# MK Dons Academy Manager - Ben Smith ("The Academy Dons")

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/marvee-woods-football-academy-podcast-7327465/mk-dons-academy-manager-ben-smith-the-academy-dons.md
Podcast: [Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/marvee-woods-football-academy-podcast-7327465)
Published: 2025-07-18T16:52:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/marvee-woods-football-academy-podcast/2120147
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/324874/2120147/marvee-woods-football-academy-podcast/2025_07_18_16_06_06_4142d07a-ae39-43af-845d-ccc08f002fd4.mp3
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Duration seconds: 4398

## Resource

Ben Smith, the Academy Manager of Mk Dons tells me on Episode 6 of my Podcast about his journey from Grassroots football to coaching, working at the EFL, Crystal Palace and managing the Academy. He discusses the evolution of football academies, the importance of youth development, and the role of discipline, nutrition, and character in shaping young players. Ben emphasizes the need for effective communication with parents and the significance of resilience in the face of challenges. He also touches on the importance of data in player development and the qualities needed to be a successful academy player, scout, coach, and manager and more behind the scenes stuff in the academy. (Episode 6)

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## Transcript

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