The Sports Initiative Podcast

Brian Slugocki is a hockey coaches who works across the development pathway culminating with some work with NHL players during offseasons.Introduction and Background of Brian Slugocki -1:08Michael Wright and Brian Slugocki set up the recording and exchange pleasantries about the weather in Arizona. Brian then shares his background in ice hockey, from playing at the University of Arizona and in Sweden to coaching youth and professional players, including his current role as a skills coach for the Arizona Coyotes minor league team.Coaching and Mentorship 4:21Brian Slugocki explains his passion for coaching and mentorship, influenced by his positive experiences with teachers and mentors who cared for him as a person. Michael Wright shares a story about a cricketer's shift in mindset due to a mentor's guidance, emphasizing the significance of coaches fostering meaningful relationships with players for success.Developing Movement and Reception Skills in Hockey and Football - 21:53Brian Slugocki shares his methods for teaching movement and reception skills in hockey, including the use of video clips and interactive demonstrations to prepare players for practice. He emphasizes the importance of using the ice geography and dot lines to teach players how to move and receive the puck effectively, while also considering the impact on defenders' positioning.Strategies for Receiving and Transitioning with the Puck - 28:39Brian Slugocki and Michael Wright exchange ideas on how to improve players' ability to receive the puck and create separation from defenders in hockey. They draw parallels between shadowing in hockey and man marking in football, emphasizing the importance of deceptive footwork and transitional play. Slugocki also shares a drill involving a football-like stance to practice getting open and working on skating techniques.Techniques for Practicing at Home - 36:28Michael Wright and Brian Slugocki exchange ideas on how to improve hockey skills at home, focusing on stick handling and individual skill development. They suggest using rebounders and emphasize the value of visualization and realistic game scenarios for effective training. The discussion highlights the need for a partner or parent to facilitate challenging practice sessions.Transition and Attack Strategies in Hockey - 39:35Michael Wright and Brian Slugocki delve into the intricacies of transitional play and attack strategies in hockey. They highlight the significance of players recognizing the right time to transition and attack, and the principles and rules that guide these decisions. Additionally, they discuss the self-awareness and strategic considerations involved in exploiting space and utilizing players' strengths on the ice.Considerations for Player Transitions in Hockey and Football 55:03Michael Wright emphasizes the rapid and unpredictable nature of player transitions in hockey, stressing the importance of being aware of the capabilities of incoming players. Brian Slugocki adds another layer to the discussion by highlighting the impact of handedness on player transitions, emphasizing the need for players to adapt to different playing styles and preferences. The conversation also touches on the potential value of constant player transitions in football to enhance players' awareness and adaptability.Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 59:49Brian Slugocki shares his coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of maximizing players' strengths and collaborating with them to improve their skills. He highlights the need for a positive and engaging environment, especially for younger players, and discusses the differences in players' openness to change based on their career stage.

Karl Sandberg is the Sporting Director at FC Djusholm Karl Sandberg's Journey to Becoming a Sporting Director - 10:19Karl Sandberg shares his journey from volunteering as a football coach to becoming a sporting director, emphasizing the impact of his engineering background on his coaching philosophy. Michael Wright acknowledges the non-traditional route into coaching and discusses the value of diverse backgrounds in the coaching world.Youth Football Development and Club Ownership - 16:45Michael Wright and Karl Sandberg delve into the historical and current approaches to youth football development and club ownership in the UK and Sweden. They explore the impact of commercialization on club finances and the limitations imposed by club ownership rules on investment in facilities and infrastructure, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by clubs in both countries.Academy Training and Competition Structure in Sweden - 28:21Michael Wright and Karl Sandberg delve into the differences between academy training in Stockholm and other parts of Sweden, highlighting the limited access to football fields in Stockholm and the challenges of finding suitable competition for academy teams. They also discuss the age groups at which academy teams start and the rules governing player recruitment and competition participation.Youth Player Recruitment and Development - 38:27Michael Wright and Karl Sandberg delve into the intricacies of youth player recruitment and development in Sweden and the UK, emphasizing the absence of official signing and contracts for youth players in Sweden, as well as the compensation system for player transfers in the UK. They also touch upon the challenges and benefits of these systems, providing insights into the differences in approach and the impact on players and clubs.Scouting System at Athletic Club - 53:30Karl Sandberg shares his experience at Athletic Club in Bilbao, highlighting the club's scouting system that involves numerous affiliated clubs in the Basque country. He recounts a moment when key club figures, including the academy director and board of directors, attended a game between 12-year-old players to scout for potential talent. Sandberg emphasizes the club's commitment to identifying and nurturing the best players for their first team through this extensive scouting network.Talent Identification and Player Development Programs - 56:57Karl Sandberg shares insights into Sevilla's talent identification and player development program, highlighting the specialized training and mentorship provided to high-potential academy players. Michael Wright expands on the importance of position-specific training, especially for older age groups, and discusses the unique recruitment model of Athletic Club, emphasizing the value of regionalized recruitment and thorough player assessment.

Show notesDarren Warner's Career Journey - 1:01Darren Warner shares his experience of being an elite athlete, British champion, and competing at world and Olympic levels for about 10 years. He then discusses his transition to becoming an Olympic coach, coaching top players, and eventually becoming the CEO of a judo governing body in Wales. Warner also talks about his academic pursuits, including finishing his PhD and writing a book on skill acquisition, and his current role at St. Mary's.Transition from Player to Coach - 4:13Darren Warner shares his journey from being an elite athlete to a coach, highlighting his realization of the need for evolving coaching methods and the impact of injuries on training plans. He discusses his experiences in coaching, including the challenges of finding solutions and the importance of making training more random to enhance retention. The conversation also touches on the resilience and determination of Olympians in overcoming injuries.Problem Solving in Judo and Training Approaches-11:34Delve into the intricacies of judo and other fighting sports, highlighting the diverse physical attributes of opponents within the same weight category. Darren shares insights into the unique culture of judo and the training approach, emphasizing the need to simplify complexity and adopt an affordance-based approach to training and preparing for opponents.Insights from a Triple World Champion -16:02Darren shares a story about a Japanese triple world champion in judo who emphasized the importance of focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths. The champion's approach of constantly dealing with the uncomfortable and finding solutions for challenges set him apart from others, making him the "Lionel Messi of judo." Discussion on Super Strengths and Well-Roundedness in Athletes - 18:26Darren and Michael engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the approach to developing athletes, debating the merits of focusing on super strengths versus creating well-rounded players. They also delve into the challenges of removing individual bias and future-proofing sports in the face of evolving rules and regulations, drawing on examples from their experiences in coaching and leadership roles.Developing Adaptable Athletes and Coaches - 25:24Darren shares his approach to developing adaptable athletes in judo, focusing on creating problem-solving abilities and addressing the impact of rule changes on athletes' performance. He also discusses the importance of challenging athletes and forcing them to adapt, even if it means deviating from traditional coaching methods.Use of Data and Analytics in Performance Analysis - 32:18Darren and Michael delve into the significance of using data and analytics in performance analysis, emphasizing the power of linking solutions back to individuals or groups. Warner shares a humbling experience from the Beijing Olympics, highlighting the need to prioritize and identify the most important aspects of data analysis. Communication Challenges in Coaching Environments - 37:31Darren and Michael delve into the difficulties of communication in coaching, highlighting the impact of noisy and silent environments on player-coach interaction. They discuss the importance of developing decision-making skills in players and consider using codes or signs for communication. Cross-Cultural Influences in Martial Arts and Sports Training - 42:06Michael and Darren delve into the impact of diverse cultures on martial arts and sports training, emphasizing the significance of understanding and embracing different techniques and methodologies. They also explore the role of play culture in skill development and the potential benefits of cross-competitions and cross-training in sports.

