In this inspiring and down-to-earth interview, we sit down with Imogen Fowler – a rising star in women’s football ⚽🔥, currently playing for Chesterfield Ladies FC.

Imogen takes us back to where it all began – her primary school days, where her passion for football first took root. From playing with the boys at school and bonding over the love of the game, to dominating PE lessons and finding her footing across different sports like netball and badminton, her early years were packed with energy, competition, and a clear drive to stand out 💪.

She opens up about her journey from Derby County’s youth team (U18s) to making a bold move across the world at just 18, accepting a football scholarship in Illinois, USA 🇺🇸. Imogen shares what it was like arriving in the States, living and training as a student and athlete, along with navigating the big differences between UK and US football culture – especially when it comes to scholarships and training intensity.

From the highs of chasing her dream abroad to the challenges of COVID lockdown, she reflects on how the pandemic impacted both her education and her football career, and how she found the strength to push through, complete her studies, and return home to continue doing what she loves most.

Now back in England and playing for Chesterfield Ladies, Imogen’s ambition is laser-focused: become the league’s top goal scorer 🥅⚽ – all while balancing the demands of working at St George’s Park, the home of English football 🏟️.

This episode is packed with candid stories, real talk about women’s football, and a look at what it really takes to follow your dreams – on and off the pitch 🌟

A site for athletes endorsed by Imogen 🌐 www.p3rform.co.uk/

And for more Beyond the Sport podcasts check out all of them here 🌐 www.daviessports.co.uk/sports-podcast

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In this candid and inspiring interview, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Will Bayley – the world’s number 1 ranked Paralympic table tennis player 🏓✨

From being awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours to winning 7 Paralympic medals, Will shares stories that go far beyond the sporting arena. He opens up about his childhood, including how he became an Arsenal fan ❤️⚽ the real difference between ping pong and table tennis, and how sport became his outlet while growing up with a disability.

Will talks honestly about his early struggles, including being diagnosed with blood cancer at just 7 years old, undergoing multiple operations, and navigating school life while dealing with daily challenges. Through it all, his mum was his rock 💪 instilling in him a winning mindset and a relentless drive to succeed.

We follow his journey into table tennis – from his first serious training trip to Beijing, to reaching the Paralympic final in London 2012 in front of a roaring home crowd. He also shares what it was like competing in Rio, how passionate he gets with umpires (maybe a little too passionate), and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Off the table, Will reflects on collecting his MBE and the cheeky antics of his brother at the Palace, meeting Prince William, and how surreal it all felt.

We also get a glimpse into his time on Strictly Come Dancing – only bowing out due to a leg injury, his unexpected love for dancing (despite the two left feet), and how past experiences have always driven him to push boundaries.

Today, Will is based in Brighton, coaching the next generation of table tennis talent, passing on the wisdom, energy, and fighting spirit that have defined his career.

This is a powerful story of resilience, mindset, family, sport, and never giving up – no matter what life throws at you 💯🔥

🌐 https://en.butterfly.tt/ - Will's table tennis shop

Check out our collection of Sports Podcast here: www.daviessports.co.uk/sports-podcast

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In this week's episode, we sit down with Gregg Cropper, better known as Mr Touch Rugby, to explore one of the fastest growing sports in the UK—touch rugby 🏉🔥

Gregg shares his journey over the last decade, from discovering the UK touch rugby scene to founding his own club and representing England 🇬🇧 at the highest level. We talk about where his passion comes from, what makes touch rugby so appealing, and how it offers something for everyone - from tactical gameplay to physical and mental health benefits 💪

Gregg breaks down how trials for the national team come about, what it’s like to play on the international stage 🌍, and what it means to be part of England’s touch rugby setup. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at running his club in Manchester, his coaching work, and how his events company, On The 7 Events (www.onthesevenevents.com/

), is helping grow the sport through exciting, inclusive competitions 🎯🏟️

We also chat about:

Pitch sizes & team formats 📏

Men’s, women’s, and mixed games 👥

Rules of touch rugby vs. traditional rugby ⚖️

Tactical play & positioning 🎯

The sport’s global growth and future 🚀

Gregg reflects on his own sporting roots, the teachers who made an impact, and how school sports shaped his path. He talks about the challenges and rewards of building community-led events and bringing people together through sport 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

If you’re into sport, coaching, or just curious about the rise of touch rugby, this one’s for you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.