The ProPlayer Podcast

Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we’re joined by a coach whose fingerprints can be found across every level of the English football landscape — from the first spark of a young player’s passion to the competitive fire of senior football. Rob Porter, Oxford United’s Advanced Programme Lead Coach, embodies what it means to live and breathe player development.

Rob’s coaching journey spans an incredible breadth of environments. With UEFA B, the FA Youth Award, and the prestigious National Goalkeeper Award, he’s built a coaching toolbox grounded in technical excellence, psychological insight, and a true appreciation for long-term player growth. He’s served as an FA Grassroots Casual Coach Developer, sharing knowledge and elevating standards for coaches across the country.

Over the years, Rob has guided players from pre-academy football all the way through open-age competition. His experience includes time in RTC leagues, grassroots systems, and even on the touchline during FA Cup and FA Plate fixtures. And that impact is measurable — several players under his guidance have gone on to first-team football and earned international youth call-ups.

But Rob’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. He’s a published author and a dedicated educator, providing coaching content through articles, podcasts, and webinars that have supported thousands of developing coaches. His voice in the coaching community is trusted, thoughtful, and rooted in years of hands-on experience.

Today, we’re diving into the mindset behind his work — the principles that shape his coaching, the lessons he’s learned across different levels of the game, and the philosophies that continue to drive him forward at Oxford United. Whether you’re a coach, a player, or simply someone who loves the game, you’re about to learn from one of the most committed development-minded coaches in modern English football.

Let’s welcome Rob Porter to the show.