In this 3rd episode of Heart of the Game, Mike Salmon walks us through a remarkable life in goal, from making his professional debut at just 17 in England to battling every weekend in the top division with Charlton Athletic. He opens up about the highs, lows, and turning points of a career that included hundreds of professional appearances, and how an injury-enforced retirement pushed him into a new chapter as Arsenal’s goalkeepers coach. (You won’t believe what he has to say about Arsenal Football Club.)

We then follow Mike across the Atlantic as he moves to Canada to coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps, before stepping into his current role at BC Soccer as Senior Coordinator, Player Development. He reflects on what he’s learned about coaching, the mindset required to survive as a pro, and how his journey shapes the way he supports the next generation of players in British Columbia today.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of what it really means to build a life in the game.

If you're interested in hearing more from the Heart of the Game podcast then make sure to give us a follow, as we're on a journey to recognize the true beating heart of football: the people who give everything to the game, both on and off the pitch.
If you'd like to learn more about those behind the Heart of the Game podcast then you can check us out further on the SciSports website.