The Lowdown

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/YouTube; 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/YouTube; 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/YouTube; 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/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

David Webb is the First Team Coach of the Georgia National Team. Since debuting on the podcast over 2 years ago David was contacted by Willy Sagnol to join the staff ahead of their Euro playoffs earlier this year. What ensued was possibly the story of this years European Championships.Ranked 74th in the world did little to hold Georgia back and they attacked each game in the entertaining and inspiring manner for which they have gained plaudits in recent years. Their 2-0 victory over Portugal announced their arrival on the world stage with a historical qualification to the Round of 16.Exiting to eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16 did little to dampen the feel good factor beside this generational side.Luckily for us David joined us shortly after the Euros to recount this historic occasion.Listen to find out more including;- Inside Georgia’s robust training and analysis ahead of the Euros.- What David’s moment of the tournament was ?- Inside the gameplan to beat Portugal ?- Getting the best out of Kvicha Kvaratskhekia.- What was so impressive about facing Spain in the flesh ?- The historic homecoming to Tbilisi.Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

“In your building, if the level of conversation is good the level of conversation goes out on to the pitch.”Michael Beale is well known to many for his work as first team coach. However it is his track record in youth development which initially caught the eye. 15 years of an apprenticeship at Charlton, Chelsea and Liverpool working alongside some future Premier League managers helped shaped some of Michael’s strongest views of the game.From South London to São Paulo Michael speaks here with a fervent passion as to what’s possible when development is intentionally tailored towards the individual. Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Trent Alexander Arnold are just few of tens of names which Michael has played a key role in their development.Reflecting on recent jobs at QPR, Rangers and Sunderland have only hardened Michael’s desire to place development at the forefront.Listen to find out more including;- How early did Michael realise coaching would be his vocation?- Why tactics are overrated?- Getting the balance right between play and structure.- The three fundamentals essential to building any footballers hard drive ?- The transition to management from coaching.- Why the game always comes back to relationships and feelings ?Timestamps;00:00 - 04:13 - Futsal04:14 - 13:26 - Development13:27 - 21:13- Chelsea & Liverpool21:14 - 29:50 - Sao Paulo29:51 - 35:15 - Gerrard35:16 - 49:10 - QPR & Rangers49:11 - 56:04 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Sonny Cobbs is the Founder & CEO of Precision Football. It sits as the flagship Football Tech Centre of the Middle East at less than a few years old. With 25 staff and 3,000 people coming through the doors each week it is a paradise for anyone in love with the sport.Even more remarkable than the very idea of its existence have been the milestones the organisation have hit in such a short space of time. This “overnight success” is not a surprise to many who know it’s founder Sonny Cobbs. Faced with the many trials and tribulations blighting many a young entrepreneur Sonny shares the story of how he lost everything only to bounce back and do it even better.Winning 10 out of their last 11, with a run embodying the very grit the club was built on Precision recently achieved promotion in their maiden season. Speaking to Sonny we learn about how Precision has set a new standard for the Dubai region, how they plan to cement their place as a key stakeholder in the tech boom storming football, plans for international expansion and so much more.Listen to find out more including;- Sonny's journey to Dubai.- Amongst a mix of factors how did one trip to America inspire the design behind Precision?- Foundations and thought process behind the use of Precision's advanced football technology.- Balancing the passion of a dream with the realities of being a young entrepreneur?- The story as to how Precision achieved promotion in their first season.- Plans to expand internationally and what role will Precision play in this latest tech boom?Timestamps;00:00 - 06:46 - Intro06:47 - 16:05 - Dubai16:06 - 26:07- Precision26:08 - 31:08 - First Team31:09 - 41:13 - The Main Thing41:14 - 42:32 - AdviceWebsite; https://www.precisionfootball.com/Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/precisionftbl/?hl=enGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Scott McLachlan, the Global Head of Football for Global Football Holdings, shares his journey through the beautiful game. He reminisces about the 1978 World Cup and the 2021 Champions League Final, showcasing his deep love for football. The conversation highlights how COVID reignited his coaching passion and the importance of building a career map. McLachlan also touches on evolving communication in coaching, professionalizing scouting at Chelsea, and fostering a learning-focused environment in football management. Get ready for a wealth of insights!

Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie