The Sports Coaching Podcast with Sam Holmshaw

Check out this short clip to see who we had as guests on series 1

A short trailer highlighting segments from episodes 5 - 8 of series 1

A short trailer highlighting segments from episodes 1 - 4 of Series 1.

In the final episode of this remarkable first series, I'm joined by Tobias Schölzel . Tobias is a talent scout for the DFB (German Football Federation) and former youth coach at KAS Eupen in Belgium. In this episode we discuss 'Talent Development'. We first provide an introduction on the topic, Tobias then shares an insight into the DFB's approach to Talent Development. Finally we discuss how to c...

In the latest episode of The Sports Coaching Podcast, I'm joined by two guests this week. First, Jake Pearson, masters student of Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University and Assistant Coach with Yorkshire Women's Cricket Team. Second, Matthew Tyas, 3rd year student of Sports Development with Coaching at Sheffield Hallam university, U14's South Regional Coach for Yorkshire and YCB young coach o...

Episode 10 – In Episode 10 of The Sports Coaching podcast, I’m Joined by Kieran Sykes, Current pre-club academy coach at LA Galaxy. In this episode, our topic of conversation is ‘Life Skills’. We begin by providing an introduction on the topic and Kieran shares with us his dissertation work on Life Skills. We then explain the importance of developing life skills in young athletes/players. Finally,...

In Episode 9 of the SC podcast, I'm Joined by Owen Mooney, PHD student at Leeds Beckett University & learning and games development coordinator at the Dublin county board of the Gaelic Athletic Association. In this episode we chat play in Coaching. Owen shares with us his PHD work into play in Coaching. We also talk the deliberate play vs practice & early specialisation vs diversification debates....

In the latest episode of The Sports Coaching Podcast, I'm joined by Matthew Hennessey, Junior School Sports Intern at the Grange School in Cheshire. In this episode we chat the 'Teaching vs Coaching' debate. Matthew talks us through the roles of both a teacher and a coach through his experience, as well as discussing the similarities & differences between both roles. Finally, Matthew gives us an i...

In Episode 7 of the Sports Coaching podcast, I'm joined by Jack Rolfe, the Founder of 'The Coaching Lab'. In this episode we talk 'Games-based coaching'. We provide an introduction to the concept and briefly discuss the games-based vs drill-based debate. Finally, Jack gives us some tips from his experience on how to begin using the games-based approach in our coaching practice. We also highlight s...

This week I'm joined by Bruce Aitchison, current Housemaster at Merchiston Castle School. Bruce has had a wealth of experience in both coaching & teaching, ranging from being head coach at Boroughmir RFC to coaching in Hong Kong, New Zealand & the USA and holding the role of deputy head teacher at Hawick high school. In this episode we chat Growth Mindset. Bruce gives us an introduction on both Gr...

In the latest episode of the Sports Coaching podcast, I'm joined by Dr Dave Alder, Senior lecturer of Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University and Youth Development phase talent reporter for the Football Association. In this episode, we talk 'Perceptual-Cognitive expertise'. Dave shares some of his research into perceptual-cognitive expertise, explaining the effect of these skills on performanc...

In Episode 4 of the Sports Coaching podcast, I'm Joined by Aled Jones, Academy Manager of Harrogate Rugby Union FC, first team coach at Leeds Beckett Korfball and part-time lecturer of Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University. In this episode we talk about ''Coaching pedagogy', discussing the 'HOW' part of the coaching process and it's importance. Aled gives an intriguing insight into his pedag...

In the third episode of the Sports Coaching podcast, I'm Joined by Nathan 'Wiggy' Wigfull, first team goalkeeping coach at Sheffield FC women. In this episode we explore the Coach - Athlete Relationship, where we discuss the importance of the Coach - Athlete relationship from both a coaches and athletes perspective. Wiggy gives us an insight into the Coach - Athlete relationship from his viewpoint...

In the second episode of the Sports Coaching podcast, I'm Joined by Joe Garside, a current Pre-Club Academy coach at LA Galaxy and former U17's Head coach at Ilkley Town Football Club. In this episode, we explore the question 'What is Coaching', in particular discussing the role of a coach, common perceptions of what coaching is & effective coaching, the difficulties academic coaches face in t...

In the first ever edition of the Sports Coaching Podcast, I'm Joined by the current Head Coach of the Men's 4th Rugby Union team at Leeds Beckett University, Josh Smith. In this episode, we talk coaching philosophies, playing philosophies and playing models. Josh gives us an interesting insight on how he developed his philosophies and playing model, and how these currently influence his coaching....