Inside The Game

In the final episode of the season, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Building Life Skills in Sport — focusing on how the lessons learned through soccer extend far beyond the field. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Third, and our core value is Respect.

We take a closer look at modern trends in the Premier League, where crossing has evolved into a more intelligent, purposeful art — emphasizing low, driven deliveries and cutbacks from wide areas rather than hopeful balls into the box. He shares a practical session idea that encourages players to work on timing runs, decision-making, and the respect shown through patience and awareness of teammates’ movement. It’s an analytical yet practical look at how to bring creativity and connection into the final third.

This week’s guest is Pete Dunbar, Team Steel baseball coach who brings a fresh perspective on player development, culture, and leadership. With a possible Inside The Game: Baseball series on the horizon, Pete shares why it’s vital to teach life skills naturally through sport, and how coaches can use everyday moments to build character and resilience in young athletes.

We close the season with a final Coaching Question of the Week:

A reflection to celebrate progress, recognize growth, and look ahead to what’s next.

🎧 Step Inside The Game one last time this season — for insight, reflection, and a reminder that the lessons sport teaches go far beyond the scoreboard.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingThird #Respect #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 9 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of Utilizing Set Pieces — how to transform dead-ball situations into game-changing opportunities. Our curriculum topic is the Attacking Third, and our core value this week is Teamwork.

We breaks down how the attacking third is where creativity, precision, and timing come together — and set pieces are a perfect example of that. He discusses how coaches can train these moments effectively without losing ball-rolling time, using dynamic, game-realistic setups that keep players engaged while emphasizing movement, coordination, and collective understanding.

This week’s guest is Jack Koleszar, who shares his insight on designing set-piece practices that build teamwork and confidence, how to involve players in creating routines, and why the best set pieces come from shared ideas rather than static repetition.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week, inviting you to reflect on how you approach those decisive moments that can turn preparation into performance.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that help you get the most out of every moment — even the ones when the ball isn’t rolling.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingThird #Teamwork #SetPieces #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 8 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores A Coach’s Journey — the ups, downs, and defining moments that shape who we are on the sidelines. Our curriculum topic is Defensive Transitions, and our core value is Commitment.

Stuart breaks down the 3 D’s of defending — Deny, Delay, and Deflect — and how these principles guide a team’s reaction after losing possession. He shares how coaches can design sessions that mirror realistic pressing distances and encourage players to recover, reorganize, and defend with purpose. For younger players, he introduces the “surfer stance” analogy to teach balance and body shape when defending one-on-one, making defensive habits relatable and fun.

This week’s guest is Adam Fine, who’s just over a year into his coaching career after transitioning from a business background. Adam reflects on the challenges of starting out, what keeps him motivated, and how commitment has become a driving force in his development as a coach.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: “Which team or coach do you take inspiration from in your own coaching style?” A reminder to keep learning from those who bring passion, purpose, and innovation to the game.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that inspire growth — both on and off the field.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #DefensiveTransitions #Commitment #CoachingJourney #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 7 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores The Goalkeeper’s View — seeing the game through the eyes of the last line of defense. Goalkeepers embody integrity, leading with communication, composure, and accountability during defensive transitions.

Stuart breaks down Defensive Transitions — the moments after possession is lost — and shares a practical session to train recovery, delay, and team organization, with goalkeepers guiding the unit. Integrity is key: doing the unseen work, tracking runners, and helping teammates stay connected under pressure.

This week’s guest is Jake Tillet, who shares insights on reading the game, commanding transitions, and building trust through communication.

The Coaching Question of the Week: “Which core value do you find the hardest to bring into your sessions?” — a moment to reflect on how your coaching aligns with our values.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that connect the why behind how we coach.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #DefensiveTransitions #Integrity #Goalkeepers #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 6 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of The Art of Counter Attacking — those electrifying moments when teams turn defense into attack with speed, precision, and purpose. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Transitions, and our core value is Respect.

We break down why counter attacks are more than just playing forward quickly — they depend on recognition, timing, and respecting the roles of every player involved. He shares a small-sided 3v2 transition activity designed to train quick reactions, purposeful support runs, and decision-making under pressure. Professional examples, from Leicester City’s 2015/16 title run to the USWNT’s dynamic breakaways, highlight how great teams master these moments by trusting and respecting each other’s responsibilities.

