The Lowdown

"Stop listening, start talking"IMG Academy is one of the world’s most prestigious sports, performance and educational institutions located in Bradenton, Florida. A unique campus allowing students to continue their studies alongside pursuing mastery in their chosen sport has already allowed many student athletes to fulfill their dreams of attaining a sports scholarship at university.And who better to take us inside it's doors than Director of Personal Development; Dr. Duncan Simpson. Previously Head of Mental Conditioning on campus, Dr.Duncan is responsible for creating the best conditions possible for the person behind the athlete to flourish. Here he shares his thoughts on topics such as mental toughness, the buy-in process regarding mental skills training, and the importance of training focus at the high school level.A fantastic episode steeped in gold, learn more as to how Dr.Duncan and his department continue to set their students up for the best possible success in and outside of sport. Listen to find out more including;- Dr.Duncan's view on "the game of life"?- How a high challenge, high support environment is not enough and teaching students the art of asking good questions.- Where athletes most commonly become stuck?- Teaching teenagers that they are part of a broader community and that they are not isolated individuals.- The five skills most crucial for prime mental performance?-How to train focus on an individual and team level?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:46 - Intro03:47 - 10:06 - Lifelong Success10:07 - 17:52 - Athletic Department17:53 - 22:10 - Inner Voice22:11 - 32:17 - Mental Performance32:18 - 36:27 - Self-Talk36:28 - 44:38 - Self-Growth44:39 - 46:55 - AdviceDr.Duncan's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/

How does someone find their way into football via studying consciousness, dopamine systems and magic mushrooms?Today's guest is Jes Buster Madsen, Head of Research & Development at FC Copenhagen.One of the most innovative and productive academies in world football constantly striving for percentages in understanding and shaping the next frontier of youth development.What begun as a passion to explore the finer edges of how reality is experienced has evolved to a commitment to understanding "the pandora's box of football".One of the most inspirational podcasts recorded to date painting a very optimistic picture as to how youth development will evolve. Without question it cements the view of how sports can be used as a tool for understanding the big questions in life.Listen to find out more including;- A broader view of game intelligence.- The prerequisites for making decisions on a football field.- Building a cognitive model which is football specific.- Which cognitive functions are correlated with future success in football?- What are the future implications on technology resulting from Jes' latest research?- Moving towards a future where academia and elite sport can co-exist.Timestamps;00:00 - 09:51 - Neuroscience09:52 - 15:16 - Intelligence v Consciousness15:17 - 28:16 - Cognitive Potential28:17 - 37:47 - Testing37:48 - 48:52 - Evolution48:53 - 51:42 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Dominic Casciato is the Head Coach of Union Omaha. His continual upward trajectory has been no surprise given his journey to date. Taking calculated risks with an unquivering thirst to learn he is a shining example of a coach who has made successful transition from academy to first team.Thinking outside the box, integrating outside knowledge, learning a second language, coaching all age groups, Dominic has skipped no steps on his journey to first team coach. An inspirational listen and undoubtedly full of gold for coaches to implement in their own environments.Listen to find out more including;- How to be intentional with filling in your development gaps as a coach?- Why wearing many different hats as a coach may come to the deprivation of building your methodology. - How coaching in a second language improved Dom's ability as a communicator?- Building a culture of development at El Paso through an innovative cross border games programme.- How to surround yourself with good role models who cure blindspots?- Nadirs in a season and navigating them in your first managerial post.Timestamps;00:00 - 04:50 - Intro04:51 - 11:48 - Development11:49 - 18:10 - Espanyol18:11 - 23:46 - New York23:47 - 35:51 - El Paso35:52 - 45:06 - Union Omaha45:07 - 46:07 - Advice

Andoni Bombin is the Academy Manager at Independiente de Valle in Ecuador.Formerly the Head of Methodology and long time academy coach at Athletic Club de Bilbao, Andoni underwent a significant apprenticeship at home demonstrating how the values required for a successful career on field were equally transferable to a successful career away from it. Armed with this knowledge and it's proof in a never ending lineage of academy graduates Andoni used these learnings as a platform travelling worldwide to spread the Bilbao gospel. The apprentice has now become the master and Andoni all these years later has proven astute adapting to different contexts, managing expectations and in turn facilitating a knowledge exchange in the likes of China and Ecuador. Listen to find out more including;- Inside the unique culture for development at Bilbao.- The importance of providing players with autonomy in their own development.- How the phases of development align to ensure a constant conveyor belt of talent from academy to first team.- Why a coach cannot begin their journey without the clarity a direction brings. - The huge social purpose driving development at Independiente de Valle.- How IDV facilitate knowledge exchange amongst players and coaches in Ecuador?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:30 - Intro03:31 - 08:05 - Bilbao08:06 - 14:15 - Phases of Development14:16 - 24:53 - Learning24:54 - 29:56 - Pathway Progression29:57 - 36:37 - China36:38 - 48:13 - Ecuador48:14 - 54:14 - Holistic Development54:15 - 1:00:14 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

"It took 1 hour to plan but 9 years to consistently implement it".Des Ryan is the Director of Coaching & Performance at Setanta College. Furthermore he was also the Head of Sports Medicine & Athletic Development from 2013-2021.Des is a leading practitioner in the field and is widely regarded for his body of work at Arsenal's academy. With the help of Arsene Wenger, Liam Brady and Colin Lewin, Des helped to build an athletic framework in line with the club's overarching football philosophy.Playing the infinite game of development, Des and his former colleagues still see the fruits of this labour to this very day with a significant proportion of academy graduates moving into first team football in Europe's top 5 leagues.This is truly a great listen as to the impact which an interdisciplinary team can achieve with the right vision, mission and values.Listen to find out more including;- How the football philosophy lives & breathes at Arsenal?- Implementation of the athletic development framework at Arsenal?- Distributing skin in the game to make the philosophy sticky.- How vision and mission align decision making from top down in an academy setting?- Des' tips for innovation and effecting change with limited resources. - Inside the physical development of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.Timestamps;00:00 - 04:30 - Intro04:31 - 08:58 - Athletic Framework08:59 - 14:54 - "Strong Young Gunners"14:55 - 23:55 - Change23:56 - 32:44 - Culture of Growth32:45 - 48:08 - Inside the Programme48:09 - 52:23 - AdviceArsenal Research Paper; SCJ_Developing-world-class-players_2017.pdf (setantacollege.com)GAA Sports Science Paper; Launch of new Sports Science framework for Gaelic Games (gaa.ie)

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/YouTube; 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/YouTube; 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