The ProPlayer Podcast

di David Gough

Stagione 4

Episode 58: Season 4...In Conversation with Chris Loxston - "The role of the modern Technical Director" San Diego Wave Football Club - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)

This is a special episode from inside the industry as Chris currently sits as Technical Director at one of the United States biggest women's soccer clubs - San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League. (NWSL). He not only shares his day to day life at the club with us but also fills this episode with amazing insight and advice for aspiring coaches. For sure check out the advice on how to get your first interview and get noticed... A former Technical Advisor at the League Coaches Association, A strategic advisor to CONCACAF, with over 5 years experience as Strategic advisor of football performance insights and Group Leader Football for Performance and Anlaysis at FIFA. A graduate of Northumbria University with a Masters Degree from The University of Staffordshire. He is also a UEFA A License Coach with a. Level 1 In Introduction to Talent Identification from the FA. More than any of that, Chris is a true Gentleman who genuinely wants to help and inspire the next generation of coaches within the women's game. His warmth, and his passion shine through numerous times during the episode and you will be investing your time well spending an hour with us today.

S4 · E58

4 set 2025

1:09:53

Episode 57: Season 4...In Conversation with..."The most successful women's soccer coach on the planet" Anson Dorrance

Albert Anson Dorrance IV (born April 9, 1951) is a retired American soccer coach. He was the head coach of the women's soccer program at the University of North Carolina from 1979 to 2024. He has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics. Under Dorrance's leadership, the Tar Heels have won 21 of the 41 NCAA Women's Soccer Championships. The Tar Heels' record under Dorrance stood at 809-67-36 (.887 winning percentage) over 33 seasons at the end of the 2017 season. He has led his team to a 101-game unbeaten streak and coached 13 different women to a total of 20 National Player of the Year awards. The NCAA has recognized Dorrance as the Women's Soccer Coach of the Year seven times (1982, 1986, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006) and as the Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987. On March 10, 2008, Dorrance was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In this episode we get to see behind the winning and delve into a little more of what makes a great mind tick...Anson at his informal and eminent best.

S4 · E57

4 set 2025

1:14:16

Episode 56: Season 4...In Conversation with Matthew Bishop - "The Critical Friend" patience, care and holding space for others to thrive - an expert mentoring masterclass

Matthew Bishop The Football Association (THE FA) Senior Professional Game UEFA A Diploma Lead A Mentoring Masterclass... Matt experience is off the chart. Currently, he is the Football Association (THE FA), Senior Professional Game UEFA A Diploma Lead, Former Assistant Manager Aldershot Town FC, Newport County FC, Hereford FC and a UEFA Pro Diploma coach. "Bish" as he is more affectionately known will be well know in the United Kingdom and Europe, responsible for mentoring and supporting thousands of coaches and ex professional players currently working in the game and aspiring to reach the top. A man with over 30 years experience at the forfront of the coach education and mentoring game. This is an absolute must listen for any aspiring coach. Lessons in the journey, lessons in reflection, how to treat people and how to have a major impact. I want to say a huge thank you from a personal standpoint to Bish as he remains of the major influences in my life and we talk about that genuine empathy and warmth that he knew I needed during the early years of my life in the game. An expert in every sense, with the humility and drive to continue learning and a great example of exactly the kind of person we know the game is in good hands with...

S4 · E56

22 ago 2025

1:16:03

Episode 55: Season 4...In Conversation with Jonathan Jones " A week spent inside Real Madrid"

JJ is a highly ambitious and forward-thinking UEFA Pro Licence holder and he is still under 40. A father of 2, a husband and a man who has accumulated vast experience within coaching, at first team and Academy level, through roles in Wales in the UK. He possess diverse experience as head coach, academy coach, coach educator, analyst and lecturer in football and coaching performance at the illustrious University of South Wales, and he uses these facets to enhance the development and performance of the players and aspiring coaches under his tutelage.Throughout his coaching career, he has led from the front to motivate and drive players, playing a key role within a multi-disciplined team having furthered his professional development through attainment of degree qualifications. He is the current assistant coach of the mens u19 Wales International football team and he is here today top talk about all that, including the journey to obtaining the famous UEFA Pro License and the week he spent with Carlo Ancelotti and his staff inside Real Madrid FC in Spain. A must listen for any aspiring coaches everywhere...

S4 · E55

20 ago 2025

53:26

Episode 54: Season 4...In Conversation with Nate Baker " The ultimate word on Development vs Winning"

Over the last 35 years, I’ve lived every layer of American soccer — from youth standout to Division 1 captain, pro player, and coach at nearly every level: grassroots, college, and MLS academies.But along the way, something became painfully clear. Development — real, human-centered development — was missing. In 2022, I launched The Developer’s Way — a philosophy-driven coaching education platform dedicated to reshaping how we think about leadership, player development, and culture creation within a system that too often values short-term results over long-term growth. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to elevating the standards for coaching and development — not through wins and losses, but through ideas, environments, and leaders who put people first. My mission: to help coaches develop their people and build environments where long-term development thrives. Here’s how the work is evolving:→ I’ve published 165+ articles (and counting) breaking down leadership, culture, and development systems in our game.→ I’ve written 123+ newsletter issues educating 1,800+ coaches weekly on the art and science of development.→ I’m the Technical Director at Achilles FC (MLS NEXT), where we model the Developer’s Way in action.→ I show up on LinkedIn every weekday at 9AM ET, sharing ideas, frameworks, and provocations for coaches ready to evolve. If you’re interested in applying this philosophy to your own leadership, here’s where to begin: BECOMING THE DEVELOPER COACH MINDLAB. A self-paced program designed to help coaches clarify their values, align their methods, and build environments that prioritize long-term development. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nate-baker-86580942

S4 · E54

13 ago 2025

1:26:49

Episode 53: Season 4...In Conversation with Annemieke Griffin "Player Performance Manager to the Star Players"

I am not a coach. I am a Player Performance Manager — working at the highest level of professional football to guide, protect, and evolve the mental side of elite performance.With over a decade of experience across the biggest leagues in the world — from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A to La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Eredivisie — I’ve worked with players at every level of the game, helping them navigate the psychological demands of elite sport. My work isn’t built around sessions. It’s built around partnerships — deep, high-trust collaborations with players who are ready to take ownership of their careers and perform from the inside out. From navigating career-defining decisions to regulating energy, rebuilding confidence after injury, or preparing for the World Cup — I help players lead from their inner core. My role is to build and manage the mental architecture behind a sustainable, high-impact career. The individual is always at the forefront. There is no fixed model. We find the approach that fits you — your identity, your path, your ambition. Together, we don’t just work on performance. We protect what makes you unique and build a future that aligns with it. My work is strategic, personal, and deeply committed — designed for players who want to go all in.If you're ready to lead from the inside out — we go together.

S4 · E53

13 ago 2025

1:08:51

Episode 52: Season 4...In conversation with Amber Brooks "A life at the top in Professional Soccer"

Amber Jean Wisner (née Brooks; born January 23, 1991) is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a defender for USL Super League club Dallas Trinity. She has previously played for Adelaide United, the Houston Dash, OL Reign, the Washington Spirit, the Portland Thorns, Bayern Munich, and the Vancouver Whitecaps. She also represented the United States on numerous youth national teams and earned one cap with the senior national team. Born in Evansville, Indiana, and raised in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Wisner attended The Pennington School in New Jersey. She scored 62 goals and had 30 assists during her first three years for a total of 154 points. She did not play as a senior due to a knee injury and National Team commitments. Wisner was named first-team All-County and a Parade Magazine All-America as a junior after she helped the team finish the 2008 season undefeated at 18–0, winning its sixth straight Prep-A state championship and its third MCT Championship in five years. Pennington was ranked by the NSCAA and ESPN Rise as the number one team in the nation the same year. Wisner was awarded the 2008 NSCAA Girls' Scholar Athlete of the Year Award and was ranked by ESPN Rise as the number one recruit in the nation in 2009. Wisner was captain of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels women's soccer team her junior and senior year (2011–2012). She accrued several accolades during her four years with the Tar Heels, becoming a two-time NCAA National Champion and winning the College Cup in 2009 and in 2012. She scored 34 goals and added 19 assists during her college career.

S4 · E52

13 ago 2025

1:25:22

Episode 51: Season 4... In Conversation with Jason Carney "Saying what others won't in US Youth Soccer"

Jason the Director of Coaching at FC Portland in Oregon, United States of America. He is an A-Licensed coach with extensive professional experience, including time at Preston North End FC (1996–2002). Proven ability to develop players across all stages — from academy to first team — while fostering strong team cultures and positive learning environments. Now based in Oregon, he is passionate about contributing to the growth of soccer in the U.S. and bringing high standards and methodologies to ambitious American clubs. Committed to continuous learning and mentoring both players and fellow coaches. Jason is so. much more than the sum of his parts and his impressive experience and qualifications. He is a seminal voice in what surely has to be the change agent for youth soccer across the United States. A man who is happy to share his opinions and say what others won't ...His common sense, educated approach is a refreshing listen. In a world that can sometimes forget about the people, Jason takes on all the big issues, "Winning vs Development", "Playing time" "What does good look like". , How parents need to be eductaed"..He is just the right voice at the right time in the multi million $ business of youth sport which needs monumental change to evolve. A Must Listen for any aspiring coach, player or parent...enjoy.

S4 · E51

15 lug 2025

1:20:50

SPECIAL EPISODE 50 - Special Guest Hal DellaTorre - "Real Life and Going all in..."

This Historic episode marks the special 50th episode of the podcast and It couldn't be a realer, more authentic account of real life success and failure. No matter what industry your in or what your trying to get to the top of this is worth every second of your time spent... Hal DellaTorre is a Husband, father, family man, businessman, entrepreneur and CrossFit coach who is so much more than physical fitness. His story is one that anyone striving to achieve anything should listen too. From growing up in humble beginnings in 1970s New York, struggling through both his parent's suffering with drug addiction issues, a father at 18 years old, a family man, with over 20 years working for the New York City Sanitation Department. A self made millionaire, who has had every reason not to succeed but did it anyway. His authentic take on life, overcoming obstacles, connecting with people and always making the most of the opportunities in front of you will change your life. This one isn't like the others. It's a "warts and all" account and Hal leaves nothing out from time spent in correctional facilities to the day you wake up check your bank account and see a $1,000,000 balance... The true power is in the way you see your circumstances and the drive that's within you to manifest what you want... Inspiration and strength to chase your own dreams guaranteed...enjoy.

S4 · E50

9 lug 2025

1:23:29

Stagione 3

Episode 49: Season 3... In Conversation with...Premier League Referee Mark Halsey

"tired of never getting to hear from the Ref!!!" Well, that all changes right now... Mark R. Halsey is an English retired professional football referee who was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, later based in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Halsey primarily refereed in the Premier League from 1999 to 2013 and was on the league's list of Select Group Referees from its creation in 2001 until his retirement. His first Premier League appointment was a fixture between Wimbledon and Coventry City in August 1999 and over the course of his professional career he refereed a number of notable matches, including the FA Community Shield in 2007 and the 2008 final of the Football League Cup. In 2009 Halsey underwent chemotherapy to treat a cancerous tumour in his throat. He returned to refereeing in the top-flight in 2010. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2012–13 season. Today he joins us on the Pro Player Podcast to give us the referees perspective or what it takes to officiate a Premier League football match. He also shares his honest opinions on technology in football, VAR and the future development of the worlds most popular game. Never one to shy away from his authentic self, Mark is a living, breathing lesson in the importance of knowing yourself and leading from the front. A must listen for aspiring coaches and those already in the industry.

S3 · E49

12 ago 2024

48:17

3 di 8