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Episode 131 – Coaching a Performance Mindset, with Dan Leivers

In this episode Scott and Ray are joined by the brilliant Dan Leivers for a fascinating discussion on Coaching a Performance Mindset.

Dan is one of the most respected coach developers in the game and is currently working at Notts County following his time with Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt. Throughout the conversation, Dan shares his thoughts on what a performance mindset really means, how it differs from simply focusing on results, and why creating the right environment is crucial for long-term player development.

The discussion explores the importance of challenge, accountability, resilience, ownership and reflection, and how coaches can help players develop the mental skills required to perform consistently under pressure. Dan also shares practical insights from his experiences across coach development, academy football and elite performance environments.

We discuss how coaches can balance support and challenge, why mindset should be developed intentionally rather than left to chance, and how creating high-performing people ultimately leads to high-performing players.

This episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas, practical examples and actionable takeaways for coaches working with players of all ages and abilities.

Whether you're coaching in grassroots football, an academy setting or the professional game, this conversation will challenge your thinking and provide valuable insight into developing better performers and better people.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Connect with Dan Leivers

TikTok - @focuscoachingonline

Podcast Information

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast

The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 130 - 2026 World Cup Analysis, with the awesome John Walker

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 130 – 2026 World Cup Analysis, with John Walker

In this episode Scott and Ray are joined by the awesome John Walker, UEFA A Licence Coach and Analyst, for a fascinating deep dive into the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

John talks about the incredible work he has been doing analysing all 48 teams taking part in the tournament, providing detailed insight into their tactical approaches, formations, playing styles and key trends from around the world game.

The conversation explores how the expanded format could impact the competition, which nations may surprise people, tactical trends emerging across international football, and the importance of detailed analysis in understanding the modern game.

John also shares some of the processes behind his research and how coaches and analysts can use tournament analysis to support their own learning and development.

This was a brilliant football conversation packed with insight, knowledge and tactical discussion.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Connect with John Walker

X - @johnwalker_1986

You can also find links to John’s excellent World Cup analysis work through his X account.

Podcast Information

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast

The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 129,
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 129 – Match Day

In this episode Scott and Ray discuss match days in youth football and explore the role coaches, players and parents all play in creating a positive and developmental environment on game day.

They talk about preparation leading into matches, managing emotions on the touchline, supporting players through mistakes, and ensuring match days remain aligned with long-term player development rather than simply focusing on results. Scott and Ray also discuss communication with players, dealing with pressure, substitutions, post-match reflections, and how coaches can create enjoyable and meaningful experiences for young players.

The conversation also highlights the importance of perspective in youth football and why match days should be seen as an opportunity for learning, growth and enjoyment for everyone involved.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!