In this episode, I sit down with Rick Cost, the High-Performance Director at US Soccer, to uncover the secrets behind high-performance strategies in American soccer. Discover the critical importance of understanding player physiology and the risks associated with overuse in player management and risk assessment. Rick shares insights into how a proactive approach can help mitigate potential injuries and enhance performance. We also explore the contrasting coaching environments in America and Europe, emphasising the collaborative nature of U.S. coaching, as well as the cultural differences that shape coaching practices and their influence on player development.

Rick addresses the impact of the "pay-to-play" system on youth soccer and advocates for a tiered approach to enhance competition, emphasising accessibility and inclusivity in youth sports. He discusses the importance of communication among coaches and staff in managing player well-being, and sharing strategies for fostering a supportive environment. Join us for valuable insights from Rick's extensive experience in high-performance sport.

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

(00:00) Opening Remarks & Exclusive Preview(01:07) A Global Perspective: Europe vs USA in Soccer(04:30) Shaping the Future: Progress and Prospects of US Soccer(10:55) 2026 World Cup: Building a Lasting Legacy(15:01) Fixture Congestion Challenges(23:22) Revolutionising Player Welfare in Modern Sport(30:47) Redefining Success in the Landscape of US Soccer(33:17) Paving the Path to Elite Performance in Sport(41:29) Unlocking Personal Growth in Competitive Environments(46:03) Vision for the Future & Closing Reflections

In this candid interview, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland footballer Jason McAteer opens up about his experiences in the dressing room, his coping mechanisms with the pressure of playing alongside serial winners at Liverpool, and his challenges.

From his iconic "trigger" nickname to the emotional impact of leaving Liverpool, Jason shares his journey through professional football. He also discusses the changing landscape of football, from the influence of foreign players and coaches to the evolving academy system. He reflects on his Irish heritage and the patriotism that shaped his international career.

📰 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mindsetforsport.com/newsletter

⚡️ CONNECT WITH ME:
📸 INSTAGRAM: @christiescanlonofficial
🔗 LINKEDIN: christiescanlon
🎵 TIKTOK: @christiescanlonofficial

⏰ Timecodes:

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Preview

(01:04) Representing Ireland: Insights into Modern Football

(08:23) Subscribe for Exclusive Content & Updates

(08:50) Learning the Game Differently: Journey at Marine FC

(12:50) Overcoming Fear and Rejection in Football

(16:30) The Path to Pro: Breaking Through at Bolton

(18:57) Imposter Syndrome: Challenges at the Elite Level

(20:55) Big Move: Transitioning to Liverpool FC

(25:58) The Spice Boys Era: Limited Success at Anfield

(31:25) Handling Pressure and Finding Acceptance in Football

(37:50) Leaving Liverpool: Reflections on Gérard Houllier

(47:14) Mental Health in Football: Breaking It Down

(50:29) Football Superstitions: The Role of Rituals in the Game

(53:09) Qatar and Football Punditry: A Changing Landscape

(57:20) Future Ambitions: What Lies Ahead

In this episode, we sit down with former Derby County and Nottingham Forest manager, Billy Davies, to discuss his journey through football management.

Billy opens up about the highs and lows of his career, offering an insider’s perspective on leading teams during both challenging and victorious moments. He delves into the tough decisions made in the boardroom, the emotional experience of leaving a club, and the delicate balance of building and managing a successful squad.

Billy also reflects on:

• The pressures of managing fierce rivals 🔥
• How continual learning shaped his management style 📚
• The importance of man-management in modern football 👨‍🏫

His honest insights provide valuable lessons for football fans, leaders, and anyone interested in personal growth and development. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about football and leadership under pressure.

📰 Subscribe to my newsletter

⚡️ CONNECT WITH ME:

• 📸 INSTAGRAM: @christiescanlonofficial
• 🔗 LINKEDIN: christiescanlon
• 🎵 TIKTOK: @christiescanlonofficial

⏰ Timecodes:

(00:00) Sneak Peek

(00:46) Scotland's Euro 2024 Dream

(02:29) Humble Beginnings in Glasgow’s Heart

(04:30) First Managerial Steps at Motherwell

(06:04) Join the Journey: Subscribe for More Insights

(06:30) Wisdom on the Sidelines: Life Lessons in Management

(10:52) Preston North End & Coaching Philosophy

(19:12) The Derby Days: A Manager’s Rollercoaster

(26:53) Fueling the Dream: Play-Off Final Motivation

(30:04) The Premier League Struggle

(38:02) Stepping into Nottingham Forest

(43:36) What’s Next for Billy Davies?

