Andoni Bombin is the Academy Manager at Independiente de Valle in Ecuador.Formerly the Head of Methodology and long time academy coach at Athletic Club de Bilbao, Andoni underwent a significant apprenticeship at home demonstrating how the values required for a successful career on field were equally transferable to a successful career away from it. Armed with this knowledge and it's proof in a never ending lineage of academy graduates Andoni used these learnings as a platform travelling worldwide to spread the Bilbao gospel. The apprentice has now become the master and Andoni all these years later has proven astute adapting to different contexts, managing expectations and in turn facilitating a knowledge exchange in the likes of China and Ecuador. Listen to find out more including;- Inside the unique culture for development at Bilbao.- The importance of providing players with autonomy in their own development.- How the phases of development align to ensure a constant conveyor belt of talent from academy to first team.- Why a coach cannot begin their journey without the clarity a direction brings. - The huge social purpose driving development at Independiente de Valle.- How IDV facilitate knowledge exchange amongst players and coaches in Ecuador?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:30 - Intro03:31 - 08:05 - Bilbao08:06 - 14:15 - Phases of Development14:16 - 24:53 - Learning24:54 - 29:56 - Pathway Progression29:57 - 36:37 - China36:38 - 48:13 - Ecuador48:14 - 54:14 - Holistic Development54:15 - 1:00:14 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: [email protected]

Dave Clarke has been head coach of Quinnipiac college soccer for over 20 years.His journey to this point has been wholly encompassing and one in which he has left no stone unturned. Retaining that childhood passion for the game blended with a hunger for growth has ensured his longevity in the game on American shores.On his pathway to becoming a leading coach educator with US Soccer he has gained profound insight as to why he coaches and as to his own unique method of leadership. Advocating a life skills approach, Dave likens his overarching role within college to that of "surrogate parent" with no student athlete left behind. I was very fortunate to spend time in Dave's company hearing raw insight regarding his profession.Listen to find out more including;- Inside college soccer culture- How wholly encompassing is the life of a college soccer coach?- Leading as a player v leading as a coach.- How Dave guides players and staff through complexity and change?- What is of the utmost importance to get right in college recruitment?- Remaining curious as a coach educator and what his work is currently teaching him about himself?Timestamps;00:00 - 02:12 - Intro02:13 - 08:45 - US08:46 - 20:03 - College Soccer20:04 - 30:56 - Recruitment30:57 - 38:22 - US Soccer38:23 - 43:08 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: [email protected]

Adam Lawrence is the head of player development for U13-U16 at Manchester United. Ever passionate and proactive, there has not been a single step skipped in his coaching journey.Hailing from south London Adam has gained recognition going above and beyond coaching across all age bands at clubs such as Millwall, Charlton and now Manchester United. Always in service of the player Adam offers us his lens as to what good coach education looks like, the pastoral care afforded by Manchester United and the preconditions required for success.Much like his own journey, shaped by tradition yet constantly looking to evolve, Adam takes us right inside the beating heart of one of the world's leaders in talent development.Listen to find out more including;- How does the environment of South London support the development of players?- The profound impact of a study trip to South America?- How Charlton leveraged Talent ID as a competitive advantage?- What separates the best coach developers?- Inside the unique culture for talent development at Man United.- Integrating Man United first team players into the youth development process.Timestamps;00:00 - 03:12 - Intro03:13 - 12:21 - Getting Reps12:22 - 21:46 - Talent ID21:47 - 27:12 - Head of Coaching27:13 - 39:32 - Man United39:33 - 44:28 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: [email protected]

"The world is not lacking in expertise and knowledge, it's lacking in the imagination in what to do with it." - Kevin KellyKirk Vallis is the Global Head of Creative Capability Development at Google. For years Kirk has worked in various different environments unlocking people's potential. However it was at Google where he faced a novel challenge where in their own words; "brilliant at being the smartest people, not always good at unlocking the smartest thinking".Fast forward 11 years, Google and it's employees have undergone quite the transformation. Not quite all plain sailing however through a first principles based approach combined with a desire for people to be at the centre of everything Google's slick operation has iterated once more. Learn as to amongst other things as to why expertise is overrated?, the difference between creative thought and eccentric thought, and one tool coaches can integrate into their training periodisation.Listen to find out more including;- The techniques and frameworks which you can start implementing to disrupt your thinking?- "Behaviour eats process for breakfast."- What is a "smart creative" at Google?- How has Kirk's creative process evolved?- Why ideas are overrated?- "You don't have to be serious to solve serious problems."Timestamps;00:00 - 03:16 - Intro03:17 - 06:00 - "Smart Creative"06:01 - 12:30 - Google12:31 - 21:49 - Changing the Problem21:50 - 33:27 - "To Think About Lists"33:28 - 43:17 - Football43:18 - 48:36 - AI

Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: [email protected]

Neil Banfield is currently the Rangers first team assistant coach. Like many of the players he has coached over 30+ years in the game he has undergone quite a journey himself. A widely respected expert in player development and migration Neil's views of the game were largely molded by the 20+ years he spent at Arsenal.Alongside the likes of Arsene Wenger and Liam Brady, Neil was part of the coaching cohort that put together the infamous Elite Development Group which has formed the backbone of a successful number of graduates for Arsenal's first team. Here in this episode you will learn as to how the strength of a club's youth structure really is the underpinning of everything. Learn as to how Neil's career has come full circle now as he assists a former player of his in Michael Beale at Rangers. An unwavering passion for developing better people alongside footballers there are nuggets galore in this one.Listen to find out more including;- The importance of not skipping any steps in 0ne's coaching journey.- What exactly is "The Arsenal Way"?- How Arsenal consistently produced players year in year out?- Knowing when players are ready to step up to first team level.- Person first mentality when it comes to youth development.-Vieira, Arteta and Wilshere - why it's not always clear as to why certain players make the step up to management?-How does the Old Firm compare to the North London derby?Timestamps;00:00 - 04:30 - Intro04:31 - 08:17 - Arsenal08:18 - 19:11 - Elite Development Group19:12 - 23:31 - Players > Teams23:32 - 32:12 - Wenger32:13 - 35:39 - Where are they now?35:40 - 41:58 - Rangers41:59 - 46:24 - Love for the game46:25 - 51:15 - Advice

Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: [email protected]