Karen Clydesdale

Got to, again, question the thinking of the Australian Institute of Sport and Queensland Academy of Sport (and other nation-wide institutions relying on taxpayers funding) as they forge ahead with another meaningless strategy of trying to grab talent for the 2032 Olympic Games (YouFor2032 and FTEM Framework and Future Green and Gold campaign). Plenty of the usual wordsmithery; loads of $ spent on launches and fanfare; loads of tired, inappropriate and ineffective tests for the young athletes; more career bureaucrats shuffling around the trough of resources - BUT - no change at the most meaningful and effective environment, the coach-athlete interface run by thousands of volunteer coaches. What is the use of identifying talent when you fail to create an effective coach and coaching development pathway to actually develop the talent. Same old claptrap from the usual suspects.

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Got a new job leading a sporting organization? Want to make a difference and be successful? Here's five tips: 1. Listen to everyone - respect everyone's views - but in the end, make the decisions you believe are in the best interest of all participants, irrespective of politics and the "that's the way we do it here" people. 2. Build a team around you who are great at their job - then provide them with the support, the environment and the opportunity to do what they do best, i.e. don't hire a gourmet chef then make them wait tables all night. 3. Hire a mix of expertise, i.e. some people who know your sport, some people who know sport but from other sports (ideally from a more advanced sport) - and some with broader skills from outside of #sport. 4. Show me the money! Secure your long term financial viability so you can lock in plans and programs for the forseeable future. 5. Be relentless on building strong, effective relationships across the sport - be the connecting force - the collaborative leader - bring people along with you on the journey. #waynegoldsmith #wgcoaching #coaching #sport #sportsleadership #leadership #sportingorganizations #teambuilding #change.

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Here's my favorite LTAD / Pathway story.... Tennis Australia was doing a detailed, national, sport review to try and figure out why their participation levels were falling. They commissioned one of the big management groups to do the review - and it was exhaustive, detailed and took the best part of a year. I was asked to contribute as an industry "expert". I met two of the researchers towards the end of their review process - and they were NOT sports industry professionals - just very experienced, independent researchers - and I asked them "What do you think the problem is?" One of them said, "The PATHWAY model". I asked why he said that. He replied - and this is GOLD for ALL sports: "We think the Pathway model is killing the sport because when we do interviews, focus groups and surveys, it's clear that players, coaches, parents and everyone else all believe that as soon as they pick up a racket, every kid is on the pathway to being Roger Federer". He continued. "It just doesn't make sense. It's like making every kindergarten child hold a crayon in a very specific way and making them draw straight lines so that WHEN they become a brain surgeon they've developed the right skills to hold a scalpel". And then - his final comment....."We don't understand - to extend the analogy - why you don't just let kids hold the crayon anyway they want to and let them draw anything they choose like rainbows and horses and bunnies. Then the ones who decide they love drawing will keep doing it and those who don't wont". My friends - that story is pretty much where we are. When they love what they do, they will do what they love. It's time for a different approach to sport. https://lnkd.in/gm_zUM45 #waynegoldsmith #wgcoaching #thepathway #ltad #juniorsport #sportsparticipation

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Data and trends are telling us there are shifts happening in the way we deliver, engage and experience sport in Australia. The sport we knew, particularly pre-COVID is vastly different to where we are now and where we're going. Getting ahead of the curve is the best way to embrace these changes, Kieren Perkins OAM has articulated this beautifully in the piece below. We need sport. How we connect with sport is up to us, and its time for all sports to get in the boat and row.👏 #australiansport #sportforall #femaleparticipation #futureofsport

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Sport New Zealand has recently released a futures report on how Sport and Recreation in New Zealand will navigate future uncertainty to build a resilient and sustainable future. 🌟 This comprehensive document dives deep into the 15 drivers of change that will shape our sector, providing invaluable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders alike. I will be posting more about each of the drivers but among these drivers, social and technological factors stand out as two of the most influential and disruptive forces we will face in the coming years. 🌍💻 As we adapt to shifting societal norms and embrace rapid technological advancements, the way we engage with sport and recreation will transform dramatically and at a rate we may not be ready for. What do you think? How can we best leverage these social and technological changes to enhance participation and foster community well-being? What other drivers are you seeing will have a large impact in your sport/organisation oin the near future? 🤔💬 #SportNZ #FutureOfSport #Innovation #CommunityEngagement #SportExperience #Technology #EmergingTechnology

