I’m Philip ‘PJ’ Roberts, and football has shaped my journey both on and off the pitch. From a young age, I was fortunate to represent Norwich City, Arsenal, and the Republic of Ireland at youth level, before going on to play professionally with Inverness, Dundee, and Falkirk. My time in the game gave me incredible experiences — but it also opened my eyes to the mental and emotional challenges that young athletes face as they chase their dreams.

Those lessons inspired me to dedicate myself to mentoring the next generation. Over the years, I’ve worked in both primary and secondary schools as a coach and mentor, and in elite sports coaching at Balanced FC, supporting players aged 6–18. My focus is on helping young people grow not just in their sporting performance, but in their confidence, resilience, and life skills — qualities that go far beyond football and prepare them to thrive in every area of life.

To deepen my understanding, I recently completed a Level 7 in Football Psychology, Leadership & Emotional Intelligence with the PFA (Professional Footballers Association). This blend of lived experience and academic insight shaped my bespoke mentoring programme, created to help young athletes unlock their potential, thrive under pressure, and connect with others who share the same journey. My mission is simple: to develop the person behind the player.