How did you get into sport?
This is the “How did you get into sport?” podcast where we explore the ins and outs of working in high performance sport.
These are conversations with leaders in the industry about their journey and most importantly how they got to where they are. Working in professional sport is one of the most sought after yet highly competitive industries with limited professional organisations offering opportunities to work at the highest level of their respective sports.
This podcast was created on the back of countless conversations with a diverse range of experienced professionals overly frustrated yet still highly motivated to work in their dream role and asking the question “How did you get to work in professional sport and what did you have to do to get there?” Host Luis Resa is a Sports Physiotherapist who has worked in various elite professional organisation both in Australia and internationally.
In each episode, Luis has deep conversations with Sports Physiotherapist, S&C coaches, Head coaches, High Performance Managers and other leaders in the field of elite sport to discuss what it takes to excel in the world of sport as well as diving deeply into the intricacies of what got their foot in the door of some of the world’s most desirable roles.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. In the meantime, enjoy a deep conversation and learn the specific do’s and don’ts of both securing and surpassing expectations in the field of high performance sport.
How did you get into sport?
Darren Burgess – High Performance Manager, Adelaide Crows Football Club, AFL
Darren Burgess (Burgo) is one of the most renowned and decorated high performance managers in the world. He has led the performance of such teams as Melbourne Demons, Port Adelaide Power and Adelaide Crows (AFL), as well as Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC (EPL). In addition, Burgo has successfully guided the Australian national football team (Socceroos) to a world cup qualification and is one of few who have been involved in the worlds biggest sporting event, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This is a rare long form conversation with Burgo like you have never heard him before, where we reflect on his illustrious career, overcoming dark times, the lessons he’s learnt, what motivates him, his influences and his career successes, which in turn have made him one of the most respected and sought after practitioners in high performance sport.
Highlights from the episode…
- How family is a huge influence on both his motivation to get into sport and his approach to it.
- Burgo shares a story that only his closets mates know on how he navigated being rejected multiple times and only securing his first full time role at the age of 30.
- One of the most strangest roles his held that he eventually was fired from.
- The fallacy of work life balance in sport.
- What Burgo did to separate himself from others in the industry which increased both his knowledge and hireability.
- After a stint with Paramatta Power (NSL), Burgo shares how a “soccer guy” secured the head S&C role with Port Adelaide Power (AFL).
- Burgo shares the unique interview he had with Mark (Choco) Williams that led to him being chosen for the role.
- What invaluable practical skills Burgo learnt during his time at Paramatta Power that set him up for success.
- How Burgo moved from AFL to the Socceroos and the proud moment he shared with his Dad.
- The difference in S&C approach when working for a club vs. national team.
- After joining one of the biggest clubs in the world with Liverpool FC how he experience imposter syndrome and the ways he combated it to ensure he excelled at his role.
- What Burgo specifically does to tailor a program for individual and team success.
- Why Burgo choose to leave Liverpool and return back to his old club Port Power, despite receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere.
- What motivates Burgo?
- Burgo shares how he secured the role with Arsenal FC and how he managed the technical and administration aspects as Director of High Performance.
- Burgo gets candid and reflects on his departure from Arsenal during one of he’s most challenging times in his career.
- A nuance idea of how to focus on enjoying the process instead of the outcome.
- Finally Burgo shares his high performance philosophy.
People mentioned:
- Andrew Russell: https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/141951/blues-land-highly-regarded-russell
- Mark (Choco) Williams: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/afl/coaches/mark-williams
Darren Burgess contact details:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-burgess-a1580628/Wikipedia:
- X: https://twitter.com/darrenburgess25
Host: Luis Resa
Contact me on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
- Email: luis.resa@outlook.com
Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
