In Episode 18, Rob Burns, Founder/Int’l Director of Missional Links-Wales, former youth player at Wolves, and former youth coach, talks with Phil about the effect of a toxic coach on the team, his “head, heart, hands” philosophy, how he applies soccer in his marriage and parenting, the importance of supporters in your life, the importance of a learning posture, and living lives of integrity and humility. Specifically, Rob discusses:

• His story and how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership (1:51)
• How a toxic team environment caused by his coach led to him losing a love for the game, and how he got the love back (5:33)
• What we need to make sure we’re doing as coaches to avoid toxic environments (7:28)
• The “Head, Heart, Hands” philosophy, and how it plays out in soccer and other areas of life (10:04)
• Principles from the beautiful game that he used in his parenting (18:20)
• The importance of supporters in our lives and the disappearance of home-field advantage during COVID (24:04)
• Raising young adults and adults to live lives of integrity, and how it differs from raising younger children (26:19)
• Creating an environment where there is a freedom to fail and, simultaneously, a culture of taking responsibility for your actions (35:26)
• The importance of teamwork (37:47)
• His love story with his bride and how he uses lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and other areas of life (39:23)
• Giving leaders time to develop and implement their culture (47:04)
• Rob’s video and book recommendations (49:24)

Resources and Links from this Episode

• Missional Links-Wales website -- https://www.missionallinkswales.org.uk
• Uncut Video of the Episode –https://youtu.be/Lr3u4BKJ6Ks
• HSEL Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/howsoccerexplainsleadership
• Phil on Clubhouse -- @phildarke
• How Soccer Explains the World, by Franklin Foer
• A Matter of Life and Death: The History of Football in 100 Quotes, by Jim White
• Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success (Netflix)
• All or Nothing: Manchester City (Amazon Prime)
• All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur (Amazon Prime)
• Sunderland ‘Til I Die (Netflix)
• Leeds: Take Us Home (Amazon Prime)