This week’s guest is Adam Tourle, who shares his insights on teaching players to recognize transition triggers, avoid common mistakes, and find the balance between urgency and control. He also reflects on the value of observing other coaches and how learning from others can sharpen your own approach.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: “When was the last time you watched another person’s session and got ideas from it?” A reminder that respect for the craft of coaching means staying open, curious, and always learning.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that connect the details of the game to the values that shape it.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingTransitions #Respect #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 5 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of The Greatest Supporter — recognizing the vital role parents play in shaping a young player’s journey, and how coaches can guide and support that relationship in positive ways. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Transitions, and our core value is Teamwork.

We breaks down how attacking transitions are the game’s most decisive moments — the instant a team wins possession and springs forward together. He shares a counter-attacking activity designed to help players react quickly, create options, and attack with speed and unity. From a coaching lens, he emphasizes teaching players to recognize the triggers of transition and commit to moving together — whether it’s a midfielder bursting forward, a wide player providing width, or the striker stretching the defense.

This week’s guest is Nancy Walsh, National Operations Manager and mother of four daughters who all thrived in sports from soccer to softball. Nancy shares her perspective on what true parental support looks like, how to balance encouragement with independence, and the impact teamwork has not only on the field but within families and communities.

Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and real conversations on building both better players and stronger people.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingTransitions #Teamwork #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 4 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores how mistakes can be powerful learning moments when players and coaches embrace the mindset of Turning Errors into Growth. Our curriculum topic is Staying Connected, and our core value is Commitment.

We dive into how staying connected is about discipline and togetherness — shifting as a unit, closing spaces, and constantly communicating. He highlights a defensive line activity where players must work together to prevent gaps, showing how connection on the field relies on every individual’s commitment to the team. Professional examples like the USWNT backline and what this looks like at the highest level.

This week’s guest is Adam Corlett, who shares his insights on helping players recover from mistakes, stay engaged through challenges, and develop resilience that strengthens both performance and character.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: Who do you give your attention to most during sessions? A reminder to reflect on where your focus lies and how it impacts the whole team.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that help players turn setbacks into stepping stones.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #StayingConnected #Commitment #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 3 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores what it means to put Characters Before Champions — the idea that developing people comes before chasing results. Our curriculum topic is Staying Connected, and our core value is Integrity.

We breaks down how staying connected is about unity on the pitch — moving as one, closing gaps, and trusting teammates. He also shares a practical rondo session where two defenders must work together to avoid being split, reinforcing the importance of communication, compactness, and integrity in defending.

This week’s guest is Steve Jones, who shares his perspective on building character in players, teaching accountability, and how integrity underpins both development and performance.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: What part of your coaching philosophy has changed most in the past year — and why? A reflection to keep your coaching evolving with purpose.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that put people first.

In Week 2 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores how to handle one of football’s toughest challenges — injuries and setbacks. On the field, our curriculum topic is Switching the Play, and our core value is Respect.

We break down how switching the play is more than a long diagonal — it’s about inviting pressure, creating overloads, and respecting your teammates’ positioning and decision-making. Stuart shares a real-world example from Arsenal’s 5–1 win over Manchester City in February 2025 and a practical rondo-based session to develop patience, ball retention, and recognition of the right time to switch.

Our guest this week is Chris McKinney, former Steel United player, current RPI college player, and Steel Sports intern. Chris opens up about the injuries that challenged him after his freshman year, the habits that kept him engaged, and how setbacks shaped his mindset both as a player and as a coach.

We wrap up with the Coaching Question of the Week: Do your sessions look and feel like the actual game? A simple but powerful reflection to help you close the gap between training and matchday.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insights, personal stories, and practical challenges to take your coaching further.

Welcome back to Inside The Game, the coaching podcast from Steel United! Kicking off our Fall 2025 season, host Stuart Sharples dives into one of the modern game’s most talked-about tactical setups — the Box Midfield. We break down what it is, why it works, and how it connects to our curriculum focus this week: Switching the Play.

Our core value of the week is Teamwork — and switching the play is the perfect example of how trust, coordination, and movement combine to unlock defenses. Stuart shares key coaching points, practical session ideas, and examples from the pros to help you bring this concept to life with your players.

Special guest Ian Hughes, VP of Player & Staff Development at Steel Sports, joins the conversation to share his insights on introducing shapes like the box midfield at youth level, making switching the play more effective, and experimenting with new tactical ideas without overwhelming players.

We wrap up with our Coaching Question of the Week — a challenge to redesign a familiar drill from scratch and discover fresh learning opportunities.

🎧 Step Inside The Game and start the season with new ideas, practical tips, and inspiration for your coaching.