Mike Avery is the Sporting Director and Head coach at Fort Wayne FC.

Mike Avery's Role and Perspective- 02:09

Mike Avery, the sporting director and head coach for Fort Wayne FC, provided an overview of the club's history, future aspirations, and his responsibilities in coaching and managing the team. Additionally, he discussed his side business, Center Circle Influencers, and shared his perspective on the professionalization of sports, emphasizing the importance of relationships and the impact on athletes and teams.

Impact of Individualization in Professional Sports - 10:54

Mike Avery and Michael Wright delve into the repercussions of individualization in professional sports, citing the influence of star players like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. They express concern about the unrealistic expectations it creates, especially for young athletes, and highlight the shift from team loyalty to individual idolization in sports fandom.

Importance of Relationships in Sports- 13:51

Mike Avery and Michael Wright discuss the value of relationships in sports, emphasizing the impact of connections and friendships on confidence and success. Avery highlights the importance of recognizing the contribution of every team member, while Wright explores the reasons behind Avery's involvement in a particular project, linking it to the significance of connections within the organization.

Mike Avery's Journey in College Sports and Fort Wayne FC- 26:40

Mike Avery shares his experience coaching college sports and the impact of budget cuts on his job at Valparaiso University. He then describes his transition to coaching Fort Wayne FC, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of building a new team, and the importance of creating an identity for the club.

Building Trust and Connection through Vulnerability- 30:36

Mike Avery emphasizes the difficulties of forming a cohesive team in a short, intense season and the need to create a supportive environment. He explains the hot seat exercise, where players share personal experiences, fostering empathy and understanding among teammates from diverse backgrounds. Michael Wright raises concerns about vulnerability in a competitive environment and its impact on team dynamics.

Building Team Chemistry and Character Assessment - 44:57

Michael Wright and Mike Avery delve into the process of building team chemistry and assessing the character of potential players. Avery emphasizes the importance of finding players with the right attitude and willingness to share experiences, even if they have had multiple chances. Wright raises the challenge of discerning the truthfulness of players during recruiting trips and how their behavior may vary in different environments.

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Introduction and Background 0:30

Michael Wright sets the stage for the podcast interview with Ben Chase, emphasizing the focus on NIL and its implications for college athletics. Ben Chase shares insights into the upcoming football season in Florida and details his role as the director of NIL strategy for the Florida Gators, highlighting his background in law and previous experience with NIL at a national company.

Celebrating Success at the Olympics 4:50

Ben Chase and Michael Wright share their excitement about the university's athletes' achievements at the Olympics, emphasizing the significant number of medals won and the presence of renowned athletes on campus. They also discuss the positive impact of having athletes from different sports training together, creating a collaborative and inspiring environment for all.

NIL and College Athletics - 7 :31

Ben Chase provides a comprehensive explanation of NIL, its evolution, and its impact on college athletes, emphasizing the newfound ability for athletes to monetize their image and the shift towards influencer marketing. Michael Wright highlights the significant revenue generated by universities and the NCAA, shedding light on the disparity in compensation for athletes compared to the substantial revenue generated by college sports.

Impact of NIL on Athletes - 14:45

Ben Chase and Michael Wright delve into the implications of the monetization and legalization of athletes' ability to make money, highlighting the challenges and opportunities it presents. They discuss the changes in athletes' capacity to earn side income and the transformation of their ability to monetize their personal brands, using examples such as gymnast Lian Wong and the Cavendish twins as influencers who can now monetize their names.

Implications of NIL for Athletes and Brand Building - 21:31

Ben Chase delves into the implications of NIL legalization, emphasizing the potential for athletes to monetize their TikTok accounts and build their personal brands. He shares a story of a former kicker who left the team to focus on his YouTube channel, highlighting the business opportunities for athletes in the digital space. Additionally, he discusses the market potential for gymnasts to monetize and sell to their fans, citing examples of athletes creating their own product lines.

Recruiting and Financial Considerations in College Athletics - 25:44

Ben Chase explains his recruiting process for potential soccer commits, emphasizing the tools and access he provides to athletes and the use of a collective to leverage their following in the community. Michael Wright acknowledges the challenges of the transfer portal and discusses the European model of compensating clubs for player development in the UK, highlighting the tiered system and compensation fees attached to players.

Financial Implications of College Athletics - 36:29

Michael Wright and Ben Chase delve into the financial complexities of college athletics, touching on donor fatigue, the challenges of raising funds, and the potential impact on coaching salaries. They also discuss the legal settlement House v. NCAA, which mandates a percentage of revenue to be allocated to athletes, and the resulting need for universities to find additional revenue sources or cut spending.

Future of College Athletics and NIL Impact 45:38

Ben Chase shares his predictions for the future of college football, envisioning regional realignment and a more professionalized approach. He emphasizes the need to protect athletes and discusses potential changes in the landscape of college sports. Michael Wright delves into the complexities of NIL policies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they bring to college athletics and the NCAA.

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Daniel Sellitti is Sporting Director at the Puerto Rico Football Association.

Roles and Challenges in Soccer- 0:12

Daniel Sellitti explains his dual roles in the soccer world, emphasizing the interplay between his positions at North Carolina FC and the Puerto Rico Football Federation. He delves into the complexities of the American soccer scene, discussing the cultural influences and the challenges faced by clubs in different states. Sellitti also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for players and the unique characteristics of the soccer landscape in North Carolina.

Discussion on Multi-Sport Background and Specialization - 8:34

Daniel and Michael delve into the complexities of managing multi-sport backgrounds in youth athletes, addressing the balance between high performance potential and participation for enjoyment. They explore the impact of family background and the benefits of early exposure to different sports on athletic development.

Discussion on the Development of Soccer in Puerto Rico - 12:43

Daniel Sellitti explains the growing popularity of soccer in Puerto Rico and its historical context compared to other sports in the region. Michael Wright shares his observations on the cultural influence of sports in different countries and the impact on their respective cultures, highlighting the unique integration of sports and culture in different regions.

National Teams' Activities and Progress - 20:10

Michael Wright and Daniel Sellitti provide an overview of the national teams' activities, highlighting the senior team's performance in CONCACAF, the men's team's potential qualification for the Gold Cup, and the women's team's recent achievements. They also discuss the upcoming tournaments and preparations for various age groups, including the U20s, U17s, U15s, and U14s.

Approach to National Team Playing Styles and Staff Structure - 26:57

Daniel Sellitti and Michael Wright delve into the playing styles and staff structure for the Puerto Rico national soccer teams. They highlight the possession-oriented and numerical overload approach for the men's team, while also discussing the women's team's defensive sophistication and counterattacking style. The conversation also touches on the staff's dedication and the common language used across different age groups.

Contrasting Soccer Mentalities - 28:41

Daniel Sellitti and Michael Wright delve into the cultural and philosophical differences in soccer mentalities between Puerto Rico and the UK, exploring the early emphasis on competition and winning in Puerto Rico, contrasting it with the non-competitive approach in the UK until the age of 18. They also touch on the influence of socioeconomic factors and the pay-to-play model in American soccer.

Building Scouting Networks and Grassroots Football in Puerto Rico - 35:39

Daniel Sellitti shares the process of building scouting networks and grassroots football in Puerto Rico, highlighting the recruitment of U.S.-based players with Puerto Rican heritage. He emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of pride and unity among players representing Puerto Rico, regardless of their geographical location, and discusses the impact on the success of the initiative.

Scouting and Player Identification Process -40:29

Daniel Sellitti explains the scouting and identification process for players, involving volunteers and a vetting process to select the best players for the national teams. He also discusses the goal of establishing a US-based camp and federation hotels and fields for players during camps in Puerto Rico.

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Eric Fawcett is a coach for Edminton Stingers and a scouting consultant

Introduction to Eric Fawcett- 0:14

Michael Wright invites Eric Fawcett to introduce himself and his work as a basketball coach. Eric provides details about his role as a coach for the Edmonton Stingers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League and his remote consulting for Division 1 basketball teams in the NCAA. He emphasizes his focus on using team strategy, analytics, and global basketball strategies to gain an edge.

Integrating Analytics into Coaching - 8:28

Eric Fawcett explains that while some may label him as an "analytics guy," he sees analytics as a part of a bigger picture in coaching. He draws parallels with how analytics have become integral in other North American sports and emphasizes the need for coaches to be familiar with relevant numbers to make strategic decisions.

Scouting Process and Data Analysis- 14:29

Eric Fawcett discusses his scouting process, emphasizing the importance of using data and film analysis to understand how teams play. He outlines his approach of starting with a quick look at data, followed by a deep dive into film to study play types and strategies. Fawcett also addresses the challenge of identifying anomalies in the data and explains how he filters out irrelevant or misleading information to ensure accurate scouting.

Defensive Strategies in Basketball- 25:33

Michael Wright seeks guidance on training basketball teams to adapt to different defensive styles, drawing parallels to football tactics. Eric Fawcett emphasizes the need to view offensive strategies through the lens of different defensive approaches, such as man-to-man, switching, and zone defense.

Strategic Scouting and Game Preparation-29:30

Eric Fawcett and Michael Wright delve into the intricacies of opponent scouting and game preparation, emphasizing the need to prioritize key elements of opponent strategies and trends. Fawcett discusses the challenges of balancing time for on-court training and game preparation, while also exploring innovative methods, such as using film and social media platforms, to enhance player learning and preparation efficiency.

Elite Players' Pattern Recognition- 41:25

Eric Fawcett and Michael Wright delve into the pattern recognition abilities of high-level basketball players, highlighting how players like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo rely on their extensive basketball vocabulary and pattern recognition skills to make real-time adjustments during games. They also discuss the value of playing in games to develop pattern recognition skills and how to assess the transferability of plays and principles from lower-level leagues to higher levels.

Contextualizing Basketball Strategies 45:36

Eric Fawcett highlights the significance of analyzing defensive styles and levels of play in different basketball leagues to assess the effectiveness of offensive strategies. He explains how understanding the way teams guard pick and roll actions and approach offensive plays is crucial for determining the translation of strategies across leagues. Fawcett also emphasizes the value of watching basketball from various levels and styles to gain a comprehensive understanding of contextualizing strategies.

Contrasting American and European Basketball Styles 48:59

Michael Wright reminisces about the San Antonio Spurs' basketball style, attributing its success to the fluid ball movement and the contribution of non-North American players. Eric Fawcett delves into the differences between American and European basketball styles, emphasizing the stationary positioning in American basketball and the emphasis on movement to create space in European basketball. He also mentions Luka Doncic's perspective on the contrasting spacing in the NBA and EuroLeague.

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Tim Baghurst is a professor at Florida State University and Director of the FSU Coach programme.

Coach Education and Qualifications -0:25

Timothy Baghurst explains the purpose of the FSU Coach, an interdisciplinary center for athletic coaching, and its mission to support coaches and sports administrators with best practices. He discusses the history of coach education in different countries, particularly comparing the US and the UK, and the varying levels of structure and qualifications required for coaching roles.

Importance of Supporting and Training Coaches - 11:28

Timothy Baghurst raises concerns about the challenges coaches encounter, such as low pay and burnout, and stresses the importance of supporting and training them to address these issues. He suggests that providing training and financial support can incentivize coaches to stay in the sport, ultimately reducing turnover and the need to constantly fill coaching positions. Baghurst emphasizes the circular nature of the argument, stating that there is no obvious solution beyond incentivizing coaches to stay and requiring them to be licensed and trained.

Qualifications and Opportunities for Collegiate Coaches- 14:41

Michael Wright and Timothy Baghurst debate the qualifications and opportunities for collegiate coaches in American football, expressing concern over the emphasis on winning over student graduation. They discuss the lack of formal qualifications required and emphasize the significance of work experience and networking in securing coaching positions, highlighting the potential bias towards coaches from successful programs.

The Importance of Connections in Coaching-18:09

Timothy Baghurst shares a story about a coach who moved from a successful program to a less successful one and failed, highlighting the role of connections in coaching success. He emphasizes that qualifications alone are not enough and that connections and experiences play a significant role in getting coaching opportunities. Baghurst also mentions the importance of athletes and parents valuing a coach's experiences and connections over academic qualifications.

Perspectives on Professional Development and Coaching Styles-25:33

Michael Wright shares his insights on the value of professional certification for self-awareness and recognizing blind spots, drawing from his personal experience. Timothy Baghurst emphasizes the significance of ongoing professional development, stressing the need for standardized learning to maintain quality in coaching. The discussion also touches on different coaching styles and the impact of cultural differences on coaching approaches.

Emphasizing the Importance of Coach Education-34:27

Timothy Baghurst shares the story of a successful beach volleyball coach who demonstrated humility by pursuing a master's degree to improve her coaching skills, despite her previous success. He emphasizes the scarcity of coaches seeking assistance to improve their programs and highlights the significance of recognizing the need for growth in coaching. Baghurst also discusses the importance of prioritizing people over performance in coach education, emphasizing the impact of understanding and caring for athletes' well-being on their performance.

Importance of Group Professional Development-48:20

Timothy Baghurst stresses the significance of attending professional development as a group, highlighting the collective emphasis and understanding gained from such experiences. He shares a story of a coach who implemented the learnings from his session and achieved success in winning a state championship, illustrating the impact of group professional development on practical outcomes.

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Stuart Morgan is a Professional PGA Coach that works with some of the best players in the world.

Golf Coaching Journey and Transition to Science-1:06

Stuart Morgan shares his background in professional golf coaching, including his work with David Ledbetter, coaching winners on major tours, and his current focus on motor learning and practice in elite golf. He also discusses his transition from being a player to a coach and his interest in integrating science into golf coaching.

Golf Coaching and Practice Methods-5:13

Stuart Morgan explains the traditional approach to golf coaching, focusing on the use of driving ranges and the lack of emphasis on practicing on the golf course. He highlights the limitations of driving range practice and the need for more contextual training to simulate real course conditions.

Discussion on Golf Swing Techniques and Self-Organization-10:59

Michael Wright and Stuart Morgan delve into the evolution of golf swing techniques, highlighting the shift towards self-organization and individualized approaches rather than a standardized model. They discuss the impact of physical constraints and emphasize the importance of understanding first principle ideas for coaches and players to enhance performance.

Coaching Differences and Approaches-36:46

Stuart Morgan shares insights on coaching younger golfers and elite athletes, emphasizing the impact of coaching on the malleability of younger players and the need for diverse and engaging training methods. He also discusses the importance of long-term consistency in coaching elite athletes to achieve lasting improvements, highlighting the need for small, consistent adjustments over time.

Involvement of Caddies in Player Support-41:05

Stuart Morgan and Michael Wright delve into the integral role of caddies in supporting players, highlighting the importance of communication between caddies and coaching staff. They also consider the possibility of coaches caddying for players in specific events to gain insights into the player's performance and provide targeted feedback, challenging traditional practices in golf coaching.

Player Superpowers and Nerves-48:58

Stuart Morgan and Michael Wright delve into the concept of players' superpowers and the necessity of maintaining and refining them, using a recent experience with a player as an example. They also explore the influence of nerves on players' performance, sharing insights from the Ryder Cup Extreme and discussing how caddies play a crucial role in understanding and supporting players' psychological needs during high-pressure moments.

Writing Journey and Future Plans-58:06

Stuart Morgan shares his experience of writing "The Gifted Junior" and the decision to learn the skill of writing instead of opting for a ghostwriter. He also talks about his future plans to write his PhD thesis and the pilot studies he has conducted on elite golfers' practice, highlighting the fascinating themes that emerged from the studies.

Discussion on Practice Habits and Beliefs1:01:41

Stuart and Michael delve into the significance of sharing findings and work, highlighting the insights it can offer into practice habits and cultures. They stress the impact of beliefs on behaviors and the necessity to challenge habitual practices, while also discussing the benefits of having a variety of tools to develop one's game or practice style.

Discussion on Coaching Styles and Player Psychology1:05:33

Stuart Morgan and Michael Wright delve into the nuances of coaching styles and player psychology, with Stuart reflecting on his own approach and the feedback he receives from players. They emphasize the significance of recognizing individual personality types and tailoring coaching methods to optimize player performance.

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Mark Bennett MBE is a high performance specialist consultant who has worked across the globe including Oklahoma City Thunder, Saracens Rugby and Premier League.

Mark Bennett MBE on Performance Development System1:50

Mark Bennett MBE explains the concept of culture as the natural behaviors within an organization or team, and how they manifest under pressure and in different situations. He also delves into the distinction between culture and performance, highlighting that having a great culture does not always guarantee high performance. Additionally, he discusses the importance of decision-making and judgment in various roles and situations.

Identifying Issues and Solutions 8:38

Mark Bennett MBE emphasizes the challenge of identifying the source of issues and prioritizing solutions for change. Michael Wright shares an anecdote about companies having similar values displayed on their walls, questioning the authenticity and impact of such displays. The conversation delves into the discrepancy between stated values and actual behaviors within organizations.

Managing Expectations and Clarity in Sports and Business 15:46

Mark Bennett MBE highlights the issue of unspoken expectations and lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities in sports and business. He explains how this can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings between managers, coaches, and hiring personnel, and emphasizes the importance of pre-agreement and daily honoring of expectations to avoid issues.

Interviewing and Hiring Process 19:48

Mark Bennett MBE emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence outside of the interview process when hiring coaches, citing a personal example to illustrate his point. He stresses the importance of observing coaches in action and evaluating their behaviors and interactions with players to determine their suitability for the role. Bennett also highlights the significance of the questions asked by candidates and how they align with the club's expectations and values.

Evaluating Coaching Performance 23:54

Michael Wright and Mark Bennett MBE delve into the intricacies of evaluating coaching performance, highlighting the significance of honesty and accountability in feedback. They stress the importance of providing specific, detailed feedback to coaches and the need to avoid overcomplicating or over-rationalizing assessments.

Managing High Performance and Culture 36:35

Michael Wright discusses the challenge of balancing high performance and culture in high-stress environments, citing the England cricket team as an example. He raises concerns about the impact on well-being and the potential for resentment. Mark Bennett MBE responds by emphasizing the importance of effective communication and managing one's state to maximize performance potential.

Managing Behavioral Challenges in Sports Training 40:27

Mark Bennett MBE illustrates a real-world scenario of managing behavioral challenges in sports training, highlighting the case of a basketball player from a rough neighborhood who exhibited inappropriate behavior during training sessions. Bennett emphasizes the importance of identifying weaknesses and intervening with clarity and honesty to address unacceptable behavior, ultimately aiming for progress and self-management within the athletes.

Culture, Performance, and Wellness in Sports 43:57

Mark Bennett MBE highlights the need to eliminate toxic behavior in sports culture and emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between wellness and performance. Michael Wright questions the management of perceptions around high-performing teams and the misconception of mistaking edge for bullying, citing examples from historical data and personal experiences in football environments.

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Gary McDermott us the U18 manager at Forest Green Rovers having worked at Southampton FC in the Foundation and Youth phase prior.

Coaching Philosophy and Player Involvement - 5:47

G McDermott, in a detailed explanation, shares his evolved coaching beliefs and the shift towards player involvement in game plans and training sessions. He describes a program where players watch opposition matches, deliver game plans, and suggest training focuses, leading to a collaborative approach that has yielded positive outcomes and a deeper understanding of player motivations.

Encouraging Participation and Individual Development - 12:14

Gary McDermott discusses how they make the game plan more engaging for the players and ensure that different voices are heard and valued. He explains their approach of breaking down tasks and allowing each player to contribute in different aspects, while also considering individual interests and comfort zones. Michael Wright inquires about the shift in coaching style and the process of transitioning to a more collaborative approach.

G McDermott's Insights and Experiences - 16:01

G McDermott discusses his frustration with being told to "shell it" during his playing days, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to game strategy. He shares observations from player-led tournaments and a study visit at Bath Rugby, where he learned about the captain's role in game preparation and the importance of player engagement. G Mc also reflects on his son's development and the lessons he has learned from balancing support and independence in his son's activities.

Discussion on Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Game Philosophy - 20:11

Michael Wright and Gary McDermott delve into the topic of individual development plans (IDPs) and the shift towards giving players autonomy in their development. They emphasize the importance of aligning IDPs with the team's game philosophy and discuss intertwining technical and team-focused aspects in IDPs. The conversation also touches on the relevance of IDPs in relation to the team's style of play.

Coaching Philosophy and Training Methods - 25:34

Gary McDermott outlines his coaching approach, emphasizing the significance of counter pressing, ball possession, and statistical analysis in training. He also discusses the competitive nature of his sessions, the use of position swaps to ensure equal opportunities for all players, and the importance of player expression within the framework of the team's style.

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