Former NRL star Matt Gillett and property expert Paul Merritt share how they’re helping athletes prepare for life after sport through their venture, Merritt Sports. They discuss the financial and personal challenges athletes face when the spotlight fades, why early planning is crucial, and how building wealth through property can change lives. With real success stories, practical advice, and a focus on mentorship, this episode is a must-listen for athletes in any code who want to secure their future.

Former NRL star Matt Gillett and property expert Paul Merritt share how they&rsquo;re helping athletes prepare for life after sport through their venture, Merritt Sports. They discuss the financial and personal challenges athletes face when the spotlight fades, why early planning is crucial, and how building wealth through property can change lives. With real success stories, practical advice, and a focus on mentorship, this episode is a must-listen for athletes in any code who want to secure their future.

Chatting With Merritt Sports: Securing Athletes Futures Beyond The Game

Matt Gillett joins Ray Wood to share his journey from barefoot footy on Bribie Island to representing Queensland and Australia at the highest level. He opens up about his NRL debut with the Broncos, the mentors who shaped him, the shock of early retirement, and how he's now helping the next generation of athletes plan for life beyond sport. A powerful chat on resilience, transition, and giving back.

Matt Gillett joins Ray Wood to share his journey from barefoot footy on Bribie Island to representing Queensland and Australia at the highest level. He opens up about his NRL debut with the Broncos, the mentors who shaped him, the shock of early retirement, and how he's now helping the next generation of athletes plan for life beyond sport. A powerful chat on resilience, transition, and giving back.

From NRL Debut to Life After Footy: Matt Gillett’s Journey

After squandering his opportunity at international rugby, Lachlan Stuart has spent much of his adult life setting himself new challenges. This next one’s a MASSIVE one — Lachie is setting out to do 58 marathons in 58 days across 50 US States and the 8 States and Territory of Australia. He’s raising money for mental awareness, and you can pitch in by either sponsoring or even joining him for one of his runs! Listen into the podcast for an inspirational chat about overcoming imposter syndrome and making your mark on the world.

After squandering his opportunity at international rugby, Lachlan Stuart has spent much of his adult life setting himself new challenges. This next one’s a MASSIVE one — Lachie is setting out to do 58 marathons in 58 days across 50 US States and the 8 States and Territory of Australia. He’s raising money for mental awareness, and you can pitch in by either sponsoring or even joining him for one of his runs! Listen into the podcast for an inspirational chat about overcoming imposter syndrome and making your mark on the world.

58 Marathons in 58 States in 58 Days - Want to Join in? 

Boxing is one of the most physical sports imaginable, but it's also a mental game. For Connor Wallace, injury took him from an unbeaten streak to having to start again. This is a great chat with one of the world's greatest boxers about dealing with injury and finding your burning hunger to get back in the ring after a setback.

Tickets to Connors Fight - https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/tasman-fighters-presents-xmas-cracker-wallace-brisbane-11-12-2024/event/13006166B4018166?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaWCkKrAIMehrX1W216mcmJG4Ib-FuygWdotogD94dCf5WyVHp2lyQrYpk_aem_pZildfGToMnxxyD9keoTyg

Boxing is one of the most physical sports imaginable, but it's also a mental game. For Connor Wallace, injury took him from an unbeaten streak to having to start again. This is a great chat with one of the world's greatest boxers about dealing with injury and finding your burning hunger to get back in the ring after a setback. Tickets to Connors Fight - <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/tasman-fighters-presents-xmas-cracker-wallace-brisbane-11-12-2024/event/13006166B4018166?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaWCkKrAIMehrX1W216mcmJG4Ib-FuygWdotogD94dCf5WyVHp2lyQrYpk_aem_pZildfGToMnxxyD9keoTyg">https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/tasman-fighters-presents-xmas-cracker-wallace-brisbane-11-12-2024/event/13006166B4018166?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaWCkKrAIMehrX1W216mcmJG4Ib-FuygWdotogD94dCf5WyVHp2lyQrYpk_aem_pZildfGToMnxxyD9keoTyg</a>

Coming Back Better From Injury with Connor Wallace

Australia's first FREE football Academy is opening in Brisbane! In this episode, Raymond Wood talks us through the details about what you need to do to be part of this incredible opportunity.

Australia's first FREE football Academy is opening in Brisbane! In this episode, Raymond Wood talks us through the details about what you need to do to be part of this incredible opportunity.

The FREE Euro Football Star Academy is Launching!

How do a few British expats mad about watching sport decide to start a Brisbane outpost of the Barmy Army? We chat with George Gallantree, one of the founders of the ‘Brisbane Barmies’, about turning his lifelong passion for sport into a charity fundraising machine. We talk about George’s lifelong love of football and his bizarre encounters with some big clubs in his younger years — despite knowing pretty early that he wasn’t going to make it as a pro. A great listen about how it’s possible to make ‘being a sports fan’ into a huge and meaningful part of life.

How do a few British expats mad about watching sport decide to start a Brisbane outpost of the Barmy Army? We chat with George Gallantree, one of the founders of the ‘Brisbane Barmies’, about turning his lifelong passion for sport into a charity fundraising machine. We talk about George’s lifelong love of football and his bizarre encounters with some big clubs in his younger years — despite knowing pretty early that he wasn’t going to make it as a pro. A great listen about how it’s possible to make ‘being a sports fan’ into a huge and meaningful part of life.

Brisbane's Barmy Army : Building Community and Charity Through Sport:

We speak to one of our newest recruits about his first few months on the Pro Player Pathway. What pushed him to sign up, what did his match analysis with a Tranmere Rovers coach uncover, and what changes has he already seen in his game? We talk diet, GPS trackers, and what the pathway is for Nathan to come along on European trials next year. Also, a tip for parents to help their kids with their scanning game, and Nathan genuinely surprises Ray with his pick of where he’d like to play in Europe. Tune in!

We speak to one of our newest recruits about his first few months on the Pro Player Pathway. What pushed him to sign up, what did his match analysis with a Tranmere Rovers coach uncover, and what changes has he already seen in his game? We talk diet, GPS trackers, and what the pathway is for Nathan to come along on European trials next year. Also, a tip for parents to help their kids with their scanning game, and Nathan genuinely surprises Ray with his pick of where he’d like to play in Europe. Tune in!

Four Months on the Program: Player Progress Report with Nathan Long

We talk to Liverpool great John Barnes about his young life in Jamaica, and how his love of many sports contributed to making him the player that would one day represent England. We talk about his views on the importance of a long ‘apprenticeship’ before moving to a bigger club, and his experience learning ‘the Liverpool Way’. Also, are we coaching our senior players too much — or should we just let our players, play? Tune in for all this and so much more.

We talk to Liverpool great John Barnes about his young life in Jamaica, and how his love of many sports contributed to making him the player that would one day represent England. We talk about his views on the importance of a long ‘apprenticeship’ before moving to a bigger club, and his experience learning ‘the Liverpool Way’. Also, are we coaching our senior players too much — or should we just let our players, play? Tune in for all this and so much more.

Learning the Liverpool Way: A Sporting Life with John Barnes

What’s your dream for professional football? Lachlan joined our program at the end of ‘23, and he’s got great vision for his footballing future- both on and off the pitch. We speak to Lachie about his time on the program so far and how he’s getting ready for European trials in January. Listen in for a great chat with a young player with a promising future in the beautiful game. 

What’s your dream for professional football? Lachlan joined our program at the end of ‘23, and he’s got great vision for his footballing future- both on and off the pitch. We speak to Lachie about his time on the program so far and how he’s getting ready for European trials in January. Listen in for a great chat with a young player with a promising future in the beautiful game.

Player Feedback Report: Lachlan Olsen

This ep we’re chatting to Kai Henning, one of the players from our program who has made it to the UK and is currently at Stephen Gerrard’s Academy in Liverpool. He tells us about his experience on the Pro Player Pathway Program, his UK tours and trials, and what it’s actually like to live, study, and play at a top academy in the UK- including what it’s like to play in the National Youth League! We love bringing you stories of young players who have done our program and have made it to Europe, so tune in for a great chat.

This ep we’re chatting to Kai Henning, one of the players from our program who has made it to the UK and is currently at Stephen Gerrard’s Academy in Liverpool. He tells us about his experience on the Pro Player Pathway Program, his UK tours and trials, and what it’s actually like to live, study, and play at a top academy in the UK- including what it’s like to play in the National Youth League! We love bringing you stories of young players who have done our program and have made it to Europe, so tune in for a great chat.

Small Tweaks, Big Changes: Academy Life with Kai Henning

With over two decades in professional football, Ray Wood is on a mission to unlock pathways to professional play for aspiring footballers in Australia and beyond. This podcast brings together the finest minds in global football, including current and former players, coaches, managers, and administrators, to tackle one pressing question: "How can you make it as a pro?" Whether you're an aspiring player, or the parent of one, tune in to gain invaluable insights that could set you on the path to football stardom.

With over two decades in professional football, Ray Wood is on a mission to unlock pathways to professional play for aspiring footballers in Australia and beyond. This podcast brings together the finest minds in global football, including current and former players, coaches, managers, and administrators, to tackle one pressing question: "How can you make it as a pro?" Whether you're an aspiring player, or the parent of one, tune in to gain invaluable insights that could set you on the path to football stardom.

Ray Wood is on a mission to unlock pathways to professional play for aspiring footballers.

The Raymond Wood Podcast

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