The ProPlayer Podcast

di David Gough

Stagione 5

Episode 77: Season 5: In Conversation... with Emily Tillman What you need to know about Mental Performance for coaches and young athletes

The Pro Player Soccer Podcast | Emily Tillman – Unlocking Elite Performance Through the Mind What separates good players from great players? Is it talent, physical ability, or something much deeper? In this episode of The Pro Player Soccer Podcast, host David Gough sits down with Emily Tillman, founder of Body Mind Performance, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UEFA B Licensed coach, and performance specialist whose work bridges sports psychology, coaching, and athletic development. Emily has built her career around helping athletes maximize their potential by developing not only stronger bodies, but stronger minds. Drawing from her experience in elite soccer environments across the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as her graduate education in sport psychology from Liverpool John Moores University, Emily shares why mental performance is no longer optional for athletes striving to compete at the highest level. Her research has focused on the professionalization of women's football and how it influences coaching philosophy, giving her a unique perspective on player development in today's game. Throughout the conversation, we explore what it truly means to train the complete athlete. Emily discusses the importance of confidence, resilience, communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and creating habits that translate into consistent performance on the field. Whether you're a youth player chasing your first college opportunity, a professional looking for the next competitive edge, or a coach trying to build stronger athletes, this episode delivers practical insights that apply at every level of the game. Body Mind Performance was created with the belief that elite performance starts long before kickoff. Success is built through intentional preparation, quality coaching, physical readiness, and a mindset capable of handling pressure, adversity, and the demands of competition. Emily's holistic approach has helped athletes develop the confidence and mental tools needed to perform when it matters most. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why mindset is one of the biggest competitive advantages in soccer. • How mental performance training impacts confidence and consistency. • The connection between physical preparation and psychological readiness. • Practical strategies for handling pressure, setbacks, and adversity. • What coaches can do to create environments where athletes thrive. • Why long-term development is more important than chasing short-term results. Whether you're striving to earn a scholarship, break into the professional game, or simply become the best version of yourself as a player, this conversation offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond the soccer field. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Pro Player Soccer Podcast, leave a five-star review, and share this conversation with teammates, coaches, and anyone passionate about soccer development. Every episode is dedicated to bringing you conversations with top professionals, coaches, athletes, and performance experts who are shaping the future of the beautiful game. Connect with Emily Tillman & Body Mind Performance LinkedIn: Emily Tillman Body Mind Performance Follow The Pro Player Soccer Podcast Subscribe for weekly conversations featuring professional players, coaches, performance experts, and industry leaders, all focused on helping you elevate your game on and off the field.

S5 · E77

1 ago 2026

1:00:11

Episode 76: Season 5: In Conversation with...Rusell Earnshaw If you want to change what people do, change what they see. Coaching the future instead of coaching the present & the art of noticing...from one of the worlds best coach developers

Welcome to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we go beyond the scoreboard to explore what it really takes to perform at the highest level. Every episode features conversations with the athletes, coaches, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of sport and high performance. Whether you're chasing excellence on the field, developing the next generation of players, or leading a team in business, our mission is to bring you practical insights and inspiring stories that help you improve every single day. I'm your host, and today we have a very special guest whose influence reaches far beyond the world of sport. Joining us is Russell Earnshaw, one of the world's most respected coach developers. For decades, Russell has worked alongside coaches, athletes, and organizations, helping them rethink how people learn, perform, and grow. His impact has been felt across elite sport and grassroots coaching alike, challenging conventional thinking and encouraging coaches to focus not only on performance, but on the people behind it. Russell is known for asking better questions rather than offering easy answers. His philosophy is built around curiosity, reflection, collaboration, and creating environments where athletes feel empowered to learn, make decisions, and take ownership of their development. It's an approach that has influenced coaches across multiple sports and has helped shape modern coaching around the world. In today's conversation, we'll explore what great coaching really looks like in today's game. We'll talk about leadership, communication, learning, resilience, culture, and why the best coaches aren't just experts in tactics—they're experts in developing people. We'll discuss how trust becomes the foundation of every successful team, why psychological safety matters in high-performance environments, and how coaches can create cultures where athletes thrive instead of simply survive. Russell also shares his thoughts on decision-making under pressure, embracing failure as part of the learning process, and why curiosity remains one of the greatest competitive advantages any coach can have. One of the things that makes Russell's work so powerful is that his lessons extend well beyond sport. Whether you're coaching a professional team, leading a business, teaching in a classroom, or raising a family, the principles of communication, trust, accountability, and continuous learning remain exactly the same. That's what makes conversations like this so valuable. Here on The Pro Player Podcast, we're passionate about discovering what separates good from great. Not just in terms of results, but in the way leaders inspire others, the way coaches build relationships, and the way high performers continue to evolve long after they've achieved success. Because excellence isn't a destination—it's a commitment to learning, adapting, and improving every single day. If you're new to the show, welcome. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode as we continue bringing you conversations with some of the most influential voices in sport and performance. And if you've been listening from the beginning, thank you for being part of this growing community. Your support allows us to continue sharing conversations that educate, challenge, and inspire. If today's episode resonates with you, share it with a teammate, a fellow coach, a colleague, or anyone who's passionate about becoming better. The best ideas are the ones that spark conversations far beyond this podcast. So settle in, keep an open mind, and get ready for an insightful discussion with one of the most influential coach developers of our time. This is The Pro Player Podcast, where great players, great coaches, and great leaders share the lessons behind elite performance.