Olly Logan is the Head of Innovation, Biomechanics and Performance analysis at British Swimming. He is currently preparing athletes for Pairs 2024 Olympics.Show notesOverview of Roles and Training in Olympic and Paralympic Sports - 0:31Olly Logan, head of biomechanics innovation and performance analysis at British Swimming, provides an overview of his role, which involves working with Olympic swimming, Paralympic swimming, and diving. He explains the training schedules for athletes in these sports, including pool sessions, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and psychology work, as well as the additional demands for athletes who are also in university. Logan also discusses the logistical challenges of his nomadic role, traveling between the six main centers in the UK.Biomechanics in Swimming - 5:35Michael Wright and Olly Logan delve into the biomechanics of swimming, highlighting the specific metrics used to measure performance and identify areas for improvement, such as stroke count, time splits, and kinematics. They discuss the challenges of working in an aquatic environment and the need for consistent and robust equipment to track progress over time, emphasizing the importance of reliable data for coaches and athletes.Data Analysis and Preparation for Major Competitions12:09Michael Wright and Olly Logan delve into the process of obtaining comparative data sets for analysis and the challenges of preparing for unique environments at major competitions. They discuss the alignment of competition metrics with evaluation within the Tin context and the informal agreement in Paralympic swimming regarding recording opposition data. Additionally, they highlight the consistency and tolerance in the development of temporary pool technology for major championships.Embracing the Arena - 18:02Olly Logan emphasizes the significance of embracing the arena and utilizing the energy from the crowd, especially in the context of the Olympics and Paralympics. Michael Wright shows interest in the psychological aspects of momentum and the impact of the team's performance on athletes' mindset. They discuss the dynamic environment of the Olympic Village and the influence of the team's performance on athletes' emotions.Innovation and Learning from Other Sports- 22:47Michael Wright discusses the importance of innovation and learning from other sports with Olly Logan, who manages a cross-disciplinary portfolio related to software and hardware developments. Olly explains that innovation involves both tangible developments and challenging traditional thinking, and how competition serves as a test and a source of new ideas. He also highlights the impact of rules changes in sports like Formula One and athletics on innovation.Building Credibility and Trust through Effective Questioning - 35:53Michael Wright and Olly Logan delve into the nuances of building credibility and trust in their roles, highlighting the importance of having a deep understanding of the technical and contextual aspects of the sports they work with. They emphasize the value of open questioning and effective communication to facilitate meaningful conversations with coaches and specialists, while also acknowledging the need to avoid being perceived as a threat in their interactions.Insights on High Performance Environments - 45:24Michael Wright and Olly Logan delve into the dynamics of high performance environments, highlighting the presence of micro-cultures with a shared purpose and high levels of engagement. They stress the significance of creating a welcoming atmosphere and the importance of soft skills in fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Additionally, they discuss the role of self-awareness in aligning actions with desired perceptions within the environment.

Alex O'Dowd is the player and coach development manager at Northampton Saints. With over 2 decades of experience in the New Zealand and the UK, Alex has a wide range of experiences within development and performance pathwaysShow notesAlex O'Dowd's Coaching Background - 2:03Alex O'Dowd provides a detailed overview of his coaching background, highlighting his current role as an academy development manager at Northampton Saints and his responsibilities in talent identification, coaching, and coach development. He also shares his previous roles at Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Rugby, and North Harbor Rugby in New Zealand, emphasizing his extensive coaching experience of over 23 years and his involvement in coaching cricket as well.Discussion on Rugby Culture - 4:18Michael and Alex delve into the cultural impact of rugby in New Zealand and the UK, emphasizing the informal and deeply ingrained nature of the sport in New Zealand, where it is considered a national pastime. They also note the widespread awareness and high participation in the UK, particularly in secondary schools, and discuss the challenge of maintaining interest and participation in the sport among young adults.Pathway Development and Player Progression - 11:15Michael and Alex delve into the intricacies of developing a pathway for Northampton, highlighting the need for a broad and deep system to account for the late development nature of rugby. They discuss the challenges of player selection, maturation, and individual player journeys, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive learning environment for player progression.Identifying Potential in Players - 24:56Michael and Alex delve into the complexities of identifying potential in young players, focusing on the player's desire to improve, work ethic, and ability to positively impact the game without overshadowing teammates. They stress the importance of observing players' core skills, movement, and fundamentals, while also considering their decision-making and understanding of the game.Player Development and Position Specifics 34:12Alex and Michael delve into the intricacies of player development and position-specific training in rugby. They highlight the significance of players honing their core rugby skills and physical development before specializing in a particular position, emphasizing the need for a strong foundation. The discussion also touches on the relevance of players gaining exposure to positions through club and school games, and the gradual evolution of position-specific training as players progress through the pathway.Coaching Philosophy and Player Development - 42:12Michael and Alex delve into the coaching philosophy and player development approach, highlighting the significance of engaging coaches in the process and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. They stress the importance of developing skill levels, creating enjoyable learning environments, and encouraging decision-making in players, while also discussing the balance between block repetitive practices and contextualized ecological dynamics in skill acquisition.Discussion on Coaching and Player Development - 53:36Alex emphasizes the importance of coaches and players having a deep technical understanding and the ability to impart that knowledge. He also highlights how he would like to be described in 3 words.

Stuart McClaren is the former Under 18's coach and Scottish powerhouse Celtic FC. He had also previously worked as 1st team coach with the Scottish Women's team and as part of the Scottish FAStuart McLaren's Coaching Journey - 0:48Stuart McLaren shares his coaching journey, starting with his player-manager role at the Brisbane Strikers in the old national soccer league in Australia. He then moved on to work in elite youth football programs, as an assistant at North Queensland Fury, and as head coach at Loughborough University. McLaren also managed Still and Albion in League One and had stints with the Under 16 men's national team and the Women's national team before joining Celtic as the under eighteens manager.Coaching Philosophy and Practice Alignment - 4:36Michael Wright and Stuart McLaren discuss coaching philosophy and practice alignment. Stuart emphasizes the importance of making a connection with players and aligning coaching practices with the game model. He also reflects on the evolution of his coaching methods and the spectrum of coaching practices, emphasizing the need to adapt to the players' needs and the art of coaching.The Pro License Journey - 9:13Michael Wright and Stuart McLaren delve into their experiences with coaching licenses, particularly the journey to the Pro license. McLaren details his progression through formal coach education in Australia and Scotland, noting the influence of UEFA and the emphasis on management topics in the Pro license course. He also reflects on the valuable insights gained from influential presenters such as Kevin Keegan and Brian Ashton.Reflections on Coaching and Learning -13:51Stuart McLaren and Michael Wright share their reflections on coaching and learning, discussing topics such as the unexpected experience of writing a book for coaching certification, the value of being challenged to reconsider preconceptions, and the differences in coaching approaches between generations and cultures, including the impact of communication styles and the evolution of coaching methods over time.Challenges in Player Development and Preparation -25:03Stuart delve into the complexities of preparing young players for the professional football environment, particularly at a club like Celtic. McLaren highlights the need to develop players not only in technical and tactical aspects but also in character and mental resilience to handle the pressures of the game. He also mentions the use of technology and individual feedback to facilitate communication and learning with players.Coaching Interventions and Staff Dynamics - 31:48Stuart delve into the significance of coaching interventions and staff dynamics, highlighting the evolution of coaching practices and the impact of age and experience on coaching styles. They also touch upon the role of mentorship and the diverse backgrounds of coaching staff in influencing player development.Context and Philosophy in Player Development 45:29Stuart McLaren and Michael Wright delve into the significance of context and philosophy in player development. McLaren shares insights from his time at Celtic and the Aspire Academy, emphasizing the need to prepare players for diverse playing styles and systems. Wright adds that understanding players' strengths and adapting within a framework can optimize performance.Reflections on Coaching Achievements and Impact - :54:56Stuart McLaren discusses the emotional aspect of coaching and shares proud moments from his coaching journey, highlighting the significance of acknowledging achievements. Michael Wright emphasizes the importance of recognizing positive moments in coaching and the self-reflective nature of the role, aiming to maintain a positive impact on players.

