episode#

22

August Born Birthday? "You will never make it!" Ajax Consultant discusses Relative Age Bias

April 30, 2023

In this episode, we speak to Ajax Consultant Stephen Lawrence, who is also the Father of professional footballer, James Lawrence. We take a deep dive into the disadvantages of being born later as a footballer within the UK.

Listen on:

August Born Birthday? "You will never make it!" Ajax Consultant discusses Relative Age Bias

About this episode

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Lawrence - Ajax Consultant and father of professional footballer James Lawrence - to explore one of the most overlooked factors in youth football development: birth month.

Stephen explains how being born later in the academic year can create hidden disadvantages for young players in the UK system, affecting everything from physical comparisons and early selections to confidence, opportunity, and long-term progression.

In this episode

Why early-born players are often favoured in academies
How late-born players can bridge the gap
The psychological impact of selection bias
What parents and coaches can do to support late-born children
Lessons from Stephen’s journey raising a future professional

This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone working to understand the deeper patterns behind football development.

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Born in August? What a relative age expert wants football parents to know

The key lessons from this episode, written up for parents.

Read the article

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15 year old wonderkid asks to leave Man Utd academy | Youth Football News

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Peter Sturgess - The EX-England Head of Futsal Explains Its Importance In The UK

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47

Richard Allen - Ex Head of England Talent ID explains what English clubs are taught to scout

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MATT JARVIS: Getting Released From Academy at 16 | Project Footballer

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41

Why Birth Month Matters in Football Development Insights from Ajax Consultant Stephen Lawrence

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Episode 5 - Nigel James, father of Chelsea footballers Reece James and Lauren James tells us what he did to help his children make it

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28

David Horrocks: "AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance”

David Horrocks: "AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance”

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28

Homeschooling is giving players a huge advantage to go pro

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27

Is your child’s speed predetermined by genetics?

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26

AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance

AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance

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25

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24

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24

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23

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21

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The Panel Answers Your Football Questions!

The Panel Answers Your Football Questions!

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18

Sonny Pike: The Greatest Footballer That Never Was "My father and I have never spoken since"

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How to develop a winning mentality for your child! We speak to top football sports phyciologist

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16

Discussing the NEW changes to academy football!

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15

The player who turned down a pro football contract to go to Harvard

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14

Why England aren't producing controlling midfielders

Why England aren't producing controlling midfielders

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1:17:41

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12

One of the world's top sports lawyers dispels the myths about agents working with academy players

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12

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11

Social Media in Youth Football. What are the benefits and the dangers?

Social Media in Youth Football. What are the benefits and the dangers?

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1:08:30

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10

How much can technique improve? We hear from Isa - The Technical Trainer

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9

How important is athleticism in football? Academy Scouts discuss!

How important is athleticism in football? Academy Scouts discuss!

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8

Jamie Redknapp: "I was playing football with pros from as early as I can remember"

Jamie Redknapp: "I was playing football with pros from as early as I can remember"

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7

Ethan Pinnock: I went from being paid £30 per week to the Premier League.

Ethan Pinnock: I went from being paid £30 per week to the Premier League.

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1:25:13

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6

Jamie Mackie tells us how he went from Sunday League to the Premier League

Jamie Mackie tells us how he went from Sunday League to the Premier League

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5

The father of Reece James & Lauren James tells us how they made it to the top

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1:39:22

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4

Arsenal Legend Paul Merson talks about his U7 child in Academy Football

Arsenal Legend Paul Merson talks about his U7 child in Academy Football

Ex-England and Arsenal player Paul Merson talks about his own journey and how his young son's academy journey compares.

1:20:49

11/9/21

3

Coach Danny Edwards talks about his child's journey into academy football

Coach Danny Edwards talks about his child's journey into academy football

Danny Edwards gives us a brilliant insight into what he does with his son to help him achieve football success. Danny also reflects on what he would do differently if he had the chance. He tells us what he has learned from his time in academy football.

1:03:54

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2

Perry Mitchel talks about his son signing for Chelsea U9's

Perry Mitchel talks about his son signing for Chelsea U9's

Perry Mitchel talks about his son signing for Chelsea's U9s, and the routines and commitment his family has built around his football.

1:23:54

11/7/21

1

Footballer Darius Charles talks about his son's journey into Football

Footballer Darius Charles talks about his son's journey into Football

Former Wycombe Wanderers captain Darius Charles on how he supports his son through academy football.

56:08

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