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SCA Journey Podcast: Episode #10 – Chris Marques on Football, Mentorship, and Self-Belief

In Episode #10 of the SCA Journey Podcast, I sat down with Chris Marques, goalkeeper, mentor, and founder of GKU Academy, to talk about the highs, challenges, and lessons from a career that’s taken him from Sydney’s youth leagues to English academies, and back home developing Australia’s next generation of talent.

Chris shared what it was like playing in the new Australian Championship with Spirit FC, describing the atmosphere at Preston Lions as “incredible”, a proper step forward for Australian football. We also revisited his early journey through Marconi Stallions, his move to Stoke City at 16, and later signing with Nottingham Forest, where he learned how intense, competitive, and unforgiving professional environments can be.

Those experiences shaped his passion for coaching. Today, through GKU Academy, Chris mentors both goalkeepers and outfield players, including several Southern Cross Athletes preparing for U.S. college soccer. He spoke about helping players like Chloe Tseros, who played every NCAA Division I minute as a freshman, and Matilda Gilbert, who’s now training to take her career to Tyler to compete in Texas.

We wrapped up with his biggest message for young athletes: success starts with self-belief and the willingness to do extra work when no one’s watching.

▶️ Listen Now: 

Spotify: Episode #10 – Chris Marques

YouTube: Episode #10 – Chris Marques