S5 · E76

1 ago 2026

1:12:25

Episode 75: Season 5: In conversation with...Dave Jones "Soccer after 40...and your chance to be involved in an over 40s World Cup in 2027

The Pro Player Podcast – Introduction Featuring Dave Jones Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we sit down with the people who have lived the game at the highest levels and are now shaping its future. Whether you're a current player, a former pro, a coach, or someone who simply loves the beautiful game, this show is about the stories, lessons, and opportunities that continue long after the final whistle. Today's guest is someone whose soccer journey has taken him across continents, cultures, and levels of the game that few people ever experience. Joining us today is David Jones, Head Coach of the U.S. Senior National Soccer Legacy Program. Dave is a former professional player whose career began at Manchester United before taking him to top leagues in Hong Kong, Spain, Germany, and the United States. After a 16-year professional playing career, he transitioned into coaching and built an impressive résumé that includes international work with American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Belize, professional clubs, and collegiate programs. But what makes this conversation especially important isn't just Dave's experience. It's his mission. Too many athletes believe that once they reach a certain age, their competitive career is over. Dave is helping prove that's simply not true. Through the U.S. Senior National Soccer Legacy Program, elite players over 40 and over 50 have a structured pathway to continue competing at a national and international level. The program provides player identification events, national team selection opportunities, international tours, exhibition matches, and participation in global competitions. It was built to honor the past while creating meaningful opportunities for players who still have the passion, commitment, and ability to compete. In this episode, we'll talk about Dave's incredible journey from professional player to international coach, the lessons he's learned from working around the world, and what separates athletes who continue to perform at a high level from those who stop challenging themselves. We'll also discuss the growth of senior soccer in the United States, why competitive opportunities for experienced players matter, and how the game can continue to impact people's lives well beyond their twenties and thirties. Dave shares his vision for creating a true legacy pathway—one that allows former college players, former professionals, military veterans, and elite amateur players to continue pursuing excellence while representing something bigger than themselves. Most importantly, Dave wants people to get involved. Whether you're a former player wondering if you still have one more chapter left in your soccer story, a coach looking to contribute, a supporter who believes in growing the game, or someone who wants to help create opportunities for the next generation, this conversation is an invitation. An invitation to reconnect with competition, community, and the passion that brought us all to soccer in the first place. The game doesn't end when you stop playing professionally. It evolves. It creates new challenges, new teammates, and new opportunities to represent something meaningful. Today, we're talking about that next chapter. So if you've ever asked yourself, "Could I still compete?" or "How can I stay involved in the game I love?" this is an episode you won't want to miss. This is The Pro Player Podcast.

S5 · E75

23 giu 2026

53:19

Episode 74: Season 5: In conversation with...Matthew Clement, Training Centre Manager FIFA

