In this powerful episode, we sit down with Callum Powell, founder of CP Coaching Academy, alongside former Coventry City footballers Dave “Benno” Bennett and Kirk Stephens, for a conversation about youth football, access, resilience, and the realities of the game — past and present.

Callum shares his personal football journey, including the defining moment of being released from a club at 16–17, and how that experience became the foundation for his mission. Rather than turning away from football, Callum built CP Coaching Academy to ensure children can access football regardless of their financial background, through schemes designed to remove cost as a barrier.

Former Coventry City player Dave Bennett speaks candidly about facing racism when he first started playing football, opening up about the abuse he endured and how it shaped him as a player. His reflections offer crucial perspective on how football culture has evolved — and where it still needs to do better.

Kirk Stephens adds his own insight into professional football, setbacks, and personal growth, delivering one of the episode’s most powerful moments with the phrase: “Failing was my inspiration.”

Throughout the conversation, we explore:

• Racism in football

• Being released from a club as a teenager and rebuilding confidence

• Why accessible grassroots football is essential for the future of the game

• The importance of parental support, commitment, and belief in young players

• How setbacks, rejection, and adversity can become fuel rather than failure

We also discuss Ur Subs, what it is, what we stand for, and how we aim to support grassroots football and young talent.

In this episode of the Ur Subs Podcast we talk to grassroots referee David Cope. Dave shares how he moved from player to coach to referee, what he learned from each role, and how seeing the game from every angle changed the way he understands football.He talks openly about the challenges referees face — pressure from crowds, criticism from coaches, managing abuse, staying calm under pressure, and the impact these moments have on mental health.We also explore Ur Subs’ new Refspect Policy, why respect at grassroots level matters, and how supporting referees creates safer, more positive environments for young players, coaches, and clubs.

In this powerful first episode of the Ur Subs Podcast, Coventry City legends Kirk Stephens and Dave (Benno) Bennett join host and Ur Point founder Aiden Feeney to share the real stories behind their journey from working-class childhoods to the heights of professional football.

They open up about growing up in Coventry and Manchester, overcoming racism, learning discipline, surviving tough early environments, and the mentors who shaped them. Dave Bennett relives scoring in the 1987 FA Cup Final, the emotional celebrations, and how that victory united an entire city. Kirk Stephens shares honest memories of graft, family sacrifice, and the players who inspired him.

Together they explore what football means for young people today and why grassroots support matters now more than ever. A must-watch for Coventry fans, football lovers, and anyone who believes sport can change lives.