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The Grassroots Football Coach
UEFA A Licence Coach Mark 'Rivo' Rivers, and Berks & Bucks FA's, Richard Brant, catch up with local and national football coaches to discuss their journeys, coaching philosophies and personal experiences in the sport. Follow Rivo & Rich as they catch up with old friends, new colleagues and footballing legends, and listen in, as each guest provides their own fascinating insight into football coaching from every level of the game.
The Grassroots Football Coach
Rivo & Rich meet... Per Mertesacker
For this years Christmas Special, Rivo & Rich caught up with Arsenal legend and World Cup Winner Per Mertesacker.
On the pod Per opens up about his early experiences in football and what impact his Dad had on his career. Per speaks of taking opportunities presented to him which led to making his debut for Germany at just 20 years old. Per also shares his historic journey with the national team which ultimately resulted in winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
Per also talks about his wonderful time at Arsenal including winning 3 FA Cups, his current role as Academy Manager at the Gunners and the emerging talent of Bukayo Saka & Emile Smith-Rowe.
There’s also talk of leadership, Arsene Wenger, Santi Cazorla, Fernando Torres, Phillipe Lahm and find out who wins this week’s festive themed feature, “…..and a Partridge in a Per Tree.”
For more information about grassroots football coaching in Berks & Bucks, and the recently launched BBFA Coaches Network, please visit www.berks-bucksfa.com/coaches.
Music and post-production by Darren Fellerdale.