" 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

On today’s episode, we’re joined by women’s football pioneer Dawn Scott — renowned for her transformative work with both the England and U.S. Women’s National Teams. With a career highlighted by back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019, Dawn’s legacy is defined by relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in high performance.

In this conversation, Dawn takes us through her remarkable journey from practitioner to performance leader, sharing insights into the evolution of the women’s game, the mindset behind championship teams, and what it truly means to lead in elite sport.

Listen to find out more including;

- Influencing change as a young practitioner by leading from the front.

- How effective communication & collaboration practices have evolved through Dawn's time in the game.

- Balancing the longer term picture whilst keeping an individual lens on the day to day.

- Learning from Jill Ellis in changing your game when on top.

- The steps Dawn has took to constantly improve upon her leadership skills and how she embraces the unknown.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:04 - Intro

07:05 - 17:21 - England

17:22 - 21:39- Balance

21:40 - 34:41 - USA

34:42 - 41:44 - Control v Guidance

41:45 - 1:05:45 - Leadership

1:05:46 - 1:11:54 - Signal v Noise

1:11:55 - 1:18:31 - 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

"Tomorrow you have an opportunity to be better than today."

Didier Chamberon is the Director of Coaching Education at US Soccer.

Today Didier discussed alongside myself the current state of Coach Education and the challenges it faces in modern society. Firstly harnessing ones passion, we then progress into areas such as how can coaches build their toolkit and furthermore how can one discover and iterate through intentional reflection and practice.

Listen to find out more including;

- How the role of the coach extends beyond coaching?

- The big questions Didier had to answer upon his coaching journey.

- Understanding the environment prior to identifying developmental needs.

- Didier's methodology for understanding coaches needs and preparing developmental plans.

- What does good reflection look like?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:46 - Inspiration

05:47 - 12:35 - Coaching

12:36 - 20:45- Self-Awareness

20:46 - 26:19 - Reflection

26:20 - 31:51 - Coach Development

31:52 - 38:33 - Values

38:34 - 41:23 - 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

Today I am re-releasing one of my most popular recordings to date with Raymond Verheijen the owner of Football Coach Evolution.

“The aim of Football Coach Evolution is not to change the world but to develop coaches based on more objective & reliable information”.

Having served as an assistant in four World Cups & Euros alongside being mentored by the likes of Louis Van Gaal & Guus Hiddink there are few better equipped to guide the next generation. Utilizing evolutionary knowledge to explain tactical principles & methodology, Raymond has created a universal football language to better equip coaches for the challenges ahead. Yet knowledge is only the starting point and we gain insight as to the challenges faced when we begin to apply this objective knowledge in our respective environments.

Listen to find out more including;

- Raymond's coaching origin story.

- How Raymond turned his biggest disappointment into his biggest opportunity?

- Why has there been a “pollution of football language & methodology?”

- Top down control v Top down guidance.

- Guus Hiddink's mastery in change management.

- How to ensure your tactical principles are built on solid foundations?

- Can we change the conversation at boardroom level?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:30 - Intro

04:31 - 14:51 - Universal Football Language

14:52 - 25:37 - Application

25:38 - 32:47 - Change Management

32:48 - 45:38 - Clarity of Role

45:39 - 1:00:22 - Knowledge or Experience?

1:00:23 - 1:14:32 - Intelligence or Consciousness?

1:14:33 - 1:24:30 - 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

Adam Mooi is the Technical Director of Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer.

As a young leader Adam has been responsible for designing and implementing game models, coaching education, building out games programmes, elevating current programmes, formalising player development processes amongst so much more.

A journey which has took Adam across his homeland working in a vast array of different markets, here he shares with us his thoughts and processes on the multi-faceted nature of his job whilst unpacking so much more. For any young coach on the path or transitioning to a leadership position this is a must listen.

Listen to find out more including;

- Developing the coaching bug at an early age.

- Finding people as curious & as passionate.

- Navigating the balance of making programmes accessible amongst the competitive landscape.

- Change management as a young leader.

- Embracing culture & Adam's process for meeting people where they are at.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:18 - Intro

05:19 - 10:38 - Coaching

10:39 - 23:04- Management

23:05 - 32:24 - Leadership

32:25 - 35:08 - 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

"To be quick but don't hurry"

Famous words spoken by legendary basketball coach John Wooden yet a quote which today's guest Matt Jordan lives by. Having connected with Matt at January's ASD summit in Chicago I was compelled to invite him on the podcast. Making the transition from playing to front office is becoming a more widely popular route for many footballers nowadays. Matt was one of the earliest pioneers years ago retiring from his playing duties at CF Montreal to becoming it's Technical Director.

The following conversation provides remarkable insight into his current role as Vice President of Global Football at Trivela Group who's portfolio includes clubs such as Drogheda United, Walsall, Silkeborg alongside clubs in Africa. Learn more about many of the considerations which go into the management of this portfolio, how Matt builds synergies across different clubs, what good due diligence looks like and the reasons behind Trivela's decade long approach to investment.

Listen to find out more including;

- Making the transition between playing and front office.

- The influence of working in a range of markets on Matt's leadership approach.

- Which skillsets Matt would have focused on in hindsight during his transition to leadership roles?

- How Trivela implement centralised processes and individuate to each market?

- Matt's advice for career planning in modern football.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:00 - Intro

04:01 - 09:22 - Front Office

09:23 - 15:52- Houston

15:53 - 31:21 - Trivela

31:22 - 33:45 - 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