The Sports Initiative Podcast

Andrew Wiseman is the Director of Performance for NWSL side OL Reign. Working with the likes of Megan Repinoe, Angelina and Karen Bardsley, Andrew focuses on the physical preparation and development of these world class players on a daily basis. Formally of Exeter City and Celtic, Andrew has a wealth of experience in the sport science field and is currently undertaking a PHD focusing on the stress on football club support staff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Smith is the current forwards coach at Cardiff Blues. Formally a player, Tom had a distinguished career with the Ospreys, culminating in 91 total appearances and honours such as 3 U21 Wales caps and the Pro12 league championship. Tom has played alongside some of the Britain's best players including James Hook, Tommy Bowe and Alun Wyn Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Wilson is one of the founders of soccer diagnostics tool, Beyond Pulse. A former professional football, Mark graduated through the Manchester United academy and made 10 first team appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson. Post Manchester United he went on to have spells with Middlesbrough, Doncaster Rovers and Cambridge United. Mark now spends his time focusing on player and coach development in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Dejonghe is a professional racing driver who currently drives in the formula E series. With many success such as his TCE series championship win in 2019, Sam has over a decade of driver experience all over the world but specialises at the Circuit de Spa Franchorcamps, in Belgium. Also a trainer, Sam works with up and coming drivers to help them on their journey's in this notoriously challenging sport. He also works as co commentator for the Formula 1 coverage in Belgium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Mclaren is a Foundation phase coach at Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Working mainly with U11's age group, Marc has in depth experience of academy football and how to support players with their development journey. He has also seen mass development at club, both in it's infrastructure and it's on pitch performance and culture under Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larry Sunderland is the Director of Player Development at MLS franchise FC Cincinnati. Formally the U17's coach for the US national team, Larry has a wealth of experience in creating and harnessing youth development environments across the US. In previous roles he also helped establish the academies at Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Guinan is a former professional footballer with over 450 apperances at a selection of clubs including Nottingham Forest, Plymouth Argyle and Cheltenham Town. Now working for the F.A as the player to coach lead, Steve focuses on aiding players with their transition away from playing and into the coaching domain. Working with such individuals as John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, Steve has a vast array of experience assisting elite player with the beginning of their coaching journey. Also formally of the PFA, Steve has completed a number of study visits to international tournaments such as the 2018 World Cup and 2019 U21 Euro Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Ball is the Lead Professional Development Phase coach at Bristol City FC. Working mainly with the U23 age group, he focuses on aiding players in their transition into the first team environment. Formally the Lead Foundation phase coach at Southampton FC, Alex has over 20 years experience of working with player across a variety of age groups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Bednash is a Youth Development Phase coach at Crystal Palace. Focused mainly with the U15's, Josh provides support to players as they transition into their scholarship decision making year. Alongside his coaching role he also works as a technical analyst for Spielverlagerung. This in-depth analytical work, in which he breaks down intricate parts of the game such as showing inside during counter attacks or receiving positions as a 4, can be found on his social media accounts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Hughes is the Vice President of player, coach and curriculum development at Steel Sports. Formally a tutor for FAW, Ian has worked with some of the most well respected coaches and coach educators in the game such as Osian Roberts, Roberto Martinez and Patrick Vieira. He also worked for the FAW as a analyst in the lead up to the historic Euro 2016 tournament and world cup qualifiers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.