Inside The Game

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Power of Reflection — focusing on how true development happens not just through action, but through understanding and learning from those experiences. Our curriculum topic is Defending Play, and our core value this week is Integrity.With players across the club currently completing their reflection forms, this episode highlights the importance of taking that process seriously. Stuart discusses how meaningful reflection helps players recognize strengths, identify areas for improvement, and take ownership of their development—particularly in defensive situations where decision-making, positioning, and communication are key.This week’s guest is Jeremy McManus, who shares his perspective on what effective reflection looks like in practice. Jeremy dives into how coaches can guide players to reflect with purpose, avoid common mistakes, and build habits that encourage honesty and accountability. He also connects reflection directly to performance, explaining how players can learn from quick, high-pressure defensive moments and improve over time.🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on learning, honesty, and helping players take control of their development.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #Defending #Integrity #Reflection #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Preparing for a Game — focusing on how players can be set up to perform when it matters most. Our curriculum topic remains Final Third Play, and our core value this week is Respect.We take a closer look at what effective preparation really looks like, from building matchday routines and creating realistic training scenarios to developing the confidence needed to make decisions under pressure. Stuart shares practical ways coaches can prepare players for those key moments in the final third, where games are often decided. It’s a clear and applied look at how preparation directly impacts performance.This week’s episode features a player perspective, with Ethan and Kevin from the Steel United NJ 2011 Boys NAL team—who are also part of our National Program. They share how they prepare for games, what helps them feel confident stepping onto the field, and how they approach decision-making and teamwork in high-pressure situations. Their insight offers a valuable reminder of how preparation is experienced from the player’s point of view.A powerful reflection for coaches to take into their next session.🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on preparation, performance, and hearing directly from the players living it.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #FinalThird #Respect #GamePreparation #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

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:“Looking back over this season, what’s one area of your coaching you’ve seen the most growth in — and one you still want to develop?”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

In Week 7 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores The Goalkeeper’s View — seeing the game through the eyes of the last line of defense. Goalkeepers embody integrity, leading with communication, composure, and accountability during defensive transitions.Stuart breaks down Defensive Transitions — the moments after possession is lost — and shares a practical session to train recovery, delay, and team organization, with goalkeepers guiding the unit. Integrity is key: doing the unseen work, tracking runners, and helping teammates stay connected under pressure.This week’s guest is Jake Tillet, who shares insights on reading the game, commanding transitions, and building trust through communication.The Coaching Question of the Week: “Which core value do you find the hardest to bring into your sessions?” — a moment to reflect on how your coaching aligns with our values.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that connect the why behind how we coach.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #DefensiveTransitions #Integrity #Goalkeepers #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 6 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of The Art of Counter Attacking — those electrifying moments when teams turn defense into attack with speed, precision, and purpose. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Transitions, and our core value is Respect.We break down why counter attacks are more than just playing forward quickly — they depend on recognition, timing, and respecting the roles of every player involved. He shares a small-sided 3v2 transition activity designed to train quick reactions, purposeful support runs, and decision-making under pressure. Professional examples, from Leicester City’s 2015/16 title run to the USWNT’s dynamic breakaways, highlight how great teams master these moments by trusting and respecting each other’s responsibilities.This week’s guest is Adam Tourle, who shares his insights on teaching players to recognize transition triggers, avoid common mistakes, and find the balance between urgency and control. He also reflects on the value of observing other coaches and how learning from others can sharpen your own approach.We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: “When was the last time you watched another person’s session and got ideas from it?” A reminder that respect for the craft of coaching means staying open, curious, and always learning.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that connect the details of the game to the values that shape it.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingTransitions #Respect #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 5 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of The Greatest Supporter — recognizing the vital role parents play in shaping a young player’s journey, and how coaches can guide and support that relationship in positive ways. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Transitions, and our core value is Teamwork.We breaks down how attacking transitions are the game’s most decisive moments — the instant a team wins possession and springs forward together. He shares a counter-attacking activity designed to help players react quickly, create options, and attack with speed and unity. From a coaching lens, he emphasizes teaching players to recognize the triggers of transition and commit to moving together — whether it’s a midfielder bursting forward, a wide player providing width, or the striker stretching the defense.This week’s guest is Nancy Walsh, National Operations Manager and mother of four daughters who all thrived in sports from soccer to softball. Nancy shares her perspective on what true parental support looks like, how to balance encouragement with independence, and the impact teamwork has not only on the field but within families and communities.Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and real conversations on building both better players and stronger people.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingTransitions #Teamwork #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 4 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores how mistakes can be powerful learning moments when players and coaches embrace the mindset of Turning Errors into Growth. Our curriculum topic is Staying Connected, and our core value is Commitment.We dive into how staying connected is about discipline and togetherness — shifting as a unit, closing spaces, and constantly communicating. He highlights a defensive line activity where players must work together to prevent gaps, showing how connection on the field relies on every individual’s commitment to the team. Professional examples like the USWNT backline and what this looks like at the highest level.This week’s guest is Adam Corlett, who shares his insights on helping players recover from mistakes, stay engaged through challenges, and develop resilience that strengthens both performance and character.We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: Who do you give your attention to most during sessions? A reminder to reflect on where your focus lies and how it impacts the whole team.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that help players turn setbacks into stepping stones.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #StayingConnected #Commitment #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

In Week 3 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores what it means to put Characters Before Champions — the idea that developing people comes before chasing results. Our curriculum topic is Staying Connected, and our core value is Integrity.We breaks down how staying connected is about unity on the pitch — moving as one, closing gaps, and trusting teammates. He also shares a practical rondo session where two defenders must work together to avoid being split, reinforcing the importance of communication, compactness, and integrity in defending.This week’s guest is Steve Jones, who shares his perspective on building character in players, teaching accountability, and how integrity underpins both development and performance.We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: What part of your coaching philosophy has changed most in the past year — and why? A reflection to keep your coaching evolving with purpose.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that put people first.

In Week 2 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores how to handle one of football’s toughest challenges — injuries and setbacks. On the field, our curriculum topic is Switching the Play, and our core value is Respect.We break down how switching the play is more than a long diagonal — it’s about inviting pressure, creating overloads, and respecting your teammates’ positioning and decision-making. Stuart shares a real-world example from Arsenal’s 5–1 win over Manchester City in February 2025 and a practical rondo-based session to develop patience, ball retention, and recognition of the right time to switch.Our guest this week is Chris McKinney, former Steel United player, current RPI college player, and Steel Sports intern. Chris opens up about the injuries that challenged him after his freshman year, the habits that kept him engaged, and how setbacks shaped his mindset both as a player and as a coach.We wrap up with the Coaching Question of the Week: Do your sessions look and feel like the actual game? A simple but powerful reflection to help you close the gap between training and matchday.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insights, personal stories, and practical challenges to take your coaching further.

Welcome back to Inside The Game, the coaching podcast from Steel United! Kicking off our Fall 2025 season, host Stuart Sharples dives into one of the modern game’s most talked-about tactical setups — the Box Midfield. We break down what it is, why it works, and how it connects to our curriculum focus this week: Switching the Play.Our core value of the week is Teamwork — and switching the play is the perfect example of how trust, coordination, and movement combine to unlock defenses. Stuart shares key coaching points, practical session ideas, and examples from the pros to help you bring this concept to life with your players.Special guest Ian Hughes, VP of Player & Staff Development at Steel Sports, joins the conversation to share his insights on introducing shapes like the box midfield at youth level, making switching the play more effective, and experimenting with new tactical ideas without overwhelming players.We wrap up with our Coaching Question of the Week — a challenge to redesign a familiar drill from scratch and discover fresh learning opportunities.🎧 Step Inside The Game and start the season with new ideas, practical tips, and inspiration for your coaching.

In the final episode of Season 1 of Inside The Game, we bring our spring coaching series to a close with a focus on attacking overloads—how clever movement off the ball helps create numerical superiority in key moments. We break down how coaches can recognize the spare player, design high-repetition training activities, and maximize ball-rolling time to sharpen tactical understanding in the final third.Using insights from top teams like Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024/25 season, we explore how coordinated rotations and third-man runs can unlock organized defenses. You’ll hear coaching strategies on session setup, intervention styles, and what to look for during games and post-match debriefs.Our guest, Andrew Broadbent, SVP of Steel United and Team Steel, shares how reflection, values-based leadership, and team culture all contribute to long-term development. This episode also highlights our final core value of the season: Respect—not just for teammates and the game, but for the roles and efforts that often go unnoticed.Whether you're preparing for summer tournaments or planning your next season, this episode is full of practical advice and big-picture thinking. Tune in, reflect, and help us wrap up a successful first season of Inside The Game.

In this episode of Inside The Game, we explore how to coach players through high-pressure moments by focusing on the use of overloads in attacking play. Learn how to help your team recognize and utilize the spare player—an essential tactical concept in the final third and beyond.We break down practical coaching tips for creating overloads, identifying the spare player in real time, and building confidence under pressure. Whether it’s 3v2 scenarios or manipulating space in transition, this episode offers valuable insight for youth soccer coaches looking to improve decision-making and team structure.Our guest, Mercy Akide—former World Cup and Olympic athlete—shares her personal experience handling pressure at the highest levels of the game. Mercy discusses how teamwork, preparation, and mindset helped her thrive and how coaches can pass those lessons on to young players.If you're looking for ways to teach composure, elevate tactical awareness, and promote the core value of Teamwork, this episode is packed with real-world advice and field-tested coaching strategies. Perfect for coaches preparing players for weekend matches or planning overload-based training sessions.

In this episode of Inside The Game, we continue our focus on Final Third play by zooming in on one of soccer’s most thrilling aspects—goalscoring. From movement off the ball to timing and composure, we break down what it really takes to become a consistent finisher and how coaches can create the right conditions in training for players to thrive in front of goal.Our guest, Dominic Rice, shares his perspective on developing attacking instincts, the importance of repetition, and how to foster a mindset of commitment and bravery in front of the net. We also look at how the core value of Commitment connects to finishing—whether it’s making hard runs, staying locked in during transitions, or bouncing back from a missed chance.Packed with practical advice, session design tips, and key coaching points, this episode is your go-to guide for turning opportunities into goals. Tune in to help your players develop the instincts, discipline, and confidence needed to deliver when it counts.

In this episode of Inside The Game, we kick off a two-week focus on the Final Third—arguably the most decisive area of the pitch where games are won and lost. We break down what effective play in the final third looks like, including key principles like timing of movement, combination play, and clinical decision-making under pressure.Our theme this week is Creating a Competitive Environment in Training, and we explore how coaches can design sessions that drive intensity, maximize ball rolling time, and balance work-to-rest ratios to simulate real-game demands. We discuss how the type and timing of your coaching interventions can maintain tempo without sacrificing learning, and how a competitive edge in training prepares players to thrive when it matters most.Joining us is guest Kate Hofstede, who shares her perspective on fostering healthy competition, building training sessions that replicate game moments, and using the core value of Integrity to keep competition productive and aligned with your team culture.If you're looking to raise your session intensity while reinforcing high-quality final third play, this episode offers actionable strategies to help players sharpen their edge and perform with purpose.

n this episode of Inside The Game, we continue our spring coaching journey by taking a deeper look at switching the play—not just from a tactical angle, but through the emotional lens of player confidence. We discuss how anxiety can impact decision-making on the field and why supporting the mental well-being of athletes is just as important as developing their technical skills.Our guest, Sean Datson, brings valuable insight into how coaches can recognize performance anxiety, create emotionally safe environments, and build trust within their teams. We explore practical strategies for helping players stay composed under pressure and how the core value of Respect plays a key role in creating a positive, supportive team culture.If you're looking to grow your players' confidence while reinforcing key curriculum topics, this episode offers both on-field advice and off-field perspective to elevate your coaching. Tune in and learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and coach the whole player.

In this episode of Inside The Game, we build on our spring coaching curriculum by focusing on switching the play—a vital strategy for breaking down organized defenses. We explore how scanning and pre-reception awareness help players identify opportunities, make quicker decisions, and execute effective switches under pressure. You’ll hear practical coaching advice on body positioning, passing technique, and communication cues that bring the concept to life on the field.Our guest, Sam Nellis, shares his perspective on how scanning transforms a player’s understanding of the game and how coaches can nurture that skill in training sessions. We also tie in the core value of Teamwork, showing how switching the play relies on trust, movement, and support from every player on the field.Whether you're looking for session ideas or game-day coaching tips, this episode is packed with insight to help your players grow both technically and mentally. Tune in and let’s keep developing smarter, more connected teams.

This week on Inside the Game, we break down the key principles of defending, from delaying and denying to organizing as a unit—and how these skills come to life when players are allowed to figure it out for themselves. We also explore how Free Play helps shape smarter, more adaptable defenders. While defending is often taught through structure, it’s the unstructured moments—pick-up games, street soccer, small-sided battles—where players develop decision-making, communication, and a deeper sense of the game.Our guest, Jaylin Finney, Asst. Teams Director in Texas, joins us to share her personal experience with free play as a player and how she uses it now to build confident, committed defenders. Jaylin also talks about balancing structure with creativity, and why Commitment—this week’s core value—is essential to becoming a great defender.Packed with practical insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must for coaches looking to develop defenders who lead, talk, and take pride in their role.Hit play, take notes, and let’s step Inside the Game.

In this episode of Inside The Game, part of the SSCS Podcast – Spring 2025, we dive into the curriculum topic of defending, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked areas in youth soccer development. We also highlight this week’s core value, integrity, and how it plays a key role in building trust, accountability, and discipline within a defensive unit. To wrap it all together, we’re joined by Jeremy McManus, Teams Director at Steel United Hudson Valley, who shares insights on how to effectively include goalkeepers in team training sessions.We explore key defensive principles like compactness, delaying attacks, and transitioning quickly, while showing how integrity guides communication and decision-making in high-pressure moments. Goalkeepers are spotlighted as essential contributors to defensive organization, not just as shot-stoppers but as leaders on the field. Jeremy shares simple, effective ways to integrate goalkeepers into team sessions and build trust between them and the back line.Tune in and step Inside The Game.

In this episode of Inside The Game, we explore the importance of being organized—a fundamental skill that enhances both coaching effectiveness and player performance. We’ll break down how organization plays a key role in executing breaking lines, helping teams progress the ball through defensive structures with precision and intent. Plus, we’ll connect this tactical concept to our core value of the week: respect, highlighting how trust and discipline impact success on the field.Special guest Dakota Carroll, Technical Director at Steel United Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss how coaches can stay organized before, during, and after training sessions. Dakota shares practical strategies for planning effective sessions, keeping players engaged, and ensuring that organization translates into structured, high-level play.Whether you're a coach looking to refine your session structure or a player aiming to improve your tactical awareness, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in and step Inside The Game!

In the first-ever episode of Inside The Game, we break down the concept of breaking lines—a key tactical skill that helps teams progress the ball and break through defensive structures. We’ll explore how players and teams use line-breaking passes and runs to create goal-scoring opportunities and discuss how coaches can teach this in training. This week’s core value, teamwork, plays a crucial role in executing this tactic effectively.Special guest Ian Hughes joins us to discuss how coaches can adapt session plans to keep training effective and engaging, ensuring players understand tactical concepts like breaking lines. Ian shares his expertise on adjusting drills based on player ability, making real-time coaching interventions, and creating an environment that promotes problem-solving on the pitch. Whether you’re a coach or player, this episode will provide valuable insights to help take your game to the next level. Tune in and step inside the game!