introduction to how it works

Back ground

As a professional sports coach from the Netherlands, I have dedicated over 25 years to working with elite athletes and sport organisations in Ireland and abroad. My expertise lies in athlete development, with a strong focus on nurturing their holistic growth and long-term success. While athletes are ultimately responsible for their own progress, the support they receive before and during their careers is essential for achieving excellence. My goal is to guide athletes in recognising their own paths and making informed decisions throughout their journeys.

One-on-One Consultations

Elite sports coaches aim to deliver outstanding team results, and modern coaching has evolved to encompass comprehensive physical, skills, mental, and tactical training. However, not all coaches have the time to work specifically on a one-to-one basis with each individual athelte. Even specialist coaches tend to focus predominantly on their area of expertise, often overlooking the holistic and individual development crucial for an athlete's personal growth.

In my one-on-one consultations, I focus on the personal development of elite athletes, employing advanced techniques such as detailed assessments and analysis. This data becomes valuable when synthesised and presented as holistic feedback. Unlike organisations that prioritise their own perspectives and have little time or interest in managing individual needs, I place the athlete at the centre, treating the club or team as their workplace.

Expertise and Experience

My journey in sports coaching began in 1998 with the senior Irish national women's hockey team as a goalkeeper coach, alongside my role as a head coach for various clubs. My responsibilities included video analysis to enhance player performance, which sparked my interest in data-driven coaching. I expanded this approach to include comprehensive data on all players, including opponents, working closely with the national team.

I pursued a Master’s degree in Sport Research at the elite level from UCD, Dublin, and have since collaborated with hundreds of elite athletes across sports such as hockey, rugby, and football. Additionally, I have mentored coaches at the developmental level, serving as both a tutor and mentor.

Since my first step with the Irish ladies I have worked with rugby, football and hockey players both in Ireland as well as abroad. Some of them competing at world level.

How Does It Work for an Athlete

Once you start working with me, the process typically involves a few steps.

Profile creating

First, a profile is created for each athlete. For example, an elite hockey player at the national level, aged 18, with 2 years of high-performance training and 10 years of development experience since age 8. This player has participated in the national underage program for 2 years and aspires to become an Irish national senior player.

Assessment and Interviews

We begin with thorough assessments and interviews involving the player and their coaches, and often include family members for additional insights. We conduct a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the athlete’s development.

Goal Setting

A critical component is setting specific, achievable goals with the athlete. These goals are broken down into actionable steps, ensuring the athlete understands their role, availability, and the effort required. The athlete takes full ownership of this process, with my support ensuring we stay on track. This method fosters motivation and self-regulation.

Regular Monitoring

Regular meetings with the athlete to review progress, collaborating with team coaches and other members of the management team. My approach is evidence-based, utilising video analysis and comprehensive sports data, including physical performance metrics.

Securing the Path to Success

The personal coaches’ commitment is to ensure the athlete remains on the right path towards their goals. This involves consistent check-ins, progress monitoring, and reassessing goals to adapt to any changes in the athlete's journey.