THE LOWDOWN

Dave Clarke has been head coach of Quinnipiac college soccer for over 20 years.His journey to this point has been wholly encompassing and one in which he has left no stone unturned. Retaining that childhood passion for the game blended with a hunger for growth has ensured his longevity in the game on American shores.On his pathway to becoming a leading coach educator with US Soccer he has gained profound insight as to why he coaches and as to his own unique method of leadership. Advocating a life skills approach, Dave likens his overarching role within college to that of "surrogate parent" with no student athlete left behind. I was very fortunate to spend time in Dave's company hearing raw insight regarding his profession.Listen to find out more including;- Inside college soccer culture- How wholly encompassing is the life of a college soccer coach?- Leading as a player v leading as a coach.- How Dave guides players and staff through complexity and change?- What is of the utmost importance to get right in college recruitment?- Remaining curious as a coach educator and what his work is currently teaching him about himself?Timestamps;00:00 - 02:12 - Intro02:13 - 08:45 - US08:46 - 20:03 - College Soccer20:04 - 30:56 - Recruitment30:57 - 38:22 - US Soccer38:23 - 43:08 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Adam Lawrence is the head of player development for U13-U16 at Manchester United. Ever passionate and proactive, there has not been a single step skipped in his coaching journey.Hailing from south London Adam has gained recognition going above and beyond coaching across all age bands at clubs such as Millwall, Charlton and now Manchester United. Always in service of the player Adam offers us his lens as to what good coach education looks like, the pastoral care afforded by Manchester United and the preconditions required for success.Much like his own journey, shaped by tradition yet constantly looking to evolve, Adam takes us right inside the beating heart of one of the world's leaders in talent development.Listen to find out more including;- How does the environment of South London support the development of players?- The profound impact of a study trip to South America?- How Charlton leveraged Talent ID as a competitive advantage?- What separates the best coach developers?- Inside the unique culture for talent development at Man United.- Integrating Man United first team players into the youth development process.Timestamps;00:00 - 03:12 - Intro03:13 - 12:21 - Getting Reps12:22 - 21:46 - Talent ID21:47 - 27:12 - Head of Coaching27:13 - 39:32 - Man United39:33 - 44:28 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Matt Rizzetta is the Chairman of North Sixth Group, a family office operating company with investments in marketing, media, technology, sports and entertainment. A diversified portfolio yet there was not much one could prepare them for the purchase of Campobasso. 8 days out from their season start and no coach, players and a pitch covered in mushrooms. Yet in spite of this they achieved promotion in a season framed as "fame di rivincita".Part of a portfolio which also includes Ascoli FC and newly founded pro team in Brooklyn, Matt speaks about ultimately how passion and purpose fuels their investing pursuits. Listen to find out more including;- Motive to invest in football?- How they got Campobasso up and running operationally off the pitch and technically on it?- Their plans to diversify revenue streams in a bid to remain competitive.- Why bring professional soccer to the "underdog" borough of Brooklyn?-MCO's and how North Sixth Group's portfolio will evolve?Timestamps;00:00 - 05:41 - Intro05:42 - 19:21 - Campobasso19:22 - 26:56 - Brooklyn26:57 - 30:46 - MCO'sWebsite; https://northsixthgroup.com/

“Who you become as a result of the chase is the most important thing”One of the most transformational podcasts I have recorded to date. It was a pleasure to speak with Dr.Jim Loehr about his new book "Wise Decisions" and his brilliant work in the Sport Psychology sphere over the past 30 years!Utilising sport as a tool to impact others, "you get a life by giving it away." This purpose driven lens has flavoured Dr.Jim's work for the past 30 years. As one begins that journey of "coming home" they must learn best as to how to navigate that path.With the brain responsible for making 35,000 decisions a day, how can you harness this to coach you forward? It is after all the most important asset one can have. Furthermore why with every decision we take we either are getting closer or further to home?For all of those involved in Sports indeed what is presented to us here is an extraordinary opportunity and in an extraordinary time. Listen to find out more including;-What does it mean to repurpose sport to build character?