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Inside The Game
Inside The Game is a weekly podcast with Stuart Sharples, hosted by Steel United, designed to support coaches, players, and parents by breaking down key topics from our coaching curriculum. Each episode dives into a fundamental aspect of the game, explores a core value that shapes player development, and features a special guest offering insights on the weekly theme. Whether you're on the pitch or in the stands, this podcast will help you understand the game on a deeper level. Let’s step inside the game!
Inside The Game
Episode Thirteen - Characters Over Champions
In Week 3 of Inside The Game, host Stuart Sharples explores what it means to put Characters Before Champions — the idea that developing people comes before chasing results. Our curriculum topic is Staying Connected, and our core value is Integrity.
We breaks down how staying connected is about unity on the pitch — moving as one, closing gaps, and trusting teammates. He also shares a practical rondo session where two defenders must work together to avoid being split, reinforcing the importance of communication, compactness, and integrity in defending.
This week’s guest is Steve Jones, who shares his perspective on building character in players, teaching accountability, and how integrity underpins both development and performance.
We close with the Coaching Question of the Week: What part of your coaching philosophy has changed most in the past year — and why? A reflection to keep your coaching evolving with purpose.
🎧 Step Inside The Game for tactical insight, practical coaching ideas, and conversations that put people first.