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:

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