On the show this week, Dave Wright rejoins me for another episode of The Curious Mind. Our conversation focuses on another successful season for Dave coaching the Westlake Boys 1st XI and how he managed huge playing loads, the need for individualising support, how to build trust, markers of fatigue, the rise of specialisation in the NZ sporting system and what this means for player development, how to coach for confidence over competence, and more.

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This conversation is with Assistant Professor in Sport Psychology at the University of Bern in Switzerland, Dr Noora Ronkainen. Noora’s work centres on meaningful experiences in sport, exercise and physical cultures.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of existential learning. Noora defines the idea for us and shares some research highlighting how reflecting on setbacks in sport can lead to personal growth. We also discuss:

• The current pressures on young athletes
• The role of identity in sport;
• How technology can shape future aspirations;
• Gender differences in role models;
• Why young athletes leave sports; and
• The power of sport for learning about yourself, your values, and your relationships.

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Today’s conversation is with Professor of Sport Coaching at the University of South Wales and Head of the Centre for Football Research in Wales, Brendan Cropley. Brendan is an esteemed scholar and has made a significant contribution to the Sport and Exercise Science, particularly in the area of psychology and coach education. He is also recognised worldwide as an expert in Reflective Practice and consults with a range of organisations across several industry sectors.

In this episode, we explore the power of aligning coaching values with the needs of developing children, focusing on more than just performance, including nurturing life skills. Brendan also shares his insights into effective coaching, reflective practices, and the integration of psychological development.

Check out Brendan's research we refer to in our conversation here.

If you enjoy the chat, please support the show by sharing it with your mates.

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Today’s conversation is with seasoned coach developer at the Magic Academy, Russell ‘Rusty’ Earnshaw. We explore all sorts on the show, from the subtle art of balancing authenticity with professionalism to the evolving role of psychology in sports. You’ll hear about the importance of showing up, the magic of playfulness in coaching, and even a few secret experiments designed to push the boundaries of what it means to be a great coach. If you’re curious about the intersection of personal growth, team dynamics, and the ever-changing landscape of sports, you’re going to love this one.

If you enjoy the chat, please support the show by sharing it with your mates.

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Dr John Radnor works in Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he is a Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning, the Programme Lead for their Masters in Youth Athletic Development, and the Research and Innovation Lead for their Youth Physical Development Centre.

In 2023, John was awarded the Youth Strength and Conditioning Coach of the year award from the UKSCA. Over his 15 years as a coach, he has worked with many sports, including football, rugby, and rowing. John is currently using his research in talent identification and development to assist in the structures of academy pathways.

In this chat, we dig into John’s coaching philosophy, what he believes every youth strength and conditioning coach needs to know to deliver a developmentally appropriate experience, his current focus of research, and much more.

If you enjoy the chat, please support the show by sharing it with your mates.

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Dr Suzanne Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Emotional Fitness Consultant. With over 15 years of experience, including time as Lead Psychologist for Sunderland Football Club in the UK, she has pioneered a new way of working that bridges clinical psychology with elite performance.

Suzanne studied at the University of Birmingham, earning her undergrad and Master's degrees with top honours, and she completed her Doctorate at Coventry & Warwick University.

This episode is full of gold, including an inside look at Suzanne’s practice and how it has evolved over time, the complexities of developmental transitions, the need for attachment and autonomy in personal relationships, and the importance of free play and downtime for children to protect their natural curiosity.

Suzanne discusses the tension between individuality and conformity, particularly in the context of adolescence and sport. She also shares her experience of setting up a coach's resilience group at Sunderland AFC which provided a space for coaches to discuss their experiences and challenges.

And we discuss the role of storytelling in development, including the importance of exploring your own inner experiences and emotions to help your athletes reach their full potential.

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Dr John Alder (@JohnAlderWRU) is a development practitioner whose life mission is to help individuals, teams, and organisations flourish while promoting culture-driven leadership. He has worked with Professional, Olympic, and Paralympic sports on and across six continents, throughout the pathway, from regional development through to a World Cup and Olympic Games.

John is currently the Head of Player Development at the Welsh Rugby Union, responsible for cultivating a development rich environment for Wales’s most promising female and male rugby players on their journey from talented juniors to world class international performers.

In this conversation, we discuss how to manage change, the human side of development and performance, how best we can support leaders and coaches to develop inspired and inspiring people and build great teams, and much more.

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Dr Ffion Thompson is a post-doctoral researcher in youth athletic development at Leeds Beckett University in the UK, where she is module lead on the science of sport performance course, as well as a leader within the Centre of Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy. Ffion also serves as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Queen Ethelburga’s School, Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coach at Leeds Rhinos Netball, and Women’s Head of Athletic and Physical Development at Wales Lacrosse.

Ffion's focus lies in holistic and dual career development, aiming to enhance experiences and opportunities for children and adolescents. In this conversation, Ffion shares some of her latest research looking at the academic, athletic, psychosocial and psychological impacts of being a sport school student-athlete, and how she is implementing the findings in her own work as a school strength and conditioning coach.

Enjoy!

Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at athletedevelopmentproject.com/newsletter

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Connect with Craig:

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