On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dan Lock — Head of Coaching & Individual Development for Columbus Crew.

Driven by an insatiable appetite to learn and grow, Dan shares insights into the diverse environments that have shaped his journey so far. Always seeking opportunities to stretch himself—whether through leadership, coach development, or exploring the intricacies of individual growth—Dan offers a compelling perspective on continuous development.

Listen to find out more including;

- How the Columbus Crew create lifelong fans within the Academy?

- Insights behind the processes guiding player development pathways at the Crew.

- The changes made in house to shape alignment from Academy to First Team.

- The balance of push & pull when it comes to leading staff & departments.

- More behind Dan's decision to move from a strategic to technical position within the Crew.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:02 - Perspectives

07:03 - 13:05 - Columbus

13:06 - 22:26- Pathways

22:27 - 32:29 - Leadership

32:30 - 41:19 - Player Development

41:20 - 43:52 - Advice

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=en

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gary Curneen — host of the Modern Soccer Coach podcast.

Gary's platform has been widely acknowledged as one of the best learning hubs for coaches worldwide. In this wide ranging conversation we tackle topics from youth development to the recent Club World Cup and even as far as what a modern soccer coach will look like over these next 5-10 years. Really fascinating conversation and great to hear from Gary on the other end of the microphone.

Listen to find out more including;

- Modern Soccer Coach & it's origins

- Filtering through noise and signal in consuming football content.

- Prioritizing obtaining experiences rather than information as a coach.

- What frustrates Gary about coaching at the moment?

- Which skillsets coaches need to focus on over the forthcoming years?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 09:23 - Modern Soccer Coach

09:24 - 16:21 - Content

16:22 - 22:16- Curiosity

22:17 - 29:31 - Club World Cup

29:32 - 35:07 - Experiences

35:08 - 46:47 - Youth Development

46:48 - 55:48 - Advice

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=en

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by women’s football pioneer Dawn Scott — renowned for her transformative work with both the England and U.S. Women’s National Teams. With a career highlighted by back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019, Dawn’s legacy is defined by relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in high performance.

In this conversation, Dawn takes us through her remarkable journey from practitioner to performance leader, sharing insights into the evolution of the women’s game, the mindset behind championship teams, and what it truly means to lead in elite sport.

Listen to find out more including;

- Influencing change as a young practitioner by leading from the front.

- How effective communication & collaboration practices have evolved through Dawn's time in the game.

- Balancing the longer term picture whilst keeping an individual lens on the day to day.

- Learning from Jill Ellis in changing your game when on top.

- The steps Dawn has took to constantly improve upon her leadership skills and how she embraces the unknown.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:04 - Intro

07:05 - 17:21 - England

17:22 - 21:39- Balance

21:40 - 34:41 - USA

34:42 - 41:44 - Control v Guidance

41:45 - 1:05:45 - Leadership

1:05:46 - 1:11:54 - Signal v Noise

1:11:55 - 1:18:31 - Advice

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=en

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie