At just 22, Olutobi 'Tobi' Ogundega has already experienced many of the highs, lows and valuable lessons the football can offer. For the talented Raynes Park centre-back, those experiences have helped shape both the player and the thoughtful, grounded young man we're getting to know at Grand Drive.

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I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tobi, initially to learn a little more about the realities of being a young footballer, the importance of good people around you and why, despite the challenges, his ambitions remain as strong as ever.

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Growing up in north-west London, Tobi joined the MK Dons at 16, progressing through their academy and scholarship programme before making the ambitious decision to pursue senior professional football with Sutton United at 18.

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"Russell Martin was probably the coach who had the biggest influence on me at MK Dons," he recalls. 

" I remember training with the first team and seeing the incredible detail in his sessions. that's when I really understand what professional  football was about."

 

But as so many young players discover, the journey from academy into senior football is rarely straightforward.

 

Injuries competition for places, adapting to different managers and styles of play, and the uncertainty surrounding opportunities can all test a young footballer's confidence and determination.

 

What struck me was how maturely Tobi now reflects on those formative years. He recognises that there are moments when things don't go to plan, when opportunities don't materialise quite as expected, and when the responsibility falls on the player to keep working, improving and believing.

 

It's an important reality of football that perhaps isn't always appreciated from the outside. We celebrate the young players who make it through the academy system, but there are countless others whose journeys take unexpected turns. Talent is only part of the equation. Timing, opportunity, resilience and the environment around a player can be equally important.

 

Tobi's subsequent experiences at Salisbury, Harrow Borough and Metropolitan Police introduced him to the very different demands of senior non-league football.

 

"The physicality was a big change. When I was younger, I was probably quite passive. You learn that being good technically isn't enough. You have to compete, communicate, be aggressive and understand the demands of men's football."

 

He also made the point that particularly resonated with me. 

"I think young players really benefit from encouragement and guidance. Sometimes just having somebody tell you what you're doing well, what you can improve and taking an interest in your development makes a massive difference."

 

It's something I recognise from my own playing career. Football can be an unforgiving profession, particularly for young players trying to establish themselves. There are moments when confidence comes easily and others when the smallest encouragement or a bit of reassurance can make an enormous difference.

 

While we talk a great deal about developing players technically and physically, perhaps we don't always place enough emphasis on helping them navigate the emotional and personal demands of the game. 

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For Tobi, that support has always started at home.

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"My dad, one hundred percent. He's been my biggest influence. He's always there, always encouraging me and pushing me to improve. He's been such a big part of my football journey."

 

The warmth with which he talks about his father says a great deal about him.

 

It also helps explain why he places such importance on the environment he's found at Raynes Park Vale.

 

Despite interest from higher up the football pyramid during pre-season, Tobi chose to remain at Grand Drive.

 

"The support here is fantastic. Kads and Hayden are there for you, there's real detail in training and they give you confidence.

 

"One of my biggest strengths is my passing  and almost immediately they recognised that. When somebody sees what you're good at it gives you confidence to express yourself."

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I found that observation particularly revealing. 

Sometimes the most powerful thing a coach can do is simply recognise a player's qualities and give him the confidence to use them.

 

Tobi also spoke with real affection about Hayden's passion and motivation.

 

 "I love the gaffer. Before games, some of his team talks genuinely give me goosebumps. He puts that fire in your belly and makes you want to go out and give absolutely everything."

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He even recalled a training session following a convincing 5–0 victory when Hayden, rather than allowing the players to bask in the result, demanded even  more from them physically.

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Tobi loved it.

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For him, demonstrated that standards don't change simply because you've won a football match. The work, discipline and commitment that produce success have to be maintatined.

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It's a lesson that has become particularly relevant following our recent improvement in performances and results. 

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Tobi believes a greater understanding between teammates, particularly defensively, has made an enormous difference.

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"We're communicating much better, working together and understanding each other's strengths.

We're learning when to play football and when to keep things simple."

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His own commitment is equally impressive.

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During pre-season, Tobi made the significant decision to leave his job when he realised it would interfere with training and matches, choosing to give his football ambitions the best possible opportunity.

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He continues to invest in additional one-to-one coaching, concentrating on the small details of defending, his awareness, positioning and technical ability.

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It's an indication of just how seriously he takes his development.

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And what of the future?

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"I want to get back into professional football, one hundred per cent. My dream is to play in the Premier League and represent Nigeria."

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"It sounds scary saying it out loud, but I believe it's possible."

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I loved the answer. Not because those ambitions are easy to achieve – they certainly aren't – but because every young footballer should have the confidence to dream and the determination to give themselves the best possible chance.

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His footballing hero is Sergio Ramos, a defender whose technical quality, aggression and competitive spirit he admires. Away from the pitch, he's a Chelsea supporter, while Mo Kamara gets his vote as the funniest member of the Vale dressing room!

 

Perhaps Tobi's most telling reflection, though, was how he views his journey.

 

"I don't regret those experiences. They've made me mor resilient and stronger as a person. Everything happens for a reason, and you learn from it."

 

As we finished our conversation, I was reminded why working with young players is such a rewarding part of being involved at Raynes Park Vale.

 

Of course, we want to win football matches, compete at the top of the league and continue progressing as a club. But equally, we want to create an environment in which talented young players can develop, grow in confidence and fulfil their potential.

 

If we can help players like Tobi take the next step in their careers, that's something everyone associated with Vale should take enormous pride in. 

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For now, we're fortunate to have a talented, ambitious and committed young man wearing our shirt.