What's it like to step out onto the pitch and feel like a professional, even when you're still coming through the ranks?
Welcome back to a special episode of Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast! This isn't just an FA Cup preview; it's an Academy reunion. Host Mike Dowling sits down with current Sutton United first-teamers Junior and Jack, as well as former academy player and current Farnham first-team player Kai Tanner, for a unique discussion. The chat is all about the magic of the FA Cup, the pressure of playing in front of a crowd, and the standards drilled into them as young players. It's a must-listen ahead of the upcoming first-team and youth FA Cup matches.
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The conversation kicks off with unforgettable FA Youth Cup memories, which Jack notes he missed out on by moving up to the first team so quickly. Kai recalls getting to two third rounds, including a "worthy experience" playing away against Liverpool. Junior, on the other hand, remembers an incredible run that included winning on "11-10 on pens or something" against Colchester.
The lads dive into what makes the FA Youth Cup so special:
The Midweek Buzz: Kai says the FA Youth Cup can be "the best night of your life". Playing on a Tuesday night under the lights creates an atmosphere that’s "just enjoyable".
Social Media Boost: Junior highlights how accounts like Rising Ballers "boosts youth cups," inspiring teams to keep winning.
Feeling Professional: Jack notes the competition allows boys to play against teams they normally wouldn't and "feel like a professional" by getting to play on first-team pitches, like Junior did at Colchester's stadium.
Guest Insights and Interactions
A major theme explored is the shift from academy to first-team football, particularly the jump to playing in front of a paying crowd. While Junior admitted to feeling "a bit of pressure" walking onto the pitch for his debut in front of 3,200 people, he and Jack agreed that once the whistle blows, "you kind of block it all out" and focus on the game.
Kai, having made the leap at Farnham, emphasised the difference in the dressing room: respect. You have to "earn that respect" from older players who have "already done it". Jack echoed this, saying standards are "driven by the older boys" in the first team, which is a big change from the youth side.
Key Quotes (Using the Episode Title)
The episode captures the journey from the youth ranks to the men's game perfectly. Junior sums up the newfound seriousness in the FA Cup, which directly relates to the pressure and pride of the game:
"There's a lot more on the line in changing rooms, so you could say it's more like serious."
Here are other notable quotes:
"The people who always work harder will always get an overlook on the people that don't, I believe." - Kai Tanner
"Being 50 minutes early is on time rather than being on time is late. That's the main thing that stuck with me." - Jack
Takeaways
Work Ethic Wins: As Kai reminds us, working hard is key, especially when your time as a scholar goes "so quick".
Discipline is Paramount: Jack highlights the importance of standards and discipline, citing the academy lesson that being early is being on time.
The Small Details Matter: Junior points out that success often comes down to the "little 1%," like your diet and sleep.
Optional Call to Action
Don't miss the full conversation! Hear about Kai's incredible promotion run with Farnham Town, Jack and Junior’s predictions for the FA Cup tie, and the legendary Sutton United FA Cup history. Follow, like, and share the conversation at Sutton Podcast on all social media.
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