Dr Adam Kelly is a Senior Lecturer and researcher in Talent Identification and development. Formally and academy player and coach, he now focuses on supporting national governing bodies in their creation of talent development pathways.Show notes1:39 - Introduction to Dr Adam Kelly4:27 - What is talent development & performance vs potential6:50 - The use of performance markers as potential indicators8:45 - The challenges of competitions in potential development12:00 - Historical key identifiers of potential long term performance17:00- The challenges of psychology effecting performance when trying to identifying long term potential19:45 - How squash has organised it's development pathway in relation to RAE22:00 - The corrective time algorithm in athletics27:00- How RAE schemes often miss out grassroot players31:00 - The framing of player across and how Harry Maguire and John Stones has different experiences33:30 - Research into position and decision making game based simulations35:00 - Perceptual cognitive skill testing 37:00 - The use of VR in player assessment41:00 - What would A grade academy development programme look like?49:00 - The effects of the EPP on football in the UK

Greame Mathie is the Managing Director of Ayr United and formally worked for Hibernian and Celtic.Introduction and Overview of Managing Director's Role - 1:31Michael and Graeme discuss the balance between on-pitch performance and off-pitch factors such as fan engagement and business operations. Graeme emphasizes the importance of team performance in driving revenue and fan engagement, but also acknowledges the need to focus on other aspects of the business when the team is not performing well.Building a Vision for the Football Club - 6:55Graeme Mathie shares his experience of working with the owner of a football club to build a sustainable and successful organization. He talks about the challenges of recruiting a manager without a clear vision or job description in place. Michael Wright asks about the process of getting everyone on board with the club's values and vision.Establishing Core Values and Accountability - 11:24Graeme Mathie explains how they established core values for the club, including unity, and how they involved staff in the process. Michael Wright asks about accountability and how to ensure that the values are being lived out, and Graeme shares some challenges they have faced in this area, including the need for conflict and the difficulty of getting everyone on board.Importance of High Challenge and Honest Relationships in Leadership - 18:38Graeme Mathie and Michael Wright discuss the challenges of leadership in the sports industry, including high turnover rates and the pressure to make every decision count. They highlight the importance of building honest relationships and embracing high challenge, as well as holding each other accountable for taking action to improve.Developing a Culture of Innovation and Accountability - 26:36Graeme Mathie shares his vision for the club, drawing inspiration from successful English Premier League teams like Brighton and Brentford. He discusses the need to outthink, outwork, and make better use of resources than other clubs at their level. Mathie also emphasizes the importance of player development plans and creating a positive team environment.Recruitment Process and Soft Skills in Sports Industry - 34:35Graeme Mathie and Michael Wright discuss the importance of understanding the psychology and relationships of coaches and players in the sports industry. They also talk about the need for a plan to bring in the right people to build the right dynamic for the team to flourish.Graeme Mathie and Michael Wright discuss the recruitment process for football managers, including the importance of identifying key performance indicators and personal characteristics. They also touch on the challenges of considering fan engagement and creating a narrative around the hiring process. - 42:00Graeme Mathie on Leadership and Self-Reflection - 53:15Michael Wright interviews Graeme Mathie about his leadership style and how he is perceived by his colleagues. Mathie hopes to be seen as a collaborative leader with good ideas and honesty, but recognizes that he may also be seen as high energy and asking too many questions. The conversation also touches on the changing nature of work environments and the importance of self-reflection.Discussion on the Importance of Winning Games and Style of Football 56::24Graeme Mathie shares his thoughts on the importance of winning games and the style of football played by a team. He suggests that managers should communicate their priorities to their employers and focus on generating revenue from player trades if they want to bring through young players and play a certain style of football. Michael Wright agrees with Graeme's points.