From First Touch to First Team

Jan Schmidt
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From First Touch to First Team is a podcast for anyone who loves the game of football and dreams of playing it at the highest level. Each episode, we sit down with current or former professional footballers to hear the real story behind their journey, from their earliest memories of the game to the moment they made it. The highs, the setbacks, the sacrifices, and the lessons that shaped them as players and people. Whether you are a young player working toward your goals, a parent supporting your child's development, or a coach shaping the next generation, this podcast gives you an honest, unfiltered look at what the professional pathway really looks like.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    EP 10: Nicholas Olsen - From the Wanderers to Kuwait and Vietnam: A Pathway beyond the A-League

    Nicholas Olsen takes us through one of the most well-travelled careers in Australian football, from starting at Sutherland Sharks at 13 to playing professionally across Kuwait, the A-League, Vietnam, and the Maldives, and returning home as NPL NSW Player of the Year. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with Nicholas to trace a career that took him well beyond the standard Australian football pathway. Nicholas talks about starting his football at Sutherland Sharks in the under-13s, moving to the Western Sydney Wanderers academy in 2012 where he trained under Tony Popovic, and being released in 2015 without an A-League appearance. We move through the NPL NSW years that followed at APIA Leichhardt, Sydney United 58, and back to Sutherland Sharks, and the decision to sign for Al-Jahra SC in Kuwait rather than wait around for an A-League opportunity that might never come. Nicholas is candid about what daily life looked like as a professional in Kuwait, moving between Al-Jahra and Khaitan SC, and the honest comparison between the Kuwait Premier League and the A-League. He talks about finally landing that A-League contract with Brisbane Roar in 2021, and the move to Vietnam that followed. Signing a professional contract in a torrential downpour with Saigon FC, the wage dispute that ended it, and moving between SHB Đà Nẵng and Becamex Bình Dương in the V.League 1. He also opens up about his AFC Challenge League year in the Maldives with Maziya S&RC, and the misconception that going overseas somehow doesn't count as making it. We close with his return to NPL NSW and a career-best 2025 season at Wollongong Wolves that earned him NPL NSW Player of the Year, his return to Sutherland Sharks for 2026, and why he now believes the NPL is closer to the A-League than most people realise. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this is essential listening for anyone questioning what making it really means. IN THIS EPISODE ▸ Starting his football at Sutherland Sharks as an under-13 ▸ Joining the Wanderers academy and training under Tony Popovic ▸ Being released without an A-League appearance and rebuilding through NPL NSW ▸ Signing for Al-Jahra SC in Kuwait and moving to Khaitan SC ▸ Playing Kuwait Premier League and AFC Cup football ▸ The A-League contract with Brisbane Roar ▸ Signing for Saigon FC in a torrential downpour in Vietnam ▸ Moving between SHB Đà Nẵng and Becamex Bình Dương in the V.League 1 ▸ AFC Challenge League football in the Maldives with Maziya S&RC ▸ Winning NPL NSW Player of the Year with Wollongong Wolves in 2025 ▸ Returning to Sutherland Sharks and the coaching path ▸ Why the NPL is closer to the A-League than most people think 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram if you have a question. And remember: enjoy your football journey.

    EP 10: Nicholas Olsen - From the Wanderers to Kuwait and Vietnam: A Pathway beyond the A-League

