The Magic Academy

Craig Morris, an accomplished athlete, shares insights from his captivating Olympic journey. He discusses the delicate balance of luck and legacy, emphasizing the importance of community support in sports. The conversation dives into the mental dynamics athletes face before competition, highlighting the need for emotional well-being and team cohesion. Craig also reflects on the significance of open communication in coaching, recounting personal anecdotes that reveal how vulnerability shapes team dynamics. His reflections on Olympic moments underscore the beauty of acceptance in sports.

Will Webster... lifelong learner, international rugby coach, MLR winner x 2, player whose dreams outgrew his ability, older brother who is under pressure to get married, all round good bloke. Will and Rusty chat all things becoming a great coach without the blue tick! 

Aaron Takel, a visionary coach passionate about rethinking coach development, joins forces with Taks and Rusty to unpack their top 10 moments from a recent coaching gathering on Vancouver Island. They discuss the exciting fusion of innovative coaching techniques with real-time adaptability. The trio shares insights on empowering young athletes and the joy of gamification in training. Discover the magic of creative moments, from superhero-themed learning to a spontaneous breakdancing competition, showcasing the transformation in coaching dynamics driven by collaboration and fun!

Jack Hanratty, a key player in Canada 7's rugby, shares his Olympic journey filled with emotional highs and lows. He discusses the deep connections formed in rugby, both at home and on the international stage. The conversation delves into the unique challenges athletes face, from selection anxieties to personal setbacks, all while celebrating the strong community spirit in rugby sevens. Hanratty also highlights coaching dynamics and the importance of resilience in achieving Olympic aspirations, offering a powerful insight into the world of competitive sports.

Jess and Rusty chat all things fist bumping heroes, being a female coach, coach feedback, the rhythm of the game and travelling from Huddersfield to Christchurch to learn as much as you can... enjoy!

Tom from Progressive Rugby chats all things creating a community of care and protecting players in rugby... enjoy!

James Vaughan, Head of Development at AIK Stockholm and a PhD holder, dives into the intriguing 'Swedish theory of love,' discussing how societal norms can foster loneliness and the importance of community. He shares insights into youth football training, advocating for playful learning and player autonomy. The conversation also highlights the need for creative coaching methods and the benefits of informal play for skill development. Finally, he emphasizes the 'goldfish mindset' for increased focus and the flow experience in both play and coaching.

Rusty spends even more time with the man he has spent most of the last month with helping coaches navigate challenging conversations in football (shout out to Danny Newcombe!)... forum theatre, status, noticing skills, statement of intent and 'can I take this back?' Enjoy! 

Tom Farrow... performance coach, owner at Arete and the best wrestler I know chats all things solving performance problems. On the way, we chat connected conversations, why tackles are missed, 2 leg takedowns and lessons from football... enjoy! Tom can be found at http://www.arete-performance.com/ 

Sean and Rusty chat all things from the U13F's, being excited to come to training, reflecting in the moment, Laurie Fisher as Bruce Springsteen, re-imagining a coaching skills carousel, saving bullets, Ben Ryan in 2009 and John Quinn's grenades... enjoy!