Podcast
Inside The Game
Hosted by Steel Sports · EN
Inside The Game is a weekly podcast with Stuart Sharples, hosted by Steel United, designed to support coaches, players, and parents by breaking down key topics from our coaching curriculum. Each episode dives into a fundamental aspect of the game, explores a core value that shapes player development, and features a special guest offering insights on the weekly theme. Whether you're on the pitch or in the stands, this podcast will help you understand the game on a deeper level. Let’s step inside the game!
17episodes
Episodes
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Episode Twenty - Building Life Skills
Oct 3100:18:42Tap to summarizeIn 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:“Looking back over this season, what’s one area of your coaching you’ve seen the most growth in — and one you still want to develop?”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
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Episode Nineteen - Utilizing Set Pieces
Oct 2400:18:01Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode Eighteen - The Coaching Journey
Oct 1700:19:37Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode Seventeen - The View Of A Goalkeeper
Oct 1000:19:35Tap to summarizeIn Week 7 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores The Goalkeeper’s View — seeing the game through the eyes of the last line of defense. Goalkeepers embody integrity, leading with communication, composure, and accountability during defensive transitions.Stuart breaks down Defensive Transitions — the moments after possession is lost — and shares a practical session to train recovery, delay, and team organization, with goalkeepers guiding the unit. Integrity is key: doing the unseen work, tracking runners, and helping teammates stay connected under pressure.This week’s guest is Jake Tillet, who shares insights on reading the game, commanding transitions, and building trust through communication.The Coaching Question of the Week: “Which core value do you find the hardest to bring into your sessions?” — a moment to reflect on how your coaching aligns with our values.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that connect the why behind how we coach.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #DefensiveTransitions #Integrity #Goalkeepers #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips
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Episode Sixteen - The Art Of Counter Attacking
Oct 300:20:35Tap to summarizeIn Week 6 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of The Art of Counter Attacking — those electrifying moments when teams turn defense into attack with speed, precision, and purpose. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Transitions, and our core value is Respect.We break down why counter attacks are more than just playing forward quickly — they depend on recognition, timing, and respecting the roles of every player involved. He shares a small-sided 3v2 transition activity designed to train quick reactions, purposeful support runs, and decision-making under pressure. Professional examples, from Leicester City’s 2015/16 title run to the USWNT’s dynamic breakaways, highlight how great teams master these moments by trusting and respecting each other’s responsibilities.This week’s guest is Adam Tourle, who shares his insights on teaching players to recognize transition triggers, avoid common mistakes, and find the balance between urgency and control. He also reflects on the value of observing other coaches and how learning from others can sharpen your own approach.We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: “When was the last time you watched another person’s session and got ideas from it?” A reminder that respect for the craft of coaching means staying open, curious, and always learning.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that connect the details of the game to the values that shape it.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingTransitions #Respect #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips
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Episode Fifteen - The Greatest Supporter
Sep 2600:16:21Tap to summarizeIn Week 5 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores the theme of The Greatest Supporter — recognizing the vital role parents play in shaping a young player’s journey, and how coaches can guide and support that relationship in positive ways. Our curriculum topic is Attacking Transitions, and our core value is Teamwork.We breaks down how attacking transitions are the game’s most decisive moments — the instant a team wins possession and springs forward together. He shares a counter-attacking activity designed to help players react quickly, create options, and attack with speed and unity. From a coaching lens, he emphasizes teaching players to recognize the triggers of transition and commit to moving together — whether it’s a midfielder bursting forward, a wide player providing width, or the striker stretching the defense.This week’s guest is Nancy Walsh, National Operations Manager and mother of four daughters who all thrived in sports from soccer to softball. Nancy shares her perspective on what true parental support looks like, how to balance encouragement with independence, and the impact teamwork has not only on the field but within families and communities.Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and real conversations on building both better players and stronger people.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #AttackingTransitions #Teamwork #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips
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Episode Fourteen - Turning Errors Into Growth
Sep 1900:19:57Tap to summarizeIn Week 4 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores how mistakes can be powerful learning moments when players and coaches embrace the mindset of Turning Errors into Growth. Our curriculum topic is Staying Connected, and our core value is Commitment.We dive into how staying connected is about discipline and togetherness — shifting as a unit, closing spaces, and constantly communicating. He highlights a defensive line activity where players must work together to prevent gaps, showing how connection on the field relies on every individual’s commitment to the team. Professional examples like the USWNT backline and what this looks like at the highest level.This week’s guest is Adam Corlett, who shares his insights on helping players recover from mistakes, stay engaged through challenges, and develop resilience that strengthens both performance and character.We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: Who do you give your attention to most during sessions? A reminder to reflect on where your focus lies and how it impacts the whole team.🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that help players turn setbacks into stepping stones.#Coaching #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteelUnited #TheLasordaWay #StayingConnected #Commitment #SoccerPodcast #CoachingTips
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