#JustTalk - Grassroots football stories

Another week, another grassroots legend. This time, Rob and Anees are joined by Clapton CFC Manager, Geoff Ocran, to bring episode 21 of #JustTalk. From being a fan favourite as a player, to managing the team he once captained... Geoff is the man at the helm of a club with a phenomal grassroots story of their own. Just how does Geoff deal with the weight of managing a team with 100s of Clapton CFC fans in attendance every home game, and 1000s following the team worldwide? It seems like Geoff doesn't just "deal with it" but he thrives as he talks of the important club values and a changing culture in grassrotos football that puts other priorities ahead of the game itself. It's amazing to hear how the community work of Clapton CFC inspires Geoff in his role has manager, something he has taken to his league and cup winning double-winning manager's role with church-league side, ANM FC, to new heights too. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), @robert_crane93 (Instagram) Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) Geoff: @mr_ocran (Twitter and Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Rob and... wait what? No Anees this week. Rob is on his own as he returns from a busy period at work to serve up episode 20 of #JustTalk. This time we invite Alam Zaman, professional sports photographer on to the show to talk to him about his work in grassroots football. Just what inspired Alam to get involved in sports photography? From being a participant in sport growing up, he realised as he grew older that there were no pictures of him playing sport. He had an idea to do it for others and followed a passion from 2007 to get shots of people in action in grassroots football. It's amazing to hear Alam speaking about giving a service that makes people playing football feel great when they see pictures of themselves playing. What a unique perspective on grassroots football and a conversation about the power of the photograph in the game we love to play. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), @robert_crane93 (Instagram) Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) Alam: @360fisheye (Twitter), @azimages7345 (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

It's episode 3 of the #JustTalk season and we invite April McGrath to give her Grassroots story to Rob and Anees. She first came on board the City East management team to help with the admin side of things but now she is the first aider, kit washer, and more recently joined the Hackney and Leyton Football League management committee. Her story is one of a fired up City East side on their way to success but a side the values the love of the game more than the win itself. As one of the few female volunteers visible on a Sunday morning at Hackney Marshes, April talks of the respect she has for many clubs and her enjoyment of the inclusive atmosphere she revels in. Despite the disappointment of not completing the last 2 seasons due to covid, City East look a sure bet to finish as league champions and be promoted to the Premier Division. However, the story of April and City East is all about enjoyment. Taking a love for the game onto a pitch you can leave all other troubles behind. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) - Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), @robert_crane93 (Instagram) - Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) - April: @cefcsecretary (Twitter), @aprilmcgrath1989 (Instagram) - #CSM #JustTalk

Season 3 of #JustTalk continues this week, with Aaron Hunwicks to give his Grassroots story to Rob and Anees! His Chadwell Heath Spartans side are a league rival of our own CSM London, but such is the relationship between the two clubs, we'll be cheering them on in a nailbiting title deciding run in for the Essex Alliance League Senior Division title. Aaron's Grassroots story is one of family, commitment, and motivation to be both a player and manager of this new football club. Having founded the club with family members, the Hunwicks continue to push the Spartans up the league ladder having reached Step 7 status earlier this season. They are not resting there though. Aaron dreams of seeing the Spartans enter the non-league realms of Step 6 and Step 5 football where he once played. And it was from the frustrations he felt at that level, where his determination to succeed with his own club was born. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) - Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), @robert_crane93 (Instagram) - Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) - Aaron: @1_hunz (Twitter and Instagram - #CSM #JustTalk

We kick off Season 3 of #JustTalk with Maamoon Khan to give his Grassroots story! Someone who has played with, been coached by, and played against our chief host, Rob, and his new co-host, Anees! This story goes back to his semi-professional playing days with London APSA and Sporting Bengal where Maamoon tasted both the highs and lows of playing. But such is his positive attitude, he always made himself a person to want to be around. That trait has made him such a well-loved team member for his current Saturday side, FC Baresi, and Sunday side, East London Celtics. Maamoon tells us how playing with his brother is a big motivator and that feeling of a community-family setup is so important in making him love the game he has been playing for so long. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), @robert_crane93 (Instagram) Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) Maamoon: @MrMk_PE (Twitter), @thenamesmk (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

We are back! This preview episode sees the return of our Grassroots Stories with host Rob, but he returns with a co-host... Anees! They chat about what they are looking forward to in Season 3 and what they have been up to in the break. Season 3 is back underway so stay tuned for a Monday 6.30pm drop of episode 17 of #JustTalk! CONTACT Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), @robert_crane93 (Instagram) Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Host Rob is joined by CSM London FC chairman Anees Ikramullah to recap their favourite parts of Season 2. We have been able to host some wonderful guests who given their Grassroots Stories from the perspective of being a chairperson, fan, media volunteer, coach, and player. Such an amazing range of guests and we'll be looking to host another diverse set of individuals to share their Grassroots Stories in Season 3, which we'll look to kick off in time for the 2021-22 season. Thank you to Danny Owens, Nikhil Saglani, Tom Taylor, Daniel Merrix, Chris Knight, Nojeem "Jay Agbossa", Anees Ikramullah and William Brobby who joined us for Season 2. And of course, thank you to host Rob Crane for another fantastic Season! Our work behind the scenes continues though. So if you are looking to share your tales of the beautiful game get in touch: justtalk@centricsm.com or drop us a DM @csmlondonfc on all social media platforms. And a final thanks to Comic Relief and Groundwork, without whom this Season would not have been possible! #CSM

What better way to close Season 2 of #JustTalk than to have Mr. CSM himself, Will, join host Rob to give his Grassroots Stories. Despite joining CSM London FC as Saturday team manager, Will's playing career has not yet come to an end as he still plays for the Sunday IIs team at the club. He talks through some of the challenges faced with coaching players on a Saturday, some one whom are his teammates on a Sunday and the interesting dynamics behind this. Also, we get to take a look back at what made Will make the early move into coaching and the reasons behind why he enjoys it so much and why he was willing to sacrifice some of his peak playing years to go into coaching. Thanks again to Comic Relief and Groundwork who are supporting the #JustTalk project! Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Will: @brobbywilliam (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Anees joins Rob Crane to give his Grassroots Stories for episode 7 in Season 2 of the #JustTalk podcast. Having moved to Liverpool for 3 years, Anees has returned to London and is closer to the CSM London club he setup. But his story is one of a shared journey with friends to help make football accessible through the club and various community projects he has helped setup alongside his friends. A new challenge is set now though, as he has very recently become a father. Rob asks what now motivates Anees football and how becoming a dad has changed this. We here from CSM London's own chairman about this and some very debatable playing history about regular goalscoring up front..!? Thanks again to Comic Relief and Groundwork who are supporting the #JustTalk project! Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Anees: @mullahcorner (Twitter and Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Jay joins Rob to give his Grassroots Stories. From New York to London. The story of Jay and Football is touched with an international flavour. However, his sporting story is one that begins with basketball, with a love for football coming later in life. But the quality he had took him to the heady heights of semi-professional as high as the National League North. But it was "pick-up" games with other quality players that grew his love of the game in North. Having moved to London and recently becoming a father and playing for Walthamstow Reserves, somehow Jay has found time to setup Navarino FC and give back to young footballers to give the chances to others that he had early in his career. Here his story to see how this brand new side has unfolded over the summer towards the opening day of the season! Thanks again to Comic Relief and Groundwork who are supporting the #JustTalk project! Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Jay: @nojeemjay (Twitter), njay165 (Instagram) Navarino FC: @fcnavarino (Twitter), @navarinof.c (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Chris Knight joins Rob to give his Grassroots Stories. Chris is a passionate fan of football who now supports his local team with a season ticket taking him to Walthamstow FC home and away. As well as this, he plays Monday nights with fellow Leyton Orient fans which is where you'll find host Rob most Monday nights too. Aside form his involvement as a fan and player. Chris is an advocate for LGBT rights in society (as well as football). Having had some negative experiences in the game he talks about how the game can be more inclusive both at the top and in grassroots football. His story is one of equality and educating on LGBT language and culture so many in football are left without. Thanks again to Comic Relief and Groundwork who are supporting the #JustTalk project! Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Chris: @stowhomeandaway (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Daniel Merrix joins Rob to give his Grassroots Stories. We know the life of volunteer is incredibly busy but Daniel truly is a man on the go with heavy involvement in 2 football clubs. Coach at Newbury Forest FC, a brand new men's side set up post lockdown and also the Chairman/Manager of Upton Park Ladies, a ladies side now in their 2nd season. No full season has been played for either side so it's an exciting time for Daniel. Fascinating to hear about the challenges and differences faced between the grassroots game in men's and women's football. Especially given Daniel's personal journey that has faced issues that has been shared with his team and helped him through some difficult times. Amazing what the game can do for individuals as well as teams! Thanks again to Comic Relief and Groundwork who are supporting the #JustTalk project! Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Daniel: @danielmerrix (Twitter and Instagram) Upton Park Ladies: @uptonparkladies (Twitter and Instagram) Newbury Forest FC: @newburyforestfc (Twitter and Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

Tom “rubbish at football” Taylor. His words not ours. Tom joins old friend and host Rob Crane to discuss the life of a young man working in marketing and communications with Kick It Out and Fans for Diversity. Of course we get to listen to Tom's own grassroots stories as he shared his experiences in grassroots football as well as his professional career working which now sees him working at Made By Sport who support grassroots clubs with funding for their ongoing projects. Thanks again to Comic Relief and Groundwork who are supporting the #JustTalk project! Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Made By Sport: @madebysport (Twitter), @_madebysport (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

What is a non league hero? Look (or listen) no further! Host Rob is joined by Nikhil Saglani to talk about all things non-league and why volunteering at a club is so important to him. He has stayed with Wingate and Finchley FC as a volunteer for 7 years. Players and coaches have come and gone but Nakhil has been there through it all! Nikhil talks through his time as a press officer and some of his grassroots playing experiences and some of the best feelings he has had volunteer and playing in the beautiful game. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @robcrane93 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Nikhil: @nikhilsaglani (Twitter and Instagram) Wingate and Finchley FC: @WinFinchleyFC (Twitter), wingatefinchley (Instagram) #CSM #JustTalk

It's okay, to feel okay right? Easy to say. We're back kicking off season 2 with Danny Owens sharing his Grassroots Stories with Rob. They discuss what it's like growing up not being up to talk about stuff and how Danny is making change happen with his football club, Men For Mind FC. This new team was established just in June 2021 to raise awareness for Mind BLMK, creating a safe space environment for men to come together and play football whilst raising awareness for a great cause. With this podcast being centred around mental health and wellbeing, it was great to hear Danny's story on Men For Mind FC and all the great work they do for men's mental health. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @rob_crane17 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Danny: @dowens1998 (Twitter and Instagram) Men For Mind FC: @menformindfc (Twitter and Instagram) #CSM

Host Rob is joined by CSM London FC chairman Anees Ikramullah to recap their favourite parts of Season 1. We have been able to host some wonderful guests who given their Grassroots Stories from players to referees, coaches to goalkeepers, and educators to physios. Such an amazing range of guests and we'll be looking to host another diverse set of individuals to share their Grassroots Stories in Season 2, which we'll look to kick off in time for the 2021-22 season. Our work behind the scenes continues though (call it pre-season!). So if you are looking to share your tales of the beautiful game get in touch: justtalk@centricsm.com or drop us a DM @csmlondonfc. #CSM

This week on the #JustTalk podcast, Rob is joined by Russell Harley. Mistakes made by outfield players often get lost in the midst of a game, but goalkeepers do not have that luxury. Russell talks about how he deals with those high pressure situations as a goalkeeper who has played semi-professionally and in the Sunday League circuits of Essex. We also discuss once having trials for a Champions League club and draw from this as we find out more about Russell's grassroots football story. Don't forget, as well as grassroots stories, this podcast is centred around mental health and wellbeing for all footballers plying their trade on the honest, and often unforgiving, pitches of the grassroots football. If you are anyone you know feel you have a story to share then contact us at justtalk@centricsm.com and tell us about your grassroots story. Social Media Us: @csmlondonfc (Twitter and Instagram) Rob: @rob_crane17 (Twitter), robert_crane93 (Instagram) Russell: @russellharley1 (Twitter), @russellharley.1 (Instagram) #CSM

This week we dive into one of grassroots football most unspoken of roles... the referee! Morgan Conn joins host Rob to educate our audience on the day to day life of a referee. Just what took Morgan the route of the whistle in the beautiful game and how tough is it to be a ref? We often overlook the referee in football but they are always that 23rd body on the pitch during the 90 minutes of football. Without them, there is no game. It's an unforgiving task with abuse regularly sent their way. Rob opens dialogue with Morgan just to see how he handles it as a young referee in the game.

Steve Clark (not the Scottish national team manager) joins host Rob to talk about his career in football. His adventures through the game started late as a schoolboy but always had a love for fitness. As his first entry to football began, little did he know that he would end up in the professional game. With plenty of experiences in the game Steve has been involved in the game at all levels which has helped shaped the person he is today, as a grassroots football coach giving back to the game that gave so much to him.

Host Rob welcomes physio Imran Rehman to #JustTalk. Imran has had recent experiences as a physio with Glenn Tamplin's enigmatic Billericay Town and Romford FC projects. Having also played Sunday League football, Imran has experienced the highs and lows of the changing rooms from a range of football levels. With his insight we explore how the dressing room culture affects young players' mental health and some thoughts for the future of the grassroots game.

Craig Heskey has been around the grassroots circuit for some time. With experience at all levels of the game, he has played the local parks, the small semi-professional stadiums, and also involved in the professional game as an academy coach at Leyton Orient FC. He joins host, Rob Crane, to talk about how there can be improvements in the youth game, alongside his own personal experiences growing up in the beautiful game.

Sabah Mahmood is a coach with FC Leytonstone. This week she joins host Rob Crane to discuss women's football and the opportunities (or lack theirof) for females at a young age to enter the game as players and coaches.

Another side of the game is explored with Mark Anthony Smith. How an unexplained injury can effect you mentally and how to adapt by moving behind the scenes of clubs and leagues.

Host Rob Crane is joined by Jordan Meikle as we discuss how missing football can effect your mental health and how working in grassroots football has become a hobby for him