What does peak performance really mean — and how can it apply to everyone, not just elite athletes?

In the latest episode of The Final Whistle, we’re joined by Ben Bacon, Strength and Fitness Coach at Dorking Wanderers and founder of Your Peak Performance. With experience working across the football pyramid and beyond, Ben has supported everyone from professional players and amputees to everyday people looking to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.

In this episode, Ben shares his insight into the key pillars of performance, the importance of mindset alongside physical preparation, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at Dorking Wanderers. Whether you’re involved in grassroots football, elite sport, or simply interested in improving your own performance, this conversation offers valuable lessons that go far beyond the gym.

🎧 Listen now to gain an inside look at what drives peak performance — on and off the pitch.

Kirk Ritchie sits down with Guildford Saints chair Alex Forbes to explore how Johan Cruyff’s philosophy has shaped the club’s style of play. They discuss the role of high-performance coaching and its impact on grassroots football, and why a clear, consistent philosophy is essential for transforming a grassroots team.

In this episode of The Final Whistle, host Kirk Ritchie sits down with Julie Spalding, Chair of Mole Valley Girls FC, to explore her journey into football leadership and what it takes to build a thriving grassroots club.

Julie opens up about stepping into the chair role, the challenges and rewards of leading an all-girls football organisation, and why community, sustainability, and strong values are essential to the success of any grassroots team.

We also dive into the growing importance of women’s football leadership and how clubs like Mole Valley Girls FC are shaping the future of the game from the ground up.

If you’re passionate about women’s football, community sport, or grassroots development, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In September 2025, we launched Game Ready. Period. — an initiative aimed at tackling period poverty in football across Surrey while educating everyone involved in the game.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Thorpe Park and Hey Girls, who generously provided period products to help make a real difference.

We caught up with Jemma Atkinson from Hey Girls to discuss Game Ready. Period. and the positive impact it’s having on football across Surrey.

In the latest episode we’re sitting down with the man who guided South Park Reigate to glory with their 1-0 win in the Specsavers Senior County Cup Final back in the 23/24 season. Fast forward to now, and he’s taken on a new role as Head of Youth at South Park. We’ll be diving into Tom Cope’s fascinating views on how clubs can collaborate more closely — and even explore the idea of forming a buying alliance.

The Final Whistle Podcast is Back!

We’re joined by Joe Robinson, Sports Partnerships Manager at our partners Easyfundraising.In this episode, we dive into:How grassroots clubs can unlock extra funding opportunities through everyday spending and their special September campaign to help you generate even more money for your club from your wider community.Register your team with easyfundraising: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/surrey-fa/

In this episode of The Final Whistle Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Roe, a true grassroots football legend and the man behind the lens at countless matches across Surrey and Sussex. From capturing unforgettable moments at Brighton FC games to being the official photographer for Surrey FA and Sussex FA County Cup Finals, Simon has seen it all.

Tune in as he shares his passion for grassroots football, the stories behind his iconic shots, and the challenges of photographing the beautiful game.

Don’t miss this conversation with one of grassroots football’s most celebrated storytellers!"

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In this episode of The Final Whistle, we take a closer look at the growing phenomenon of Walking Football—a slower-paced version of the beautiful game that’s changing lives across Surrey. Designed to help people stay active regardless of age or past injuries, Walking Football is about more than just playing; it’s about community, inclusion, and rediscovering a love for the game.

We’re joined by three legends of Walking Football—Mark Blythe, Clive "Bill" Billingham, and Carl Barker—as they share their personal journeys, insights into the sport’s rapid rise, and what it truly means to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about the game, this episode is sure to inspire.

Tune in as The Final Whistle celebrates the power of Walking Football to bring people together, one step at a time.