In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Applying Modern Trends to Your Youth Team — focusing on how coaches can take ideas from the highest levels of the game and translate them into meaningful, age-appropriate learning for their players. Our curriculum topic is Final Third Play, and our core value this week is Teamwork.

We take a closer look at how the modern game has evolved in the attacking third. From the rise of cutbacks and combination play to the emphasis on creating higher-quality chances, Stuart breaks down what’s actually happening at the top level—and more importantly, how coaches can bring those ideas into their own sessions. With practical insights on session design, decision-making, and movement in the box, this episode offers a clear pathway for developing more effective attacking players.

This week’s guest is Jack Koleszar, Assistant Director of Player and Coach Development, who shares his perspective on modern attacking trends and how to apply them in youth environments. Jack dives into the importance of understanding the why behind the game, helping players make better decisions, and building teamwork in high-pressure moments where games are often decided.

A key reflection for coaches looking to build more connected and effective attacking teams.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode packed with practical insight, modern trends, and real ways to bring the game to life for your players.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #FinalThird #Teamwork #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Importance of a Growth Mindset — focusing on how the way players think, respond, and learn is just as important as what they do on the field. Our curriculum topic remains Switching the Play, and our core value this week is Commitment.

We take a closer look at how developing awareness and decision-making—key components of switching the play—requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to learn through mistakes. Stuart shares practical ways coaches can create environments that encourage players to take risks, reflect on their decisions, and stay committed to improvement over time. It’s a clear, applied look at how mindset directly impacts development and performance.

This week’s guest is Dave Cornish, VP of New Business, who brings a powerful perspective on growth mindset and personal development. Drawing on his work with the Lasorda Way app, Dave shares how habits, consistency, and daily reflection play a key role in long-term success. He offers practical insight into how coaches can support players beyond the technical side of the game—helping them build resilience, confidence, and a commitment to getting better.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on mindset, growth, and the commitment required to truly develop.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #GrowthMindset #Commitment #LasordaWay #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Understanding The Person — focusing on how great coaching goes beyond tactics and into truly connecting with the individuals in front of you. Our curriculum topic is Switching the Play, and our core value this week is Integrity.

We take a closer look at why switching the play is such a powerful tool in the modern game — not just as a tactical action, but as a reflection of awareness, decision-making, and understanding the bigger picture. Stuart shares practical ways coaches can teach this within their sessions, from designing constraints and directional games to helping players recognize pressure, scan effectively, and move the ball with purpose. It’s a clear, applied look at how to develop more intelligent, adaptable players.

This week’s guest is Mary Lowdon, Assistant Director of Soccer Events, who brings a unique perspective on understanding people through her work with players, parents, coaches, and customers. Mary shares how communication, first impressions, and handling conflict in high-pressure environments translate directly into coaching. Her insights offer valuable guidance on how to build trust, adapt communication styles, and create stronger relationships within your team.

A powerful reflection for every coach to take into their next session.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on connection, communication, and the human side of coaching.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #SwitchingThePlay #Integrity #Leadership #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Embracing Challenges with Special Guest Jaylin Finney— focusing on how players grow when they are pushed outside of their comfort zone. Our curriculum topic remains Breaking Lines, and our core value this week is Respect.

We take a deeper look at what it really means to play forward with intent. Breaking lines requires bravery, decision-making, and a willingness to take risks under pressure — and with that comes mistakes. Stuart shares how coaches can create an environment where players feel supported to embrace those challenges, learn through failure, and continue to develop confidence in possession. It’s a practical and honest look at how growth happens when players are encouraged to step into difficult moments rather than avoid them.

This week’s guest is Jaylin Finney, who returns to the podcast to share her journey and insights. As the first coach to win a title with Steel United’s national program, Jaylin reflects on the challenges she has faced coaching in a male environment, how she built trust and respect with her players, and the lessons that shaped her success. Her perspective offers valuable insight for all coaches, particularly those navigating leadership, identity, and culture within their teams.

A powerful reflection for coaches to take into their next session.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on growth, resilience, and the mindset needed to move players — and teams — forward.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #BreakingLines #Respect #WomenInCoaching #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In the opening episode of a new season, host Stuart Sharples introduces the theme Introduction to the Season — setting the tone for what’s to come and laying the foundation for player and coach development in the weeks ahead. Our curriculum topic is Breaking Lines, and our core value is Teamwork.

We explore one of the most important concepts in the modern game — progressing the ball forward with purpose. Breaking lines is what separates possession from penetration, and this episode dives into how players can recognize space, time their movements, and work collectively to move the game forward. Stuart shares practical coaching insights on creating passing lanes, receiving between lines, and encouraging players to play with intent — all while reinforcing the importance of connection and trust within the team.

With the World Cup on the horizon, this season also introduces a new element — each guest will share their favourite World Cup memory. This week, we turn that question over to you, the listener, inviting you to reflect on the moments that made you fall in love with the game.

We close the episode with our first Question of the Week:

“How often does your team look to play forward… and how often do they actually do it?”

A simple but powerful reflection to take into your next session or game.

🎧 Step Inside The Game as we kick off a brand new season — focused on growth, connection, and setting the standard for what’s ahead.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #BreakingLines #Teamwork #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In the final episode of the season, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Building Life Skills in Sport — focusing on how the lessons learned through soccer extend far beyond the field. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Third, and our core value is Respect.

We take a closer look at modern trends in the Premier League, where crossing has evolved into a more intelligent, purposeful art — emphasizing low, driven deliveries and cutbacks from wide areas rather than hopeful balls into the box. He shares a practical session idea that encourages players to work on timing runs, decision-making, and the respect shown through patience and awareness of teammates’ movement. It’s an analytical yet practical look at how to bring creativity and connection into the final third.

This week’s guest is Pete Dunbar, Team Steel baseball coach who brings a fresh perspective on player development, culture, and leadership. With a possible Inside The Game: Baseball series on the horizon, Pete shares why it’s vital to teach life skills naturally through sport, and how coaches can use everyday moments to build character and resilience in young athletes.

We close the season with a final Coaching Question of the Week:

A reflection to celebrate progress, recognize growth, and look ahead to what’s next.

🎧 Step Inside The Game one last time this season — for insight, reflection, and a reminder that the lessons sport teaches go far beyond the scoreboard.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingThird #Respect #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 9 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of Utilizing Set Pieces — how to transform dead-ball situations into game-changing opportunities. Our curriculum topic is the Attacking Third, and our core value this week is Teamwork.

We breaks down how the attacking third is where creativity, precision, and timing come together — and set pieces are a perfect example of that. He discusses how coaches can train these moments effectively without losing ball-rolling time, using dynamic, game-realistic setups that keep players engaged while emphasizing movement, coordination, and collective understanding.

This week’s guest is Jack Koleszar, who shares his insight on designing set-piece practices that build teamwork and confidence, how to involve players in creating routines, and why the best set pieces come from shared ideas rather than static repetition.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week, inviting you to reflect on how you approach those decisive moments that can turn preparation into performance.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that help you get the most out of every moment — even the ones when the ball isn’t rolling.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingThird #Teamwork #SetPieces #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 8 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores A Coach’s Journey — the ups, downs, and defining moments that shape who we are on the sidelines. Our curriculum topic is Defensive Transitions, and our core value is Commitment.

Stuart breaks down the 3 D’s of defending — Deny, Delay, and Deflect — and how these principles guide a team’s reaction after losing possession. He shares how coaches can design sessions that mirror realistic pressing distances and encourage players to recover, reorganize, and defend with purpose. For younger players, he introduces the “surfer stance” analogy to teach balance and body shape when defending one-on-one, making defensive habits relatable and fun.

This week’s guest is Adam Fine, who’s just over a year into his coaching career after transitioning from a business background. Adam reflects on the challenges of starting out, what keeps him motivated, and how commitment has become a driving force in his development as a coach.

We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: “Which team or coach do you take inspiration from in your own coaching style?” A reminder to keep learning from those who bring passion, purpose, and innovation to the game.

🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that inspire growth — both on and off the field.

#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #DefensiveTransitions #Commitment #CoachingJourney #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips