Inside The Game

Episode Thirty - Life Behind The Lens

In the Season 3 finale of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Life Behind The Lens — taking a unique look at youth soccer through the eyes of the people capturing the moments that define the game. Our curriculum topic is Overloads, and our core value this week is Commitment. We take a deeper look at overloads in the modern game and how top teams intentionally create numerical advantages through movement, positioning, and teamwork. Stuart breaks down real match examples from the professional game, including how teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool create overloads centrally and in wide areas to break pressure and create chances. He also shares practical ways coaches can teach overloads within their sessions through small-sided games, positional play, wide-area combinations, and decision-making exercises that encourage players to recognize and exploit advantages together. This week’s guest is Brian Seay, the official photographer and videographer for Steel United, who shares a completely different perspective on the game from behind the lens. Brian reflects on the moments that stand out most in youth soccer, the emotions he’s naturally drawn to capturing, and the hidden moments many people on the sidelines never notice. He also discusses how storytelling, media, and visual content help build culture, preserve memories, and showcase the commitment shown throughout the youth game every single day. 🎧 Step Inside The Game one final time this season for an episode focused on teamwork, storytelling, and the memories that make youth sports truly special. #Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #Overloads #Commitment #YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #SportsPhotography

Episode Twenty Nine - From Parent to Coach

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Navigating from Parent to Coach — focusing on the unique journey many people take from supporting their child on the sidelines to leading and developing an entire team. Our curriculum topic is Overloads, and our core value this week is Teamwork. We take a closer look at how overloads in soccer rely on players recognizing support, movement, and collective decision-making—and how those same principles apply to building strong team environments off the field. Stuart discusses practical ways coaches can teach overloads within their sessions while also emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and connection between coaches, players, and parents. This week’s guest is Brian Duffy, who shares his perspective on transitioning from parent to coach and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Brian reflects on balancing the role of supporting his own child while leading a full team, the importance of communication between coaches and parents, and how teamwork extends far beyond the field. His insights offer valuable advice for both current and aspiring coaches navigating the realities of the youth game. A valuable reflection for coaches looking to strengthen the culture around their team. 🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on relationships, communication, and the importance of teamwork throughout the entire youth sports experience. #Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #Overloads #Teamwork #YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

Episode Twenty Eight - The Impact of The World Cup

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme The Impact of The World Cup — focusing on how the biggest tournament in the world can inspire, educate, and shape the next generation of players. Our curriculum topic is Defending Play, and our core value this week is Commitment. We take a closer look at how the World Cup influences the youth game far beyond the final scoreline. From inspiring young players to dream bigger, to showcasing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and collective defending, Stuart discusses how coaches can use World Cup moments as powerful teaching tools within their own sessions. The episode also highlights the importance of connecting players to the global side of the game through initiatives like the Passport to the World Cup modules on the Lasorda Way app, helping players explore different cultures, playing styles, and traditions from around the world. This week’s guest is Andrew Broadbent, who shares his perspective on the lasting impact the World Cup can have on participation, passion, and player development within the youth game. Andrew discusses how major tournaments inspire communities, the lessons young players can learn from elite defending on the world stage, and why the upcoming World Cup in the United States could be transformational for soccer development across the country. 🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on inspiration, global connection, and the power the World Cup has to shape the future of the game. #Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #WorldCup #Defending #Commitment #LasordaWay #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

Episode Twenty Seven - Power of Reflection

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Power of Reflection — focusing on how true development happens not just through action, but through understanding and learning from those experiences. Our curriculum topic is Defending Play, and our core value this week is Integrity. With players across the club currently completing their reflection forms, this episode highlights the importance of taking that process seriously. Stuart discusses how meaningful reflection helps players recognize strengths, identify areas for improvement, and take ownership of their development—particularly in defensive situations where decision-making, positioning, and communication are key. This week’s guest is Jeremy McManus, who shares his perspective on what effective reflection looks like in practice. Jeremy dives into how coaches can guide players to reflect with purpose, avoid common mistakes, and build habits that encourage honesty and accountability. He also connects reflection directly to performance, explaining how players can learn from quick, high-pressure defensive moments and improve over time. 🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on learning, honesty, and helping players take control of their development. #Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #Defending #Integrity #Reflection #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips

Episode Twenty Six - Preparing for Gameday

In this episode of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme Preparing for a Game — focusing on how players can be set up to perform when it matters most. Our curriculum topic remains Final Third Play, and our core value this week is Respect. We take a closer look at what effective preparation really looks like, from building matchday routines and creating realistic training scenarios to developing the confidence needed to make decisions under pressure. Stuart shares practical ways coaches can prepare players for those key moments in the final third, where games are often decided. It’s a clear and applied look at how preparation directly impacts performance. This week’s episode features a player perspective, with Ethan and Kevin from the Steel United NJ 2011 Boys NAL team—who are also part of our National Program. They share how they prepare for games, what helps them feel confident stepping onto the field, and how they approach decision-making and teamwork in high-pressure situations. Their insight offers a valuable reminder of how preparation is experienced from the player’s point of view. A powerful reflection for coaches to take into their next session. 🎧 Step Inside The Game for an episode centered on preparation, performance, and hearing directly from the players living it. #Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #FinalThird #Respect #GamePreparation #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips