Masterclass Discussions

Ken Lynch is a High Performance Athlete Development Consultant at High Performance Sport New Zealand and works with sports people across a range of codes. Originally from Ireland, Ken is an expert in high performance athlete pathways, athlete talent identification and high performance strategy. In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts Ken for an informative conversation about the role of HPSNZ, talent development pathways, sports science in youth sport and ensuring the athlete sits at the centre of the learning process. A fantastic…

Cameron Knowles has been part of the Portland Timbers organisation for well over a decade. Following a 7 year professional playing career at Real Salt Lake, the Timbers and Montreal Impact, Cameron made the move into coaching where he worked as an Assistant Coach with the first team for five years. The holder of a Masters in Psychology & now into his second season as Head Coach of Portland Timbers T2, Cameron joins PDP Editor, Dave Wright for a conversation on his journey through the…

Steve Kirby has over 15 years experience working in academy football in England. Formerly Lead Youth Development Phase Coach at MK Dons, Steve is now the U18 Assistant Coach at Leicester City FC. In this interview, PDP Editor, Dave Wright sits down for an hour with Steve to discuss his own personal coaching journey, some of the key lessons he has learnt along the way and how he has applied them. Steve shares insights into the player development philosophy at Leicester City, advice on how…

Professor Stephen Rollnick is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years experience. In this Masterclass Discussion, Stephen joins PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright for an in depth discussion on coach communication, the skill of motivational interviewing and much more. Stephen is a truly world-class thinker and practitioner who is applying his extensive knowledge to sport. This conversation covers a range of topics around connection, communication, tradition and relationships which will help coaches improve their ability to build effective relationships in their coaching. Image Source: Kelly Lacy from Pexels

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright hosts Birmingham City Assistant Academy Manager, Stuart English. Stuart has vast experience in player development having worked at Luton Town FC, Brentford FC and Birmingham City. In his role at BCFC, Stuart is responsible for overseeing not only the player development program alongside Academy Manager, Kristjaan Speakman, but developing coaches, supporting staff and constantly looking for trends and ways of innovating. In this discussion, Stuart shares his coaching story and gives shares some superb advice for coaches…

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright hosts Wellington Phoenix FC Academy Director, Paul Temple. Paul holds a UEFA A license and is alongside his role as Academy Director at Wellington Phoenix, (New Zealand’s only A-League club) and is an Assistant Coach of the New Zealand U17 Men’s team. Paul joins Dave to discuss how the club is trying to develop players for the future, analysing football trends and innovating in what is fast becoming the hot bed of youth football in New Zealand….

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor and UEFA A licensed coach, Dave Wright shares a presentation on how coaches can develop individuals within the group. Dave has previously presented this content at a State Coaching Conference in Melbourne and cites examples from his time at Fulham FC, shares practical examples and taps into various PDP experts. This presentation will help you better understand how you can redefine success for your players and focus on development first and foremost. Image Source: depositphotos.com

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright hosts Brentford FC first team analyst, Zaheer Shah. Zaheer has worked his way through the Brentford Academy and since 2017 has been working with the B Team and now as a first team analyst. Zaheer shares his experiences, the benefits of analysis, how to effectively use video and much more in another comprehensive conversation on coaching and player development. Image Source: depositphotos.com

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright hosts Brisbane Roar Academy Director, Drew Sherman for an insightful conversation on youth development. Drew shares his own personal experiences from England, to the Cook Islands and now Australia, discussing key lessons on the way. We discuss the development of the brand new Brisbane Roar academy and some of the challenges faced in bringing bringing youth development to A League. Drew Sherman is the Academy Director at Brisbane Roar. Drew is a holder of both his Pro…

In this fascinating and in depth conversation, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts International Hockey Coach & Coach Developer at Oxford Brookes University, Danny Newcombe. Danny and Dave discuss a wide range of topics around skill acquisition, constraints based coaching, creating a learning environment, the coaching spectrum and more. This is a must watch interview with a true innovator and thought leader in coaching. Danny is a Senior Lecturer, Coach Developer and Skill Acquisition Expert at Oxford Brookes University in England. A leading Hockey Coach, Danny…

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by PDP Technical Advisor, Dan Wright to go behind the scenes at Watford FC. Dave & Dan sit down for a fascinating discussion with Lead YDP Coach, Martin Prickett & Lead Foundation Phase Coach, Rob Morris to discuss the Watford FC way, age appropriate learning and much more as these two highly experienced youth developers give insights into their coaching careers so far. Image Source: depositphotos.com

In part 3 of this Masterclass Discussion Series, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts PDP Lead Researcher James Vaughan as he takes us through the third instalment of his PhD research. The third part of this series looks at creative moments emerging as a result of socio-cultural-historic constraints in Barcelona. James examines many of the iconic individuals (both local and foreign) who have had a huge influence on the history and evolution of FC Barcelona, such as Joan Gamper, Kubala, Johann Cruyff and Lionel Messi. Image…

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Strength & Conditioning Coach, Matt Depledge. Matt has spent the last four years working for a Premier League Academy in England and is now working in the world of youth development in Tennis. Matt gives us a brilliant insight into his own experience and offers his advice as to how coaches can integrate strength and conditioning strategies into their practice, load management and more importantly, the importance of applying sports science as part of…

In this excellent Masterclass Discussion, former New Zealand Football & Welsh FA Technical Director, Rob Sherman joins PDP Editor, Dave Wright for an in depth discussion on the player centred approach and talent development. Rob has a wealth of experience in coaching and coach education and shares his experience and his own model of player development. This is a must watch for coaches who want to learn from one of the best educators in the business. Image Source: depositphotos.com