(45:46) Closing Thoughts

In this insightful discussion with sociologist Ellis Cashmore, we explore the evolving landscape of gender and inclusivity in sports, focusing on transgender athletes. Cashmore reflects on how societal changes have shaped our understanding of gender in sport, from the acceptance of women’s football to the challenges faced by transgender athletes. We examine the balance between inclusivity and fairness and how shifting definitions of sex and gender impact competition and athlete safety.

📰 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mindsetforsport.com/newsletter

⚡️ CONNECT WITH ME:

• 📸 INSTAGRAM
• 🔗 LINKEDIN
• 🎵 TIKTOK

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

(00:00) Introduction & Preview

(01:02) Impartiality in Academia

(07:00) Examining Wokism and Social Issues

(12:11) Subscribe for More Content

(12:41) Gender Equality in Sport

(19:53) Transgender Participation in Athletics

(28:10) Biological Perspectives on Competition

(35:26) Dichotomy of Transgender Acceptance

(41:40) Fairness and Equity in Sports

(46:22) The Future of Sports and Cultural Impact

(53:10) Closing Remarks

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Robert Vilahamn, Tottenham Hotspur's Head Coach, to explore his unique perspective on leadership, the evolution of women's football, and the importance of holistic development. Robert shares his journey from Sweden to London, his passion for gender equity in sports, and the challenges of balancing a professional career with his personal life.

Discover how Robert integrates mindfulness, yoga, and a focus on being present to create a supportive environment for his players. Whether you're a football enthusiast, an aspiring coach, or simply interested in the human side of sports, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, growth, and making a positive impact.

• 🌍 Robert's journey from Sweden to London and his experiences in football management
• ⚽ His passion for gender equity in sports and the evolution of women’s football
• 🧘‍♂️ The integration of mindfulness and yoga into coaching
• 🧠 The importance of being present and supporting players on and off the field
• 💪 Valuable lessons on resilience, growth, and leadership in football

📰 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mindsetforsport.com/newsletter

⚡️ CONNECT WITH ME:

• 📸 INSTAGRAM
• 🔗 LINKEDIN
• 🎵 TIKTOK

⏰ Timecodes:

(00:00) Introduction and Overview

(01:09) Reflections on the FA Cup

(03:42) Early Experiences in Sweden

(07:28) The Evolution of Women’s Football

(12:37) Persistence and Drive in Women’s Football

(14:47) Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Football

(18:03) Leadership and Management Psychology

(24:10) Transition from Sweden to London

(30:27) Defining Success, Current Trends, and Ange Postecoglou

(37:04) Ambitions for Spurs in the 2024/25 Season

(41:33) The WSL Ownership Model

(43:49) Future Goals and Aspirations

In this exclusive interview, Michael Beale opens up for the first time since his time with Rangers and Sunderland. He reflects on his journey, including the highs and lows of his career, the challenges he faced at Rangers, the personal struggles that influenced his decisions, and his experience balancing football with family life. Beale also shares insights into his coaching philosophy, his passion for developing young talent, and his thoughts on the future.

Michael discusses:

• The highs and lows of his career ⚽
• Challenges faced at Rangers 🏴
• Personal struggles that influenced his decisions 💬
• Balancing football with family life 👨‍👩‍👦
• Coaching philosophy and passion for developing young talent 🧠
• Thoughts on the future of football 🔮

📰 Subscribe to my newsletter

⚡️ CONNECT WITH ME:

• 📸 INSTAGRAM: @christiescanlonofficial
• 🔗 LINKEDIN: christiescanlon
• 🎵 TIKTOK: @christiescanlonofficial

⏰ Timecodes:

(00:00) Introduction and Preview

(01:20) Reflecting on Time Away From Football

(04:45) Coaching Insights From Chelsea

(06:35) Subscribe for More Content

(07:30) Transitioning to Liverpool FC

(11:17) Embracing and Learning From Different Cultures

(13:20) Relocating and Adapting to Life in Brazil

(19:16) Collaboration With Steven Gerrard

(20:37) Understanding the Magnitude of Rangers FC

(22:57) Celebrating the 55th Title Win at Rangers

(25:06) Departure From Rangers to Aston Villa

(28:33) Taking on the Challenge of First Team Management

(30:47) Exiting QPR: Reflections

(32:46) Returning to Rangers FC: The Journey Back

(41:32) Joining Sunderland: A New Chapter

(44:06) Handling Criticism in Football

(47:40) Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations

Join us as we sit down with former professional goalkeeper David Stockdale, who takes us beyond the goalposts and into the heart of his journey through football and life after the final whistle. In this podcast series, David opens up about his career highs and lows, shares untold stories from the locker room, and discusses his transition from the pitch to new ventures off the field.

Whether you're a football fan, an aspiring athlete, or someone navigating your own life transitions, David’s insights on resilience, growth, and pursuing new passions will inspire and motivate you. Each episode delves into different aspects of his life – from the pressures of being a top-level goalkeeper to the lessons learned along the way, and the exciting challenges of his post-football journey.

⏰ Timecodes ⏰(00:00) Preview (00:57) Time Away From Football(05:44) Early Beginnings(07:41) SUBSCRIBE (07:57) Building A Stronger Mentality (12:16) Moving To Fulham FC(14:46) Going Out On Loan (18:03) Time At Brighton(21:54) Why Leave Brighton? (26:43) Joining Birmingham City FC (28:39) Birmingham Ownership (32:55) Transfer Problems at BCFC (38:49 Mental Health Struggles (43:09 Returning Home & Wycombe Wanderers (47:11) Final Thoughts

Join us as we dive deep into the captivating football journey of Christophe Berra, from his early days in Edinburgh to his impactful career across England. In this exclusive interview, Berra shares:

His rise from a late bloomer in Edinburgh to become a key player and captain at Hearts ❤️.

Insights on Scotland’s performance in recent Euros and the evolving infrastructure for young football talent 🇬🇧.

The challenges and highlights of his time at Hearts, including the impact of Lithuanian ownership on the club's fortunes ⚽️.

His transition to Wolves & Ipswich Town, the complexities of relocating, and his experiences as an interim coach 🏟️.

Future aspirations and the lessons learned from his diverse football career 🌟.

Discover the personal and professional highs and lows that shaped Berra’s career, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional footballer.

⏰ Timecodes ⏰(00:00) Introduction & Preview(01:14) Scotland Euro 2024(05:27) Subscribe(05:44) Early Beginings in Edingburgh(08:51) Biggest Influence (10:31) Hearts Debut & Leadership (16:09) Becoming Hearts FC Captian (18:06) Lithuanian Ownership (21:07) Scottish Cup 2006(22:48) Transfer to Wolves (27:27) Toughest Opponent(29:10) Concentration as a Defender (30:12) Promotion at Wolves (34:02) Mick McCarthy Sacking and Influence (38:12) Being Out of Contract (39:37) Moving Back To Scotland (41:56) Hearts vs Hibs (44:16) Becoming a Coach (52:00) Final Thoughts

In this revealing interview, we explore the intricate balance between data-driven decisions and intuitive coaching that defines elite football performance in Belgium. Jeroen Peters, a seasoned performance coach, shares his journey from a young football enthusiast fascinated by the broader dynamics of the game to a key figure in holistic player development.

⏰ Timecodes ⏰(00:00) Introduction & Preview(00:53) Balancing Data and Intuition(09:54) Subscribe (10:10) Holistic Performance Approach (21:25) Defining Success @ Club Brugge(30:21) Alignment with Performance & Data (42:32) Future of Player Management(48:18) Personal Reflections and Continuous Improvement

In this insightful interview, Dr. Danielle Prescott shares her journey and experiences in the world of football scouting. From her upbringing in Blackburn to becoming the first female scout at Manchester United, Danielle discusses the evolving representation of women in football, the psychological aspects of scouting, and the challenges she has faced along the way.

Learn about the opportunities available for women in football, the importance of interpersonal skills, and how to navigate a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Whether you're an aspiring scout or just a football enthusiast, this video offers valuable advice and inspiration for breaking into the football world.

⏰ Timecodes ⏰(00:00) Growth of female Representation(01:36) Why Scouting(15:02) Subscribe(15:18) Perceptions of Football Scouts(18:50) What Do Scouts Look For?(24:32) How to Avoid Bias(30:19) Defining Success(35:51) New Scouting Trends(43:14) Scouting Skills(47:00) The Future of Scouting

#footballscout #football #footballscouting #soccer #womeninsports #soccer #talent #elite