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Today, it is our privilege to bring you an interview with health & wellness coach + former Premier League footballer, Marc Pugh. We discuss Marc’s inspiring journey in football, his new career as a health wellness coach, his goals and plans for the future, plus much more…

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How did your passion for football begin and develop?

As soon as I could walk, I wanted to kick a ball around. I got my first pair of football boots at four years old. My parents were incredibly supportive, driving me to countless training sessions, rain or shine. They knew I was a good player but always highlighted the importance of working harder than anyone on the pitch. Talent isn’t enough and I have always relished the challenge of pushing myself every day to become better.  That feeling of scoring goals fuelled my passion and the feeling of winning games and celebrating with my teammates was hard to beat. From a young age, I had a real winning mentality and was driven by that love of the game and the desire to improve. I played grassroots up until the age of 14 and the pure joy I get from playing football is indescribable.

What are your personal standout moments from your football career?

Scoring the first goal against Bolton on the night we got promoted to the Premier League was an incredible feeling. We beat them 3-0 and the scenes after the game will live long in the memory bank. The emotion, the atmosphere and intensity of the game throughout was next level and it was a privilege to be a part of.

Also, my first Premier League goal against West Ham at Upton Park was up there. We beat them 4-3 and it was our first Premier League win. The reason this was so special is because I’d worked my way up from the national league to the Premier League, been released from clubs and told I wasn’t good enough on numerous occasions. So, to score in the Premier League and prove the doubters wrong was a great feeling.

Can you tell us about your career as a health and wellness coach following your retirement from football?

Retiring from the game was a really difficult decision, especially because I had other offers to continue playing. In life, I believe everything happens for a reason and during covid I had a stipulation in my contract at QPR, that if I played 26 games I would get a renewed contract. I was due to start my 26th game on the Saturday and covid hit on the Friday which didn’t allow me to trigger the clause in the contract. After discussions with the manager, he said due to finances, the club will not play for for your 26th game. It was a real kick in the teeth and tough to take as we were pushing for the playoffs and was in good form. That being said, I have a strong faith and believe this gave me the nudge I needed to become a health and wellness coach. I am now ‘The Foodie Footballer’ and love helping people reach peak performance.

I hadn’t officially retired when I got a phone call from Simon Williams who does some incredible work for the LFE. We struck up and instant connection – he wanted me to deliver nutrition workshops and practical sessions in the kitchen for young aspiring athletes. It ticked all the boxes for me, and I love helping young athletes become the best version of themselves. Since retiring, I am also an online health and wellness coach – I coach and set personalised fitness and nutrition plans for anyone looking to improve themself.

On Instagram, I encourage people to improve their health with cooking video tutorials, gym sessions and having a strong mindset.

I have also created a 4-week off-season and 18 module course for athletes and aspiring athletes along with a fat loss eBook for anyone looking to lose weight. My goal is to make the world a healthier, happier place.

What advice would you give to someone who is demotivated or doesn’t know where to start with getting into sport and fitness?

Get yourself a mate, family member or coach and don’t do it alone. Working with someone is motivating and it also holds you accountable. If you decide to do a run or gym session on your own, it is easy to sack if off and not bother if you are demotivated. On the other hand, if you play a team sport, grab a partner for a run or do a gym session, you are not only letting yourself down, you are letting your mate down. I would highly recommend trying a few different sports and finding one you love. Having a team around you on the good and the bad days is so important. Finally, the people you spend your time with is vital – surround yourself with positive people who look after themself and enjoy being active… you will follow suit.

Are there any people, books, or experiences that you would be willing to share with us, that have really helped shape your mentality?

I am big on visualisation and have always worked really hard on my mindset. Everything we do on a daily basis is linked to how we think – if you are mentally strong, you will stay active, eat well, drink well, have a good routine, good habits and regimented sleep schedule. I like to listen to audio books and podcast. Some of my recommendations are:

• High performance podcast
• Diary of the CEO
• Tony Robbins
• Tim Grover

They are all very motivational and I love powerful stories.

If you could go back in time to the start of your career and give yourself some advice what would it be?

Live in the moment and improve the small percentages in your daily life in order to become the best version of yourself. Life is short, enjoy the wins and use the losses as an opportunity to improve.

What are your goals and plans for the future?

My goal is to make ’The Foodie Footballer’ a global brand and make a difference to people’s health and performance all over the world. But, most importantly, stay strong, healthy, smile, inspire others and enjoy life with my amazing family.

Instagram: @thefoodiefootballer
Website: https://thefoodiefootballer.com/

Interviewer: @tudge_ (Instagram)