In this episode of the Athletes Edge Coaches Edition podcast, host Tony Everett interviews Connor Washington, a current striker for Derby County. They discuss Connor's early journey in football, the evolution of youth sports, and the differences between youth sports in England and America. The conversation delves into the pressures faced by young athletes, the influence of parents, and the importance of resilience in sports. Connor shares insights from his professional career, including the highs and lows, and offers valuable advice for young athletes pursuing their dreams.

takeaways
Connor Washington shares his early football experiences playing casually with his brother.

• The youth football landscape has changed significantly, with more pressure on young players today.
• Parents often project their aspirations onto their children in sports, which can be detrimental.
• The importance of finding joy in sports for young athletes is emphasized.
• Academy systems in England have become more competitive and financially driven.
• Youth sports in America often focus on college scholarships rather than professional careers.
• Resilience is a key trait that young athletes must develop to succeed in sports and life.
• Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for both young athletes and their parents.
• The pressure of performance can affect a child's ability to enjoy the game.
• Connor's advice to young athletes is to never give up on their dreams.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Athletes Edge Podcast

00:52
Connor Washington's Early Football Journey

03:24
The Evolution of Youth Football

05:32
Academy Pathways and Financial Implications

07:34
Comparing Youth Sports in England and America

10:19
Mindset in Youth Sports

13:25
The Impact of Parental Expectations

16:05
Understanding Emotions in Young Athletes

18:18
Handling Pressure in Professional Sports

20:25
The Importance of Acknowledging Emotions

23:29
Controlling the Controllables

24:49
The Role of Parents on the Sidelines

27:53
Resilience in Sports and Life

30:31
Highs and Lows of a Professional Career

33:33
Advice for Young Athletes

Thank you for tuning in. We are here to provide you and your athlete with content to grow and develop. Join us next week for another episode of the Athletes Edge, coaches edition podcast.

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In this episode of the Athletes Edge Coaches Edition podcast, Tony Everett interviews Sudip Bhagwai, a physical performance coach for the Seattle Sounders. Sudip shares his journey from studying physiology to working in professional sports, including his unique experiences at West Point. The conversation delves into the importance of physical training, recovery, mental toughness, and the balance between athlete development and winning in professional sports. Sudip emphasizes the significance of sleep, strength training, and the mental aspects of coaching, highlighting the need for stamina of motivation in pursuing a career in sports performance.

takeaways

• Sudip Bhagwai works as a physical performance coach for the Seattle Sounders.
• His journey includes experiences at the University of Florida and West Point.
• West Point presents unique challenges for athlete training due to its military environment.
• Sleep is crucial for athlete recovery and performance.
• Mental toughness varies across generations and requires different approaches.
• Positive reinforcement from coaches can boost athlete confidence.
• Setting process-based goals is more effective than outcome-based goals.
• Stamina of motivation is essential for success in sports careers.
• Athletes should maintain strength training during the in-season period.
• The human body is capable of more than we often realize.

Sound Bites

• "You have to sleep."
• "Catch them doing a good job."
• "Set process-based goals."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sudeep Bhagwai and His Role

07:10
Sudeep's Journey to Professional Soccer Coaching

13:18
The Importance of Sleep and Strength Training for Athletes

19:21
Mental Toughness and the Role of Sports Psychology

25:50
Balancing Development and Winning in Professional Sports

31:28
Advice for Aspiring Athletic Trainers

Thank you for tuning in. We are here to provide you and your athlete with content to grow and develop. Join us next week for another episode of the Athletes Edge, coaches edition podcast.

www.mpbcoaching.com
www.linkedin.com/company/my-personal-best-coaching
www.instagram.com/mypersonalbestcoaching
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https://www.youtube.com/@mpbcoaching

In this episode of the Athletes Edge Coaches Edition podcast, host Tony Everett interviews former professional soccer player Seth Casiple. They discuss Seth's journey from childhood sports experiences to his professional career, the pressures of college soccer, the transition to a professional environment, and the importance of mindset and accountability. Seth shares insights on navigating career changes, understanding the purpose of sports, and his reflections on retirement and new beginnings. This conversation offers valuable lessons for athletes and coaches alike.

takeaways

• Seth Casiple's journey highlights the importance of enjoying sports for fun before the pressure sets in.
• The transition from amateur to professional soccer involves significant changes in mindset and accountability.
• Recognition and external validation can shift an athlete's motivation, impacting performance.
• Building good habits and a strong work ethic is crucial for success in professional sports.
• Self-awareness is key to understanding one's strengths and areas for improvement.
• Athletes should focus on their internal journey rather than seeking external validation.
• Gratitude for opportunities can alleviate pressure and foster a positive mindset.
• Understanding the business of sports is essential for student-athletes planning their careers.
• Coaches should prioritize teaching and developing players over solely focusing on winning.
• Retirement from sports can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.

Sound Bites

• "I had a blast. It was fun."
• "I was drafted to the Portland Timbers."
• "I want to show up every day."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Seth's Journey

01:26
Early Years and Love for Soccer

05:03
Transition to College Soccer and Pressure

11:01
The Shift from Amateur to Professional

18:23
Finding Gratitude and Resilience

26:58
The Move to Orange County and Coaching Dynamics

33:30
Understanding Your Why as a Student Athlete

36:30
Retirement and New Beginnings

Thank you for tuning in. We are here to provide you and your athlete with content to grow and develop. Join us next week for another episode of the Athletes Edge, coaches edition podcast.

www.mpbcoaching.com
www.linkedin.com/company/my-personal-best-coaching
www.instagram.com/mypersonalbestcoaching
www.facebook.com/mpbcoaching
https://www.youtube.com/@mpbcoaching