Stuart McClaren is the former Under 18's coach and Scottish powerhouse Celtic FC. He had also previously worked as 1st team coach with the Scottish Women's team and as part of the Scottish FA

Stuart McLaren's Coaching Journey - 0:48

Stuart McLaren shares his coaching journey, starting with his player-manager role at the Brisbane Strikers in the old national soccer league in Australia. He then moved on to work in elite youth football programs, as an assistant at North Queensland Fury, and as head coach at Loughborough University. McLaren also managed Still and Albion in League One and had stints with the Under 16 men's national team and the Women's national team before joining Celtic as the under eighteens manager.

Coaching Philosophy and Practice Alignment - 4:36

Michael Wright and Stuart McLaren discuss coaching philosophy and practice alignment. Stuart emphasizes the importance of making a connection with players and aligning coaching practices with the game model. He also reflects on the evolution of his coaching methods and the spectrum of coaching practices, emphasizing the need to adapt to the players' needs and the art of coaching.

The Pro License Journey - 9:13

Michael Wright and Stuart McLaren delve into their experiences with coaching licenses, particularly the journey to the Pro license. McLaren details his progression through formal coach education in Australia and Scotland, noting the influence of UEFA and the emphasis on management topics in the Pro license course. He also reflects on the valuable insights gained from influential presenters such as Kevin Keegan and Brian Ashton.

Reflections on Coaching and Learning -13:51

Stuart McLaren and Michael Wright share their reflections on coaching and learning, discussing topics such as the unexpected experience of writing a book for coaching certification, the value of being challenged to reconsider preconceptions, and the differences in coaching approaches between generations and cultures, including the impact of communication styles and the evolution of coaching methods over time.

Challenges in Player Development and Preparation -25:03

Stuart delve into the complexities of preparing young players for the professional football environment, particularly at a club like Celtic. McLaren highlights the need to develop players not only in technical and tactical aspects but also in character and mental resilience to handle the pressures of the game. He also mentions the use of technology and individual feedback to facilitate communication and learning with players.

Coaching Interventions and Staff Dynamics - 31:48

Stuart delve into the significance of coaching interventions and staff dynamics, highlighting the evolution of coaching practices and the impact of age and experience on coaching styles. They also touch upon the role of mentorship and the diverse backgrounds of coaching staff in influencing player development.

Context and Philosophy in Player Development 45:29

Stuart McLaren and Michael Wright delve into the significance of context and philosophy in player development. McLaren shares insights from his time at Celtic and the Aspire Academy, emphasizing the need to prepare players for diverse playing styles and systems. Wright adds that understanding players' strengths and adapting within a framework can optimize performance.

Reflections on Coaching Achievements and Impact - :54:56

Stuart McLaren discusses the emotional aspect of coaching and shares proud moments from his coaching journey, highlighting the significance of acknowledging achievements. Michael Wright emphasizes the importance of recognizing positive moments in coaching and the self-reflective nature of the role, aiming to maintain a positive impact on players.

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