In this episode, JJV Podcast's host Jouko Riihimäki discusses with Aleksandra Ševoldajeva, head coach of Estonia’s women’s national football team. They explore Alexandra's journey from tennis to football, the evolution of women’s football in Estonia, and her philosophy on coaching and leadership.

Key Points:

• Coaching Journey: Alexandra transitioned from a tennis background to football as a teenager. Her coaching career kicked off over 15 years ago when she was asked to lead a team needing direction.
• Growth of Women’s Football in Estonia: Over the past 15 years, Estonia’s women's football has developed with better league systems, increased youth participation, and improved player pathways, signaling promising growth despite the country's emerging football culture.
• Coaching Philosophy & Team Dynamics: Her approach emphasizes maximizing individual strengths, fostering honest communication, and building environments that balance structure with creative freedom. Alexandra also highlights that coaching extends beyond tactics to managing people effectively.
• Modern Football & Data Utilization: The discussion covers modern football’s fast pace and tactical flexibility, stressing the importance of adaptability. While data and technology play a role, Alexandra believes in keeping player feedback straightforward and actionable.
• Leadership & Communication: Emphasizing emotional intelligence, she maintains that open dialogue and empathy are key to developing both players and staff, creating a positive, secure, yet challenging team atmosphere.

This episode offers deep insights into coaching in a developing football nation, combining discussions of sports strategy with the human side of leadership.