Welcome back to the Pro Player Podcast, the show where we explore the journeys, philosophies, and experiences of the people helping shape the future of elite sport. Today's guest is Matthew Clement, a football development leader whose work sits at the intersection of coaching, player development, education, and long-term strategic thinking within the global game. Matt has built a career around one of the most important questions in football: how do we create environments that help players reach their full potential? Whether that's through coaching methodology, talent development pathways, coach education, or building systems that support sustainable success, his work has consistently focused on helping people and organisations develop at the highest level. Currently working with FIFA and the FIFA Training Centre, Matt plays an important role in sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices with coaches, practitioners, and football professionals across the world. Through educational programmes, webinars, learning resources, and collaborations with some of the game's leading minds, he has helped contribute to the ongoing evolution of football development on a global scale. What makes Matt's perspective particularly valuable is his ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. He understands the realities of player development from the grassroots level all the way through to the professional game, and he brings a strategic lens that looks beyond short-term results toward long-term growth and sustainable excellence. Alongside his practical experience, Matt has also continued to invest in his own education and development. He recently completed a Master's degree in Sports Directorship, deepening his understanding of football strategy, governance, recruitment, talent identification, succession planning, squad building, and organisational leadership. This combination of practical experience and academic insight gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing modern football. In this conversation, we explore the realities of developing players in today's game, the importance of creating effective learning environments, how coaches can continue to evolve their craft, and what the future of football development might look like as the sport continues to change at an unprecedented pace. We also discuss leadership, decision-making, talent pathways, and the lessons Matt has learned from working alongside some of the most respected coaches, educators, and practitioners in football. Whether you're a player looking to maximise your potential, a coach searching for new ideas, a practitioner working in performance environments, or simply someone fascinated by the process of developing talent, there is a huge amount to take away from this conversation. So sit back, enjoy the episode, and get ready for an insightful discussion with a man who is helping shape how football learns, develops, and grows around the world. This is the Pro Player Podcast with Matthew Clement.

S5 · E74

14 giu 2026

1:11:29

Episode 73: Season 5: In conversation with...Jake Lister "Who am I when..." (Youth Pathway Lead Sheffield United Women FC)

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we explore the stories, experiences, and lessons from the people shaping the future of sport and performance. Today's guest is someone who represents the evolving face of modern coaching—where performance excellence and human development go hand in hand. Joining us is Jake Lister, a coach, educator, and developer whose work spans academy football, coach education, and athlete development. Throughout his career, Jake has built a reputation for looking beyond the traditional metrics of success and focusing on what truly drives long-term performance: people. In a sporting landscape often dominated by tactics, results, and outcomes, Jake brings a refreshing perspective. His philosophy centers on creating environments where players can thrive not only as athletes, but as individuals. Whether working with developing players, supporting coaches, or helping shape football environments, he has consistently championed the idea that great coaching extends far beyond the technical and tactical aspects of the game. What makes Jake's journey particularly compelling is the breadth of experiences that have shaped his approach. From grassroots football to elite development environments, from coaching on the pitch to mentoring the next generation of coaches, he has developed a unique understanding of the challenges facing athletes and practitioners in today's game. Along the way, he has navigated personal challenges, professional growth, and the ongoing balancing act that comes with pursuing excellence while maintaining perspective and wellbeing. In this conversation, we're going to explore some of the most important topics facing modern sport. We'll discuss how coaching has evolved over the last decade, the role of emotional intelligence in player development, and why the best coaches are often the best communicators. We'll dive into the importance of creating psychologically safe environments where athletes can learn, grow, and perform at their highest level. We'll also talk about leadership, identity, resilience, and the responsibility coaches have in shaping the experiences of young athletes. Jake shares valuable insights into what separates good coaches from great coaches, how to build meaningful relationships with players, and why performance and wellbeing should never be viewed as competing priorities. For players, coaches, practitioners, and anyone working within high-performance environments, this episode offers practical lessons and thought-provoking perspectives that extend well beyond sport itself. It's a conversation about growth, purpose, self-awareness, and the human side of performance—topics that are becoming increasingly important as we continue to redefine what success looks like in modern sport. Whether you're working in professional football, coaching at the grassroots level, supporting athletes behind the scenes, or simply interested in leadership and human performance, there is something in this episode for you. So settle in as we dive into a fascinating conversation with a coach who is helping shape the future of player development by putting people at the center of the process. This is The Pro Player Podcast, and today's guest is Jake Lister. Enjoy the show.

S5 · E73

14 giu 2026

1:24:03

Episode 72: Season 5: In conversation with...Shelly Shrestha, Chief Operating Officer Coachbetter Ltd "Life in the C Suite"

Welcome back to the Pro Player Podcast — the show where we bring you the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of the game on and off the field. Today’s episode is one that every coach, club leader, and ambitious football professional is going to take something from. Our guest today is Shelly Shrestha, the Chief Operating Officer at Coachbetter — one of the most innovative football technology and coach development platforms in the game today. With more than a decade of experience across strategy, consulting, and SaaS product delivery, Shelly has become a key figure in helping modern football organizations rethink how they educate coaches, develop players, and build better systems for long-term success. In this conversation, we go deep into the changing landscape of football development, the role technology now plays in coaching education, and why creating better environments for coaches ultimately creates better experiences for players. Shelly shares her journey into leadership, what it takes to scale a football-focused tech company globally, and why the future of the game belongs to organizations willing to innovate, collaborate, and embrace learning. We also dive into the challenges that still exist within football — from access and opportunity to diversity and representation — and discuss how the game can continue evolving in a more inclusive and forward-thinking direction. Shelly brings a unique blend of business leadership, operational expertise, and genuine passion for football development, and that combination makes this episode incredibly valuable whether you’re coaching grassroots, working in the professional game, or trying to build your own pathway in sport. Coachbetter has worked to simplify and modernize the football environment by giving coaches and clubs tools for session planning, player development, communication, education, and performance management all in one place. Their mission is centered around empowering coaches and helping players reach their full potential through smarter systems and better support. This episode is packed with insight into leadership, growth, innovation, and the future of football coaching. If you’re serious about improving your environment, developing players more effectively, or simply learning from people operating at a high level in the game, you’re going to enjoy this one. Before we get started, if you’re interested in joining our female-only mentoring group or want to connect with us at The Pro Player Soccer, head over to The Pro Player Soccer for more information and ways to get in touch. And if you want to learn more about Shelly and the incredible work being done at Coachbetter, make sure you check out Coachbetter. Now sit back, enjoy the conversation, and welcome to the Pro Player Podcast.

S5 · E72

24 mag 2026

59:11

Episode 71: Season 5: In conversation with...Alexis Doss (Instagram's tough Love Coach) "Reinvention is about figuring out who you are when things fall apart"

Esplicito

Listener Warning: This episode of The Pro Player Podcast contains explicit language, strong opinions, and adult themes throughout the conversation. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast. Today’s episode is raw, honest, unfiltered, and packed with the kind of conversation that will either challenge you, motivate you, or make you uncomfortable in all the right ways — and honestly, that’s exactly the point. Our guest today has 100,000 followers on Instagram Alexis Doss, better known online as “The Tough Love Coach.”. No fake motivation. No polished “guru” act. No pretending life changes overnight because you watched a few inspirational videos. Alexis has built her platform around radical honesty, accountability, self-awareness, and helping people stop hiding behind excuses. You can check out her work at The Tough Love Coach Website and on Instagram at @thetoughlovecoach. What makes Alexis different is that her message comes from lived experience. She’s openly talked about rebuilding her life after toxic relationships, burnout, struggles with mental health, and completely reinventing herself multiple times over. Instead of hiding those chapters, she uses them as proof that growth is messy, uncomfortable, and never linear. And that’s exactly why this conversation fits so perfectly on The Pro Player Podcast. Because being a “pro player” isn’t just about sport. It’s not just about contracts, trophies, or what happens when the cameras are on. It’s about mindset. Discipline. Identity. Pressure. Confidence. Reinvention. It’s about figuring out who you are when things fall apart, when your confidence gets tested, and when nobody is coming to save you. In this episode, Alexis and I go deep into the realities that so many people avoid talking about publicly. We talk about why people stay stuck in cycles they secretly hate. We unpack fear, procrastination, self-sabotage, relationships, emotional regulation, social media addiction, entrepreneurship, and the pressure to constantly “have it all together.” One of the things I appreciated most about this conversation is that Alexis doesn’t speak in clichés. She challenges the way people think. She calls out performative self-help culture and talks openly about building discipline without destroying yourself in the process. There’s also a huge crossover here with elite athletes and high performers. So many players struggle silently with identity once sport stops defining them. So many people tie their confidence to achievements, followers, money, or relationships. Alexis speaks directly to that. She talks about creating standards instead of constantly chasing approval, becoming comfortable being misunderstood, and why real confidence is built through repeated action and self-trust. What I also loved is that this episode doesn’t pretend growth is clean or glamorous. There are moments that are funny, emotional, brutally blunt, and deeply reflective. There’s swearing, uncomfortable truths, and a level of honesty that a lot of people are afraid to have publicly. So if you’re someone navigating change, rebuilding confidence, trying to rediscover purpose, or simply becoming more honest with yourself about what’s holding you back, this episode is going to resonate. So wherever you’re listening from — in the car, at the gym, on a walk, or winding down after a long day — lock in for this one. This is The Pro Player Podcast with Alexis Doss, “The Tough Love Coach.”

S5 · E71

23 mag 2026

1:20:14

Episode 70: Season 5: In conversation with Allie Mastrangelo "mental health in college soccer from the student athlete perspective"

Welcome back to the podcast — today’s episode is one I’m really excited about, because we’re diving into the real journey behind being a student-athlete, a goalkeeper, and someone who’s building something bigger than just sport. Today, I’m joined by Allie Mastrangelo — known online as @AllisonGK2025 — a collegiate goalkeeper currently playing at the NCAA Division II level, who’s not just putting in the work on the pitch, but also documenting the reality of life as a student-athlete off it. From early morning lifts to late-night studying, from training sessions to recovery days, Allison has been sharing a transparent look into what it actually takes to balance football, academics, and personal development at a high level. But what really stands out about her journey is that it’s not just about performance — it’s about perspective. In a world where social media often shows the highlight reel, Allison is doing something different. She’s opening up conversations around mental health, athlete identity, and the pressures of recruitment and college sport — topics that don’t get talked about enough, but affect so many players coming through the system today. Throughout her journey, she’s also been actively involved in initiatives and conversations that support younger athletes — helping them understand not just how to improve as players, but how to navigate the challenges that come with chasing a sporting career. Whether it’s sharing training routines, day-in-the-life content, or honest reflections, she’s building a platform that goes beyond football. And that’s exactly why this conversation matters. Because today, we’re not just talking about goalkeeping. We’re talking about: what it really takes to reach the college level, how to handle the ups and downs of performance, the reality of the recruitment process, and how to stay grounded when the pressure starts to build. We also get into her personal experiences — the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the advice she’d give to the next generation of players trying to follow a similar path. If you’re a player, a coach, a parent, or anyone involved in the game, there’s something in this episode for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with Allison — as we go inside the mindset, the journey, and the reality of life as a modern-day student-athlete.

S5 · E70

24 mar 2026

54:49

Episode 68: Season 5: In conversation with...Cathy Gruss "Helping You Bring Your Vision To Life" - this special episode is dedicated to all members of our armed services around the world - "we will remember them"

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we explore the journeys, mindsets, and stories behind high performers from every corner of the world. Today’s guest is someone whose work sits at the intersection of resilience, identity, and the power of the human spirit. I’m joined by Cathy Gruss—an author, speaker, and advocate whose story is one of strength, courage, and transformation. Cathy’s journey is deeply moving. As a survivor, she has taken her life experiences and turned them into a mission—to educate, inspire, and empower others. Through her writing and speaking, she sheds light on the realities of trauma, healing, and what it truly means to rebuild and rediscover yourself after life’s most difficult moments. Her work doesn’t just tell a story—it creates impact. Cathy challenges perspectives, encourages difficult but necessary conversations, and reminds us all of the importance of empathy, awareness, and inner strength. She represents a level of mental toughness and emotional resilience that, in many ways, mirrors what we talk about in sport—but in a far more profound, human context. In this episode, we go deep. We talk about adversity, mindset, recovery, and the lessons that athletes, coaches, and leaders can take from experiences that go far beyond the pitch. This is a conversation about perspective, about gratitude, and about what really matters. This is one of those episodes that stays with you. More Info at https://cathygruss.com Let’s get into it. And before we begin, I want to take a moment to dedicate this episode. As this conversation was recorded around Remembrance Sunday, we dedicate this episode to all members of the military who have served and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Your courage, your commitment, and your willingness to stand for something greater than yourselves will never be forgotten. This episode is a reminder of perspective—of sacrifice, resilience, and service. We honour you, we remember you, and we thank you.

S5 · E68

24 mar 2026

1:34:13

Episode 67: Season 5: In conversation with...Angela Crawford PHD "helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out."

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we dive into the minds, journeys, and high-performance habits of individuals operating at the very top of their game. Today’s guest is someone who brings a completely different—but incredibly powerful—perspective on performance, leadership, and what truly drives people to succeed. I’m joined by Dr. Angela C. Crawford, a founder, consultant, executive coach, and leadership expert with over two decades of experience working at senior levels within Fortune 500 organizations. Throughout her career, Angela has worked across financial services, healthcare, technology, government, education, and retail—giving her a unique, 360-degree understanding of how individuals and teams perform in high-pressure environments. What makes this conversation especially fascinating is Angela’s global lens. She’s conducted research on workplace motivation across 23 countries, exploring what really ignites passion and purpose in people. That research, combined with her PhD work published in the Journal of Service Research, forms the foundation of the work she does today—helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out. She’s also the creator of the Leaders SUCCEED Together© program, an integrated system designed to elevate leadership, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful, sustainable performance across teams. In this episode, we go deep into leadership, mindset, motivation, and how principles from the corporate world translate directly into sport and high-performance environments. Whether you’re a player, coach, or leader in any field, there’s something in this conversation for you. This is a powerful one—let’s get into it.

S5 · E67

24 mar 2026

55:04

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