The Sports Initiative Podcast

Greg Mannion is the Junior Academy Manager at Gallagher Premiership powerhouse Leicester Tigers. In this role, he focuses on developing a pathway for young players from the club and county set up, into the professional rugby. This transition is from the U13 age group through to the U18's and aims to provide players with the challenge and framework to develop whilst back in their localised set up. Formally a Rugby League player with St Helens and Wigan Warriors, Greg has used his rugby league skill base to inform his practice and skill development as a attack and backs coach in the union format. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Hughes is the Head of Coaching at Cardiff City FC. Formally a player, David played for Aston Villa, Shrewsbury and Cardiff City. After retiring, he turned to coaching where he has worked for some of the best academies in the country including Watford, Aston Villa and Southampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Gale is a 22 year old Great British Track and field athlete. Competing in the High Jump, Tom has won bronze and silver medals at the European U20 and U23 championship respectively. Currently ranked 25th in the world after an injured ravaged 2020, Tom is hoping to secure his place at Tokyo 2021 at the British Championships later this month and compete for a medal after being one of only 5 athletes in the world to jump 2.33 during the 2020 indoor season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylie Stannard is the head mens soccer coach at Yale University. Joining the programme in 2014, Kylie turned a programme that had won a total of 5 games across 2 campaigns into Ivy League winners in 2019. This was the first time the university had completed this feat since 1991. Formally of Michigan State University and Northern Illinois University, Kylie has a wealth of experience in the US collegiate system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Jorden is the UCLA men's head soccer coach. The Bruins posted a 6-9-3 record under Jorden in 2019, his first year at the helm, and he also continued his recruiting pedigree with his 2021 recruiting class earning a No. 4 national ranking from TopDrawerSoccer. Jorden arrived at UCLA with 23 years of collegiate coaching experience most recently serving as head coach at Pacific where he turned the Tigers into perennial national contenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby Muuss is the Head Coach at Wake Forest University. In 2015 he led Wake Forest to a consensus No.1 ranking and a number one seed in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. He was also named the 2015 ACC coach of the year during this year. Prior to this role, he also worked at the University of Denver and University of Connecticut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Smith is the Lead Foundation Phase coach at Southampton FC. He has worked for the club for over a decade and has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the development of young players. Formally of TeamBath football, Lee has also worked within the Professional Development Phase. Alongside his current role, Lee has now also undertaken a coach development brief where he aids individuals along their coaching journey, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Simmons is the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Women's soccer coach at Linfield University. Formally the head coach at Oregon State University, Steve has worked within University soccer for the last 2 decades. During this time he has worked with some of the best players in the country, and future MLS stars, such as David Mwanga, Emery Welshman and Khiry Shelton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walter Grandez is a performance coach for the Philadelphia Union. His main focus is on the physiological development of their academy players along with physiological potential of top prospects the academy are recruiting. Prior to his current role, Walter has also spent to time with the L.A Galaxy (soccer), Team USA (athletics) and Philadelphia Philies (baseball). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Jane Matthews is a 100m hurdler for Great Britain. Placing 2nd at last years British Championships at just 17, Lucy is one of the upcoming stars in UK athletics. Currently finishing her A levels alongside her athletic endeavours, Lucy has received great bespoke support from Millfield school which has allowed her to realise her ambitions of being a high performance student athlete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.