The Coaches Network Podcast

In this episode, Coach Yas is joined by Ebun Thomas, Assistant Head of Academy & Head of Coach Development at Doncaster Rovers.Ebun shares his journey from starting out as a grassroots coach at just 16 to now leading the development of coaches in a professional academy environment. This conversation dives deep into accountability, standards, mentorship, and what truly shapes a coach’s long-term growth.💡 Key Talking PointsEbun’s coaching journey from grassroots volunteer to senior academy leader.The realities of holding coaches accountable — and why standards matter.The difference between experience and effective development.Why mentorship remains essential in producing adaptable, reflective coaches.How to build environments where coaches feel supported and challenged.Developing coaching behaviours—not just session plans.What Ebun looks for when identifying and growing coaching talent.🧠 “If you want high standards in players, you need even higher standards in coaches.” – Ebun Thomas📣 Whether you’re progressing on your coaching journey, supporting other coaches, or shaping development programmes, this episode will shift how you think about growth, accountability, and what defines a high-performance coaching environment.👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.💬 How do you hold yourself accountable as a coach or coach developer?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Francis Aderiye, Academy Coach, Non-League First Team Coach, and lifelong student of the game.From a knee injury that redirected his path into coaching at just 16, to now balancing roles across academy and senior football, Francis brings honesty, curiosity, and deep reflection to this conversation about coaching, development, and the ever-evolving nature of the game.Together, they explore the grey areas of coaching — the bits that sit between philosophy, player freedom, performance demands, and what “good coaching” actually looks like in practice.💡 Key Talking PointsFrancis’ journey: from injured young player to coaching at 16 and finding a new passion.Why football is never black and white — and how this shapes coaching decisions.The tension between academy development and non-league performance demands.Who really gets the credit for success: the player or the coach?Does coaching actually work — or does football simply go in cycles?The evolution of coaching: from command-style methods to autonomy and back again.Why players should be the “artists” and coaches the ones who give them the brushes.What a meaningful game model looks like and why clarity matters.How Francis approaches his own coach development and reflective practice.🧠 “If the picture belongs to the players, your job is to give them the paint — not to tell them exactly what the painting should look like.” – Francis Aderiye📣 Whether you're in grassroots, academy, or senior football, this episode challenges assumptions about coaching impact, player decision-making, and what modern development truly requires.👉 Tune in now on all major podcast platforms.💬 Drop a comment: What do you think coaching success really looks like?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Sara Hilton, Senior Lecturer in Football & Coaching Science at Wrexham University, FAW Coach Educator, and UEFA A Licence Coach.Drawing from her journey as a former international footballer turned coach developer, Sara offers an honest and insightful take on the realities of coach education, the importance of mentoring, and how the profession is evolving in a changing landscape of technology, learning, and human connection.💡 Key Talking PointsSara’s journey from international player to academic and coach educator.Why coaching qualifications are more like a driving test than a destination.The difference between being a qualified coach and an effective one.Why mentoring—not just courses—creates deeper, lasting coach development.The need for reflective, critical thinking in coaches at every level.Balancing theory and practice: why great reports don’t always mean great coaching.The potential (and pitfalls) of technology and AI in the future of coach education.🧠 “A qualification just shows you can drive on the day — it doesn’t tell you what kind of driver you’ll be.” – Sara Hilton📣 Whether you’re on your coaching journey, mentoring others, or shaping education programmes, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, reflection, and what truly defines good coaching.👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.💬 Join the conversation — what do you think is the future of coach education?#CoachDevelopment #CoachEducation #Mentorship #LearningInSport #TheCoachesNetworkSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 370: Jamie Bird | The Future of Performance Analysis in FootballIn this episode of The Coaches Network Podcast, CoachYas is joined by rising performance analyst Jamie Byrne, a dynamic young professional carving a path in elite football.At just 23 years old, Jamie has already worked with clubs such as Birmingham City Women, Crystal Palace, and currently supports AAFP in Colombia. With a First-Class Honours in Sport & Exercise Science and an MSc in Applied Performance Analysis underway, Jamie brings both academic insight and real-world experience to the conversation.