  2. Jul 19

    EP 09: Zac Sapsford - From Hakoah to Western Sydney Wanderers and Dundee United

    Zac Sapsford takes us through his journey from an NPL 2 kid at Hakoah in Sydney to signing his first professional contract with Western Sydney Wanderers, and now scoring goals for Dundee United in Scotland's top division. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with Zac to trace one of the most relatable pathways in Australian football. Zac talks about growing up playing grassroots football at Maccabi, spending his youth years at Hakoah without ever being in an A-League academy, and the trial at Huddersfield at 16 where he came face-to-face with Liverpool and Man City academy players and realised how far the gap was. We move through the years that followed. Zac is candid about his time at Chester FC in England during COVID, being unable to play for a full year, and coming back to Australia so disillusioned that he asked Hakoah for a spot in the under 20s. He talks about the breakthrough that followed, the move to Sydney FC and then his first professional contract at Western Sydney Wanderers, and the derby goal against Sydney FC that helped land him on Dundee United's radar. He is honest about the reality of moving to Scotland alone, the mental approach that keeps him relaxed under pressure ("I don't even think about the game until I walk out"), why picking up golf changed how he handles bad games, and what it feels like to walk out at Celtic Park and Ibrox for the first time. He closes with his advice for young players still chasing the dream, and a reminder that a coach not believing in you doesn't have to be the end of your journey. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this conversation is essential listening for anyone in the Australian NPL system. IN THIS EPISODE ▸ Growing up playing grassroots football at Maccabi in Sydney ▸ Trialing at Huddersfield at 16 and versing Liverpool and Man City academies ▸ A year at Chester where he wasn't allowed to play ▸ Coming back from COVID and breaking into Hakoah first grade ▸ The move to Sydney FC and playing NPL 1 against the best in NSW ▸ Signing his first pro contract with Western Sydney Wanderers ▸ The Dundee United offer he couldn't turn down ▸ Walking out at Celtic Park and Ibrox for the first time ▸ Why he doesn't think about the game until he walks out ▸ Life away from home and picking up golf as a mental reset ▸ His advice for young NPL players still chasing the dream CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:37 Welcome and meet Zac Sapsford 03:24 First touches with dad and joining Maccabi in Sydney 05:51 Trialing at Huddersfield and versing Liverpool and Man City academies 10:07 Coming back from Chester and breaking into Hakoah first grade 13:13 From Hakoah to Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers 16:35 Signing his first pro contract with Western Sydney Wanderers 18:28 The Dundee United offer he couldn't turn down 21:09 Walking out at Celtic Park and Ibrox for the first time 23:15 Why he doesn't think about the game until he walks out 25:04 Life away from home and picking up golf 26:46 What "professional football" really means beyond the top leagues 31:36 What comes next for him at Dundee United 35:49 Stoppage Time Questions 40:41 His advice for young players chasing the dream 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram if you have a question. @firsttouchtofirstteam And remember: enjoy your football journey.

    EP 09: Zac Sapsford - From Hakoah to Western Sydney Wanderers and Dundee United

  3. Jul 12

    EP 08: Erin Nayler - Olympique Lyonnais, Bayern München and 85 Caps for New Zealand

    Erin Nayler takes us through her journey from a nine-year-old goalkeeper in New Zealand to 85 caps for the Football Ferns, Olympique Lyonnais, Bayern Munich, and ten years playing professionally across five countries. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with the former New Zealand international to trace one of the most well-travelled goalkeeper careers in the women's game. Erin talks about growing up as the only girl in a boys team, being cut from youth national teams for lacking confidence, and how discovering Hope Solo on YouTube changed her mindset ahead of a U20 World Cup where she was named the starting goalkeeper on the day of the opening game. We move through the ten years that followed. Erin is candid about her first professional contract at Sky Blue in the US that lasted three weeks before she was sent home, signing for Olympique Lyonnais at 21 alongside Wendie Renard and Sarah Bouhaddi, and the moves that followed to Bordeaux, Reading, Umeå IK in Sweden, and Bayern Munich. She talks openly about losing her mum while playing in France, the reality of missing weddings and birthdays as a New Zealand-based player in Europe, and how her identity became tied to being a goalkeeper. We also cover her move to Sydney and UNSW FC in the NPL, her honest assessment of Australian women's football, and Your Story, the pilot program she is launching in Sweden in January 2027 to support elite athletes navigating retirement. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this is a rare look at the reality of a decade in European women's football and the challenges that come after. IN THIS EPISODE ▸ Starting in goal at 9 and playing on a boys team in New Zealand ▸ Being cut from youth national teams and how Hope Solo changed her mindset ▸ Getting cut after three weeks at Sky Blue in the US ▸ Signing for Olympique Lyonnais at 21 alongside Wendie Renard and Sarah Bouhaddi ▸ Moving through Bordeaux, Reading, and Umeå IK in Sweden ▸ Losing her mum while playing in France ▸ Two World Cups, the Rio Olympics, and 85 caps for the Football Ferns ▸ Signing for Bayern Munich after almost retiring in Sweden ▸ Facing Alex Morgan, Eugénie Le Sommer, and the US national team ▸ Moving to Sydney and signing for UNSW FC in the NPL ▸ Why the Matildas' success isn't reaching the A-League Women ▸ Your Story: her program supporting athletes after retirement CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:43 Welcome and meet Erin Nayler 03:53 Starting in goal at 9 and playing with the boys 06:39 Hope Solo, mindset shift, and going to the U20 World Cup 08:51 Cut after three weeks at Sky Blue in the US 11:18 Signing for Olympique Lyonnais at 21 14:08 Bordeaux, COVID, and moving to Reading 19:06 Coping with challenges and family loss 21:34 The reality of being far from home as a professional 24:13 Playing in the snow in Sweden 30:13 The best football culture: England, Sweden, or Germany 31:12 The best players she faced, from Alex Morgan to Le Sommer 32:19 Retiring at 34 and what comes next 34:11 Moving to Sydney and signing for UNSW FC in the NPL 36:52 How NPL football actually compares to Europe 40:08 The young Australian talent she thinks can play in Europe 41:46 Why the Matildas' success isn't reaching the A-League Women 44:15 Your Story: her project supporting athletes after retirement 50:16 Stoppage Time Questions 52:57 Advice for young footballers 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram if you have a question.

