The Talent Equation Podcast

In this episode, I discuss the changing nature of coach education, particularly focusing on the concept of 'deconstructed delivery.' As we move towards more learner-centered models in education, it's crucial to rethink the delivery methods to tailor them to individual needs. I explore the challenges of implementing these models at scale, the limitations of traditional education systems, and the new suite of professional standards in the UK that bring flexibility and transferability in qualifications. The discussion also touches on the necessity of continuous professional development and how adopting a deconstructed, individualized approach can transform the sports workforce and improve outcomes for participants.01:36 What does 'learner centred' even mean? 03:50 Why don't people do this already? 05:18 Barriers to change08:08 How professional standards open up new opportunities for a more dynamic, learner centred model11:50 Deconstructed Learning: A New Approach13:56 RIP CPDIf you would like to discuss any of the content in this episode or any of the other episodes please get in touch through LinkedIn or at [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Tom Hartley is the Coaching Lead at UK Coaching and Foundation Phase Lead Coach at Oxford United women. In this very overdue episode (aren't they all!) I sit down with Tom Hartley to explore his extensive background in coaching and player development.Tom discusses his journey in coaching including pivotal career moments at clubs like Swindon Town and Arsenal, and unique experiences such as coaching in prisons and internationally. We discuss some of his coaching influences and also expore some of the creative ways that he develops coaches. 01:38 Career journey17:37 The role of a coach developer - 'having someone hold onto you while you lean over the edge'45:30 Creative coach development - 'jelly beans and cocktail sticks'49:45 How we can support community coaches to 'collect memories rather than medals'01:04:50 Designing effective individual development plans01:13:48 Parents as a 'multi-disciplinary team'01:16:41 Conclusion and future conversationsSupport the show on Patreon or join my learning community: https://www.patreon.com/thetalentequation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support

In Episode 6 of the Coach Education is Broken series, I discuss the need for a significant shift in the way we think about and approach coach education by embracing the natural complexity that comes with people operating in a range of contexts. I represent the views of coach educators, system builders and coaches themselves that we need to move beyond linear development pathways, particularly if we want to engage those working in community settings with individuals that experience social and/or economic disadvantage. I would love to hear your thoughts about this and would be keen to help any organisations that are looking to tackle some of these challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:57 Understanding the Linear Coach Development Journey04:43 Challenges in Recognizing Expertise in Youth Coaching09:52 The Need for Non-Linear Coach Development 12:03 Addressing Diversity and Inclusion in Coach Education16:21 Reforming Curriculum Design for Coaches19:34 Conclusion and Call to ActionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Alex Lascu is a cricket coach that has doen in depth acadmeic study in coaching and skill development before turning her attention to coach development. She now works for one of the major state sports associations in Australia. Alex joined me to discuss all things coach educationa and development having listened to my recent 'Coach Education is broken series'. Through the discussion we explore some of the 'system shifts' that I have been covering and how they manifest into her work within cricket. We look at some of the practical solutions that are being implemented and how they seek to address the need to reducce the burden on coaches through enhanced support. I hope you enjoy...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Reposting a classic episode!  ------- This was recorded to reflect on the journey of the England Football Team during the previous European Championships but it still feels apt today in the wake of another final appearance and Gareth Southgate’s tenure as Head Coach coming to an end. I have been fortunate to spend time with Gareth Southgate, the England Head Coach on a couple of occasions and I was able to glean some insights from those interactions that I think are relevant to the success that the team are currently enjoying and would be useful for any coach. Hope you enjoy! *GB actually won 1 gold medal in Atlanta (not 1 bronze as I said in the recording) among a total medal haul of 15. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podca....

In Episode 5 of the 'Coach Education is Broken' series,' I explore the importance of addressing systemic barriers in the sports workforce that mean that the worksforce continues to lack diversity. This episode delves into real-world examples of how local community engagement can drive participation, social impact, and talent development but how this can only happen by utilising the qualities, skills and attributes of coaches from within that local community. Through a compelling story of a martial arts club in a deprived area, I showcase the importance of localised, bottom-up approaches to coaching and education and the impact it can have on the lives of young people. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:23 Understanding Workforce Diversity01:55 The Importance of Local Community Coaches05:19 Challenges Faced by Unqualified Coaches11:27 Decentralising Education for Greater Impact14:44 Call to Action and ConclusionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In episode 4 of the 'Coach Education is Broken' series, titled 'Fixing the Leaky Bucket,' I delve into the systemic and mindset shifts required to change and modernise the way that the sport sector develops it's frontline workforce. I call for better insight and data collection to inform decision making into coach education and I challenge the isector's over emphasis on recruiting new coaches instead of focussing on how we support and retain the skilled practitioners that we already have. 01:50 - The Problem with Coach Education insights02:44 - Understanding Coach Supply and Demand07:00 - Retention Challenges in Coaching08:55 - Shifting Focus to Retention and SupportBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Mauro van de Looij is a sports coach and performance psychologist from the Netherlands. He has worked as a youth coach at PSV Eindhoven and Willem II Tilburg and he teaches Performance Psychology at Fontys University of Applied Psychology. Mauro coaches athletes, trainers, students and teachers and also supports sports clubs, schools and companies in coaching and talent development.Mauro joins me to talk about his book 'https://amzn.to/3xJyG36' which is a book that is dedicated to supporting coaches to understand more about how they can unlock young athletes potential by recognising the psychological elements that are too often overlooked and can be so impactful on a young players career. In this conversation we cover: - How his own experineces dealing with pressure shaped his approach to coaching. - How he got rid of the Relative Age Effect by not playing in age group teams. - How we coined a new term - 'talent needs turbulence'. - Why so many coaches would say to him "I wish I got this on the coaching badges". Buy the book using this https://amzn.to/3xJyG36 (it helps to support the show.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Alex Sarama makes a welcome return to the podcast to discuss his fantastic new book 'Transforming Basketball' and to unpack some of the ideas that are within it. Although Alex is a basketball coach and the book is based on Basketball, it is actually a briliiant read for coaches of any sport, especially team sports. This conversation explores many of these ideas including: Why '2 ball dribbling' is a complete waste of timeWhy coaches are so dependent on blocked practice and drillsWhen, how and why to use set playsSome of Alex's brillient practice designs like 'floor is lava', 'mosquito shooting' and 'jungle shooting'. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Use this link to get a copy of Alex's book (I get a small commission which helps to support the show). Support the show on Patreon or join my learning community 'The Guild' hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode, I talk about the necessity for a system shift from a coach education system that is almost completely dominated by 'qualifications', which are no more than a demonstration of competence in a moment in time to a more development and progressive model that recognises the expertise of the practitioner along their developmental journey. A significant majority of coaches want the industry to recognised as a profession and would like the work they do to be recognised by the wider public. In order to do this coaches must understand that in order to be professional recognised they need to hold themselves accountable to a process of ongoing scrutiny of their skill set so that the public can be assured of their commitment to professional development and those coaches who do show commitment to personal development can be truly separated from those that don't. Hope you enjoy the podcast and look forward to comments or ideas. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.