Premier League defender Phil Whelan reflects on his unique journey — from studying at university while playing top-flight football, to becoming a teacher, headmaster and now business owner. In this episode, Phil shares the mindset, mentors and moments that shaped his multiple transitions beyond sport.
After 15 years on the pitch, Sam Winnall stepped away from professional football to guide others through the same mental challenges he once faced. Now training as a counsellor, he’s drawing on his own journey to transform athlete support from the inside out.
In this uplifting and thoughtful conversation, Port Vale Women captain, Meg Baldwin, reflects on her journey from the pitch to broadcasting and teaching, how she built confidence in new arenas, and why visibility and opportunity are crucial for the next generation of athletes - especially young women.
After playing for the development squads of Manchester United and Leicester City, Louis Rowley faced the difficult decision to walk away from football and pursue a new path. In this reflective interview, he shares the pressures of stepping outside the game, and how his academic mindset and sporting discipline is helping him navigate life in the boardroom.
After years at the top of his sport, former GB Triple Jumper, Ben Williams OLY, opens up about the uncertainty and challenges of life after athletics. No roadmap. No easy answers. Just the courage to start again and explore new avenues. In this conversation, Ben reflects on the emotional and practical challenges of life after triple jump.
After being released by his boyhood club, Bradford City, Tom Penford faced the brutal reality that many athletes encounter - stepping away from the sport that had shaped his entire identity, with little direction or support. In this honest and reflective conversation, Tom opens up about the emotional and practical challenges that came with leaving football behind and the daunting task of building a new career from scratch.
After making a meteoric rise from Crewe Alexandra to Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, Nick Powell quickly learned that the dream of football at the highest level came with a cost. In this candid conversation with Nick and his wife Emmelia, they reflect on how his love for the game began to fade under the weight of contracts, money and expectations.