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Regular readers of my stuff know my favorite phrase is: It's no good coming up with a great solution - to the WRONG PROBLEM. I admit I stole this from the best sports leader in the business - Craig Tiley - Head of Tennis Australia / Australian Open - but I've found it to be the most important lesson I've ever learnt. In these days of Ai, Google, Social Media, Online gurus - finding SOLUTIONS is pretty easy. The solutions are not what's holding you back: it's not knowing what your real problems are. Problem solving is not the skill it used to be: you gotta be great at Problem Finding!!! Example: CHALLENGE: We need to grow our participation base. Typical solution: Build more facilities - i.e. if we build it, they will come. But what if the actual problems include..... Coaching standards are poor; Club administration is disorganized and poorly delivered; The competition structure is outdated and poorly delivered; Volatile personality and political conflicts make the environment challenging and awkward for new participants. If these are the REAL problems, then building a solid gold stadium, with diamond encrusted seats, overlooking an air-conditioned field - will not solve anything. CEOS - Senior Executives - Managers - Sports Leaders - become PROBLEM FINDERS - then I promise you - the solutions will always present themselves. #waynegoldsmith #wgcoaching #sportsindustry

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With 100 days to go until the Paris Olympics, it's time to capitalise on the impact that hosting the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will have by investing in a comprehensive legacy program that will benefit community sport throughout NSW for generations. Beyond the thrill of Australia hosting the world’s premier multi-sport event, the Games present a unique chance for governments and sports to invest in comprehensive legacy programs that will benefit community sport throughout the nation for generations. That is why Sport NSW produced Impact 2032 - a report that recognises Australia’s hosting of the Games represents a momentous opportunity. By investing in programs, facilities, leadership, capability building and events, Government's can support and encourage people of all ages and abilities to be active participants in sports. https://lnkd.in/gzqsYGF8

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What's the REAL challenge in sports leadership? If you're a CEO or a COO or National Program leader or a Board member - what's the biggest difficulty you - and every person in a similar role to you in sport faces? ANSWER: Grass roots connection and engagement with the intention of inspiring system wide change and consistency of program and product delivery. That's it. That's the gold nugget. That's what we're all trying to achieve. That's the real "magic" trick every sports leader in the world is trying to figure out how to do. To have every Club - every region - every district - every coach deliver the experience of the sport with consistent quality - everywhere - every time! Too many leaders over-focus on strategy, strategic plans and mission statements and under-focus on actually connecting with, engaging with and inspiring the hearts and minds of Club coaches, Club officials, Club administrators - the people delivering the experience of your sport to your "customers" - your members - your families - your participants. So how do you achieve this "Nirvana" of sports leadership? How do you achieve the dream of consistency of program and product delivery across a national or even international network?? #waynegoldsmith #wgcoaching #sport #sportleadership Photo by Jannes Glas on Unsplash

