THE LOWDOWN

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dan Lock — Head of Coaching & Individual Development for Columbus Crew.Driven by an insatiable appetite to learn and grow, Dan shares insights into the diverse environments that have shaped his journey so far. Always seeking opportunities to stretch himself—whether through leadership, coach development, or exploring the intricacies of individual growth—Dan offers a compelling perspective on continuous development.Listen to find out more including;- How the Columbus Crew create lifelong fans within the Academy?- Insights behind the processes guiding player development pathways at the Crew.- The changes made in house to shape alignment from Academy to First Team.- The balance of push & pull when it comes to leading staff & departments.- More behind Dan's decision to move from a strategic to technical position within the Crew.Timestamps;00:00 - 07:02 - Perspectives07:03 - 13:05 - Columbus13:06 - 22:26- Pathways22:27 - 32:29 - Leadership32:30 - 41:19 - Player Development41:20 - 43:52 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gary Curneen — host of the Modern Soccer Coach podcast.Gary's platform has been widely acknowledged as one of the best learning hubs for coaches worldwide. In this wide ranging conversation we tackle topics from youth development to the recent Club World Cup and even as far as what a modern soccer coach will look like over these next 5-10 years. Really fascinating conversation and great to hear from Gary on the other end of the microphone.Listen to find out more including;- Modern Soccer Coach & it's origins- Filtering through noise and signal in consuming football content.- Prioritizing obtaining experiences rather than information as a coach.- What frustrates Gary about coaching at the moment?- Which skillsets coaches need to focus on over the forthcoming years?Timestamps;00:00 - 09:23 - Modern Soccer Coach09:24 - 16:21 - Content16:22 - 22:16- Curiosity22:17 - 29:31 - Club World Cup29:32 - 35:07 - Experiences35:08 - 46:47 - Youth Development46:48 - 55:48 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by women’s football pioneer Dawn Scott — renowned for her transformative work with both the England and U.S. Women’s National Teams. With a career highlighted by back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019, Dawn’s legacy is defined by relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in high performance.In this conversation, Dawn takes us through her remarkable journey from practitioner to performance leader, sharing insights into the evolution of the women’s game, the mindset behind championship teams, and what it truly means to lead in elite sport.Listen to find out more including;- Influencing change as a young practitioner by leading from the front.- How effective communication & collaboration practices have evolved through Dawn's time in the game.- Balancing the longer term picture whilst keeping an individual lens on the day to day.- Learning from Jill Ellis in changing your game when on top.- The steps Dawn has took to constantly improve upon her leadership skills and how she embraces the unknown.Timestamps;00:00 - 07:04 - Intro07:05 - 17:21 - England17:22 - 21:39- Balance21:40 - 34:41 - USA34:42 - 41:44 - Control v Guidance41:45 - 1:05:45 - Leadership1:05:46 - 1:11:54 - Signal v Noise1:11:55 - 1:18:31 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"Tomorrow you have an opportunity to be better than today."Didier Chamberon is the Director of Coaching Education at US Soccer.Today Didier discussed alongside myself the current state of Coach Education and the challenges it faces in modern society. Firstly harnessing ones passion, we then progress into areas such as how can coaches build their toolkit and furthermore how can one discover and iterate through intentional reflection and practice.Listen to find out more including;- How the role of the coach extends beyond coaching?- The big questions Didier had to answer upon his coaching journey.- Understanding the environment prior to identifying developmental needs.- Didier's methodology for understanding coaches needs and preparing developmental plans.- What does good reflection look like?Timestamps;00:00 - 05:46 - Inspiration05:47 - 12:35 - Coaching12:36 - 20:45- Self-Awareness20:46 - 26:19 - Reflection26:20 - 31:51 - Coach Development31:52 - 38:33 - Values38:34 - 41:23 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Today I am re-releasing one of my most popular recordings to date with Raymond Verheijen the owner of Football Coach Evolution.“The aim of Football Coach Evolution is not to change the world but to develop coaches based on more objective & reliable information”.Having served as an assistant in four World Cups & Euros alongside being mentored by the likes of Louis Van Gaal & Guus Hiddink there are few better equipped to guide the next generation. Utilizing evolutionary knowledge to explain tactical principles & methodology, Raymond has created a universal football language to better equip coaches for the challenges ahead. Yet knowledge is only the starting point and we gain insight as to the challenges faced when we begin to apply this objective knowledge in our respective environments. Listen to find out more including;- Raymond's coaching origin story.- How Raymond turned his biggest disappointment into his biggest opportunity?- Why has there been a “pollution of football language & methodology?”- Top down control v Top down guidance.- Guus Hiddink's mastery in change management.- How to ensure your tactical principles are built on solid foundations?- Can we change the conversation at boardroom level?Timestamps;00:00 - 04:30 - Intro04:31 - 14:51 - Universal Football Language14:52 - 25:37 - Application25:38 - 32:47 - Change Management32:48 - 45:38 - Clarity of Role45:39 - 1:00:22 - Knowledge or Experience?1:00:23 - 1:14:32 - Intelligence or Consciousness?1:14:33 - 1:24:30 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Adam Mooi is the Technical Director of Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer.As a young leader Adam has been responsible for designing and implementing game models, coaching education, building out games programmes, elevating current programmes, formalising player development processes amongst so much more.A journey which has took Adam across his homeland working in a vast array of different markets, here he shares with us his thoughts and processes on the multi-faceted nature of his job whilst unpacking so much more. For any young coach on the path or transitioning to a leadership position this is a must listen.Listen to find out more including;- Developing the coaching bug at an early age.- Finding people as curious & as passionate.- Navigating the balance of making programmes accessible amongst the competitive landscape.- Change management as a young leader.- Embracing culture & Adam's process for meeting people where they are at.Timestamps;00:00 - 05:18 - Intro05:19 - 10:38 - Coaching10:39 - 23:04- Management23:05 - 32:24 - Leadership32:25 - 35:08 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"To be quick but don't hurry"Famous words spoken by legendary basketball coach John Wooden yet a quote which today's guest Matt Jordan lives by. Having connected with Matt at January's ASD summit in Chicago I was compelled to invite him on the podcast. Making the transition from playing to front office is becoming a more widely popular route for many footballers nowadays. Matt was one of the earliest pioneers years ago retiring from his playing duties at CF Montreal to becoming it's Technical Director. The following conversation provides remarkable insight into his current role as Vice President of Global Football at Trivela Group who's portfolio includes clubs such as Drogheda United, Walsall, Silkeborg alongside clubs in Africa. Learn more about many of the considerations which go into the management of this portfolio, how Matt builds synergies across different clubs, what good due diligence looks like and the reasons behind Trivela's decade long approach to investment. Listen to find out more including;- Making the transition between playing and front office.- The influence of working in a range of markets on Matt's leadership approach.- Which skillsets Matt would have focused on in hindsight during his transition to leadership roles?- How Trivela implement centralised processes and individuate to each market?- Matt's advice for career planning in modern football.Timestamps;00:00 - 04:00 - Intro04:01 - 09:22 - Front Office09:23 - 15:52- Houston15:53 - 31:21 - Trivela31:22 - 33:45 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

David Clancy is the CEO & Co-Founder of Nxt Level Group.Creating a vision, discovering one's purpose, intentional reflection, planning for the future - all important right? Yet how often do we create the space and time to unpack and discover? At Nxt Level where their clients are the teams behind the team they help individuals position themselves not only for success right now but also in the future. A career steeped in curiosity & purpose David unpacks practical insights from mentors and experts alike whilst also drawing upon anecdotes from his own career to provide us with an episode full of gold. Listen to find out more including;- How to be both intentional and open minded as to what is next ?- Insights from recording 200 episodes of a podcast exploring David's interests ?- David's take on the generalist v specialist debate?- Why everyone needs a "Mount Rushmore"?- The big questions everyone need to ask to navigate the unknown?Timestamps;00:00 - 05:10 - Curiosity05:11 - 11:42 - Career Planning11:43 - 17:56- Nxt Level17:57 - 24:45 - Identity24:46 - 31:03 - AdviceThe Essential Skills Book; https://www.eu.elsevierhealth.com/essential-skills-for-physiotherapists-9780443111280.html?nosto=nosto-page-search1Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

In this episode, I am joined by Paul Balsom, Head of Fitness Advisory for UEFA and Tigres UANL, who shares his incredible journey in the world of football fitness. From his humble beginnings growing up in Torquay to advising top football organizations, Paul reflects on the values, mindset, and experiences that have shaped his successful career. He dives into the importance of hard work, curiosity, and reflection—keys that have allowed him to excel in his field and push the boundaries of sports performance.Listen to find out more including;- Continuous reflection as a tool to aid your performance.- How to optimize for your leadership approach ?- Recruiting a multi-disciplinary team; specialists or generalists?- What values aid Paul in his decision making?- Why everything begins with the depth of connection you have with one another?Timestamps;00:00 - 05:21 - Intro05:22 - 11:20 - Reflection11:21 - 18:01- Leadership18:02 - 21:58 - UEFA21:59 - 33:34 - Sam Allardyce33:35 - 42:09 - Recruitment42:10 - 49:04 - Leadership49:05 - 53:12 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Peter McDonnell is the U17 head coach of Philadelphia Union. A true student of the game and committed developer, Peter has strived to ensure he has passed on the many fruits of a path shaped by football.Coaching in Ireland, at Seacoast United and Minnesota all preceded a move to Philadelphia Union in the last year. Winning this years U17 GA Cup proved to be one of many highlights Peter has had since joining the Union.With an illustrious history of bringing through home talent Peter’s mission is to continue this trend. Inspired by what’s possible the Killala man has to tap deep into his philosophy of limitless development to get the most out of his talented squad. A true storyteller this episode is to be sat back to and enjoyed. Listen to find out more including;- Is there a perfect way or environment to develop a player ?- Why Philadelphia Union have such a successful track record in youth development ?- How to challenge & support amid raising expectations?- Building a team culture in the era of the individual.- What’s the most difficult part of coaching?- How jiu jitsu has helped shape Peter as a person, coach & leader?Timestamps;00:00 - 06:26 - Intro06:27 - 16:43 - Vocation16:44 - 33:58- Philadelphia Union33:59 - 39:38 - Evolution39:39 - 49:18 - Jiu Jitsu49:19 - 52:12 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie