The Long Term Athletic Development Podcast

Stephen MacGabhann (NSWIS) - Enhancing Talent ID: Multi Sensory and Coachability Assessments


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In this episode we are joined by Stephen McGhabban (UCRISE/NSWIS) — ex-elite Gaelic footballer, physiotherapist, UKSCA / ASCA L2 S&C coach, and PhD researcher focusing on enhancing talent identification with novel assessments of multisensory abilities and coachability.

In this conversation we cover:

  • How NSWIS supports talent ID for Olympic/Paralympic sports and links with 12 regional academies.

  • Coachability: definition, the six components, and a dual-perspective questionnaire for athletes/coaches.

  • VVS-A testing (visual, vestibular, somatosensory, autonomic) and why it complements coaching judgment.

  • Research findings from Stephen's work with elite and emerging young divers.

    Upcoming live webinar: 

    “Can We Improve the Selection of Future Olympic Athletes? Integrating Multisensory Assessment with Machine Learning”
    Sun 2 Nov 2025 — 7:00 PM AEST | 9:00 AM GMT (UK) | 1:00 PM GST (Dubai).

    Join LTAD Network Premium — get the webinar + access to the recording. Use code 'FREEMONTH' for your first month on us. https://ltadnetwork.com/course/live-monthly-webinar

    Resources & links:

    • Stephen’s LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/stephenmacgabhann

    • Coachability Systematic Review (Sports Medicine): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-025-02267-6

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      The Long Term Athletic Development PodcastBy LTAD Network