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My view on the Socceroos' performance and the Australian football culture. The Socceroos, has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance on the international stage, there is a commonly held belief among fans and analysts that the Socceroos lack creativity and fail to utilize their midfielders effectively. Many attribute these shortcomings to a cultural problem within Australian soccer. One of the main issues often cited by critics is the lack of creativity in the Socceroos' style of play. The team is often criticized for its direct and physical approach, with a heavy emphasis on long balls and set-piece plays. This one-dimensional playing style is believed to stifle the team's ability to build attacks from the midfield and create scoring opportunities through intricate passing and movement. Another common complaint is the underutilization of talented midfielders in the Socceroos squad. Australia has produced several top-quality midfielders over the years, yet these players often seem lost or marginalized in the team's tactics. The failure to integrate midfielders into the game plan effectively has led to a disjointed and uncoordinated style of play that lacks fluidity and creativity. Many believe that the root of these issues lies in a cultural problem within Australian soccer. The lack of emphasis on technical skills, creativity, and tactical awareness in the development of young players has resulted in a national team that struggles to compete with the world's best. The traditional focus on physicality and athleticism has hindered the growth of a more technical and nuanced style of play among Australian players. One pivotal moment that is often cited as a turning point in Australian soccer is Ange Postecoglou's decision to step down as head coach of the Socceroos in 2017. Postecoglou was known for his commitment to playing an attacking and possession-based style of football, which challenged the traditional approach favored by many Australian teams. His departure marked a significant loss for Australian soccer, as his vision and philosophy were seen as a potential catalyst for change within the national team. In conclusion, the lack of creativity and utilization of midfielders in the Socceroos squad can be attributed to a cultural problem within Australian soccer. The traditional focus on physicality and direct play has hindered the development of a more nuanced and technical playing style. The departure of Ange Postecoglou as head coach further exacerbated these issues, leaving the Socceroos struggling to find their identity on the international stage. To overcome these challenges, Australian soccer must place a greater emphasis on creativity, skill development, and tactical awareness in the development of young players to ensure a brighter future for the national team. Dom Gangemi

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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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Introducing Martin Taupau: A professional athlete, devoted husband, father and community leader, Martin is not just a powerhouse on the field but a passionate advocate for self-betterment and community empowerment. As a Co-Founder of DSRUPTRS and a professional NRL player representing the Samoan and NZ national teams, Martin's journey is one of resilience, determination, and leadership. Moving from New Zealand to Australia in his youth, Martin faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment. However, with the support of his community, church, and family, he found strength and purpose in overcoming adversity. Rising through the ranks of the NRL, Martin confronted moments of self-doubt and scarcity, but he refused to let setbacks define him. Through relentless hard work and a commitment to personal growth, Martin transformed his mindset and embraced the discipline needed to succeed. His journey from adversity to achievement serves as an inspiration to many, motivating them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and determination. Martin's story resonates with audiences from all walks of life, offering insights into overcoming personal, professional, and societal pressures. He advocates for mental health awareness, cultural inclusion, and effective leadership, sharing his experiences to empower youth, individuals and organisations to create positive change. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of success on and off the field? Book Martin now to explore topics such as succeeding as a professional athlete, developing a winning mindset, embracing culture, and leading with resilience. Elevate your team, school or organisation to new heights with Martin's guidance and expertise. Visit our website to secure your booking today: https://lnkd.in/gugEXMTq #MartinTaupau #Leadership #Resilience #Inspiration #rugbyleague #nrl #brisbanebroncos #samoan #pasifika

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🅰 🅲🅰🅻🅻 🅵🅾🆁 🅻🅴🅰🅳🅴🆁🆂🅷🅸🅿 🅸🅽 🆀🆄🅴🅴🅽🆂🅻🅰🅽🅳 🅵🅾🅾🆃🅱🅰🅻🅻 Recent events in Queensland football have sparked intense discussions around governance and leadership following Football Queensland’s decision to enter the NPL QLD competition taking on the responsibilities of privately owned Brisbane Roar FC’s development teams. This league, traditionally the domain of independent clubs, has led to strong responses from Gold Coast Knights Football Club, Wynnum Wolves FC, Peninsula Power Football Club, Rochedale Rovers FC Inc Moreton City Excelsior Brisbane City Football Club and Lions Football Club (representing a majority of the league). These clubs have voiced serious concerns about Football Queensland’s dual role as both competition administrator and competitor, questioning the transparency and integrity of this decision-making process. This situation raises critical issues: 💡 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬? 💡 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? While governance concerns are front and centre, it’s essential to recognise the broader context of Football Queensland’s efforts to enhance player development pathways. The challenge, and opportunity, lies in finding the right balance between maintaining competition integrity and fostering these pathways for the future of the game. As someone who has worked across several state and national sporting bodies, I’ve seen the importance of leadership that embraces collaboration, fairness, and accountability. This moment requires tough conversations, brave decisions and a commitment by all stakeholders to the long-term future of the sport. *** edited as more NPL clubs confirm their support for a review by Football Australia making it seven total and more than half of the league #SportsGovernance #Leadership #Transparency #FootballQueensland #NPL #FutureOfSport #IntegrityInSport #CollaborativeLeadership

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Interesting read on gender gap issues in golf and the steps being taken to address them - highlighting the importance of closing the golf gap for equity in the workplace https://lnkd.in/ggnftfYh #GenderEquality #Equity #GolfGap #WorkplaceEquality

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Seeing academic papers that back your inherent feeling/thoughts/experience to reinforce your work is great BUT more importantly it shares with you thoughts and avenues for your mind to roll down that you may not have considered before. Rochelle Eime et al. in their latest publication titled "The motivations to play organised club-based sport in Australia" has done that for me today. I particularly liked the results showing that those who participate more in sport, want to keep doing more! For me it reinforces the need for everyone to get a good, consistent dose of sport early on in their lives so the act of participating and being active is not a barrier in itself (harder to start the older you get). Findings like these combined with the Play Well Strategy from the Australian Sports Commission gives me optimism that we can turn around these declining physical activity numbers if we're focused on people having positive sport experiences that suit their needs. Well done Rochelle, Jack, Melanie, Aurelie, Hans and Christopher on the publication! https://lnkd.in/e-v6ZbXJ

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USING GPS Catapult was originally formed in a partnership that included the Australian Institute Of Sport to maximise the performance of Australian athletes at 2006 Sydney Olympic Games. 18 years later Catapult exists to unleash the potential of every athlete and team on Earth. But why do we use GPS today? Using GPS units in sport we can: - provide objective feedback to athletes - understand and prepare athletes for game demands - benchmark athletes to be at their best - help to reduce injury risk #tracking #gps #data #analysis #catapult #unleashpotential #sport #technology #athlete #feedback #game #demands #benchmark #injuryrisk

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The landscape of professional women's sport in Australia has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years,spotlighting the growing recognition,respect & investment in female sport.This evolution represents not just a significant leap in the march towards gender equity in sports,it also uncovers an array of untapped opportunities for businesses looking to innovate in their branding & community engagement strategies.  We have seen a phenomenal increase in the visibility & commercialisation of women's sports,the increased visibility has provided a platform for female athletes to showcase their talents & significantly boosted the audience & media interest in women's sports.This upward trend is punctuated by increased attendance at games, higher television viewership & amplified engagement on social media platforms. The participation rates in female sports have also seen an encouraging uptick. Young girls across the nation are inspired by professional athletes.This positive shift is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of sport in fostering physical health, mental well-being & social connections among women & girls.Why, then, should businesses direct their attention towards supporting & partnering with women's sporting teams and female athletes? The answer lies in a multitude of compelling reasons that extend beyond mere corporate social responsibility.  👀 Expanding Brand Visibility: Women's sports are capturing ever-greater audiences,presenting an invaluable opportunity for brands to broaden their reach.Partnering with female teams & athletes can unlock access to diverse, engaged & loyal fan bases eager to support those who back their sporting heroes.  💫 Innovative Marketing Opportunities:The evolving landscape of women's sports in Australia offers fresh & unique marketing avenues.From digital content creation featuring athletes to community engagement activities,businesses can leverage creative strategies to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.  💸 Return on Investment:The commercial potential of women's sports is on a steady rise.As visibility and interest grow,so do the opportunities for businesses to see a substantial return on their investment through increased brand engagement & loyalty. The burgeoning growth of professional women's sport in Australia presents a golden opportunity for businesses to pioneer in their support & partnership strategies.By aligning with female sport,businesses not only contribute to the positive trajectory of women's sports but also unlock a wealth of benefits ranging from enhanced brand visibility & loyalty to reinforcing their commitment to gender equity.As women's sports continue to ascend,the partnership between sport & business becomes increasingly crucial in shaping a more inclusive & equitable sporting future. The Fire have limited partnership opportunities for the upcoming WNBL season.Contact our commercial team for more information [email protected]  

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A benchmark to chart stages of growth in women's professional team sport to identify what stage sport leagues are at. Thanks for presenting our study Samantha Marshall, you nailed it! Tracy Taylor SMAANZ - Sports Management Australia and New Zealand #womeninsport

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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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