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Jamie’s unique journey into football analysis and early career experiencesThe evolving role of the performance analyst in modern footballBalancing individual vs. team analysis for player developmentHow collaboration, challenge, and uncertainty foster better coaching outcomesReal-life stories of influencing tactical decisions and earning coach trustWhy analysts must learn to communicate and challenge effectively within MDTsJamie’s belief that “opposition is opportunity” — embracing feedback and critical thinking💬 “People aren’t challenging you to spite you — they’re doing it to make you better.” – Jamie Byrne🔗 This Episode Is Perfect For:Analysts and aspiring analysts in sportCoaches seeking better integration with analysis teamsStudents of sport science, performance analysis & coachingAnyone interested in the behind-the-scenes development of footballers🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms📲 Follow us @TheCoachesNetwork for exclusive content, coaching insights & CPD opportunitiesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 369: Tony Caig | Developing Goalkeepers for the Modern GameIn this episode of The Coaches Network Podcast, CoachYas is joined by Tony Caig, current Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Newcastle United and National Team Goalkeeping Coach for Northern Ireland Men’s Senior Team.With a playing and coaching career spanning decades, Tony brings a wealth of experience from both the pitch and the technical area. The conversation explores the evolution of the goalkeeper role, insights from his transition from player to coach, and the realities of coaching goalkeepers in the modern game.🧤 Key Discussion Points:Tony’s journey from pro player to top-level goalkeeping coachHow the goalkeeper role has evolved technically, physically, and tacticallyThe challenges and nuances of coaching goalkeepers in today’s gameThe importance of understanding the individual’s physical and psychological profileStriking the balance between traditional techniques and modern approachesThe value of feeling in goalkeeping: why some saves aren’t teachableDealing with mistakes and using them as learning toolsThe role of comfort vs. discomfort in goalkeeper development💡 “Prevention is better than cure.” – Tony Caig on the proactive evolution of the modern goalkeeper🔗 Perfect For:Goalkeeping coaches at all levelsOutfield coaches seeking a deeper understanding of the GK positionSports psychologists & coach educatorsAnyone interested in player development and position-specific coaching🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📲 Follow us @TheCoachesNetwork for more coaching content, conversations, and CPD opportunities.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙️ Episode 368 – Creating Football Learning Situations with Mark SchuurIn this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Dutch coach Mark Schuur to explore what it means to create learning-centred, game-relevant environments for players. With a background in PE teaching and academy coaching, Mark shares insights from his journey through the Dutch coaching landscape, including his time at FC Utrecht and other professional setups.Together, they unpack:How to design sessions that replicate the gameThe importance of clarity and simplicity in coachingWhy asking the right questions can be more powerful than delivering informationHow to shift your mindset from planning drills to crafting learning experiencesBalancing technical repetition with tactical decision-makingStrategies for increasing player ownership and engagementWhether you coach grassroots or elite players, this episode will spark ideas for how to enhance your delivery and impact through purposeful design and reflective practice.🔍 What You'll Learn:How to create more meaningful and effective football sessionsThe benefits of using small-sided games and positional constraintsWhy variety isn’t always better – and how consistency builds understandingHow to foster motivation and autonomy through reflectionWhat Mark learned from coaching U13s through to senior prosSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 367 – Dr. Peter Sear | Empathic Leadership, Ego & Coaching with CompassionIn this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Dr. Peter Sear—founder of The Empathic Coach and a specialist in empathy, leadership, and high-performance environments. Together, they explore what it really means to lead with empathy in elite sport, and how ego, emotion, and compassion shape the environments we create.Peter brings a unique blend of academic research and applied practice, breaking down how coaches can connect more deeply with athletes, build trust, and manage their own emotional landscape more effectively.💡 Key Talking PointsWhy empathy is a skill, not just a personality trait—and how it can be developed.The difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion in coaching contexts.How ego shows up in coaching—and why awareness is the first step to managing it.Why understanding emotions (yours and others’) is essential for high-performing teams.The role of storytelling and reflection in enhancing emotional intelligence.Practical strategies to bring more empathy into your language, tone, and presence.What “empathic leadership” looks like in a results-driven, competitive environment.🧠 “The best coaches are emotionally intelligent. They see the person, not just the performer.” – Dr. Peter Sear📱 Whether you're a head coach, team leader, or just starting your coaching journey, this episode offers fresh insight into how emotional awareness can transform your leadership style—and the culture of your team.👉 If this connected with you, tag a coach you respect and start a conversation around ego, empathy, and evolving your practice.💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts—how are you developing empathy as a skill?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 366 – Danny Pilgrim | Commentary vs. Coaching, Self-Awareness & Using Coach DevelopersIn this episode, Coach Yas is joined by Danny Pilgram (Birmingham City FC Academy Coach & Non-League First Team Coach) for a grounded, honest and insightful conversation about the journey of becoming a coach—and what it really means to coach, not just commentate.Danny shares reflections from over a decade of experience across academy and senior football, breaking down the trap many new coaches fall into: mistaking talking for teaching. He explores the importance of clarity, intentionality, and the power of feedback in developing your practice.💡 Key Talking PointsThe difference between commentary and actual coaching—and why it matters.How easy it is to lose focus mid-session, even with the best intentions.Why having a "buddy coach" or trusted colleague can sharpen your practice.Practical strategies to audit your own coaching language and interventions.How to get the most out of working with a coach developer.Why self-awareness and deliberate reflection must underpin your coaching identity.🧠 “You can still develop yourself—even while delivering a session.” – Danny Pilgrim📱 Whether you're new to coaching or mentoring others, this episode is packed with real-world insight and tips you can use straight away. From using your phone to record your own voice, to learning how to ask coach developers for specificfeedback—this one’s a practical deep-dive into becoming more self-aware, coach-aware, and player-focused.👉 If this resonated, tag a coach you rate and start a conversation about commentary vs. coaching.💬 Let us know your go-to tools for self-review—we’re all still learning.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 365 – Steve Whelan | Coach Identity, Trust & Creating Environments for GrowthIn this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Steve Whelan (Senior Coach Developer & Leadership Specialist) to explore what it really takes to develop coaches and build trust-filled environments where people thrive.With a background spanning high-performance sport, corporate leadership, and coach development, Steve brings a unique perspective to questions around coach identity, psychological safety, and the invisible forces that shape how we show up on and off the pitch.This conversation goes beneath the surface of Xs and Os to ask: Who are you as a coach? And how do you build environments that reflect that identity with honesty and intent?💡 Key Talking PointsWhy identity is central to your coaching—not just what you know, but who you are.How trust and vulnerability underpin long-term growth in coaching relationships.Why coach development must move beyond competence to connection.The power of language in shaping the culture of your sessions and wider environments.How Steve uses principles from leadership and psychology to support coaches in navigating uncertainty.Why the best environments balance high challenge with high support.🧠 “If you don’t know who you are, how can you know how you coach—or why anyone would trust you?” – Steve Whelan📣 Whether you're mentoring others, leading a team, or still figuring out your own coaching voice, this episode will get you thinking deeply about identity, trust, and the kind of culture you're really building.👉 Like, share, and follow if this sparked reflection around your own coaching journey!💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn—tag us and share how you're building meaningful environments in your setting.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 364 – Alex Stylianou & Darren Murray | Objectivity, Mentorship & the Complexity of Modern CoachingIn this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Alex Stylianou (UEFA A Licence Holder) and Darren Murray (UEFA A Licence Holder) to explore what it really means to develop as a coach in today’s complex, content-heavy world.Alex and Darren bring unique perspectives from working across national teams, academy football, and international development settings. This conversation unpacks the subtle tensions between objectivity and subjectivity in coaching, the real value of mentorship, and the importance of grounding your learning in frameworks rather than trends.💡 Key Talking PointsWhy “objective” coaching isn’t about being cold and clinical—but clear and consistent.How Alex’s and Darren’s diverse pathways shaped their views on coach learning and reflection.The danger of mentorship becoming “guru-led” instead of dialogue-driven.Why complexity in coaching demands more humility, not more hacks.How to build a learning environment that challenges assumptions and encourages critical thinking.What coaches can do to filter noise and focus on what actually matters in their own practice.🧠 “It’s not about who you follow—it’s about what you’re asking, what you're reflecting on, and what you're applying.” – Darren Murray📣 Whether you're early in your coaching journey or leading development in your club or organisation, this episode will push your thinking around mentorship, learning, and what it takes to coach with clarity in complex times.👉 Like, share, and follow if this conversation sparked new reflections for you!💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn—share your takeaways and tag us to let us know how you’re navigating the complexity of modern coaching in your own setting.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 363 – Jake Lister | Designing a Coaching Curriculum That Actually WorksIn this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Jake Lister, Youth Pathway Lead at Sheffield United Women's Academy, to unpack the realities of curriculum design in elite football environments.Jake shares how he moved beyond traditional linear curriculum models to co-creating a living, breathing framework that evolves with players, coaches, and the demands of the game. Drawing on real-world examples and reflective practice, the conversation highlights how designing a curriculum isn’t about having all the answers—but asking the right questions.💡 Key Talking PointsWhy building a coaching curriculum is more than a PDF document—it's about culture and collaboration.How Jake's experience in different club environments shaped his approach to curriculum design.The role of learning environments in fostering coach and player development.What it means to align coaching intentions with daily behaviours across all age phases.How clubs can bridge the gap between theory and practice in coach development.Lessons from designing “backwards”—starting with the end in mind and working in reverse.🧠 “You’re not just creating a document—you’re curating a shared language that lives across your environment.” – Jake Lister📣 Whether you’re refining a curriculum, building one from scratch, or just trying to better understand how to connect planning with practice—this episode will stretch your thinking on what good really looks like.👉 Like, share, and follow if this episode sparked new ways of thinking!💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn—drop a comment and tag us with your biggest insight from Jake’s reflections. We’d love to hear how you’re approaching curriculum design in your own setting.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 362 - Professor Andy Abraham | The Art of Professional Judgement in CoachingIn this follow-up episode, Coach Yas reconnects with Professor Andy Abraham to dig deeper into the nuanced world of coaching, professional judgement, and decision-making.Andy expands on the idea of coaches making "bets"—calculated decisions based on their perceptions, prior experiences, and contextual understanding. Together, they explore how these decisions are not just intuitive but informed by a blend of tacit knowledge and professional reasoning.💡 Key Talking PointsThe meaning of professional judgement and decision-making in coaching.Coaches as cognitive apprentices, modelling their thought processes for others.The tension between topic-based coaching and game-realistic scenarios.The importance of creating curiosity in coaches by highlighting what they don’t yet know.How experienced practitioners often hold "folk theories" that align with academic ones.Why working with both experienced and novice coaches requires a flexible coach development mindset.🧠 “You’ve created a sense of deprivation… people get curious, and they start going on a journey with it.” – Andy Abraham📣 Whether you’re an emerging coach or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will challenge how you view planning, reflection, and the development of coaching expertise.👉 Like, share, and follow if this episode sparked some thoughts!💬 Drop a comment on LinkedIn and tag us with your biggest takeaway — we’d love to hear how it’s shaping your coaching practice.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙️ Episode 361: Andy Abraham | Evolving Coach Education, Judgement, and Trust in DevelopmentIn this episode, Coach Yas sits down with Professor Andy Abraham, Head of Subject for Physical Education & Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University, to explore the shifting landscape of coach education, professional judgement, and what it really takes to support coaching excellence.🧠 With over 27 years in education, Andy brings a unique lens to how coach development is facilitated across contexts—from universities to elite sport, including his work with PGMOL and the FA. This conversation digs deep into the evolution of coaching standards, balancing structure with adaptability, and how we move beyond "skilled robots" to develop “knowledgeable doers.”🔍 What You’ll Learn:Why coach education must move beyond standardisationThe power of embedded coach developersWhat “good” looks like—and who gets to decideTrust, judgement, and the real-world complexity of assessing coachingHow coaching frameworks can unintentionally hinder creativityThe concept of espoused vs. enacted theory in coaching practice💡 Quote of the Episode:“Do you want skilled robots or knowledgeable doers? Competence frameworks are great at creating the former—but we need more of the latter.”🎓 Guest Bio:Professor Andy Abraham leads one of the UK’s most recognised coaching departments at Leeds Beckett University. His research and practice sit at the intersection of coach education, professional judgement and decision making, and applied learning. He has collaborated with major organisations such as The FA, Premier League, and PGMOL to reshape coach development pathways in elite sport.📢 Connect with Us:🔗 Follow @TheCoachesNetwork on Instagram and Twitter🎧 Subscribe & Review the Podcast💬 Join the conversation with #TheCoachesNetworkPodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙️ Episode 360 – Fishbowling & Unlocking Coaching Potential with Russell EarnshawWelcome back to The Coaches Network Podcast! In this special episode, Coach Yas is joined once again by the ever-insightful Russell Earnshaw – known to many as Rusty – for a rich conversation exploring what it truly means to coach with purpose, flexibility, and curiosity.🔑 What’s Inside This Episode?Rusty and Yas dive into:🧠 The lock and key analogy for coaching – why no coach holds all the keys and how collaboration opens more doors for players.📋 The critical importance of intentional session planning – and what happens when coaches aren’t aligned.🔄 How self-awareness and honesty about your coaching preferences (e.g., not enjoying 1:1 coaching) can enhance player outcomes.🧩 The value of understanding your own coaching strengths and blind spots – and when to hand the reins to someone better suited.🗺️ Why identifying team values (like confidence, decision-making, or self-organisation) must shape your planning.🤝 How involving players in the planning process can foster autonomy and resilience.This episode is packed with golden takeaways for coaches at all levels who are keen to reflect on:Their intention behind planningHow to design environments that reflect core valuesAnd how to collaborate better with co-coaches to unlock collective potential.📌 Whether you’re a coach developer, grassroots leader or elite performance coach, this episode will get you thinking differently about how and why you plan.🔗 Connect with Rusty:Twitter/X: @_RustyEarnshawWebsite: The Magic Academy🗣️ Let us know your thoughts and biggest takeaways by tagging us on social media or using the hashtag #TheCoachesNetwork.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎙 Episode 359: Creating Coaching Cultures That Care – with Temisan Williams (Coach Accelerator)In this episode, CoachYas is joined by Temisan Williams, founder of Coach Accelerator and a seasoned academy coach with over 15 years of experience across clubs like Tottenham, Southend United, and Fulham. Temisan shares his powerful journey from aspiring footballer to coach, diving into the personal moments and pivotal lessons that shaped his mission to support coaches and players with care, empathy, and intention.💬 In this episode, we discuss:Why Temisan left a Biomedical Science degree to pursue coachingThe importance of creating player-first environments in academiesSupporting coaches globally through the Coach Accelerator communityThe reality of player experiences beyond the pitch – including a powerful story of loss and resilienceLearning from transitions between elite and grassroots environmentsHow coach adaptability and awareness can transform development journeys🧠 Whether you're working in grassroots or the academy system, this episode unpacks the human side of coaching and reminds us of the bigger picture behind player development.🔗 Connect with Temisan & Coach Accelerator:Instagram: @coach_temisanWebsite: www.coach-accelerator.com🎧 Listen now on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy