In a recent podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Troy Urdahl. Troy was brought up in a family of Hall of Fame coaches in Minnesota....so through playing multiple sports in high school and college to becoming a high school baseball coach and an activities director, Troy's journey is one destined to be one that would be in the service of others. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Joe Ehrman, Troy emphasised that knowing why you coach and how it feels to be coached by you are fundamental questions that shape not only coaching styles but also leadership effectiveness.
Resilience and Perseverance
Troy shared an insightful story that embodies resilience, a key trait in both sports and life. Through parables like the tale of the donkey and the well, Troy illustrated how perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to personal growth and success. This attitude of pushing past difficulties is something Troy encourages in athletes, reinforcing the idea that true success often lies just beyond our comfort zones.
Allyship and Culture
Our conversation also touched on the critical role of allyship in sports. Troy discussed how sports can reflect both the best and worst of society, but also serve as a powerful tool for teaching inclusivity and respect. His experiences highlight the responsibility of coaches to foster environments where all athletes feel respected and valued, regardless of their background.
The Power of Kindness
In a world where small acts can have significant impacts, Troy champions the transformative power of kindness. Through anecdotes about seemingly simple gestures, he advocates for a culture of kindness in sports, where every interaction is an opportunity to uplift and inspire.
The Legacy of Leadership
Ultimately, Troy's leadership philosophy centres on serving others. He believes that true leadership is not about being served but about empowering those around you. His book, which captures these lessons through narrative storytelling, serves as a guide for anyone looking to lead with purpose and empathy. In a time when the values we impart through sports are more critical than ever, Troy Urdahl's approach stands as a testament to the positive influence coaches can have. His insights encourage us to reflect on our own roles as leaders and mentors, ensuring that we build cultures that nurture growth, resilience, and respect. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just beginning your journey, there's much to learn from Troy's experiences and stories. His message is clear: through intentionality and purpose in our actions, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
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In this episode, I talk about how we can deconstruct coach education to help make coach education more 'learner-centred'. I explain the limitations of existing delivery methods and outline ways that we can work towards models that allow for more individualised learning pathways. I explain how a shift away from qualifications towards a professional standards framework offers greater flexibility and transferability across various coaching roles and activity domains allowing for a more dynamic and effective workforce.
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I recently had a conversation with two people who I consider to be changemakers in the talent development space. Brett Holland and Sion Kitson, are at the frontline of bringing about a transformation in how we nurture young talent. They are overseeing a shift from the rigid, linear and highly centralised methods of old to a more flexible, decentralised system that recognises the unique journey each athlete embarks upon.
As a parent with a son deeply embedded in the England hockey system - I’ve witnessed first-hand the evolution of the approach to developing talent. This shift towards a non-linear progression model has opened up multiple pathways for young athletes, ensuring that they do not cast a one-size-fits-all net over their growth.
The conversation with Brett and Sion were enlightening, to say the least. We all agreed that it’s imperative to focus on individual player improvement within talent academies rather than merely on team outcomes. It’s about fostering a balanced and organic method that can accommodate the varied growth rates of young athletes and overcome the challenges posed by age profiling.
But what does this look like in practice? It means tailored coaching and deliberate interventions that are finely tuned to the needs of each athlete. It means recognising that the entry points into the talent system must be flexible, especially for those in the post-maturation age groups. We must have talent centres that empower clubs to elevate standards and provide the necessary support.
As we discussed these principles, we touched upon the critical need for inclusive opportunities. This inclusivity extends to enhancing coaching quality and nurturing environments where young athletes can truly flourish.
Our conversations also drilled down into the broader aspects of development, such as the role of competition in sports and the integration of matches into training to gauge progress. Communication and clarity are paramount here, as is the understanding that competition is not just about winning, but about learning, improving, and preparing for the next challenge.
One theme that remained constant in our dialogues was the central placement of young people in various environments—school clubs, junior academies, and hockey talent academies. Each of these settings has its own objectives, and collaboration, along with a clear understanding of these objectives, is crucial.
We referenced the England Hockey 'Talent System Framework' as a guiding tool for all hockey-related activities. This framework is not just a document; it’s a testament to the multifaceted and complex nature of nurturing talent in the sport of hockey. It is a reminder that while the path to excellence is never straightforward, it is a journey well worth embarking upon.
As I reflect on these rich exchanges and the collective wisdom shared, I am hopeful and excited about the future of England Hockey. With such a progressive and thoughtful approach to talent development, the sky is the limit for the next generation of hockey stars. I hope you enjoy the conversation:
