The hardest thing for a senior (performance) football coach is to find a blueprint for continuing success as it simply does not exist. Money has too much bearing in relation to world class performance. Unfortunately not everyone has money. When it comes to youth development, the blueprint for … [Read more...] about The blueprint for youth development
Football
My place in history
The recent appointment of Moya Dodd as a FIFA board member and Lisa De Vanna’s spectacular overhead volley goal in the USA Women’s Pro League (google it!) prompted a deeper appreciation for my place in football history. As a 14 year old I was able to play alongside Moya in my first open women’s … [Read more...] about My place in history
A time for reflection
It's twelve months ago, this week, that I announced me retirement from professional football. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was to let go, once and for all, a dream I had held since a young boy. A year on and I couldn’t be happier with the path I am now on. The IFS journey has … [Read more...] about A time for reflection
Barefoot in New Zealand
I lived in New Zealand for a number of years and I clearly remember my older brother playing rugby barefooted. I'm not sure if it's still the case, but your seventh birthday in New Zealand was a big deal as it was the day you got your first pair of rugby boots. Prior to that, in the lower age … [Read more...] about Barefoot in New Zealand
Don’t Forget to Breathe
We’re continuing our yoga journey on our 'light' training days, mastering the basic poses and methods from a beginner's yoga dvd. At the end of the practice, we sit, close our eyes and focus on our breath. Our virtual coach prompts us: “When thoughts come to overwhelm, as they … [Read more...] about Don’t Forget to Breathe
The mindset of professionals
We're halfway through term 2 at college, club training and games are in full swing and it's at about this time I would expect our students to be putting into practice the strategies we have outlined in regards to injury prevention and management. While it's not pleasing to see our students … [Read more...] about The mindset of professionals