The ProPlayer Podcast (David Gough)

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Season 2: Tiffany Devonna Cameron (born 16 October 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward and at times as a midfielder for Spanish Liga F club Real Betis. Born in Canada to Jamaican parents, she plays for the Jamaican National womens Team. She previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga, F.C. Ramat HaSharon in the Israeli top-division Israeli First League and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga as well as Seattle Reign FC and FC Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League. She has also played for Apolon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division and represented Canada at under-17 and senior levels.

Tiff has been there, done it and in the future will probably make the T shirt on a career thats had everything. She is so much more than soccer. Her honest and authentic account gives us a window on the professional world that you wont have heard before. Tiff shares amazing insight, talks about moving into new environments and collaborating with your coaches to get the best out of players. This is a must hear for every aspiring female players and coaches who want to be in the womens game all across the world.

Exactly what the podcast was made for...enjoy.

Tosh Farrell, a UEFA 'A' licensed coach and member of the Professional Football Coaches Association is described by Craig Brown CBE the former mens national 1st team head coach of Scotland as arguably, to be one of the foremost exponents of youth coaching in the game. He is the former Head of International Football Development and Technical Coordinator at the English Premier Club Everton FC. Tosh has spent 13 years developing his Soccer Development Methodology at one of the leading youth academies in the world, helping develop numerous players who have gone on to represent Everton FC 1st team. These players include Wayne Rooney,Ross Barkley, Jack Rodwell, Callum McManaman. The EPL's youngest ever goal scorer, James Vaughan (age 16yrs 270 days) and the youngest player ever to represent Everton in the premier league Jose Baxter (age 16 yrs,191 days) “The key to success lies in Tosh's knowledge, experience and understanding of the right way to develop soccer excellence in young players. Like all coaches he likes to win but his focus is exclusively on the process of development – he knows if he gets this right the score will take care of itself.” - Bill Beswick M.Ed. Former sports psychologist to Manchester United, Middlesbrough and the England National Team.

The story of todays guest Chloe McBratney, is one that will inspire millions of people around the world in the coming. months and years. She has defied all expectations in her young life to date and continues to shine as a guiding light that your circumstances do not have to define your future. In her formative years, she was formally diagnosed with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia at just 18 months old, a condition that under develops the optic discs causing challenges to vision. One day Chloe knows she will loose her sight all together and, as she faces that fact, she intends to do as much good as she can to leave the game in a better place than she found it for her and millions of others.

Now 27, today Chloe is an UEFA B coach, Welsh club Cardiff City's under-19s assistant goalkeeper coach, head coach of Barry Town FCs pan-disability team and a full-time special education needs multi-sport coach for Cardiff City Foundation.

Chloe, from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, first became aware of her visual impairment in primary school. She had a specialist teacher assigned to her to teach her and the teachers themselves.

"My eyes themselves are healthy, but it's the optic nerves that are damaged - the visual pathway from your eyes to your brain," she explains.

"As you get older you learn a lot more, I didn't understand really what a visual impairment was. To me it was just that I was half blind and couldn't see out of one eye and can kind of see out of the other. I adapted really well. I was always really adventurous, I would still go out. I would go to the park and climb trees," she said.

Her parents encouraged her to do everything every other child did. "They didn't stop me from doing anything," she says. "They said 'you have to experience the world like everybody else'.

"As I've got older my sight has deteriorated and I've lost more sight." Chloe has also been diagnosed with neurological condition Grey matter heterotopia, which causes her to have seizures, as well chronic illnesses including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which affects the connective tissue in her body. Chloe also lives with chronic fatigue, brain fog and chronic pain.

Notwithstanding all this, Chloe has coaching dreams and aspirations and wants to inspire and offer strength to the coaching community, so she shares her story and her philosophy with us today in this very special episode of the pro player podcast.

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Season 2 Episode 1: Katie Quinlan - Assistant Coach Portland Thorns - National Womens Soccer Leauge (NWSL), USA.

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game

Jillian Ann Loyden - former US Womens National Team Player and owner of the Goalkeeper Institute.

https://www.thekeeperinstitute.com

Jill is generally regarded as one of the foremost voices on womens soccer in the United states as her broadcasting and coaching career highlights. More than that, you are about to share some time with someone who fully understands their "why". Born out of personal tragedy, she explains how she looked around for the person who needed to help make a change and realized it was her.

Powerful, engaging, ultimately authentic...Jill is one of the people I feel I have been most privileged to have met in my time in the United States and her messages need to be amplified around the world. She is quite literally one of the reasons we started the podcast in the first place.

Jill was born June 25, 1985, she is an American retired soccer goalkeeper who most recently played for Sky Blue FC in the National Women's Soccer League and the United States women's soccer team. She won a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympics in London with the US Womens National Team and today she opens up about that moment and her ultimate motivation, how the realization that be-folded her at that time changed the course of her life and how this could help you in your journey.

If you have been moved by the content within the podcast please take note of the resources below...

Warning Signs of abuse

https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/

National Domestic Violence Hotline Website

https://www.thehotline.org

USA - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call: 800-799-7233

"They will be dancing in the streets of total Network solutions Tonight”

Jeff. Stelling - Sky sports Soccer Saturday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdfTvrZJvOs

Chris Seargeant Assistant Manager & Head of Coaching, The New Saints - Welsh Premier Leauge“

This is a real life episode. Industrial football language has been bleeped out. However, we make no apologies because this is what it needs to be. A raw, authentic offering with amazing insight into the real world of devoting your life to the game we love. Chris Sargent lives, breathes and loves football. The good, the bad and the ugly of a life spent devoted to the game. In an "everything is always perfect" social media obsessed life “Sarge” opens the door for us all to a world of refreshing honesty including all the ups and downs, hitting rock bottom and bouncing back to the UEFA Champions Leauge. We take a deep dive into the Role of the “number 2” in the high performance team - this episode tackles it all, How to be the best support for the head coach / manager and the main thing, the smaller decisions you can take off the manager’s toes to help the ship sail better. Sarge talks to us about how you can potentially get a bit of a better “swell” for things as people will often open up to you about things better than they will the manager, especially in tough moments. He explains how often the assistant manager works in the shadows and to embrace that to be successful. His take on why you are rewarded as an assistant coach when the team is rewarded is a game changer for aspiring coaches. His advice on leadership and balancing structure, inspiration and ultimately owning what you do is a must listen for anyone and everyone in a leadership position. His advice on connection and respecting everyones subtleties as a coach is an art form in itself. Sarge, an expert at his craft, lays it bear for you to learn from his success and his own learning in the hope it helps you get closer to your dreams. This episode is as real as it gets, its a special one and we hope you can draw the strength you need from it when you need it...“Don’t chase it…live in your own authenticity!

And that's it...Season 2 has come to an amazing end...player, coach and pundit. A living Legend (and she won't agree with us, but she is)...Kath Morgan

Nowadays, Coleg y Cymoedd and the University of South Wales British National Championship winning coach in 2024, their jewel in the crown, Kathryn Morgan, the first woman in Wales to pass the UEFA A Licence, who made more history as the first female pundit in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA mens World Cup to commentate on the Welsh games alongside the BBC.

Kathryn, who had a successful career as a professional female footballer, is now just as formidable in her media career working for BBC Radio Cymru and Radio Wales Sport as part of the broadcaster’s coverage. She joined the likes of Nathan Blake, Iwan Roberts, Danny Gabbidon and Neil Taylor in Qatar for three weeks during the country’s first appearance in the World Cup since 1958 – delivering news bulletins and leading a Q&A podcast with the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

A former international player with over 50 caps to her name, Kathryn represented several teams during her 15-year footballing career including Inter Cardiff (now Cardiff City), Barry Town, Bristol Rovers, and the Welsh national women’s team, becoming the first female footballer in Wales to secure 50 caps.

After attending the 2016 World Cup in France, she was invited by BBC Radio Cymru to join the channel as a pundit, offering commentary on the competition. Since then, she has commentated on several national games and is a regular contributor to the famous Welsh Language S4C Soccer show "Sgorio".

From a young age, Kathryn was determined to play football and she tells us all about how at seven years old, she persuaded boys in the playground to let her join them after watching and practicing their techniques. Her passion became her life's work when she joined Inter Cardiff Women’s team at 17, kickstarting her career and replied to an advert in the paper that led to her getting an International tryout.

More than all this. Anyone who is fortunate to have spent any time with Kath knows what you are about to find out. That there are few people in this world who you just feel better having spent time in their company. Kath's raw, authentic and true self helps us provide a space where you as an aspiring coach or player can spend time, free of judgement and safely asking yourself the key questions you need to draw strength for your journey. Of the 30 episodes we have recorded, none are quite like this one...Enjoy and Happy St Davids Day to everyone around the world...

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus...

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Season 2: The one and only "Becky Burleigh" - North American Soccer Royalty. Co-Founder What Drives Winning project https://whatdriveswinning.com

National Champion winning coach, 13 Time SEC Conference Titles, 4 NCAA National Coach of the Year Awards across 26 years leading one of the biggest Womens soccer college programs in North America at the University of Florida. She talks to us also about her experience as the former interim coach of the Orlando Pride (NWSL).

There are few who command a room and have earned the respect of the soccer community like Becky and you will hear in her voice how much she cares about leaving it better than she found it. She is a true inspiration to aspiring coaches everywhere in the world. This one is special...

"Who are you becoming as a result of the chase"

Becky Burleigh

Football Australia is pleased to advise the appointment of highly regarded coach and women’s football specialist, Rae Dower, to the role of Technical Director – Women’s Football.

Dower, who is also Head Coach of the Australian U-17 Women’s National Team – a position she will retain alongside this newly created position at Football Australia – will provide a position of leadership on women’s football matters relating to pathways, competitions, national teams, coach development, and participation.

In her role as Technical Director – Women’s Football, Dower will also deliver advice on technical matters across the women’s game to all parts of the governing body, encompassing women’s national teams (senior and youth) and programs including pathways through to Future Matildas. Additionally, Dower will provide expertise in the implementation of the women’s football development elements of Football Australia’s XI Principles for the future of Australian football.

Upon making the appointment, Football Australia Chief Football Officer, Ernie Merrick, said the creation of this role reflects the ambition of the governing body and its focus on the growth and development of the women’s game from grassroots to the elite throughout Australia.

Rae is 18 months into her newly designed role with Football Federation of Australia. She is not just an ambassador for our sport but someone who represents everything thats right with the game, coaching, dealing with adversity and she is for sure leaving it better than she found it. Rae has done it all and remains at the pinnacle of the sport in a country that loves sport as much as anyone in the world. She joins us from Brisbane, Australia and tackles the real issues head on in this amazing special episode of the Pro Player Podcast. She goes deep into "being the only woman in the room", stepping outside your comfort zone, empowering people within the high performance team, bringing experience from outside football to aid decision making, following your passion and life in this industry.

The game in Australia is clearly in great hands as you will hear from our extended special episode....

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to amplify female voices within the game

Sally is Academy Human Development and Performance Culture Lead at Sheffield United Academy - English Premier Leauge

Sally spent 13 years at The FA within the skills programme and then as a county coach developer. She holds the UEFA A Licence and the Advanced Youth Award (5-11). She is a Thrive Practitioner where she has taken the latest in neuroscience, child development and attachment theory and applied it into football. She is currently Academy Human Development and Performance Culture Lead at Sheffield United Academy. Along with being a Coach Developer for The FA and Consultant at 4Growth. Along with completing a Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance at UCLAN.

This in short, is one of the best episodes we have done. Not just because Sally is amazing company but the concepts she brings to the table here will have you rewinding and listening back over and over...simple instructions for this one...Just hit play and enjoy...

*Our Apologies for some of the sound quality, and re-recording of questions, that is on us recording our end and nothing to do with Sally.

David Garcia is the Owner and Founder of "its just a sport" (Ijas)

https://www.itsjustasport.com

The IJaS coaching academy is a collection of self-paced online courses to help you embark into coaching with confidence. The courses are developed to provide you with theoretical foundations alongside practical tools to help you develop problem-solving players, maintain composure in the face of adversity, and provide your players the best possible football experience.

Embark confidently in the chaos of coaching.

Today, David joins us and gives us his insight on the modern game, where it is going and he also talks openly and honestly about this youth playing days in North America's "Pay to Play" Model of youth soccer. An episode for anyone who loves the game itself and some amazing insight you can draw strength from also...

A man who needs no introduction...Paul McGuinness (born 2 March 1966) is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder in the Football League for Crewe Alexandra and Chester City. He is the current Head of Academy Player Development for Leicester City's under-18 team

McGuinness is the son of former Manchester United player and manager Wilf McGuinness who took overt he worlds most famous football club from the late, great Sir Matt Busby, Paul shares stories of an upbringing that nobody else in the world could imagine - Inside Manchester United Football Club. He holds a degree in physical education from Loughborough University and is today regarded as one of a select group of people who are shaping the national discussion around technical development in the UK.

As a player, McGuinness was a midfielder who made 20 Football League appearances with Crewe Alexandra and Chester City. He also spent time with Manchester United (where he progressed through the youth ranks).

Today you will likely find Paul, in person, in the corridors of the English National Football Center, St Georges Park. Delivering on the UEFA Pro Licence and UEFA A Licence courses and online delivering masterclass workshops on technical development. His seminars with the FA "Under he microscope" can be found on Youtube and once you find one you will watch them all. His soccer specific expert breakdowns of technique and skill, resinate in a way that nobody else quite can. His passion for a life spent entrenched in the game and his footballing heritage make an hour with him one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

Developing Observational Skills "Under the Microscope" - Paul McGuinness / Matt Bishop

https://youtu.be/xWrMFrqziFM?si=8w17ATCDr6ljDtoq

FA Learning Resource

Professor Adam Nicholls is Professor of Psychology at the University of Hull, England.

He is with us today to bridge the gap between the academic research world and the professional world of coaching because we know how busy coaches are in their day to day, its impossible to stay up to date with everything being published and he will provide everything you need to know in the next hour on the Pro Player Podcast.

Adam has risen to prominence in recent years due to the quality of his work, teaching and his presence on social media. But, also it's because he is an academic who is real and relatable. He openly suffers with Dyslexia (Just like me) and talks about how these things dont have to define you. He posts on LinkedIn about the practical application of psychology in sport. A professor at the university of Hull, England. Who is engaged in research, leadership, and teaching roles. The main focus of his research relates to the psycho-social factors that predict doping among adolescent athletes, along with coping and emotions among athletes. To date, his research is supported by more than £1.1 million as a principal investigator, within the last five years, and £1.5 million including all projects.

These projects have been funded by the International Olympic Committee, The European Commission, the World Anti-Doping Agency, Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health Research. His academic career has seen him publish more than 90 journal articles, he has written four books, and edited a book. His most famous book, Psychology in Sports Coaching: Theory and Practice has also been translated into Arabic and Hungarian. The third edition of this book was published in October 2021.In addition to pursuing his own research interests, He is a director of research with the Department of Sport, Health, and Exercise Science, and leader of the Sport Psychology and Coaching group. This role involves him mentoring/coaching colleagues, developing a research strategy and impact case studies. Outside of work, he regularly compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and coaches this sport too. He competed at the 2021 British Open, held at Loughborough University, and won the silver medal. He belives being an active competitor allows him to test and refine some of psychological principles in his research.

Buy it now: Psychology in sports coaching:: theory and Practice 3rd Edition; Dr Adam Nicholls

https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Sports-Coaching-Theory-Practice/dp/1032062606

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Season 2: Chinyelu Bessum Asher (born 20 May 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for AIK. Born in the United States, she has represented Jamaica internationally around the world and at the FIFA Womens World Cup. She started playing football at age 9, was taught how to play by her father, Kevin Asher, who is Jamaican. Asher ran track and cross country throughout high school, making repeated appearances to Nationals and Junior Olympics. Simultaneously, Asher played with Freestate United and would play in her school's boys' team during trainings.

Today she is a professional footballer of the highest standing, with a career spanning continents and countries all over the world. Her journey has come full circle as she is now the inspiration she says she didn't see growing up for millions of young girls around the world. So much more that X's and O's but also a great soccer mind, she explains how the best coaches work collaboratively with players in the modern game. Open and honest as ever she has amazing insight for aspiring female players and also goes into great detail about dealing with the knocks and downsides to being a professional footballer. This one should be on the school curriculum for every young girl in the world...Please if you only share one episode with a young dreamer - make it this one...

Season 2 Special with Panera Bread

- In conversation with sue Paris - Founder "the Changing Room" (Thechangingroom.online)

If you only ever listen to one of our podcasts, make it this one!!

Sue shares her insight and invites you into a world that will challenge your current thinking and change your life for the better. This one is worth the time investment we guarantee it. Thats it, as simple as that...enjoy...

Additional Resources associated with this episode

Thierry Henry (EXCLUSIVE): I Was Depressed, Crying Every Day, Dealing With Childhood Trauma!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aivpDPCP7Q8

Behind the White Lines Campaign

Sue Paris / Steven Caulker

https://www.linkedin.com/company/behind-the-white-lines/about

Suicide and crisis Helplines / Websites

United Kingdom

https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk

USA

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/07/15/us-transition-988-suicide-crisis-lifeline-begins-saturday.html

Australia

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

New Zealand

https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines

Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention/warning-signs.html

Scandinavia

https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/living-conditions-and-lifestyle/suicide-prevention/

France

https://www.aup.edu/student-life/support/health-well-being/additional-counseling-resources/suicide-prevention

Spanish Language Version

https://store.samhsa.gov/product/988-suicide-crisis-lifeline-poster-spanish-version/pep22-08-03-008

Dan Abrahams is a man who needs no introduction. A sport psychologist working alongside individuals, teams, coaches and organisations globally. He is known for his passion to de-mystify sport psychology and for creating simple to use performance techniques. He is the author of four best-selling sport psychology books and is the founder of both the Dan Abrahams Soccer Academy and The Sport Psych Show podcast. A former professional golfer and PGA qualified, Dan has a First Class Honours degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Sport Psychology. He is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning he is an accredited psychologist and bound by the HCPC’s code of conduct which emphasizes confidentiality, evidence of professional development, safe practice, and standards of proficiency.

Dan joins us on the podcast for this very special episode that will undoubtably change the course for aspiring coaches everywhere. Dont take our word for it...

“With his deep knowledge of sport psychology, Dan helps coaches understand the science behind high performance and the methods that underpin effective training”

Eddie Howe, First Team Manager Newcastle United FC

“Dan motivates players to incorporate mental skills into their routine. His methods are simple and effective“

Steve McClaren, Assistant Manager Manchester United Football Club

Soccer Tough by world-renowned sport psychologist Dan Abrahams changed my life! The book explains how we all have the ability to perform when pressure is at its highest – you just need to unlock it!

Gareth Bale, former player Wales and Real Madrid

We are delighted to bring you yet another offering from the people shaping the future of the game and the industry in the hope it helps you on your journey. Enjoy...

Remi talks to us about her career, transitioning to coaching with the England u23s Lionesses and her amazing years as an England youth International. She goes into real detail on what it's like to be a professional footballer. The changes in the women's game in the last decade. She has strong views on coaching in the women's game which make it a great listen. While, her insight as one of the Women's Super League's most influential players, since its inception, is priceless for fans of the women's game all over the world. There was only ever one place we wanted to start and that is "in conversation with Remi Allen."

Rob Sherman is quite literally football Royalty. Rob is one of the worlds foremost coach educators, responsible for overseeing National associations in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Rob has also spent time coaching at the highest level of both the mens and women’s game and is currently the head coach of the Fiji National Men’s Team attempting to qualify for the FIFA mens Word cup on 2026. Rob takes a deep dive into coaching practice, the nuances, e changes, his finger always on the tempo of best practice and he shares all that with you. Keep an ear out for the lessons on half time talks, a sensational bit around the “emotional collective state” of your group amoung many other practical tips that will no doubt help you step closer to your best self. This is exactly what the proplayer podcast was for…ladies and gentlemen I give you Rob Sherman….For anyone in the world interested in supporting the Fiji National Player Identification Program or for anyone who qualifies for Fiji as a player and wants to let them know please contact Rob direct on this email - rob@robshermanfootballconsultant.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sherman-a6590a29/

Tom James, professional footballer joins us on this bumper episode of the podcast. Tom has a dry, quick whit that makes him a compelling character. His enthusiasm and understanding allow him to offer insight that takes us well behind the curtain of life as a professional footballer. Tom offers so much on what aspiring coaches can do to best prepare for the big time. So much to love about this episode. You will also love the segments on "What footballers really want and dont want from their managers", the phone calls that literally change your life overnight and making sure you enjoy the good times in football when they do come. Tom opens up about winning promotion and conversely how hard it is to be told your not in the managers plans, you wont be able to take your ears of it, especially when that manager is the legendary Neil Warnock. All in all, this is what the podcast was started for. To bring real life insight to you, straight from those living it today. Tom's story is ultimately one of huge success as he has not only achieved a dream of literally millions of young people across the world by signing a professional contract and playing in the football league in England. But, also he remains there, evolving as he continues to grow year on year on the pitch. We are delighted to bring you this episode and hope it provides strength to anyone who wishes to work in football or follow in Tom's footsteps and play professional football.... "Dont be Afraid to Dream" Chris Coleman

Head of Recruitment - Cobalt Sports - London England.Cobalt Sports

Website https://cobaltsportsmanagement.co.uk/

Ellis Linkedin Profile https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ellis-bellamy-00aabb139

The Football Agent Episode...Join us in this fascinating episode as Ellis Bellamy takes us inside the world of professional football agency. An often misunderstood facet of the professional game, Ellis shines a light on the ever changing role of the football agent. Ellis, is never one to hold back, he loves football too much, to not tell it how it is. He walks us through growing up with the game in his blood, shares insight on his own youth development from a players perspective which is just gold dust for aspiring players and coaches. You will love his take on “calculated risk” and his open, vulnerable and honest take on his own mistakes and learning that have made him successful today. Ellis takes a deep dive into coaching culture and he explains how he has seen other countries approach coaching and how important it is to be authentic and the potential difficulties of being honest with young players from generation Z and Alpha…Winning - how important is it? It’s everything in the professional game. Ellis goes in on how important it is to make sure we have that authentic balance and that is not a bad thing to create winners. This is not only cutting edge, finger on the pulse as ever from Ellis but also a great insight into how both youth development and real life professional football merge. As if that isn’t enough this huge episode also deals with management, mistakes that make you better in the long run and the importance of football focus vs external distractions for young players starting out in the professional careers. Parents, coaches, players, football fans everywhere will al love his detail on talent identification, growth and maturation and what it takes to make it in this elite industry.A raw, authentic insight from someone still so young who has achieved so much already. Elis bares all in the hope it helps you learn and his vulnerability and honesty show the character and strength it takes to survive in this business… This one is a great listen and will for sure leave you thinking differently about the football agent world…

Rhys Carr - Individual Development Coach - Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) in the English Premier League. Rhys shines a light on where he thinks the game is going next from a technical and tactical perspective and how we as coaches help produce the elite players of the future. He shares with us how he believes positions of the future game will look much more bespoke and flexible - it’s a fascinating deep dive for aspiring coaches and football lovers everywhere. Neuroscience, talent development, skill acquisition, psychosocial development, planning vs living in the moment, work / life balance and managing professional aspiration with innovation to ensure the private life balance - whichever way you look at it this episode has it all…Rhys shares among many other things his concept of “the little whispers” as a tool to connect and coach and this segment will for sure excite and inspire you. Rhys’ hot take on development and winning may surprise a few. He talks as a dad and as an elite coach in real terms and his advice for parents on managing their sons / daughters development is best in class. It makes for a really insightful, educated argument about where the focus should be in player development programs. Rhys reminds us all “Its where they end up not where they are now…”Always remember “success leaves clues…”The Playmakers Advantage Rhys Carr Book Recommendation https://www.amazon.com/Playmakers-Advantage-Raise-Mental-Level/dp/1501181874/ref=asc_df_1501181874/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094770123&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16882438634162498052&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011488&hvtargid=pla-623043089255&psc=1 The Soccer Science Project Website - Rhys Carrhttps://soccer-science.co.uk/2019-conference/Rhys Carr Linkedin profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhys-carr-b3111026/?originalSubdomain=uk

Emma is so much more than her Job Role. This is a special one for me as she is such a huge part of my own story and I am adamant she is responsible for some of my life's best work.

Her experience and expertise in the world of performance analysis are only eclipsed by her authenticity and commitment to her core values. In this episode Emma walks us through her career, her start, the changing times of being a female in a male dominated industry. Her love never shines brighter than when she talks about her babies, her family and her love of both England and Blackburn Rovers!! This episode has everything from advice to maintaining a work life balance, when is the right time to take stock in your career, how to sustain a decade at the highest level of performance in a national team MDT, learning Spanish from now premier Leauge superstar Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya,, that feeling when you pull on your first kit! It's all here. This episode is full of guidance designed to offer strength and support to you for your own journey; but more than anything its a lesson in engaging with your why, being true to yourself and the amazing things that can happen when you put players first.

Now this episode is special!!

Anja Heiner-Møller, UEFA Pro Licence Coach and Former Danish International Player. Anja is one of the most impressive people we have met since starting this podcast. Her grace, knowledge, insight and indomitable spirit draw you in and you cant help but learn. I feel privileged to have been able to have been in her company for this episode. We talk everything from her current role as Danish u19 Womens Head Coach, gaining her UEFA Pro Licence, the game and what the current trends in football around Europe appear to be. If you dont know the name yet, you will hear about her in the future. Anja also tackles life in professional football as a mam. Her take on the life balance and "turning the volume up and down" at times is priceless and worth your time alone. She is exactly the reason we wanted to start this podcast to bring experts like her into your life so you may draw strength for your own journey. No need to say anymore...just kick back and enjoy, this is a special one...

Join us as we talk to the vastly experienced Neil Moore about everything from coming up, surviving in the game, the sacrifices you will make and what its like to balance learning and developing with professional competence as you climb the ladder yourself. A deep episode with a thinker who takes the tempo down a little, so you a truly reflect on your journey and forge your own path. A great episode for aspiring coaches all around the world from a man who is in touch with his authentic self and understands the importance of vulnerability and reflection and wants to leave it better than he found it by helping you get a step up on the ladder.

Richard is perhaps one of the most prominent Womens Football Writers of the last decade. He has serious experience of working in the women's game, published in outlets such as FourFourTwo, World Soccer Magazine, ESPN, The Athletic, The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, OPTUS Sport and more.In 2023, He covered the World Cup for host outlet OPTUS Sport, as well as OPTA and across his own dedicated Substack - Women's Football Chronicles, after covering major tournaments in 2017, 2019 and 2022, including England's successful European Championship success on home soil he was also privileged to be a moderator of three panels at the 2023 "Thinking Football Summit in Porto". He has been instrumental in launching several special dedicated women's football projects, including The Guardian's Top 100 Female Footballers of the Year, and Messages from Home for The Times.

Rich is on hand to support and give the benefit of his experience for all aspiring coaches, helping you think about how you will work with the media when the time calls, players and even journalists wanting to work at the highest level of the Women game this one is also for you...

The Football Chronicles

https://richlaverty.substack.com

The one with the Professional Footballer - David Tutonda is a Congolese professional footballer who plays as a defender for English Football League Two club Morecambe. His previous clubs include Cardiff City, Newport County, Barnet, Bristol Rovers and Gillingham. David has played in over 200 professional games, across an 11 year career in the English Football Leauge and today he tells us exactly what life is like as a footballer outside the English Premier Leauge. David helps to show coaches how important it is to take time to understand where young aspiring players are on a personal level as well as a professional level. He shares his loan experiences and how he didn’t feel like a pro until his 3rd year after signing. He reminds us how important it is to be yourself and to always remember to bring yourself to the pitch everyday or as Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and England says "remember what brought you to the dance” …This episode includes a great discussion about how academy football prepares players for the real world of professional football. David opens up about his true thoughts as a first year pro and how and when that changes to allow him to push on and achieve his undoubted potential. David is realistic about the tempo and pace of the very first pro team session he saw, what its like to walk into the first team dressing room in the real world and getting the balance right when you stop cleaning the boots and start sitting next to the pro's as a team mate. After 11 years playing in the Football Leauge, David talks to us about the characteristics of the best coaches he has had and offers amazing insight for those already working in football and the aspiring coaches who wish to one day work in the professional game. This episode takes a deep dive into belief and the enthralling concept he shares of “belief lost”. The importance of accepting responsibility and the pitfalls of coaches who are seen to be “passing blame”. This segment will change your thinking for sure and is well worth your time. This episode is exactly why we started this project in the first place to give you a level of insight that people just dont get. David’s honest and raw approach is a beacon offering strength and solace to those who are dedicating their lives to live in professional football and who wish to follow in his footsteps. From everyone at the pro player podcast we are wishing you well, wherever you are and whatever you are struggling through today. Join us as we take a walk down one of the most enlightening roads of the first series and lets share in the journey together. To the future…In loving memory of Dick Bate (1946-2018)

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Mia Zambarano is an award-winning, licensed mental health therapist who has committed her life’s work to supporting people experiencing intense pressure and high expectations to overcome anxiety and stress while optimizing their performance. As an entrepreneur, mother, and former Division 1 college athlete, she is no stranger to navigating pressure and has made it her mission to help other high-achievers do the same.

After nearly a decade in the mental health world, she saw there was an unmet need in the field for people who were highly competitive and wanting to achieve more but did not have access to the crucial mental training to have them be sustainably successful and well. Mia realized that people who ask more of themselves and want to perform at the highest levels don't often give themselves the compatible mental support needed to thrive, while minimizing risk of burnout and other mental health struggles. Mia has found the formula in her signature POWER performance system to support elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and business professionals in enhancing their mental health, mentality, resilience, and performance.

Today she joins us on this very special episode of the Pro Player Podcast where she shares mental health frameworks, helps both aspiring coaches and players with difficult conversations and tells us exactly what to look for and how to handle crisis moments, if and when a player comes to you in need. If for nothing else we encourage you to share this episode with everyone you know because of how important this section is alone. A true expert with a compelling nature that draws you in to hopefully leave you more confident in your own environments.

Episode Key Links

The Mental Health and Performance Expert

Mia's Website:

https://www.thementalperformanceexpert.com

For anyone effected by any of the topics in this episode please see below:

International Association for Suicide Prevention

https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts

Steve is an extremely experienced former professional footballer and coach, playing in excess of 500 Football League games for a variety of clubs including Nottingham Forest, Crewe, Plymouth, Burnley, Hereford United and Cheltenham Town. He possess nearly 25 years coaching experience across a broad spectrum of roles such as within the first team environment at professional football clubs with Hereford United, Cheltenham Town, Forest Green Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers in addition to leading the football programme at nationally renowned Hartpury College and University and in more recent years, across coach education and development with the FA and PFA. He currently holds the position of "Player to Coach" lead, playing a key role in the FA’s strategy of delivering more EQC (English Qualified coaches) working across the highest level of the game and lead on a high profile, bespoke coach development programme for current and former senior England players that is named "International Player to Coach" (IP2C). Graduates from the programme include Ashely Cole, Michael Dawson, Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere, Leighton Baines and Carlton Cole. He takes lead responsibility for the development and delivery of the Football Association’s pathway for current and ex professional players who are transitioning from playing into coaching, facilitating the design and implementation of the FA’s elite coach qualifications and programme of continuous professional development, taking a needs-led approach in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the PL, LMA, EFL and PFA. Furthermore, He is a qualified tutor and deliverer across both the FA Level 4/UEFA A Licence and FA L5/UEFA Pro Licence qualifications plus FA Talent Identification qualifications L4 and L5 for Technical Directors, supporting learners at the highest levels of the game. He also has coaching experience at international level, leading England Universities Football plus the role of Assistant Coach to Great Britain Universities (Team GBR) Football Team at the World University Games before becoming Head Coach. Team GBR gained a silver medal at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia, 2013.

As if that isn't enough credibility in itself, he is also a holder of the UEFA Pro Licence through the English FA in addition to further qualifications such as the Premier League’s Elite Head of Coaching award, Advanced Youth Award, the League Managers Association's Diploma in Football Management, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Elite Coach Development and a BSc in Sports Science.

He wanted to devote his time to help aspiring coaches all across the world by coming on the podcast and its right here for you - he also provided his Linkedin page (Search Steve Guinan) for any of our listeners who wish to reach out in the future. A top football man and another amazing guest...

Myles Smith is assistant Manager of Al-Ittihad (al-Ittyhad) Ladies in the Saudi womens Pro League,

Myles offers his insight and story so that you may draw strength and benefit for your journey in professional football. Today, he talks to us about his previous roles at West Ham United where he experienced everything from almost getting fired "twice" on his first day to walking out at Wembley for the FA Cup final and everything that comes in between. He also shares his views on his current role and the state of the union in Saudi Arabia when it comes to womens football and women attending matches as supporters. An enthralling listen from start to end as the Pro Player Podcast goes to explore soccer in Saudi...(On zoom anyway...)

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Nicole Lukic is Minesotta Aurora’s Sporting Director and Head Coach. In two seasons, Lukic has never lost a regular season game. In the inaugural season, Lukic led Aurora to a 11-0-1 record in the regular season and all the way to the championship game, which was Aurora’s first loss of the season. Lukic won the Heartland Division and was named the USL W coach of the year in 2022 with many Aurora players winning awards too. In 2023, Lukic once again led the team to an undefeated season going 12-0 to capture the Heartland Division Championship and then the Central Conference championship before losing in the quarterfinals to Indy Eleven. Under Lukic’s leadership, 5 Aurora players have signed professional contracts and are playing overseas.

• USSF A License
• Masters Degree
• 2022 USL W Coach of the Year
• 2022 High Performance Coach of the Year – Tucker Center
• 2021 Midwest Youth Boys Coach of the Year
• United Soccer Coaches 30 under 30
• Former NCAA D1 Player

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game

Kristi Kiely completed her sixth season as head coach of the Point Loma women's soccer program in 2023, leading the Sea Lions to their first-ever NCAA national championship in any sport. In 2023, PLNU won a fourth PacWest Conference title in five seasons and set an NCAA-era program for wins (17). The team finished the season on an 11-game winning streak, which ties the program's longest winning streak. She was named the PacWest Coach of the Year for the third time. Kiely and her coaching staff were named the United Soccer Coaches Division II Women's Staff of the Year.

In this episode Kristi opens up about the instant "you win the National championship" and the overriding feeling she had in that special moment may surprise you. Truly, everything thats right with coaching in the womens soccer world and a voice that should be amplified across the world. Leaving everything she thinks about better than she found it. A National Champion who cares about the human side. Coaches everywhere take note, she shares everything with you in a humble and authentic account from a real soccer person who knows what it takes to win on the national stage.

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game

Nicola Anderson is a UEFA Pro Licence Holder/ the Female Coach Education Lead & WU19 Head Coach at Football Association of Wales

Nicola joins us for a refreshing and insightful look at working with elite players in their later teenage years. Nicola is expert in the nuance and context that is so important in helping young people achieve their true potential. Her authentic light shines brighter onto others as she steps aside and shows us what the collaborative coach / player relationship can be. A fascinating investment of your time which will leave you wanting more....a real privilege to be in someone's company where you just feel energized and invigorated for having spent the time with them. This one is for the coaches out there and those aspiring to one day work in the womens football industry. This, simply put, is gold dust...

"tired of never getting to hear from the Ref!!!" Well, that all changes right now...

Mark R. Halsey is an English retired professional football referee who was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, later based in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Halsey primarily refereed in the Premier League from 1999 to 2013 and was on the league's list of Select Group Referees from its creation in 2001 until his retirement.

His first Premier League appointment was a fixture between Wimbledon and Coventry City in August 1999 and over the course of his professional career he refereed a number of notable matches, including the FA Community Shield in 2007 and the 2008 final of the Football League Cup.

In 2009 Halsey underwent chemotherapy to treat a cancerous tumour in his throat. He returned to refereeing in the top-flight in 2010. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2012–13 season.

Today he joins us on the Pro Player Podcast to give us the referees perspective or what it takes to officiate a Premier League football match. He also shares his honest opinions on technology in football, VAR and the future development of the worlds most popular game. Never one to shy away from his authentic self, Mark is a living, breathing lesson in the importance of knowing yourself and leading from the front. A must listen for aspiring coaches and those already in the industry.

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Shelley Kerr (MBE) UEFA Pro Licence Holder needs no introduction.

https://www.shelleykerr.co.uk

As a player, Shelley Kerr was a powerful centre back, who captained the Scotland women's national football team as well as clubs including Spartans and Hibernian. She won 59 caps for Scotland between 1989 and 2008, scoring three goals.

During her playing career Kerr won every domestic honour in Scotland and played in the UEFA Women's Cup. She also played for Doncaster Rovers Belles in England.

As a coach, Kerr gained experience at Kilmarnock, Hibernian and Spartans while progressing through the Scottish Football Association's (SFA) Long-term Player Development pathway, eventually taking charge of the Scotland women's under–19 national team in 2009. She gained the UEFA Pro Licence in January 2013.

She managed English FA WSL club Arsenal Ladies from February 2013 until June 2014 and won the FA Cup with Arsenal twice.

In August 2014, Shelley became the first female manager in British men's senior football when she was appointed manager of Stirling University, competing in the Lowland League.

In April 2017, Shelley was appointed Scotland Women's head coach and in September 2018, Shelley led the Scottish Women’s team to qualification for the World Cup for the first time which took place in France in 2019.

In May 2021, Kerr joined the Football Association’s technical department to support the delivery of the ‘How We Play’ philosophy and approach across all women’s teams.

Listen in as Shelley walks us through everything from lessons in better leadership to effectively making decisions under pressure. Her segment on match day focuses is gold dust for any aspiring coach in the game. Shelly exudes class and poise, leading from the front with her heart and an authenticity only reserved for those who have been there and done it. Look out for her advice on her match day framework, the value of exposure to different environments, in and out of football and the power of effective listening. Shelly also shares her personal philosophy with her own acronym T.I.M.E and you won't want to miss that either.

A Mentor at heart, someone who has left everything she has touched better than she found it and another amazing guest who wants to share her insight in the hope it helps you in your football journey.

Key Links:

University of Sterling Mens Football, Scotland

https://stirlingunifc.stir.ac.uk

Univeristy of South Wales, Wales - Football Coaching and Performance Degree

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/courses/bsc-hons-football-coaching-and-performance

Ellie is a high performance consultant with extensive experience in women's sports.

Today she is the founder and owner of Soccer "her" formance.

Website: soccerherformance.com

Instagram: @Soccerherformance

X: @soccerherform

Ellie is highly endorsed by major names in the game including Laura Harvey, Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma. She has perhaps one of the most illustrious backgrounds of any guest we have had on the podcast spending almost a decade at the pinnacle of womens soccer with US Soccer and the world renowned USA Womens National Team and youth teams.

Her passion lies in developing female-specific health, wellness, and performance initiatives. Through consulting, She aims to provide performance services to athletes, coaches, practitioners, teams, and organizations and drive research and innovation throughout the women’s sporting landscape.

Today she opens up to us about the journey in a refreshingly authentic account that she hopes will help offer you strength and support to continue down the path your on or make the changes you need to get where you want to go.

Manchester United have named an academy graduate in their matchday day squad for the last 88 years...yes thats right 88 years...It's a record that began on Saturday 30 October 1937, when Manchester United youngsters Tom Manley and Jack Wassall sported the famous red in an away clash against Fulham. Since that momentous day at Craven Cottage all those years ago, United have continued to feature a youth player in their matchday squad for over 4,000 consecutive games.

Jennifer Mildenhall is the Academy Emerging Talent Programme Manager at Manchester United Football Club in the English Premier League.

She has previous experience working for the Premier League and the Football Leauge Trust. Her previous clubs include giants of the British game such as Wolves, Newcastle United & Sunderland. She has traveled and worked in South Africa and she is an expert in emerging talent programs. she shares amazing insight into one of the biggest football clubs in the world so you can take inspiration for your own journey. Jen shares with us how Manchester United approaches selecting and developing emerging talent like todays greats Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

More that that Jen is an amazing person and she shares her personal journey in the game and why the culture of youth development is so important and how Manchester United work hard every day to ensure they breathe life into a working ecosystem of support and challenge to prepare players to function at the highest levels imaginable.

This is a special episode that we know will bring strength and inspiration to those in the industry and those aspiring to be...

Melanie Thomas is a coach who has lived the life. Got the qualifications, walked the walk and got the T shirt. She has great insight and shares all her experience with us. In this episode we champion all things youth coaching. We challenge the status quo and hope to begin the national conversation about best practice and where we are going with youth soccer coaching in the USA. Melanie shines a light on her experience coaching soccer as a female and the situations she has found herself in with some male counterparts. This episode is a raw, eye opening real account of the barriers that still exist for female coaches and why we must continue to advocate, work for and offer opportunity to all marginalized groups of people who hope to enter the beautiful game. Doing things the "old way" may still be prominent for a lot of youth soccer coaching but no more will it be ignorant. We know so much more now about how young players learn and this episode makes no apologies for calling out some of the practice that dominates the national discourse. We have to consider the environments our young players are growing up in and if nothing else this episode serves as a benchmark to further discussion and improvement in the coming years.

For female coaches wishing to begin or improve their coaching journey contact us today and we will explain how we at the ProPlayer have partnered with Coachbetter and the Football Association of Wales to help you get you started on the pathway to your UEFA badges - goughy2015@outlook.com

Someone who needs no introduction. FA WSL legend and England Lioness great Jade Moore joins us on a very special episode of the Pro Player Podcast. Jade talks everything from her glittering career all round the world, representing England at Major tournaments like the FIFA Womens World Cup and her important role as Cardiac Risk in the Young Ambassador.

Jade is authentic as she is inspiring - enjoy this very special extended episode...

Cardia Risk in the Young

https://www.c-r-y.org.uk

Preventing young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, and supporting affected families

Cardiac Screening

CRY offers subsidized ECG and Echocardiogram screening to all young people between the ages of 14 & 35 in the UK. There is a simple way to diagnose most cardiac abnormalities. This is by having an ECG (electrocardiogram) test. Results should be read by a cardiologist. For extra clarity an Echocardiogram (ultrasound scan) can also be done.If there has been a young (under 35) sudden death in the family, the family is entitled to be screened on the NHS. All of CRY’s public events are free to attend.

Sean Nehas - Head Coach North Carolina Courage. The Podcast moves into the National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) as we talk to one of the United states most elite coaches. Sean walks us through his coaching philosophy, his golden rules and life working day to day on the grass at the highest level of the domestic game here in the USA. A Big time episode and you will also feel how much he cares about learning and development and helping the next generation of coaches and those already working in the Womens game. Sean is a coach who has been there, done that and bought the T shirt and he shares all that with you today in the hope it gives you the strength you need for whatever your dealing with when you find us...

We just couldn’t fit all the great stuff into one episode so we went into extra time…enjoy

Stuart McLaren is a Scottish-Australian football player and coach, who is currently assistant coach for the Northern Ireland national women's team. As a player Queensland Roar signed McLaren on a short-term contract in early November 2005. He was signed due to Josh McCloughlan's injury, playing as a defender as he did when he was a former player-coach with the Brisbane Strikers in the NSL in Australia. He was then signed as a permanent player and regularly played in the starting eleven, occasionally captaining the Queensland Roar. McLaren left Australia in early 2011 returning to the United Kingdom to be nearer his place of birth with his family. In June 2011, he was appointed as head of Football at the world renowned Loughborough University in England. Following a very successful stint in British University Sport, McLaren began his journey in mens professional football when he was appointed manager of Stirling Albion in November 2014, where he experienced relegation from Scottish League One at the end of the 2014–15 season. He left Stirling Albion by mutual consent in September 2016, following a 4–0 defeat by Elgin City. In October 2018, McLaren was appointed by the Scottish Football Association to be a national youth team coach, with responsibility for the Scotland U16 team. McLaren was appointed interim manager of the Scotland women's national football team in January 2021 where he remained in the role until the appointment of permanent manager Pedro Martinez Losa at the end of 2021. In January 2022, one of the legacy football clubs from Glasgow, Scotland called on him. Celtic announced McLaren had joined them as their under-18s manager. He is here to share all that experience and knowledge with aspiring coaches and to offer strength and support to people already in the industry.

We kick off our special episode series with this offering in partnership with "Coachbetter"

Team management, performance tracking, educational resources, and more – our app will elevate your coaching skills to the next level. Reimagine soccer success with coachbetter and redefine your team's journey to excellence today.

https://www.coachbetter.com

Special guest host Mark Sampson is Chief Football Officer at Coachbetter. Mark is an accomplished leader in both sporting and business environments. A UEFA Pro Licence Coach with over 20 years experience in elite football at both youth and senior level in the make and female game. Achieved success at the highest level of the women’s game leading the National Team of England to the World Cup Bronze medal in 2015 and reaching two FA Women's Cup Finals and UEFA Women's Champion’s League at club level. Combined with experience as a first team manager and Academy Manager in the EFL. Founded and ran own business for ten years while working as a head coach in football and now part of the executive team at SAAS company "coach better". Playing a key role in the companies growth and most recent investment round of over $4 million.

Delve into UEFA Euro 2024 with Mark and and David (The Pro Player Podcast) as they talk all things Euro 2024, their own major tournament football experiences and implications for elite coaches everywhere in this special hour long episode that will get you thinking about your own practice and leave you glad you tuned in...

The first 0f 6 special episodes of the Pro Player Podcast to round out the summer of 2024 for you.

Adam Streeter Linkedin Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstreeter/?originalSubdomain=uk

Adam Streeter on Team Culture is an absolutely must listen for anyone interested in high performing teams or managing people. Its literally as simple as that. If we achieve nothing else but provide a platform for people to hear from experts like Adam we are winning. His experience and insight and more than that. His ideas, which he shares with you in this episode are gold that you can take straight into your practice and will literally put more goals in, stop them at the other end and win you more games. He is that good.

Adam has taken his recently taken his expertise from the football world into the business world and is the leading light on team culture for a huge company like Primark, which has 80,000 employees all over the world. This is THE episode on culture an high performance and you dont need anything else, just listen and apply...

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game

Skye Eddy is the CEO of an amazing organization soccerparenting.com and they are doing great work across both sides of the Atlantic.

https://www.soccerparenting.com/about-soccer-parenting/skye-eddy/

Born in 1971, the year before Title IX was passed, Skye has dedicated her professional life to the betterment of the game. One of the most important areas of the game for any aspiring player or coach is how we involve and engage with parents. We were delighted to learn traditional attitudes toward parental involvement are changing and Skye is honest enough to say there is nothing even she can do for "the crazy soccer parent" in denial of their own behaviors. Listen, learn and relish in a discussion that will enlighten and engage, while educating and uplifting the coach / parent relationship. A great listen for all us parents out there and for coaches. Skye isn't just an advocate for better parental involvement in the youth game, she has done it all as a player and a coach and spending an hour with her will be the best thing you do for yourself this week.

Every episode of season 2 dedicated to amplifying female voices within the game

Leanne Kiernan's prolific first season with Liverpool FC Women helped inspire Matt Beard's team to the FA Women's Championship title.

After arriving from West Ham United in June 2021, Kiernan scored 14 goals to fire the Reds to a return to the Barclays Women's Super League. The Republic of Ireland international was also crowned Liverpool FC Women's Standard Chartered Player of the Season for 2021-22 and signed a new contract with the club in September 2022.

She began her career with Shelbourne in her homeland, where she was a league and cup winner - sustained a long-term ankle injury in the opening WSL game of 2022-23. Today she opens up about life as a professional footballer, the ups and downs, but also gives amazing insight that you can use as an aspiring player and perhaps just as important, things that you should think about as an aspiring coach in the industry.

Another show stopping episode direct from the best players in the game to you, to help you in your journey.

Every episode of season 2 is devoted to female voices within the game.

Alyssa joins us on the podcast and discusses all things coaching, goalkeeping and a lifetime spent in soccer. She expands on what its like to work at the very highest level of the womens game at the FIFA Womens World Cup. Her honest and authentic account reminds us of the importance of closely aligning to your core values on the journey. This is an amazing investment of time for any aspiring coach, she walks us through the very real barriers that some black (African American) coaches experience in the game today and we have a very honest discussion about the very real presence of racism, still today, in the game and how it has changed over time.

A former college coach, USSF B Licence coach, she also holds a BSc Hons degree from Samford and a Masters from The University of Florida. A former professional and international player. Alyssa is yet another amazing guest we are delighted to welcome to the podcast. Enjoy...

"Daily meetings with Beast Mode Soccer to track my progress. Dave you are legit, thank you for the training"

Alex Morgan - 2x World Cup Winner United States. Training with BMS since 2012

"Working with David has given my game another dimension. He is always pushing me to become better and add little things to my game"

Jodie Taylor - World Cup Player England, Champions League Winner Lyon, Training with BMS since 2016

"Since working with David I have become an All-American and been called up to the England National Team, played in the World Cup and was selected for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics. His passion to improve players is unbelievable"

Rachel Daly - World Cup Player England, Training with BMS since 2014

"I have been working with David for over 16 years. In that time I have gone from High School to Stanford to pro, played in 4 World Cup & Olympics!"

Ali Riley - 4 Time Olympian 4 Time World Cup, Training with BMS since 2005

The Story:

Nowhere in the world other than Beast Mode Soccer (BMS) will you find a more diverse and driven group of vibrant skills specialists united by a shared passion for sport.

Their players and trainers are passionate, highly motivated individuals, who have dedicated their lives to pursuing greatness and transformation in all aspects of life.

Here, they transform young athletes into technical, confident soccer players.

Whether you are a youth club player looking to raise your game to the next level, a collegiate or professional athlete looking to fulfill your playing potential, Beast Mode Soccer will be your guide to help you accomplish your goals.

At Beast Mode Soccer, they show you how you can become a better soccer player, a better soccer coach and how to smash your most desired career goals. They uphold the belief that it all starts with individual player development.

Today we go into extra time "Because development takes time" with Founder and Owner of Beast Mode Soccer Dave Copeland Smith and its another very special episode.