We sit down with Ian Willcock, the goalkeeping coach for Manchester United Women, for an in-depth conversation about the art of coaching and the mental and technical challenges of elite goalkeeping.

Ian shares his remarkable journey into coaching, the role of mentorship, and the importance of adapting to guide Safia Middleton-Patel to the top. He opens up about working with Mary Earps, her rise to glory, and the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks and thrive on the global stage.

From dealing with pressure and navigating fame to managing set pieces and fostering confidence, this episode is packed with actionable insights for coaches, players, and football enthusiasts alike.

In this conversation with Ian Willcock, you’ll learn:

• How Ian transitioned from playing to coaching and built his career.
• The role of mentorship and adaptability in developing players.
• How to prepare goalkeepers to stay mentally sharp during games.
• Insights into managing set pieces and communication under pressure.
• The art of fostering resilience and confidence in young players.

This isn’t just a story about goalkeeping, it’s about the relationships, strategies, and mindset required to coach at the highest level. Tune in and be inspired by Ian Willcock’s journey and insights.

What we discuss:

0:00 - 2:00: Introduction and Episode Overview

• Tony introduces Ian Willcock and highlights the themes of the episode.
• Overview of Ian’s career and the impact of mentorship on his journey.

2:00 -10:00: Ian’s Path to Coaching

• Ian shares his transition from playing to coaching and his early career experiences.
• The importance of mentorship and how it shaped his approach to coaching.

10:00 - 20:00: Working in the Women’s Game

• Ian reflects on joining Manchester United Women and the differences in coaching in women’s football.
• How Ian adapted to the unique needs of female players.

20:00 - 30:00: Building Mental Toughness in Goalkeepers

• Techniques Ian uses to keep goalkeepers mentally sharp during games.
• How to handle mistakes and develop resilience in high-pressure situations.

30:00 - 45:00: Coaching Young Talents and Mentorship

• Ian discusses his work with Safia Middleton-Patel and other young players.
• How mentorship and individualized coaching unlock potential in players.

45:00 - 55:00: Managing Set Pieces and Communication

• Ian explains his approach to set piece management and fostering leadership in goalkeepers.
• The role of preparation and adaptability in building confidence.

55:00 - 1:10:00: Reflections on Mary Earps’ Journey

• Ian shares insights into Mary Earps’ rise to the top and the role of resilience in her success.
• The importance of fostering belief and creating opportunities for growth.

1:10:00 - 1:20:00: Lessons for Coaches and Players

• Ian’s advice on staying calm, maintaining perspective, and preparing for the challenges of professional sport.
• Key takeaways for coaches on building relationships and creating a goalkeeper-centered approach.

Are you ready to hear a story of passion, perseverance, and the journey to achieving a dream? In this episode of Tony Talks, we explore the remarkable path of Shea Callister, a young goalkeeper who has defied the odds to secure his first professional contract at Hull City.

Shea’s journey is far from ordinary. Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, Shea faced challenges both on and off the pitch. From school days where focus was a struggle to football trials that tested his resilience, his story is one of determination and self-discovery. ADHD is often seen as a hurdle, but Shea’s experience shows how it can become an unexpected strength, enabling him to multitask, thrive under pressure, and remain fiercely passionate about his craft.

In this episode, Shea shares his candid reflections on the struggles he faced during his scholar years, the emotional toll of rejection at trials, and how he found support in family, mentors, and the right club environment. Together, we dive into the highs and lows of his journey, offering valuable insights for coaches, players, and anyone striving to overcome challenges in their own life.

In this conversation with Shea Callister, you’ll learn:

• How ADHD shaped his approach to football and fueled his passion for the game.
• The role of family and mentors in helping him navigate setbacks.
• Strategies for managing emotions and staying focused in high-pressure situations.
• How understanding and supportive coaching can unlock a player’s full potential.

This is more than a story about football—it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the power of persistence. Tune in and be inspired by Shea Callister’s journey to redefine what it means to succeed.

What we discuss:

0:00–2:00: Introduction and Episode Overview

• Host Matt introduces the episode’s theme: the journey of Shae Callister, a young goalkeeper with ADHD.
• Mention of ADHD as both a challenge and potential asset.

2:00–8:00: Shay’s Early Awareness of ADHD

• Shea shares how ADHD impacted him in school and early football experiences.
• Struggles with attention, behavior, and multitasking in both environments.

8:00–15:00: Coaching and ADHD Awareness

• Discussion on how Shea's behavior was perceived by coaches and teachers.
• Shea explains his subconscious multitasking ability and how it confused others.
• Importance of deliberate focus on communication as he matured.

15:00–25:00: Dealing with Frustration and Growth Strategies

• Shea reflects on his younger years and how frustration was often released physically (e.g., punching posts).
• Coaches’ efforts to manage these emotions, including unique methods like leaving a ball or twigs for frustration release.
• Adoption of the “calm over chaos” mindset.

25:00–35:00: Impact of Loan Experiences and Game Situations

• Shea describes his first experience in men’s football, managing distractions, and thriving under pressure.
• Learning to handle criticism, noise, and multiple inputs during games.

35:00–45:00: Challenges During Scholar Period

• Shea recounts struggles with club environments that didn’t fully understand or support him.
• Emotional lows from being tested or overlooked despite his efforts.
• Positive influence of certain coaches and the lack of holistic understanding in others.

45:00–55:00: Resilience Through Rejections and Trials

• Shea details the seven clubs he trialed with before finding success at Hull City.
• The mental toll of repeated rejection and the determination to continue pursuing his dream.

55:00–1:05:00: Role of Family and Support System

• Shea highlights the critical role of his parents, uncles, and mentors in supporting him emotionally and practically.
• The balance between their encouragement and his personal drive to succeed.

1:05:00–1:15:00: Takeaways for Coaches and Players

• Tony and Shea emphasize the need for greater awareness of ADHD among coaches.
• How individualized approaches can unlock potential in players with ADHD.
• Sheas' optimism for his future and commitment to working hard at Hull City.

In this week’s episode: an exclusive interview with England Blind Football Goalkeeper Dylan Malpas. We ask him about his experiences, discuss the power of the partnership between the coach and the goalkeeper, how coaches and players can break the ice in practices and develop a relationship based on trust. We touch the importance of learning from each other on and off the pitch, the power of instilling confidence in each other, the synergy on matchdays and how to deal with rejection or setbacks. Stick around for Tony's Tips at the end!

Jim's had a question to our coaches listening! What do you do to improve/build the coach-athlete relationship? Help fellow goalkeepers improve their game and share your tip below in the comment section. Or send us a message on X!

It started with a rant and now there's a podcast. In this first episode, Tony Elliott, along with co-hosts Matt George and Jim Hepworth, kick off the series by shedding light on one of football's most crucial yet often overlooked roles – the goalkeeper coach. Are goalkeeper coaches valued enough? Join us in the conversation that addresses the challenges goalkeepers and coaches face in the field from grassroots up to professional levels. 
Whether you're a goalkeeper, a coach, or just a football enthusiast, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this episode then please consider giving us a rating, a follow and make sure you share this episode with your goalie friends.
Our mission is to invite as many to make their voice and stories be heard through this channel and our new movement  We've only scratched the surface! Feel free to each out to Team Tony Talks with feedback, topics they'd love to see discussed and questions they'd love to hear answered. 

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