If you have ever thought of studying in America then this is a must listen.

After a conversation with a friend of his brothers, Paddy Burns decided an opportunity to live and study stateside offered an exciting and new experience that he had to grasp.

Combining it with sport appealed even more, so Paddy though his talent and experience having made over 20 first team appearances in the Irish League with Glenavon reached out to the Notre Dame coach and was soon given a "Walk On" to the College Team.

Spending 3 and a half years studying and playing college soccer and experiencing the private jets to away games and benefitting from the plentiful supply of sports merch Paddy lived a life that any young sportsperson would surely love to experience.

Paddy describes what its like playing in the US and how things can seem so different to the academy football the Crumlin native grew up playing in NI.

Having completed his studies in Political Science and Sociology, Paddy got a phone call from Jim Magilton asking if he could come back to Cliftonville, his boyhood team. Thrown in at the deep end replacing the central defensive stalwart Luke Turner who'd recently departed for St Pats Athletic, Paddy took his place on the left side of a back three and never looked back.

He finished the season by completing the full 120 minutes of a tense Irish Cup Final victory against Linfield.

The future for Paddy looks great on and off the field and his experience in the land of opportunity was one that he now passionately become an ambassador for to other young people wishing to expand their horizons in a study and sports setting.

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Chris Morgan picks out the all time favourite eleven players he played with throughout his career.

#irishleague #best11 #football

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Cliftonville's star midfielder and Captain Rory Hale joins us this week on the Players Podcast to talk about his teams recent Irish Cup success and his memories of the day.

We talk to Rory about his season, his career and how much it means to him to represent his local club.

We hear his thoughts on how Cliftonville can continue to push on and compete with the full time Irish League clubs in the hunt for league titles and further Irish Cup success

To learn more about the work of The PFA NI go to www.pfani.com

The Players Podcast is part of the Digital Circles network.

To learn more about Digital Circles visit www.digitalcircles.com

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Welcome to another episode of The Players Podcast, where we delve into the journeys and experiences of athletes from Northern Ireland, with former Linfield, Ipswich Town, Distillery, Portadown and Glentoran player Philip Mitchell.

Philip had a stellar career winning numerous pieces of silverware down the years in Irish League football.

In this episode, we explore the critical challenges he faces, his defining moments of adversity that forged his resilience, enhancing the value of perseverance in his identity both on and off the field.

🌟 Sometimes, it's not about what we believe but how we support each other. We're reminded of the simple, powerful act of kindness and support. Like Philip Mitchell says, it's not about our faith background or whether we have one at all—it's about being there for each other, providing love, care, and an open ear. 💬

In a world where both mental and spiritual health often carry stigmas, creating a space for open, judgement-free conversations is crucial. We're all complex beings—social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual.

Philip's' story is wrapped in decisions dictated by personal loss and challenges, a testament to his resilience. We focus on how adversity is used as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock powering that determination, shaping his work ethic and approach to overcoming challenges. Join us as we unfold these inspiring stories through the lenses of athletes who have used adversity to pave their way to success.

If you like this podcast you may also like The Digital Circles Podcast bringing stories from business and beyond in Northern Ireland.

Visit www.digitalcircles.co.uk

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From Belvoir Estate on the outskirts of Belfast a 21 year old Ian Stewart became a Northern Ireland legend when he netted the winning goal against West Germany in 1982.

Undeterred by missing out on the 82 World Cup, Ian's club from for QPR seen him become a regular starter under Northern Ireland's most legendary manager, Billy Bingham.

Ian set up the winning goal in a historic and somewhat unlikely victory for Northern Ireland in Hamburg in front of 61,000 people.

In Mexico 86, famous for The Hand Of God goal by Maradona, Ian rubbed shoulders literally with the likes of Zico, Socrates and Josimar in Northern Ireland's opening fixture in the sweltering afternoon heat of Guadalajara.

A successful career for his country coincided with strong performances for QPR and Newcastle United.

Ian after retirement found a further pathway through the Irish Football Association where he has recently retired from his role as Grassroots Football Development Manager after 29 years of service.

Currently devoting his time on a casual basis to the JD Academy overseeing the next generation of Trai Hume's and Conor Bradley's, Ian also talks to us about his fondness for music and his management of the band "The Back Four" who have recently reworked Don Fardon's "Belfast Boy" A song all about another flying forward, George Best.

Recorded on The Digital Circles Network.

Like this? Then check out The Digital Circles Podcast

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#footballpodcast #ianstewart #northernireland #mexico86 #music #coaching

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The journey to stardom in the world of combat sports is often wrought with highs and lows, but for Northern Ireland’s Ian Young, it has been an extraordinary path that has not only crowned him as a former world kickboxing champion but also established him as a beacon of inspiration for many. From the lush football fields of Saintfield to the demanding rings where he battled for kickboxing glory, Young’s story is one of relentless drive and a steadfast refusal to rest on laurels.

Indeed, Ian Young's life has been eternally linked with competition and athleticism. As a fiery young footballer, he displayed early promise by joining the ranks of prominent clubs like Crusaders and Linfield and also experiencing the culture of countries such as Singapore and New Zealand. Yet, amidst his football journey, Young encountered personal reflections on discipline and work ethics that would reshape his future. The realisation that success requires more than talent, that it demands an unyielding dedication, would later fuel his transition into the world of kickboxing.

But the journey doesn't end here. The next mission is to row the height of Slieve Donard and K2 🏔️ - a symbolism of resilience and remembrance, pushing the limits to shine a light on mental health and support for those affected by suicide.

We're rallying the community to support Ian as he embarks on this incredible challenge, rowing 18,000 metres on each peak, in memory of each soul we've sadly lost. 🌟

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Join us in this riveting episode of 'Michael Carvill', where we delve into the transformative journey of Irish League football and the integral role played by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Northern Ireland. Michael Carvill, an ex-professional footballer, football manager, and educator, shares insights into the evolution of the sport's landscape in Northern Ireland, highlighting the continuous pursuit of excellence.

You'll explore Michael's journey, from being a successful footballer earning multiple championships to now being an influential figure driving football's development both on and off the pitch. As the league moves progressively towards a more professional structure, you'll learn about the increasing role of PFA Northern Ireland in aiding players to navigate the high-pressured, competitive landscape that comes with the territory.

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