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Entrepreneur. Businessman. Founder
Driven by Purpose. Defined by Action
Entrepreneurial Journey
From Coach to Entrepreneur
Raymond Wood’s journey began on the football pitch, working with some of the world’s top clubs and coaching elite youth talent. But his vision extended beyond coaching.
Recognising the gaps and challenges in youth football development – especially in Australia, Raymond chose entrepreneurship as a way to create meaningful change.
Driven by a passion to build better pathways and opportunities for young athletes, he transformed his expertise and networks into pioneering business ventures that connect talent with professional football opportunities worldwide.
Producing Football's Next Generation
The Founder of Pro Player Pathway
Connecting Talent to Professional Football
Pro Player Pathway (PPP) is Raymond’s flagship entrepreneurial initiative. Designed to address the limitations he saw in traditional youth football systems, PPP is more than a program. It’s a mission to redefine how players prepare for and access the global football stage.
Through PPP, Raymond leverages his extensive European experience and contacts to create a bridge between aspiring players and top-tier academies and agents, giving talented individuals a real chance to succeed at the highest levels.
"Because every child deserves a shot at greatness"
Raymond played a pivotal role in the English FA’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) — a £1.93 billion initiative aimed at developing world-class footballers. Leveraging this experience, PPP utilizes proprietary performance data to tailor training programs that address:
Physical Development
Tactical Understanding
Psychological Resilience
Social Adaptability
With PPP, we’re not just teaching football.
We’re providing children worldwide with a real chance to become elite athletes-breaking down financial and geographical barriers.
Access to UK/EU Trials
Comprehensive 12 Month Training
UEFA Agent Representation
Pro Player Pathway Book
Ray has invested considerable personal resource into what it takes to make a professional footballer. The book covers not only what it takes to succeed in the precarious world of professional football but, through his educational background, Ray recognises and includes the development of the individual.
As a result, the book is a comprehensive Tour de Force of what is required to make it as a professional footballer. It is essential reading for parents whose children have the talent and appetite to try to make the grade.
Mark Palios
Owner of Tranmere Rovers FC
Ex Chief Executive of English FA
Mark Palios
Owner of Tranmere Rovers FC
Ex Chief Executive of English FA
John Barnes
Ex Professional Football Player
Liverpool
Colin Williams
Father
Grassroots Coach
“My friend Ray Wood has made this amazing book, the Pro Player Pathway that gives you the secret to becoming a professional.”
Check out The Raymond Wood Podcast for the full conversation.
John Barnes
Ex Professional Football Player
Liverpool
Mark Palios
Owner of Tranmere Rovers FC
Ex Chief Executive of English FA
John Barnes
Ex Professional Football Player
Liverpool
Colin Williams
Father
Grassroots Coach
I found Liam in late 2022 in Perth. He’d been told he wasn’t good enough for rep football—let alone the elite level in Australia.
With the support of his father and the structure of my Professional Player Pathway Program, Liam proved them wrong. After just nine months, he trialled in the UK and was immediately offered contracts from top academies. He now plays for Bolton Wanderers FC.
Recently, he joined the ranks of Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling by winning the English FA Schoolboys title with Liverpool.
Without the PPP program, he’d likely still be playing local football in Perth—listening to the wrong voices.
Colin Williams
Father
Grassroots Coach
Mark Palios
Owner of Tranmere Rovers FC
Ex Chief Executive of English FA
John Barnes
Ex Professional Football Player
Liverpool
Colin Williams
Father
Grassroots Coach
In the Spotlight
Raymond’s unique blend of coaching expertise and business acumen has earned him recognition in the media and sports industry. He has been featured in interviews, podcasts, and articles that highlight his vision for transforming football development and his role as a thought leader in sports entrepreneurship.
Explore some of Raymond’s recent media appearances and insights below
Don’t waste time. Lets get started
Got a question, a story, or something worth talking about? Whether you’re media, a coach, or just someone who cares about the game, reach out today!