Alan Shaker

A great morning with Kylie and Judith from He Toa Taua - Harbour Sport discussing an exciting new initiative to give student coaches the best support and opportunities to progress and stay in sport. I’m really looking forward to supporting on this project and hopefully piloting an accredited course soon through this continued collaboration! #StudentCoaches #NextGeneration #CoachingToolBox 🧰 #StudentsCoachingStudents #CoachDevelopment #WorkingTogether #StudentFirst

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The fundamental flaw in sport today is the obsession of winning A game; rather than - and often at the cost of - winning THE game. It's understandable. Generally - we are risk averse short term thinkers. We tie our egos to NOT losing. But "not losing" and "winning" aren't the same. The best student-athletes inherently understand this. To them, wins and losses are merely opportunities to grow. Taking on risk, learning from the outcome, and continually growing... that is THE game. In this one play, we see winning and losing of A game. But what is unseen - are those who are focused on winning THE game.

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1 Hour Session in 6 Minutes 🎥⚽️ _ Since the end of the 2023/24 season last month, I have been using the time differently in the build up to the start of the new futsal preseason. I have restructured club training sessions with the aim to focus on working closely with small groups of players in the “off” season. This allows us to make the sessions specific to individual player development and in particular, the futsal position that they play. This gives plenty of opportunities for repetition in practice - focusing on movements, 1v1 situations and different types of finishing that would be limited in a weekly team training session where the focus can often be more tactical or specific to our league opponent. _ This week’s group included: 1 Goalkeeper 🧤 & 3 Cierre-Ala 🛡️ Warm Up 🔹 Square rondo (5 vs. 1) to maximise touches in small space. 🔹 4 station SAQ circuit (1 minute rotations) 1️⃣ One legged hops - important to hold the balance for a second upon landing. 2️⃣ Shuttle runs with the ball - no turn, dragging the ball back with the sole of the foot to the starting position. 3️⃣ Two legged jumps with sprint and stop. 4️⃣ T-test with the ball - emphasis on small touches using both feet. 🔹 3-man weave to include blocking movement in front of opposition and back post finish. Part One 🔹 1 vs. 1 in wide areas. 1️⃣ Step feint with “la croqueta” outside. 2️⃣ Drag roll across body outside. 3️⃣ Flick and chop inside. 🔹 Blocking to create shooting opportunities. 1️⃣ Block to create space inside for central shot or dribble. 2️⃣ Block to create space for reverse pass and finish 1 vs. 1 with GK. Part Two 🔹 2 vs. 1 defending in central areas - getting tight (but not too tight) to the Pivot in order to anticipate pass or block shots and to prevent the Pivot turning the Cierre. Part Three 🔹 Kick-ins from both sides, particularly focusing on the weak foot - striking the ball first time into back post areas. 🔹 Volleys - including mini forfeit - if volley misses the target, player must complete 20m run at 75% intensity. Usually a fun drill to end the session that creates competition between players! The video is organised to follow the order of the session above ☝🏼 Enjoy! ⚽️

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ICYMI: LATEST NEWS: Football Queensland and Roar Football in the Community program to capitalise on growth Read here 👇 #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

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It was great to chat with Seven Network news about the latest developments in the AFL - Australian Football League. It's great to see the AFL take a stronger stance towards players at the highest level of the sport and back it up with a commitment to greater education opportunities (shout out to the work Pride in Sport Australia has done with the AFL). Although the level of dedication to this increased education remains to be seen, it's a solid step in the right direction. There has been increased pressure on the AFL in recent years to do a major gesture such as a pride round - this is only part of the bigger picture. Pride Rounds and Games in my personal opinion, should be rewards for work that has been undertaken in the inclusion space. We need the AFL to continue taking a stance against all discrimination and to use it's influence to empower not only top tier clubs, but to empower community level and junior football inclusion initiatives all year round - not just in single events. We need education for boards, committees, players, coaches, volunteers. We need to provide people with the confidence and know how to back strong inclusion policies. From there, we need pride rounds and pride games to show our community that they are not only welcomed, but celebrated and supported. It's all part of a big puzzle, and although the AFL has lagged behind, it's great to see them making more of an effort to put the pieces together. I'd love to see the impact the AFL would have on Australian sport as a whole if it threw all it's influence and power behind tackling LGBTIQ+ discrimination. (This wasn't intended to be an advertisement - but if you're a club, AFL or otherwise, in Australia who wants to make change for LGBTIQ+ people, check out our Proud 2 Play Rainbow Ready Clubs program here: https://lnkd.in/e3zkMed5 It's an industry leading framework aimed at supplying community level clubs with education, policy advice and the development of a strategy and action plan that embeds inclusion at all levels of your club.)

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Here’s a little insight into our Paddle Australia men’s team connection to Men of Business Academy

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FC Bayern München signing Nestory Irankunda has had a successful individual season to farewell Adelaide United Football Club and their fans . We can see his attacking value (1.05) is way above average and more than compensates for his negative defensive value (-0.19). As an attacking midfielder (AM), 0.41 is also on the higher side. Beyond scoring, he has begun to facilitate a lot more. His success rate of finding a killer pass is quite high and if he can increase his volume of playing that final ball it will make him that much more dangerous to defences. At 0.73, his WR or actions per minute is around average just as his successful actions per minute is (SWR). A lot more to come from this young player. He loves the ball at his feet and taking on defenders before rifling in a powerful shot to test the keeper. If he can find more balance between shooting and playing a pass, he will be even more of a handful for defenders. He has played out wide a fair amount even though crossing is at this stage a weakness of his. A more central role or cutting in from out wide will yield more success for him so it’ll be on defenders to keep him wide. He puts in effort on defending and has some success but frustration and over-exuberance can occasionally see him give up fouls and miss tackles. Overall, a very dangerous attacking option

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Is your sports club looking into the future? A key factor that sports clubs need to consider when strategic planning is the future trends of the county and how these will impact on how we cater for our players, coaches, administrators and every other connected stakeholder. Population projections in New Zealand predict we may reach 6 million people in the next decade or two. Add to this the regional migration trends of residents moving out of the main centres and we could have a very different looking sports system in years to come. From infrastructure to human resources to finance, these are all going to be stretched to the limits. Are you ready? https://lnkd.in/gfhERj6C

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Very excited to share my article 'Can greater aerobic capacity result in a decreased risk of injury in male team-based field sport athletes?' in the most recent issue of JASC! https://lnkd.in/gYUX9UTj

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How good was this win! Have a read of my articles below!

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🌟 Recently attended a university conference featuring distinguished speakers discussing the crucial role of integrity in sports. The speakers included Iain Roy (CEO of Integrity & Governance Partners), Prof Severine Lamon (Associate Professor at Deakin University), and Lydia Dowse Dowse (National Integrity Manager - Swimming Australia). Dr. Jonathan Robertson (Senior Lecturer at Deakin Business School) as a moderator for the event. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Credibility and Sustainability: Integrity is crucial for maintaining credibility and ensuring the sustainability of sports organizations. 2. New High-Performance Strategy: Success in sports is not only important for the athletes but also beneficial for the broader Australian community. 3. Community Building: Sports play a vital role in bringing communities together through social and community clubs. 4. Enhanced Love for Sports: Integrity in sports helps cultivate a deeper love and passion for sports among the people. 5. Survival of Sports Organizations: Sports organizations cannot survive if they are associated with unethical or dishonest practices. 6. Risk of Decline: Without integrity, sports and sports organizations are at risk of losing their relevance and dying out. 7. Accountability: Holding individuals accountable for their actions is crucial to maintain the reputation of sports organizations. 🏋️‍♂️ The conference also addressed key issues faced in sports on a day-to-day basis, including bullying, coaches’ behavior, anti-social behavior, educating players, issues around bets, child safety, and anti-doping measures. 🔬 There was a focus on being proactive rather than reactive, especially in maintaining integrity in science. Developing frameworks and policies is essential to prevent unethical practices. 🌟 Advice was given to young athletes entering the industry, emphasizing the importance of personal values and ethics in shaping how people perceive the sport. 🎮 The concept of enhanced games, while potentially commercially viable, raises serious health concerns for athletes. Questions arise about how much enhancement is acceptable, monitoring athletes’ dosages, ensuring ethical conduct in studies, and funding for drug tests. 🚨 Consequences of enhanced games include potential legal liabilities for doctors handling illegal drugs. Overall, the conference highlighted the critical role integrity plays in sports, not only for the athletes but also for the broader community and the sustainability of sports organizations.

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"Level Up Your Sports Industry Skills with Sport Integrity Australia Courses!" Big thanks to Professor Geoff Dickson for recommending these fantastic courses! As part of my professional development, I recently completed a series of online courses by Sports Integrity Australia (SIA). These industry-recognized certifications have equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills to excel in the sports industry: Anti-Doping Fundamentals: Deepened my understanding of anti-doping policies and procedures to ensure fair play in sport. Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport: Learned best practices for creating a safe and inclusive environment for young athletes. Decision-Making in Sports: Enhanced my ability to navigate ethical dilemmas and make sound choices that uphold sportsmanship. PBTR - Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO): Equipped me to handle member protection concerns and ensure a positive sporting experience for all. Competition Manipulation and Sport Gambling: Developed expertise in identifying and preventing competition manipulation to uphold the integrity of sport. Investing in continuous learning is crucial for staying ahead of the curve in any industry. These SIA courses were a fantastic way to enhance my knowledge and demonstrate my commitment to integrity, dedication, and accountability in the sports industry. #SportIntegrity #ProfessionalDevelopment #AntiDoping #Safeguarding #SportsIndustry

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Allow me to pen what a great friend and mentor recently told me “ Don’t get stressed about the start of any journey, be it in sport as it is in business “ However embrace the possibilities of the intended impact ahead by giving yourself more time.... always placing passion, patience and purpose before profit " While working on sporting partnership development, negotiation and onboarding, The National Olympic Committee of Kenya and Deloitte East Africa partnership delivery will always have a special place in my Sports marketing advisory career. The days spent understanding the strategic priorities of a leading professional services firm such a Deloitte , and the opportunity to expertly match the needs to Team Kenya under the umbrella of NOC-K ,in it’s mandate to deliver the Olympic agenda, will not only impact NOC-K as a sporting organization but inspire strategic thinking that will also benefit existing, potential and future sponsorships. While leading this partnership delivery and engagement, the opportunity to observe the transfer of knowledge between the working teams at NOC-K and Deloitte, that’s a key objective within the partnership echoed in Deloitte Global partnership with the IOC, To this regard, my thanks go to the amazing individuals Team Kenya, Team Deloitte driven by shared values between NOC-K President, Paul Tergat and Deloitte East Africa CEO, Ann Muraya, through their leadership passion and purpose alongside the leadership of both organisations. In every sport, as we would in business, the delivery and servicing of the partnership is one I am truly excited, and looking forward to optimising especially around ESG and athlete transition programs. The holistic purpose is to impact the ecosystem in which our athletes, teams and federations operate under by giving them every opportunity to be successful, as we approach Paris 2024 and beyond. Redefining the approach within Sporting organisations, stands as the single most priceless opportunity, that can drive value and investment from partners complimented by the adoption of sustainable models that future proof the business of sport. Here’s to the possibilities and impact of the partnership. #PurposeBeforeProfit #PassionBeforeProfit #StrategyBeforeSuccess #HesabikaNaMabingwa #KeepTheFaith

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The best way to learn is to surround yourself with brilliant people ✅ Read more about Dr. David T Martin’s thoughts on City of Gold Coast potential as a leader in the #sportstech sector, thanks to the new Sportstech hub and Growth Plan here - https://lnkd.in/gNNkQgn5

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For Arena Football, the 3rd time is not the charm. The current troubles of the #ArenaFootballLeague (AFL) can be traced to key factors contributing to the AFL's precarious situation. If we learn anything, it is the importance of a strategic and focused business model cannot be overstated ☀ Financial Mismanagement and Payment Issues: Several teams reported severe financial issues, leading to teams halting operations mid-season. ☀ Leadership and Communication Failures: The league's commissioner, Lee Hutton, has been criticized for availability and lack of communication has exacerbated the financial and operational problems ☀ Operational Disruptions and Unstable Infrastructure: The AFL has experienced several logistical issues impacting the league's ability to maintain a professional environment ☀ Expansion and Team Viability: The rapid expansion to 16 teams for the 2024 season overextended the league's resources, while some franchises lacked proper organizational backing complicating the league's stability​. The AFL's history of financial instability, a 2009 bankruptcy filing and ceasing operations in 2019 contributed to a fragile foundation of poor planning. Strong business practices and fiscal management are critical to the success of individual teams and the overall health and sustainability of the league. Conversely, failures in these areas can have detrimental effects on the sport from operational disruptions to the abrupt cessation of team operations. Such failures erode trust among stakeholders, including players, fans, and investors, leading to a loss of credibility and potential long-term damage to reputation #Sportsbiz #Learning #Leadership #Management #Success

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Ever wondered what athletes tackle beyond physical preparation as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games? At the Australian Institute Of Sport we recently launched the 'Lead into Paris' personal development series to address just that. 🎉 Our focus: equipping athletes and their families and friends, with the skills to handle the complexities and pressures that come with elite competition and pinnacle events. From March through July we rolled out three targeted programs: 🏅 AIS Personal Brand and Sponsorship: this program helped athletes identify and attract sponsors who share their values, providing crucial funding for their travels, training, and competition. It also highlights their identities beyond their sport. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 AIS Family and Friends Program: The support system is crucial. We armed family and friends with effective communication tools and techniques to best support athletes before, during, and after the Games. 🎥 AIS Media Skills: Handling media and press is a huge part of any pinnacle event. This program provided athletes with practical tools to navigate media interactions confidently and own the narrative of their messages. The response has been outstanding, with approximately 180 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and their families and friends actively engaging in these sessions and accessing the recordings. 📝 A big shoutout to everyone involved in making this series a success. Your dedication ensures our athletes are not just prepared, but primed to excel on every front. #Paris2024 #Olympics #Paralympics #AthleteSupport #AthleteWellbeingandEngagement #PersonalDevelopment #Wellbeing #HighPerformance #AIS Christine Higgisson Kathy Fahim MBA Sonia Boland Rebecca Cook Niav Owens Vickie Saunders Charlotte Woods @Danhaesler

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Tomorrow, I'll be traveling to Melbourne on Football NSW's Coaching Staff for Football Australia's National Youth Championships. By the end of the tournament, the junior national team is selected. I've been coaching in the Talent Support Program (TSP) that leads up to the tournament, which brought up a number of challenges I've witnessed related to Talent Development: - Scouting talent for TSP (selection biases) - Catchment areas (NSW's vast geographic area, and the time constraints) - Technical/tactical principles that most players don't have is alarming - How alternate approaches by coaches can affect the player (TSP coach, club, private academy, parents, peers, etc.). Wishing all the players from every state the very best ⚽

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Becoming an Elite Athlete is not the only way to enjoy a successful career in sports. There are plenty of other pathways and rewarding roles that could fulfil your goals (pun intended) and see you working in the sporting industry. #careereducation #exploration #sports #sporting

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