Dr Chris McCready brings nearly three decades of lived experience across elite sport, psychology, sociology and education. After beginning his full‑time football career at 14 at the FA National School and representing England Schoolboys, he went on to make over 370 professional league appearances across a 15‑season career.

Alongside competing at the highest level, Chris completed a First Class BSc and later a PhD at Liverpool John Moores University, where he worked with ~1200 apprentice footballers to understand identity, personal development and welfare in elite youth sport. This research is widely recognised as pioneering within the industry.

After retiring, Chris moved into roles focused on developing people and environments. At Manchester United, he created and delivered the Academy’s Personal Development curriculum, designed parental education programmes, mentored professional players and provided welfare support. He later served on the PFA Players’ Board, providing strategic leadership in education, welfare, mental health and governance during a period of major reform. At UK Sport he worked in Culture and Leadership and Athlete Support, helping athletes, staff and leaders across the Olympic and Paralympic system in the UK.

Chris has spent his career helping people navigate the moments that shape performance and impact on well-being; identity, transition, confidence, relationships, safeguarding and welfare. His work blends psychology, sociology, applied drama, research, facilitation and lived experience to create learning environments that feel safe, honest and transformative.

He co-founded Real Scenes to bring these moments to life in a way traditional training cannot. His approach is calm, grounded and relational; helping staff, athletes, students and parents explore behaviour without judgement and build confidence in the conversations that matter.

James Podmore is a professional actor, writer and producer with over 20 years’ experience working across theatre, film, television and education. His career has taken him from national touring productions to screen roles, creative development, scriptwriting and directing.

James specialises in using performance to explore human behaviour — the subtle dynamics, emotional pressure points and interpersonal moments that shape how people think, feel and act. His work is rooted in authenticity: behaviour that looks and feels real, because it is.

Across his career, James has collaborated with schools, academies, universities and organisations to create powerful learning experiences that blend drama, storytelling and facilitated reflection. He has a unique ability to portray characters and situations that people instantly recognise, helping them see themselves and their environment with new clarity.

As co‑founder of Real Scenes, James leads the creative development of scenarios, scripts and performances. His work ensures every scene is truthful, safe, emotionally intelligent and tailored to the client’s environment — whether that’s high‑performance sport, education or business.

James brings warmth, professionalism and creative precision to every project, making learning memorable, engaging and deeply impactful.