    EP 08: Erin Nayler - Olympique Lyonnais, Bayern München and 85 Caps for New Zealand

  4. Jul 5

    EP 07: Daniel Georgievski - From Western Sydney to Dinamo Zagreb and Champions League vs Chelsea

    Daniel Georgievski takes us through his journey from Western Sydney to Dinamo Zagreb's academy, Steaua Bucharest, and Champions League nights against Chelsea, Schalke, and Ajax. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with the former professional footballer to trace one of the most unlikely paths in Australian football. Danny talks about growing up in Blacktown as a rugby league fan, wearing his dad's work socks to play at Marion FC, getting cut from Blacktown Demons at 14, and how a highlights reel his mum burned onto a CD ended up landing him a trial at Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. We move through the eight years that followed. Danny is candid about being 18, jet-lagged, and crying outside the Dinamo Zagreb stadium after a horrible first trial, the daily grind of morning and afternoon training that became his football education, and the reality of five years as a professional with no money to his name, chewing gum so his stomach thought he was full. He talks about being captain at 21 in Croatia, breaking his leg and fighting back to play Europa League and Champions League football in the same season. He is honest about the moment the Champions League anthem hit him playing in front of 60,000 fans, what it felt like to line up against Eden Hazard, and why every Australian player thinking about Europe needs a serious reality check before they go. We close with his message for young players thinking about quitting, the honest truth about agents, and what he tells parents who dream of their kids playing overseas. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this is one of the most honest conversations on this show so far. IN THIS EPISODE ▸ Growing up in Blacktown, Marconi, and being a rugby league fan first ▸ Being cut at 14 and finding his own way back into the game ▸ The highlights reel his mum burned onto a CD that led to Dinamo Zagreb ▸ Crying outside the Dinamo Zagreb stadium after his first trial at 18 ▸ Five years pro with no money to his name and chewing gum to feel full ▸ Captain at 21 in Croatia and signing for Steaua Bucharest in Romania ▸ Champions League nights against Chelsea, Schalke, and Ajax ▸ Signing for Melbourne Victory and winning three titles in one season ▸ His honest truth about agents in football ▸ The reality check every Australian player needs before Europe ▸ His message for young players thinking about quitting CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:28 Welcome and meet Daniel Georgievski 04:06 Growing up in Blacktown, Marconi, and being a rugby league fan 06:49 Pele on cassette, backyard training, and his parents' approach 12:20 The highlights reel that took him to a Dinamo Zagreb trial 15:04 What Croatia's daily training taught him about football 18:34 His first pro contract and captain at 21 in Croatia 21:45 Signing for Steaua Bucharest 23:46 Champions League nights against Chelsea, Schalke, and Ajax 25:49 Signing for Melbourne Victory and winning three titles 30:52 What he would do differently if he could go back 33:19 His hard truth about agents in football 36:35 The Champions League anthem moment he'll never forget 40:08 Retiring the day his son was born 42:27 Learning to coach Australian kids after playing in Europe 45:12 What John Toshak and his Croatian coaches taught him 49:32 The reality check every Australian player needs before Europe 57:05 "Don't give up" - his message for players thinking about quitting 59:13 Stoppage Time Questions 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram if you have a question. And remember:Enjoy the journey!

