Whether you’re a friend of mine or not, anyone reading this that feels speaking with someone may help a situation they find themselves in, please know I’d always be happy to listen and offer advice if wanted. Also, be nice to people, you never know what someone is dealing with.

Two questions shaped my coaching this season… How do I build more tactical autonomy? How do I prepare players for the emotional demands of competition? This session explored both — giving tactical leaders ownership and players responsibility to solve problems themselves.

This month, Under-21s forwards Yusuf Ahmed & Zaid Betteka led classroom sessions and Q&As for younger Academy players on what Ramadan is, as well as what it means to them as Muslim footballers. 💙

Louie Rea with his @LFEonline Goal of the Month Award. 🔥

🎙️ Really enjoyed jumping on @tactica1thinker podcast to discuss all things player development with a specific slant on the role of the U21 Coach in the development path of a player. Ross provides a nice space for his guests to reflect and share their thoughts, have a listen 👌🏻

New squad number added. #️⃣4️⃣4️⃣ Keep impressing, Aurelien. 👊

A first matchday squad for scholar Aurelien Guernier. 👏 Baller. 👊

A battling Blues performance prevents Man Utd going top of Premier League 2. 💪 Well played, lads!

Really looking forward to joining Ross on the @tactica1thinker podcast 🎙️

Attacking with speed and intent. 😤 Our U21s put four past Middlesbrough on Monday, and go again tomorrow night against Man Utd!

To any young kid reading this… I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in. Ryman Prem. Conference South. League Two. League One. Championship… And even right before my first Premier League start last night. That’s not weakness. That’s being human. That’s being alive. When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman. Like they never felt doubt. Like they never felt nerves. The truth is…. it’s often the opposite. Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok! You now have to then step out there with courage. Confidence feels good. Courage doesn’t. But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence. Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years. When it goes well: I worked for it. I earned it. Well done. Watch it back. Get better. When it doesn’t: I know I prepared the best I could. It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football. But Well done. Watch it back. Get better. That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night. Leading the team out. Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball. Celebrates tackles. Gives everything for the city of Sunderland. And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One. So if you’re a young player feeling doubt… Low confidence… Or like you don’t believe in yourself… You’re not alone. Every player feels it. Confidence isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you build. Bit by bit. Day by day. With courage. With work. With learning. Anything worth building takes time. But that’s what makes it so worthwhile! Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍

"We will always believe in young people in this Academy." 🗣️ Danny Barham and the U21s after a 4-1 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside. 💙

KRO 💙

What. A. Performance. 🤩 #BCFCu21

Credit to all the staff at @BHAFC_Academy and the match officials today @premierleague 💙

Cameron Eubank has joined Maidenhead United until the end of the season. 🤝 Best of luck, Cam! 👊

Danny Barham focuses on the positives despite defeat to Spurs this afternoon. 🎙️ We go again against Chelsea on Friday. 👊 #BCFCu21

"I'm really really proud of all of them." 🎙️ Danny Barham shares his thoughts on tonight's comeback against Aston Villa! #BCFCu21

MAN OF THE MATCH: Sporting MOTMs at this season's away games are being chosen by our superb fans. Picking yesterday was fan and dad of our assistant manager Leon Broadhurst, Kev - he chose George Wynne on his first start! George is sponsored by Tim Reeb! 🇺🇲 Love it George 👊

⚽️ Back in August, Ben Wodskou scored the winner for @YTFC in their 2-1 win over @BrackleyTownFC Today, Ben Wodskou scored the winner for @BrackleyTownFC in their 2-1 win over @YTFC …what did Jimmy Greaves say about football? Has this happened before? @NL_Enterprise

a @premierleague debut for @romelle49 unbelievably proud and so happy for him and his family - @BCFCAcademy 💙