In this episode of 'Emerging Excellence,' we are joined by Myles Smith, the assistant manager at El Etihad in Saudi Arabia and a former member of the coaching teams at West Ham and Manchester United's women's teams.
He discusses the importance of a holistic approach to player development, emphasizing the need for diversity in player characteristics and the role of coaches as facilitators.
Myles talks about the challenges and rewards of working in high-performance environments and underscores the need for adaptability in leadership to cater to individual and team needs.
Throughout the interview, Myles lends valuable insights into the difference between coaching male and female athletes, the impact of cultural and environmental factors on coaching strategies, and how to foster key traits in athletes for success.
Furthermore, he reflects on the psychological aspects of high-performance sports, including dealing with pressure and maintaining performance standards.
Myles is open to connecting with others via Twitter and LinkedIn for further discussion or advice, especially for those starting their careers in sports.
00:00 Welcome to Emerging Excellence: Meet Myles Smith
00:37 Journey Through Professional Sports: From Dreams to Reality
02:46 Breaking into the Industry: The West Ham Experience
04:53 Transition to Women's Football: A New Chapter at West Ham
06:17 The Manchester United Dream: Achieving Childhood Goals
07:17 Embracing New Horizons: The Move to Jeddah
07:55 Exploring Development and Gender Differences in Sports
12:25 The Intensity of Professional Football: A Deep Dive
18:43 Comparing Cultures: West Ham vs. Manchester United
21:37 The Unique Culture of Manchester United
23:30 Development Principles in Football Academies
24:57 Holistic Approach to Player Development
26:21 Implementing Life Skills Beyond Football
30:07 Adapting Coaching Methods for Individual Players
34:41 Embracing Diversity and Individuality in Teams
40:23 Effective Leadership and Adaptability in Coaching
43:26 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information