    EP 07: Daniel Georgievski - From Western Sydney to Dinamo Zagreb and Champions League vs Chelsea

  5. Jun 28

    EP 06: Alexander Fuchs - 1860 München, the Bundesliga and a Masters in Psychology

    Alexander Fuchs takes us through his journey from the 1860 Munich youth academy to a Bundesliga debut with 1. FC Nürnberg, multiple hip surgeries, and what it taught him about the mental side of professional football. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with the 29-year-old German professional to trace a path through one of the most competitive development environments in world football. Alex talks about growing up in Munich as a Bayern Munich fan, getting scouted by 1860 at eight after winning a tournament playing up an age group, what daily life looked like inside the academy's specialised football school, and the U17 and U19 years when serious knee injuries nearly cost him everything. We move through his rise to a first professional contract with 1. FC Nürnberg, his Bundesliga debut at Olympiastadion Berlin, and the experience of playing in front of 80,000 fans at Signal Iduna Park. Alex is candid about the spiral that followed when Nürnberg started losing games, the impact of social media criticism at 21, and how it pushed him to start studying psychology while still playing professionally. He opens up about the tools that now anchor his approach to the game, including journaling, habits, controlling the controllables, and preparing the brain like a muscle. We also cover his move to Austria Klagenfurt in the Austrian Bundesliga, the hip injuries that have shaped much of his recent career, and what kept him coming back after surgery on both hips and over a year on the sidelines. He closes with his advice for young players chasing the dream, the 1860 Munich teammates who went on to play for the German national team, and what his six-year-old self would say about the journey so far. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this is a rare look at what it actually takes to survive in the German football pathway. IN THIS EPISODE: ▸ Growing up in Munich as a Bayern fan and being scouted by 1860 at eight ▸ Inside the 1860 Munich football school and a five-times-a-week training schedule ▸ Knee injuries through the U17 and U19 years and how the club waited for him ▸ Teammates Felix Uduokhai, Florian Neuhaus, and Benny Henrichs who reached the German national team ▸ Signing his first pro contract with 1. FC Nürnberg ▸ His Bundesliga debut at Olympiastadion Berlin and playing at Signal Iduna Park ▸ Why he started studying psychology while still playing professionally ▸ Journaling, habits, and the tools he uses to control the controllables ▸ Moving to Austria Klagenfurt in the Austrian Bundesliga ▸ Surgery on both hips and the long road back to the pitch CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 01:17 Welcome and meet Alex Fuchs 03:09 First touches at SV Lohhof and being a Bayern fan in Munich 06:52 The tournament that got him scouted by 1860 Munich at 8 10:40 Inside the 1860 Munich football school 19:03 What he wishes he had done differently in the youth academy 24:33 Signing his first pro contract with 1. FC Nürnberg 29:09 The coaches and parents who shaped him 31:48 His Bundesliga debut at Olympiastadion Berlin 35:27 Why he started studying psychology while playing pro 38:31 Journaling and the habits that build mental toughness 42:15 Moving to Austria and signing with Austria Klagenfurt 44:21 Hip surgery on both sides and the road back 50:14 His advice for young players chasing the dream 51:06 Stoppage Time Questions 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram if you have a question. And remember: enjoy your football journey.

    EP 06: Alexander Fuchs - 1860 München, the Bundesliga and a Masters in Psychology

  6. Jun 21

    EP 05: Kiara De Domizio - Sydney Olympic, Western United, and her Path to the A-League Women

    Kiara De Domizio takes us through her journey from her first kick at Bankstown Sports to training alongside Matildas at Sydney Olympic, signing her first professional contract with Western United, and earning a reputation as the "clutch queen" in the A-League Women. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with the 24-year-old Australian winger and the show's first female guest. Kiara talks about growing up in an Italian-Australian family with no football background, idolising Cristiano Ronaldo, and playing in all-boys teams until she joined Bankstown City Lions at 13. We move through her climb up the NPL Women's ladder at Inter Lions, MacArthur Rams, Sutherland Sharks, and five seasons at Sydney Olympic alongside Matildas internationals including Courtney Vine, Jada Wyman, Teresa Polias, and Courtney Nevin. Kiara is candid about the Sydney FC preseason chances under Ante Juric, how COVID delayed her breakthrough, the Mark Torcaso call that took her to Western United, and the FaceTime that delivered her first professional contract in the A-League Women's. She opens up about what changes when football becomes your job, the reality that almost every female pro in Australia juggles a second job, and where the women's game is heading. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this is a rare look inside the realities of being a professional female footballer in Australia today. IN THIS EPISODE ▸ Growing up in an Italian-Australian family with no football background ▸ Idolising Cristiano Ronaldo and trying his step overs in the backyard ▸ Playing in all-boys teams until 13 and joining Bankstown City Lions ▸ The NPL Women's ladder through Inter Lions, MacArthur Rams, Sutherland Sharks, and Sydney Olympic ▸ Training alongside Matildas at Sydney Olympic including Courtney Vine, Jada Wyman, Teresa Polias, and Courtney Nevin ▸ Sydney FC preseason training under Ante Juric and how COVID delayed her breakthrough ▸ The Mark Torcaso call that took her to Western United ▸ The trial match and the FaceTime that signed her first professional contract ▸ Why almost every female pro in Australia juggles a second job ▸ Her advice for NPL Women's players when A-League stars come back CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:16 Welcome and meet Kiara De Domizio 02:25 The Cristiano Ronaldo obsession and a family with no football background 09:24 First training sessions and joining Bankstown City Lions at 13 14:14 Dreaming of being a pro when there was no women's pathway to follow 17:13 Moving up to NPL2 with Inter Lions 23:36 NPL1 at MacArthur Rams, Sutherland Sharks, and Sydney Olympic 25:02 Training alongside Matildas at Sydney Olympic 30:11 The Sydney FC breakthrough that COVID delayed 34:20 The Mark Torcaso call that took her to Western United 37:09 The trial match and the FaceTime that signed her first pro contract 39:01 Moving cities, going pro, and balancing work 44:13 How women's football in Australia is evolving 47:20 Her advice when A-League stars come back to NPL teams 49:57 Stoppage Time 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram if you have a question. And remember: enjoy your football journey. GUEST Kiara De Domizio, 24-year-old Australian winger. Came through Bankstown Sports, Inter Lions, MacArthur Rams, and Sutherland Sharks before five seasons at Sydney Olympic. Signed her first professional contract with Western United in the A-League Women, where she's known as the "clutch queen" for scoring late and decisive goals.

    EP 05: Kiara De Domizio - Sydney Olympic, Western United, and her Path to the A-League Women

  7. Jun 14

    EP 04: Marcus Younis - WSW, PSV Eindhoven, Melbourne City, and chasing a Socceroos call-up

    Marcus Younis takes us inside his journey from Western Sydney Wanderers Academy to PSV Eindhoven, Brøndby IF, Melbourne City FC, and being close to a Socceroos call-up before the 2026 World Cup. In this episode of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan Schmidt sits down with the 20-year-old Australian winger to trace a career that has already taken him across three countries. Marcus talks about growing up in a football family in Sydney, joining the Western Sydney Wanderers Academy at 12, and losing nearly two years of football to a string of injuries between the ages of 14 and 16 before going from U18s to an A-League debut inside a single year under Marko Rudan. We move through his first professional contract at the Wanderers, the decision to leave the A-League for a year on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, and the unexpected coach change at Brøndby IF in the Danish Superliga that turned a dream start into months on the sidelines. Marcus is candid about how hard it is to live and train alone in a foreign country at 20, and what it taught him about the side of professional football nobody talks about. He closes with a breakdown of his breakout loan at Melbourne City FC, including the 93rd-minute AFC Champions League Elite winner against Ulsan that sent the club through to the knockouts. He shares his read on the Socceroos heading into the 2026 World Cup, the advice that changed how he approaches his game, and what he would say to the 11-year-old version of himself just starting at the Wanderers Academy. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this conversation is full of perspective on what the journey actually looks like. IN THIS EPISODE_ ▸ Growing up in a football family and learning from backyard battles with his older brother ▸ Joining Western Sydney Wanderers Academy at 12 and the nine years that followed ▸ Two years lost to injury between 14 and 16 and how he came back stronger ▸ Going from U18s to an A-League debut in 12 months under Marko Rudan ▸ Signing his first professional contract at 18 with Western Sydney Wanderers ▸ Why he chose PSV Eindhoven over staying in the A-League ▸ The reality of being a foreigner inside a Dutch second team ▸ The Brøndby IF coach change that derailed a perfect start ▸ Coming home to Melbourne City FC and finding form again ▸ His 93rd-minute AFC Champions League Elite winner against Ulsan ▸ Why life outside football matters more than young players realise ▸ His read on the Socceroos heading into the 2026 World Cup ▸ His best advice for young players still chasing the dream CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Welcome and meet Marcus Younis 03:30 Backyard battles in a football family 06:15 Joining Western Sydney Wanderers at 12 08:28 Two years lost to injury between 14 and 16 11:08 From U18s to A-League debut in 12 months 13:32 Signing his first professional contract at 18 16:03 What he wishes he had known breaking through 20:00 Why he chose PSV over staying in the A-League 22:49 The Brøndby coach change that changed everything 26:15 Coming home to Melbourne City 28:22 Why life outside football changed his game 31:21 The World Cup, the Socceroos, and his own ambitions 36:18 The one thing he would do differently so far 37:23 Stoppage Time 40:06 His best advice for the next generation 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If a question comes up while listening, leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram. And remember: enjoy your football journey.

    EP 04: Marcus Younis - WSW, PSV Eindhoven, Melbourne City, and chasing a Socceroos call-up

  8. Jun 7

    EP 03: Joshua Laws - Wellington Phoenix, Grasshoppers Zürich, and an Under 17 World Cup

    From kicking a ball around the back garden in Sydney to playing for Wellington Phoenix, Grasshoppers Zürich, and Western Sydney Wanderers, Joshua Laws's story is one of constant change and quiet resilience. In this episode, Josh sits down with Jan to trace a path that took him through six different countries. He talks about growing up as a hyperactive kid sent on Bondi Beach runs by his dad, the long drives to Blackburn Rovers with his mum, and the first real "no" when the club decided not to renew him at 14. We move through eight years in Germany, the Turkish coach at Fortuna Düsseldorf who convinced him to sign, and his under-17 World Cup in Chile where Australia beat Argentina to make the quarter-finals. Josh is honest about the harder parts of the journey too. Two years lost to ankle injuries at the exact moment he was knocking on the door of the first team. Negotiating his first professional contract on his own from a COVID quarantine hotel. The reality of warming up on a cricket oval at Wollongong University. And the gamble he took at the end of his Wellington years, flying back to Europe with two suitcases and sleeping on a friend's sofa until the unexpected call came from Grasshoppers Zürich. Having now finished his playing career at 28, Josh shares what he wishes he had known earlier and the one piece of advice he would pass on to every young player still on the path. Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this episode is full of perspective on what the journey actually looks like. IN THIS EPISODE: ▸ Growing up in Sydney and being trained by his dad on Bondi Beach ▸ Trialing at Manchester United, Everton, and signing for Blackburn Rovers ▸ Being released at 14 and processing the first real rejection ▸ Eight years in Germany, the language barrier, and the intensity of German youth football ▸ Switching from Scotland to Australia and the U17 World Cup in Chile ▸ The ankle injuries that cost him two years at Fortuna Düsseldorf ▸ Negotiating his first professional contract from a COVID quarantine hotel ▸ What pro football actually looked like in Wollongong during the pandemic ▸ Sleeping on a sofa in Europe and the call out of the blue from Grasshoppers Zürich ▸ The advice he would give to every player still chasing the dream CHAPTERS 00:00 Joshi's First Touch 05:34 Dreams of Professional Football 10:17 Trials with Teams in the UK 15:16 Finding the Right Environment in Football 16:43 Moving to Germany 20:01 The Intensity of German Football 26:25 Changing from Scotland to Australia 28:02 U17 World Cup with Australia 33:01 Injury Setbacks During a Crucial Time 35:48 New Opportunities in Australia 40:02 Starting with Wellington Phoenix 43:23 Going Back to Europe for Trials 44:04 The Offer from Grasshopper Zürich 46:59 Stoppage Time Questions Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If a question comes up while listening, leave a comment or send us a text on Instagram. @firsttouchtofirstteam And remember: enjoy your football journey. GUEST Joshua Laws, former professional footballer with Wellington Phoenix, Grasshoppers Zürich, and Western Sydney Wanderers. Born in Glasgow, raised in Sydney, developed through academies at Blackburn Rovers and Fortuna Düsseldorf, and represented Australia at the U17 World Cup in Chile.

    EP 03: Joshua Laws - Wellington Phoenix, Grasshoppers Zürich, and an Under 17 World Cup

  9. May 31

    EP 02: Nicolai Müller - From 200 Bundesliga appearances to coaching in Australia

    From kicking a ball against the wall next to his family home to playing 200 games in the Bundesliga and earning a call-up to the German national team, Nicolai Müller's journey is a masterclass in resilience. In this episode, Nico sits down with Jan to trace his path from First touch to First team. He opens up about being released by Eintracht Frankfurt as a youth player for being "too small," the early-morning phone call from a head coach while working at Audi that launched his professional debut, and the one cup-game moment that changed everything. We talk through the long, patient years in reserve-grade football, his breakthrough season under Thomas Tuchel at Mainz, and what it really takes to go from signing a first professional contract to becoming undroppable. Now head coach of the Macarthur Bulls Academy, Nico shares his perspective from both sides of the white line: how he develops young Australian talent, the differences he sees between German and Australian football culture, and why he believes the pathway to a professional career in Australia is more open than many people realise. His message to every aspiring player is simple but hard-won: Enjoy the game, work as hard as possible, and never give up. In this episode: Growing up in Germany and the family sacrifices behind the four-day-a-week commute to Frankfurt's academyBeing released as a youth player and why it turned out to be the best thing that could have happenedThe reality behind a first professional contract and the patience it demandsHis breakthrough under Thomas Tuchel and his call-up to the German national teamThe move to the A-League and adapting to Australian footballTransitioning from professional player to academy coachHonest reflections on developing young Australian players and the gaps still to close Whether you are a young player chasing the dream, a parent supporting one, or a coach shaping the next generation, this conversation is full of practical insight and genuine inspiration. 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If a question comes up while listening, reach out to us through our channels. @firsttouchtofirstteam And remember: enjoy your football journey.

    EP 02: Nicolai Müller - From 200 Bundesliga appearances to coaching in Australia

  10. May 24

    EP 01: Will Kennedy - Signing a Pro Contract at his Boyhood Club

    From U13 to the A-League. Will Kennedy on what it actually takes to come through Sydney FC's academy and into the senior game at Central Coast Mariners. In episode 01 of From First Touch to First Team, host Jan sits down with Will to walk through the full journey: the early influence that pulled him into the game, the youth development years that demanded everything, the transition into senior football, and the unpredictability that defines almost every professional career. Will shares the lessons he kept, the ones he learned the hard way, and his advice for the next generation of players trying to make it. A podcast for youth players, parents, coaches, and anyone who has ever wanted to know what the road to professional football really looks like. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

    EP 01: Will Kennedy - Signing a Pro Contract at his Boyhood Club
  • 10 Episodes

About

From First Touch to First Team is a podcast for anyone who loves the game of football and dreams of playing it at the highest level. Each episode, we sit down with current or former professional footballers to hear the real story behind their journey, from their earliest memories of the game to the moment they made it. The highs, the setbacks, the sacrifices, and the lessons that shaped them as players and people. Whether you are a young player working toward your goals, a parent supporting your child's development, or a coach shaping the next generation, this podcast gives you an honest, unfiltered look at what the professional pathway really looks like.

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