- How does one begin the journey of "coming home"?- How does the brain makes decisions- What does Y.O.D.A stand for?- Having a dsyfunctional private voice and still being successful.- What is the best coach you could ever have?- How has this research impacted Dr.Jim's own life?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:04 - Intro03:05 - 16:10 - The End in Mind16:11 - 23:24 - Youth Performance23:25 - 34:25 - Wise Decisions34:26 - 40:49 - Inner Voice40:50 - 49:28 - Impact of research on him?49:29 - 52:40 - AdviceDr. Jim's Website; https://www.jim-loehr.com/Dr. Jim's Book; https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Decisions-Science-Based-Approach-Choices/dp/1119931401

Today I am joined by the Founding Partner of Elite Performance Partners; David Slemen. EPP help organisations and individuals within sport reach their potential. They have helped with the support and building of high performance teams at organisations such as The FA, Right to Dream, LTA and Leicester Tigers. For anyone interested in building the team behind the team this one is for you. Learn here as to how to unpick bias in the recruitment process, why experience can be overrated, how there is no "path" and how sustainable success ought to be at the forefront.Listen to find out more including;- Why football is sometimes slow to innovate?- How to balance long term planning and short term success?- The differences between the hiring process at Amazon and Lego?- What skillsets does the modern day technical director have?- The role of the "specialist generalist"?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:53 - Intro03:54 - 06:38 - Innovation06:39 - 12:46 - "Cultural Fit"12:47 - 22:10 - Unpicking Bias22:11 - 27:27 - Technical Director27:28 - 34:01 - Evolution34:02 - 36:06 - AdviceWebsite; https://eppglobal.com/TGG Article; https://trainingground.guru/articles/five-key-roles-for-high-performing-teams

"The world is not lacking in expertise and knowledge, it's lacking in the imagination in what to do with it." - Kevin KellyKirk Vallis is the Global Head of Creative Capability Development at Google. For years Kirk has worked in various different environments unlocking people's potential. However it was at Google where he faced a novel challenge where in their own words; "brilliant at being the smartest people, not always good at unlocking the smartest thinking".Fast forward 11 years, Google and it's employees have undergone quite the transformation. Not quite all plain sailing however through a first principles based approach combined with a desire for people to be at the centre of everything Google's slick operation has iterated once more. Learn as to amongst other things as to why expertise is overrated?, the difference between creative thought and eccentric thought, and one tool coaches can integrate into their training periodisation.Listen to find out more including;- The techniques and frameworks which you can start implementing to disrupt your thinking?- "Behaviour eats process for breakfast."- What is a "smart creative" at Google?- How has Kirk's creative process evolved?- Why ideas are overrated?- "You don't have to be serious to solve serious problems."Timestamps;00:00 - 03:16 - Intro03:17 - 06:00 - "Smart Creative"06:01 - 12:30 - Google12:31 - 21:49 - Changing the Problem21:50 - 33:27 - "To Think About Lists"33:28 - 43:17 - Football43:18 - 48:36 - AIGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Neil Banfield is currently the Rangers first team assistant coach. Like many of the players he has coached over 30+ years in the game he has undergone quite a journey himself. A widely respected expert in player development and migration Neil's views of the game were largely molded by the 20+ years he spent at Arsenal.Alongside the likes of Arsene Wenger and Liam Brady, Neil was part of the coaching cohort that put together the infamous Elite Development Group which has formed the backbone of a successful number of graduates for Arsenal's first team. Here in this episode you will learn as to how the strength of a club's youth structure really is the underpinning of everything. Learn as to how Neil's career has come full circle now as he assists a former player of his in Michael Beale at Rangers. An unwavering passion for developing better people alongside footballers there are nuggets galore in this one.Listen to find out more including;- The importance of not skipping any steps in 0ne's coaching journey.- What exactly is "The Arsenal Way"?- How Arsenal consistently produced players year in year out?- Knowing when players are ready to step up to first team level.- Person first mentality when it comes to youth development.-Vieira, Arteta and Wilshere - why it's not always clear as to why certain players make the step up to management?