" A good coach changes the game, a great coach changes a life"; - John Wooden.

A mantra from the one and only John Wooden but one in which today's guest Tom Hartley lives and breathes by.

Tom is a leading voice in coach development, system design, and player pathways. Tom brings a multi-disciplinary perspective from his roles at Arsenal, The FA, UK Coaching, Oxford United Women, True Athlete Project, and—most notably—Head of Competitor Development at Motorsport UK.

We explore what makes a great coach developer and how to build sustainable coaching systems that align from grassroots foundations to elite performance levels. We also dive into how emerging technologies like AI and data are reshaping coaching, and what forward-thinking strategies are essential for future readiness. Whether you’re a coach, technical director, or sports leader, this episode equips you with the frameworks and mindset to build impactful, future-facing coaching cultures.

Listen to find out more including;

- How coach developers support transformation, not just instruction?

- Key principles in designing scalable coach development systems.

- Building alignment across the player pathway, from youth to elite levels.

- What he learned from producing IDP's at Arsenal?

- Tom’s groundbreaking work in bringing structured coaching to motorsport.

- Opportunities and risks of integrating AI and technology into coaching.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:48 - Relationships

05:49 - 14:50 - IDPs

14:51 - 19:22- Handcuffs to Handrails

19:23 - 30:58 - Coach Development

30:59 - 38:18 - Self Awareness

38:19 - 42:06 - Motorsport

42:07 - 49:09 - AI

49:10 - 55:26 - Advice

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=en

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dan Lock — Head of Coaching & Individual Development for Columbus Crew.

Driven by an insatiable appetite to learn and grow, Dan shares insights into the diverse environments that have shaped his journey so far. Always seeking opportunities to stretch himself—whether through leadership, coach development, or exploring the intricacies of individual growth—Dan offers a compelling perspective on continuous development.

Listen to find out more including;

- How the Columbus Crew create lifelong fans within the Academy?

- Insights behind the processes guiding player development pathways at the Crew.

- The changes made in house to shape alignment from Academy to First Team.

- The balance of push & pull when it comes to leading staff & departments.

- More behind Dan's decision to move from a strategic to technical position within the Crew.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:02 - Perspectives

07:03 - 13:05 - Columbus

13:06 - 22:26- Pathways

22:27 - 32:29 - Leadership

32:30 - 41:19 - Player Development

41:20 - 43:52 - Advice

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=en

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gary Curneen — host of the Modern Soccer Coach podcast.

Gary's platform has been widely acknowledged as one of the best learning hubs for coaches worldwide. In this wide ranging conversation we tackle topics from youth development to the recent Club World Cup and even as far as what a modern soccer coach will look like over these next 5-10 years. Really fascinating conversation and great to hear from Gary on the other end of the microphone.

Listen to find out more including;

- Modern Soccer Coach & it's origins

- Filtering through noise and signal in consuming football content.

- Prioritizing obtaining experiences rather than information as a coach.

- What frustrates Gary about coaching at the moment?

- Which skillsets coaches need to focus on over the forthcoming years?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 09:23 - Modern Soccer Coach

09:24 - 16:21 - Content

16:22 - 22:16- Curiosity

22:17 - 29:31 - Club World Cup

29:32 - 35:07 - Experiences

35:08 - 46:47 - Youth Development

46:48 - 55:48 - Advice

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=en

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie