Little and Large

Recorded at Stoke City FC where the English Schools' Football Association finals are taking place throughout the month of May.

Tales of Phil's London Marathon exploits, and Russ has been at the cricket, all whilst on the ESFA Finals at Stoke City for Schools Sports TV!

Every pitch live streamed. Winners from across the UK and world. Girls tournaments bigger than ever. 2026 was some year!

In this episode, we sit down with world-renowned sports psychologist Dr. Josie Perry to dive deep into the mindset of champions. Whether you’re a student-athlete balancing exams and training or a coach looking to support your team, Dr. Perry shares her expert strategies on building resilience, overcoming performance anxiety, and finding the joy in sport. Tune in to learn how you can train your brain to be your greatest competitive advantage.

We were delighted to welcome Richard Shorter (Non-perfect Dad) to the PODCAST this week. Richard is well known to most on the schools circuit for the support he provides for the parent body in helping support children through their sporting journey. As a parent who has been to watch the RP7's himself, and years of knowledge and experience in helping people manage difficult conversations, Richard gives us his top tips for managing the mayhem at Rosslyn Park, to supporting children throughout the day. From car parking to managing emotions, relationships with coaches, and the best food on offer, this POD is provides a great insight into the challenges, and how to overcome them, of being a parent at biggest schools rugby tournament in the World. 

We were very lucky to attend the annual conference for Directors of Sport in Independent Schools. Here's our review of what we saw and who spoke to.

Rosslyn Park winner as player and coach, Nick has been there, done it, and worn the pelican outfit too! This is a beauty of an episode with some incredible tips for aspiring 7s coaches and school masters.

From the high-impact collisions of Rugby League to the tactical finesse of the England 7s circuit, few people understand the mechanics of the game like Joe Lydon. In this episode, we sit down with the former dual-code star and elite coach to deconstruct his journey through the ranks of Wigan and Widnes to his influential roles within the RFU. We explore the learnings that take place in 7s rugby, the attributes it takes to perform at the highest level, and what it takes to build a winning culture at the highest level of international rugby.

With 40+ in her department, and over 2000 pupils at the school, Katy is running a juggernaut of a school sport programme. This was a wicked conversation with someone very much in tune with the job that she is doing.

Our 2025 Daily Mail Trophy winners, NSB, received their trophy this week in an emotional assembly. Phil and I were incredibly fortunate to catch up with Executive Headteacher, Richard Bernard, and Chair of Governors, Peter Bason. This is a must if you love school sport.

Are you thinking of, or already are, streaming school sport? This episode is for you! Mike and Joymo are best in class when it comes to streaming (and it doesn’t have to just be sport), with all of the hot topics covered - how, why, GDPR…. Everything.

Mike Hendey from TLA Sport joins us to discuss to where to go for your next sport tour. Some amazing insight into why certain destinations will give you more, and also getting off the beaten track is where it is at!

We review the half term with our 3 top 7s tips from all the amazing conversations we have had.

Mark has years on years of sport leadership experience in England, Wales, and Dubai. This is a just listen for all aspiring DoS and those new to the job.

Murdoch Lock (Wellington College) talks passionately about how the team he was in won the U18 Cup title in 2022, stating that it is still his favourite sporting memory.

Seaford College win the first barometer of the shorter format season. For the first time in the history of the Southern 10s, Seaford win their own tournament, and Sean joins us to chat about the historic victory, alongside who and what to look out for this 7s season.

Jonas is a high performance speed coach. He has worked with everyone from 10 year olds, to England rugby players, to helping Rhys Prescod break 10secs for the 100m! This episode is a must for anyone delivering athletic development as part of their school's curriculum.

England, Kenya, and USA 7s former head coach, Mike Friday joins us this week. In Mike's eyes, schools are getting it right - sevens is a fundamental pillar of rugby development. What a legend.

Fred joins us just before a festival of rugby between St Joe's and Sam Whitbread to discuss all things being Director of Sport. At 30, Fred recognises that he is still very new in role, but has accrued some fantastic experiences already in his career.

The Road to Rosslyn Park Podcast is here! Femi Sofolarin joins us and gives us insight from his time playing GB 7s - this is an absolute must for all coaches heading to Rosslyn Park this year.

We don't really, but it is tough for PE departments across the land! We're back after Christmas and ready to rumble!! Marathons, wet weather, rugby cameos, and more.... all live from Leatherhead Golf Club.

NSB take the title in the very last weekend of the Daily Mail Trophy season to become the first ever state school winners. Rob Wildman from The Daily Mail joins us.

Tom is Assistant Director of Sport at St Paul's Boys School, as well as being an assistant houseparent and head of football! We ask him, what is the ADOS role and why it is crucially important in any PE department.

Phil Beaumont of Northampton School for Boys joins us on the eve on them potentially winning this season’s DMT!

A wrap up as we approach the end of season..... everything to play for with everyone in the top 10 in with a chance!

Henry joins us for a special interview! Russ uses it as therapy after the 2022 defeat to Stowe, and then we discuss all things school rugby, Rosslyn Park 7s, England and of course The Lions!

Mark, a proud Kiwi, was DoR at the juggernaut that is the Warwick School rugby programme, before becoming Director of Sport at Stamford School in the Midlands.

Ex Gloucester legend, and now DoR at Cheltenham College, Olly Morgan joins us this week. He loves school rugby as much as we do!

Nat joins us on a Sunday night - what a legend! Having been director of sport at Kingston Grammar, and now Latymer, she has a wealth of experience to share.

Rupert Harden of Oakham and previously Denstone College, shares his thoughts on being DoR, and the season his 1st XV have had so far.

We get Dave at long last! 25 years in teaching, two director of sport roles, and a wealth of knowledge. Incredibly candid and heart warming! In partnership with TLA Sport - through The Learning Adventure.

Off the back of the SOCS TV debut at Bristol Grammar, we’re still buzzing! We take an in depth look at the big fixtures and the table.

We got him! Evan has been on standby for months and is a legend for doing so. Now House Parent at Sedbergh, once DoS at Portsmouth Grammar and Bishop Stortford, he knows his apples.

Danny and Matt join us from Clifton College - a school that hides from nobody in the Daily Mail Trophy with one of the toughest fixture lists on the circuit!

We get him! Zoran’s St Benedict’s Ealing are sitting in 5th at half term - he’s absolutely delighted!

Martin from Red2Blue Gazing joins us to discuss mindset training not only for your pupils, but also for you as a leader.

Our weekly wrap up of the Daily Mail Trophy merit table. NSB reclaim top spot with Tommy Rich’s slipping to second. King’s Wimbledon climb to fourth…. All to play for next half term!

Chris is Director of Sport at Charterhouse School in Surrey - school with a rich footballing tradition, but one that has evolved enormously since becoming co-ed.

Matt Gold, Abingdon DoR, joins us this week. State school rugby, post HT fixtures, and brand of rugby all discussed!

We get Gaz at last and talk to him about his transition from St John's to Repton School; Repton's 'Big 5'; and the differences from busy day school to large boarding.

Kirkham Grammar Director of Rugby, Jonny Roddam joins Phil and Russ this week to discuss their rugby programme and that win against Sedbergh!

This week we answer questions and comments from our listeners, hopefully lifting the lid on some challenging experiences for PE teachers.

In this week’s Beyond the Try Line we are joined by Joe Winpenny, DoR at St Edward’s School, Oxford. We also discuss whether Sedbergh can be caught….??

Long time friend of the pod, Tallan Gill joins us from Kirkham GS where he has been Head for just over a year. Tal is an ex DoS, and his career path has not been straightforward. This is a must listen!

This week we discuss all the unbelievable action that has been taking place across 1st XV rugby in The Daily Mail Trophy, including a try-fest between Sedbergh and Clifton College!

Adam has been leading sport in schools for over 20 years and opens up about what it takes to get a small school recognised nationally for its sport.

Episode 1 of a new weekly special in partnership with our friends at SOCS - Beyond the Try Line will review all the big games in the Daily Mail Trophy each week - a competition contested by over 160 1st XVs around the country!

This week, Phil and Russ dissect a potentially tricky parent email!

We’re back! Season 2 of the pod - more stories, more insight, and there will be more guests. Strap yourselves in!!

Chris Dossett, Chairman of PADSIS, joins us this week to discuss his school visits in support of directors of sport, as well as his upcoming presentation to the full HMC conference to promote sport up the school agenda with Heads.