-How does the Old Firm compare to the North London derby?Timestamps;00:00 - 04:30 - Intro04:31 - 08:17 - Arsenal08:18 - 19:11 - Elite Development Group19:12 - 23:31 - Players > Teams23:32 - 32:12 - Wenger32:13 - 35:39 - Where are they now?35:40 - 41:58 - Rangers41:59 - 46:24 - Love for the game46:25 - 51:15 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Growing up with an unbridled joy for the game, climbing through the ranks of professional coaching staffs at a young age, Alessandro Davite has soon become one of the names to know in Italian analysis circles. Being able to adapt to different contexts, Alessandro has propelled himself forward in a career where there is nothing given. A student of the game, his observations and insights have been absorbed by a list of managers including Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Luciano Spalletti and Mauricio Sarri. Enjoy this conversation with one of Italy's brightest footballing minds.Listen to find out more including;- The changing point of analysis in Italian football.- Versatility and adapting to the different demands of Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti. - How rigorous the routine of a match analyst in European competition's exactly is?- Inside the pressure cooker of working at Inter Milan.- The tactical evolution of Serie A in the past few seasons.- Working with Mourinho and what makes him so special?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:54 - Intro03:55 - 08:02 - The Role08:03 - 16:35 - Inter Milan16:36 - 21:24 - Serie A21:25 - 27:09 - Tactical Evolution27:10 - 33:03 - Mourinho33:04 - 37:30 - AdviceAlessandro's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandro-davite-70a096b3/Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Spielverlagerung is a world renowned tactical analysis platform. One of the key protagonists behind it's rapid ascent has been Martin Rafelt. What started out as a mere hobby soon became a passion with their work attracting the gaze of Thomas Tuchel among others. Obtaining experience coaching soon flavoured Martin's work in analysis, constantly building his football network. Years later the success arc of the platform has gone full circle with Martin amongst many others educating patrons through their new academy and podcast platforms. It was a joy to speak with Martin and hear his views as to a myriad of topics from the importance of networks, environmental design for youth development, simple v hard practices and so much more.Listen to find out more including;- The connection between coaching and analysis?- Why football is universally popular?- Spielverlagerung; early days and how it has evolved.- Thomas Tuchel & opposition analysis at Mainz.- What is at the core of football tactics?- Simple v Hard continiuum when it comes to youth development.Timestamps;00:00 - 06:16 - Intro06:17 - 14:55 - Spielverlagerung14:56 - 17:37 - Tuchel17:38 - 23:57 - Coaching23:58 - 30:40 - Role Models30:41 - 40:59 - Hajduk Split41:00 - 54:06 - Tactics54:07 - 56:12 - AdviceMartin's Twitter; https://twitter.com/martinrafelt?lang=enSV Academy; https://spielverlagerung.com/sv-academy/Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"Being talented is no longer enough. The game now demands more of players and they need to be intelligent to understand the game. Teams with more intelligent players are harder to play against because they're far less predictable," - Javier Mascherano.Slawek Morawski better known as "Mindfootballness" to his audience is an avid student of the game. With the game being the best teacher there is no shortage of content for Slawek to explore. Investing his time and energy into the player development process, Slawek has learned over time that knowledge only has true value when shared with others. This has been an iterative and interactive process with has included presenting to a whole host of federations alongside working individually with some of football's best known stars. Listen to find out more including;- How Slawek views individual development?- The challenge of retaining creativity amongst players?- Some of the gaps which Slawek believes exists in training methodology?- Are intuitive players valued appropriately in modern football?- How IDP work differs between in season and off season?- Why small details make all the difference with big players.Timestamps;00:00 - 03:33 - Intro03:34 - 09:35 - Individual Development09:36 - 15:09 - Intelligence & Decision Making15:10 - 20:56 - Intuition20:57 - 37:16 - Small details & Big players37:17 - 47:55 - Learning Process47:56 - 53:07 - Body Orientation53:08 - 56:14 - AdviceSlawek's Twitter; https://twitter.com/slawekmorawski/Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie