The Lowdown

It was not long into Simone Lewis' sporting career where she first realised that developing people skills were as if not more important than developing one's craft knowledge.

Through her work at the Premier League, Right to Dream and elsewhere she has cultivated a reputation for developing transformational change amongst leaders with purpose, performance and wellbeing all equally important as another.

The following episode is a deep dive into the behaviours and habits one must embody to bring that change to life. In a world with attention at a premium Simone goes deep on how...

“We don’t just want consumers; we want people who think deeply about who they are and what kind of coach they want to be.”

Today we are joined by the Technical Director of Player Development for MLS; Fred Lipka. In this episode, we dive deep into coach development, pedagogy, and the evolution of youth football from France to the United States. Fred shares a journey that spans Le Havre’s world-renowned academy, consulting across the U.S. youth landscape, and shaping the next generation of MLS coaches through the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL). Graduates like Wilfried...

In this episode, we sit down with Kasper Thornton, the Group Director of Human Performance at Right to Dream. From the academies of Ghana to world-class facilities in Europe and the U.S., Right to Dream is more than a football program — it’s a philosophy about opportunity, character, and purpose.

Kasper shares his personal journey through the world of sport, what drew him to Right to Dream’s mission, and the values that underpin their success. We go deep inside the student-athlete experience, explore how collaboration drives performance outcomes, and reflect on some of the toughest leader...

In this episode, we sit down with Gareth Henderby, Director of International Football at Blue Crow Sports Group, and formerly a cornerstone figure at Right to Dream and FC Nordsjælland.

From being Employee #1 at Right to Dream in Ghana to shaping academies across continents, Gareth shares a remarkable 25-year journey dedicated to developing people through football — not just producing players, but nurturing character, education, and opportunity.

Now leading international strategy at Blue Crow, Gareth discusses how multi-club ownership, data-driven development, and education-centric talent systems are redefining the future of football.

Listen to fin...

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Cale, one of football’s most respected agents, to explore what really goes on behind the scenes in the world of player representation. From negotiating contracts and managing careers to balancing player ambitions with club realities, Juan shares a candid look at the business side of the beautiful game.

He opens up about how he broke into the industry, the biggest misconceptions about agents, and the lessons he’s learned working with players at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re a young player, coach, or fan who wants...

Episode 180 is a repeat of one of our most downloaded episodes to date, a conversation with Owen Eastwood. Renowned for his work with NATO, Gareth Southgate's England, South African Cricket and most recently Europe's Ryder Cup winning team. He has carved out a reputation in elite sport for creating the optimal environment for teams to succeed. Here he brings us on a journey reflecting on his career, the lessons learned and allowing us remarkable access into his work. It's an episode you will listen to again and again. Enjoy. Listen to find out more including;

- Why “Be...

It’s not every day that your book earns acclaim from Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann, and Jürgen Klinsmann — but that’s exactly what Andreas Schumacher can attest to with his new book Two Versus One, co-authored with Bernhard Peters.

Having worked in the youth setups of clubs such as Stuttgart and Hamburg, Schumacher has seen first-hand how alignment between academies, first teams, and leadership can shape long-term player development.

Two Versus One is a thought-provoking work that challenges conventional thinking on attacking play, progression, and finishing. If you’re passionate about player development, creative attacking...

From playing over 180 times for Canada during a golden era of women’s football to becoming a NWSL championship-winning coach, Rhian Wilkinson has had quite the journey from the backline to the touchline.

In this episode, she reflects on her journey from player to coach, how her experiences on the pitch shaped her philosophy, the importance of building trust in new environments, and what the future holds for the women’s game.

Listen to find out more including;

- What it meant to represent Canada on the global stage over 180 times.

- Ho...

Craig Dalrymple has built a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and an obsession with player development. From early adversity that fueled his drive, to over a decade at Vancouver where he oversaw the progression of more than 80 academy players into the first team — including global stars like Alphonso Davies — Craig has consistently found ways to turn potential into performance. Now as Head of Professional Player Development at Seattle Sounders, his mission is to design environments where every player can thrive. This episode is an insight into what it truly takes to stand out in high performance environments.

List...

Renowned for her pioneering work as a group dynamics analyst, Manon Eluere has spent years exploring how teams function beneath the surface. With a PhD focused on the strengths and challenges of multicultural squads, her research has provided coaches and managers with practical insights into cohesion, leadership, and performance in high-pressure environments.

Manon offers a rare perspective at the intersection of research and practice—where science meets the lived realities of the dressing room.

Listen to find out more including;

- Defining the role of a group dynamics analyst and why it matters in...

What does it really take to handle the world’s biggest players, the fastest games, and the fiercest scrutiny in football? Jonathan Moss knows better than most.

From starting out on grassroots pitches to taking charge of Premier League clashes watched by millions, Moss has lived the highs, the pressure, and the controversy of refereeing at the very top. Now Head of Referees at Football Australia, he’s leading the next generation of officials into a new era.

Listen to find out more including;

- The toughest part of climbing the ladder from loca...

Peter Sturgess has been at the heart of reshaping English football’s approach to youth development. From designing the FA Youth Modules and creating the Play Phase for 4–6 year olds, to working alongside Dan Ashworth in building the England DNA, his influence has touched every corner of the game. Beyond the frameworks, Peter has also been a coach educator, researcher, and futsal advocate — all with one guiding principle: putting the child first.

In this episode, Peter shares his journey, his philosophies on skill acquisition and learning, and why even now he still sees himself as unfinished and excite...

In this episode, I sat down with Scott Miller — a coach whose story runs from buying a one-way ticket to the UK, working building sites, and cold calls, to standing on the touchline in a Europa League final with Fulham and later becoming the youngest head coach in A-League history.

Scott shares what it was like working with players such as Dimitar Berbatov, Damien Duff, and Clint Dempsey, the lessons he learned under Roy Hodgson & Ange Postecoglou and how trust, feedback, and culture have guided his journey. With over 20 years in football and a recent move into te...

Today’s guest, Bernat Mosquera is known for his innovative lens on individual development, player centred learning and final-third mastery, Bernat has worked across continents and cultures, shaping a coaching philosophy that encourages understanding over recognition.

He is the mind behind Modern Coach Hub, a leading platform for sharing fresh coaching ideas and frameworks. From rethinking how players read cues in the final third to refining how coaches design and communicate individual sessions, Bernat’s work continues to push the boundaries of player development.

Listen to find out more including;

- How working acro...

The Sporting Director is one of the most influential and misunderstood roles in modern football.

Today’s guest, Dan Parnell, is at the forefront of changing that perception. As the CEO of the Association of Sporting Directors (ASD), Dan has been instrumental in shaping the way leaders in football approach system design, strategy, and long-term success.

With a background in academia, research, and leadership, Dan bridges the gap between evidence-based practice and the real-world demands of football. His work has created a global platform for Sporting Directors to share knowledge, develop professionally, and ultimately raise th...

" 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 syst...

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 developmen...

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...

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.

"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...

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...

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...

"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...

David Clancy is the CEO & Co-Founder of Nxt Level Group.

Creating a vision, discovering one's purpose, intentional reflection, planning for the future - all important right? Yet how often do we create the space and time to unpack and discover? At Nxt Level where their clients are the teams behind the team they help individuals position themselves not only for success right now but also in the future. A career steeped in curiosity & purpose David unpacks practical insights from mentors and experts alike whilst also drawing upon anecdotes from his own career to provide us with an...

In this episode, I am joined by Paul Balsom, Head of Fitness Advisory for UEFA and Tigres UANL, who shares his incredible journey in the world of football fitness. From his humble beginnings growing up in Torquay to advising top football organizations, Paul reflects on the values, mindset, and experiences that have shaped his successful career. He dives into the importance of hard work, curiosity, and reflection—keys that have allowed him to excel in his field and push the boundaries of sports performance.

Listen to find out more including;

- Continuous reflection as a to...

Peter McDonnell is the U17 head coach of Philadelphia Union. A true student of the game and committed developer, Peter has strived to ensure he has passed on the many fruits of a path shaped by football.

Coaching in Ireland, at Seacoast United and Minnesota all preceded a move to Philadelphia Union in the last year. Winning this years U17 GA Cup proved to be one of many highlights Peter has had since joining the Union.

With an illustrious history of bringing through home talent Peter’s mission is to continue this trend. Inspired by wh...

David Webb is the First Team Coach of the Georgia National Team. Since debuting on the podcast over 2 years ago David was contacted by Willy Sagnol to join the staff ahead of their Euro playoffs earlier this year. What ensued was possibly the story of this years European Championships.

Ranked 74th in the world did little to hold Georgia back and they attacked each game in the entertaining and inspiring manner for which they have gained plaudits in recent years. Their 2-0 victory over Portugal announced their arrival on the world stage with a historical qualification to...

“In your building, if the level of conversation is good the level of conversation goes out on to the pitch.”

Michael Beale is well known to many for his work as first team coach. However it is his track record in youth development which initially caught the eye. 15 years of an apprenticeship at Charlton, Chelsea and Liverpool working alongside some future Premier League managers helped shaped some of Michael’s strongest views of the game.

From South London to São Paulo Michael speaks here with a fervent passion as to what’s possible when developme...

Sonny Cobbs is the Founder & CEO of Precision Football. It sits as the flagship Football Tech Centre of the Middle East at less than a few years old. With 25 staff and 3,000 people coming through the doors each week it is a paradise for anyone in love with the sport.

Even more remarkable than the very idea of its existence have been the milestones the organisation have hit in such a short space of time. This “overnight success” is not a surprise to many who know it’s founder Sonny Cobbs. Faced with the many trials and tribulations blight...

Scott McLachlan is the Global Head of Football for Global Football Holdings.

After listening to Scott it is hard not to be infused with wonder and awe for the beautiful game. An expert storyteller Scott's anecdotes about the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and 2021 Champions League Final are just two wonderful milestones amid a formidable love affair with the game. Retaining this child like affinity for the game alongside his continuous dedication to the craft of coaching has ensured Scott to be an invaluable asset to each organisation he has represented

In his own words "2 ears, 1...

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

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Todays guest James O'Connor is a man who has seen it all in football. The Louisville City President amassed over 500 appearances in first team football before beginning his coaching career in America. Seeking the pull of making an impact at a higher level James jumped at the chance to become Club President.

Overseeing the building of a $50m training complex, $75m stadium and the expansion of the women's team it is hard to underestimate his impact on the club and city. An insightful episode taking us through the foundations of building a leading USL club.

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Todays guest Alex Clapham is a Tactical Advisor with 777 Partners and founder of Cano Football.

As a young coach Alex repeatedly sought to challenge his worldview taking influences from the outside. It wasn’t enough for Alex to only read and watch from afar, he was soon pulled to embody and live that experience.

That set in motion a journey of discovery forging a coaching career in Mexico and Spain. Promotion campaigns with Vasco de Gama and Genoa reinforced Alex’s belief that football always comes back to feelings and emotions.

A career full...

"Winning takes talent, to repeat it takes character..."

James Kerr is best known for his book; "Legacy - What the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life". Here James goes deep into the heart of the All Blacks distilling 15 practical lessons for leadership and business.

Working with the All Blacks at a time where they reframed winning, "Legacy" best encapsulates the arc of a team who would go down in history. Champions do extra, they sweep the sheds, they keep a blue head, they are good ancestors.

"He who has...

Nice have earned plaudits aplenty this season for their bold, courageous and unrelenting style of football. Led by Francisco Farioli they have a staff who live and breathe these core values on and off the pitch.

Today I was joined by the very special; Jarkko Tuomisto, their goalkeeping coach. The following conversation with Jarkko lends to some fascinating insight as how he ascended to the top of his profession. In his own words, on the road to "climbing the second mountain" Jarkko juggled multiple jobs as a barman, youth worker and musician upon deciding to go all...

Today's guest Jon MacKenzie is the face and voice of TIFO Football.

He has been regarded as one of the finest minds on football tactics in recent years. It was fascinating to spend an hour in Jon's company going in depth on his topic of choice.

Here we cover everything from hybrid pressing, Jon's fascination for the out of possession phase, Liverpool's evolution, Michel's new age football at Girona, what makes Xabi Alonso fascinating to study and TIFO's plans going forward.

Listen to find out more including;

- How his studies...

Currently the allure of investing in Premier League football is as strong as ever. This has coincided with a rise of American investment into English football with 50% of Premier League clubs having some form of American investment. To understand this growing trend who better a guest to invite on than one of the leaders responsible for attracting the best talent into the boardrooms and also Head of Capital Investment for the UK government in North America; Richard Albert.

Working to support the deployment of strategic capital to a variety of industries stemming from tech to social sciences...

"Football needs to go back to the creative players, football is entertainment, if you cannot entertain the spectators what do you got?"

Today's guest is Al-Wasl Head of Youth Development; Michel Mommertz. Meeting Michel time aplenty in Dubai over coffee I thought it was just time to host him and share his wonderful story to date.

Michel doesn't do half measures, the youngest professional footballer still in Dutch history with a fervent love for the game had his playing days curtailed short by injury. Yet this did not stop Michel in his tracks, meeting the...

Today's episode is an enlightening conversation with world respected football journalist Ben Jacobs.

In today's age of bottomless content and ITK's galore it can be often tough to identify the signal amongst the noise. However we have no such problem with today's guest. With a punditry career spanning 15+ years Ben takes us through many of the principles which have fuelled his ascent and enabled him to build reciprocal relationships in the game.

With the added scrutiny of a large social media following, Ben's world can be an often a precarious place at times. So how...

"Put yourself on the path to the career you always wanted"

In today's episode I am joined by Daniel Geey who here details his rise from car parts lawyer to one of the most respected and trusted lawyers in the game. An inspiration to many with his book "Done Deal", he has followed it up with his latest book; "Build the Invisible".

At the top of the iceberg people see only the deals and success. Here we focus on what lays below the water. In his own words Daniel's sheer stubbornness and obsessiveness kept encouraging...