Football Coaching Life Podcast Recap: Episode Three with Ron Smith

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Ron Smith was the special guest on episode three of Football Coaches Australia’s “The Football Coaching Life” podcast.

Smith is often referred to as a ‘coaching guru’ and is a developer of many of Australia’s ‘Golden Generation’.

He has coached in Iceland and Malaysia as well as in Australia’s A-League with the Perth Glory. Smith has also assisted many of Australia’s National Team coaches as an analyst, attending both World and Asian Cups, as well as being a part of Football Australia’s Technical Department on multiple occasions.

In an extensive chat with Gary Cole, Smith details how he got into coaching, his success at the AIS, how his coaching has changed over the years, the time he spent with Gerard Houllier, his greatest achievements and much more.

Key Quotes in Episode Three

His thoughts on why the AIS program was so successful

“(It gave me) the opportunity to influence the players over an extended period of time (12-24 months). Having the opportunity to train every day, with other very good players, in a great facility, with coaches who are focused on trying to improve the individual, above teamwork, was great.”

“As a coach, I think it was an ideal place for me to work in. I’ve always been a bit curious about trying to do things a better way, I’ve never been one to just do the same old, same old.”

On the idea of “letting the game be the teacher”

“I think let the game be the teacher has become a bit of jargon…I’ve since thought to myself, were there any things that I actually learned as a player (during his career). Maybe I was just stupid as a player, but the game taught me nothing.”

How his coaching has changed over the years

“My approach to coaching is based on keeping an open mind and being able to adapt. For the first 20 years of my coaching career, I never used or had seen a software program to assist with the analysis of the game.”

On how young coaches can get better

“You’ve got to be proactive, number one. Accept opportunities to get some feedback if someone volunteers.”

Final piece of wisdom for coaches

“Be honest with players and treat everyone with respect.”

 

 

 

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Inside GIS’ New Executive Edge Program Driving Sport’s Future Leaders

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

A new executive education program designed to shape the next generation of sports industry leaders is set to launch in June 2026, offering participants a rare blend of academic insight and real-world application at the highest level of global sport.

The Executive Edge in Sport, delivered by Global Institute of Sport (GIS) in partnership with Rotman School of Management Executive Programs, will provide current and aspiring leaders with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-evolving sports landscape.

The seven-week program, Sports Leadership Essentials, is delivered primarily online, offering a flexible and immersive learning experience for professionals worldwide. It is tailored for individuals seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities within sport, as well as those aiming to transition into senior roles. This includes athletes navigating their post-playing careers.

Led by Sharona Friedman, President and CEO of GIS, and Walid Hejazi, Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy at Rotman, the course combines academic rigour with industry relevance. Participants will engage with key topics shaping modern sport, including leadership and strategy, governance and ethics, finance and revenue models, marketing and fan engagement, event operations, and the growing influence of AI and emerging technologies.

The program also features exclusive masterclasses with senior figures from across the global sports industry, alongside sessions led by leading academics and practitioners from the Rotman School.

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, participants can opt into the Sports Leadership Lab. This is a four-day, in-person summit held at BMO Field in Toronto. Delivered in collaboration with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the lab provides behind-the-scenes access to elite sport operations, bridging theory with practice in a live stadium environment.

As the global sports industry continues to expand and evolve, The Executive Edge in Sport positions itself as a critical pathway for leaders looking to stay ahead. It provides students with the knowledge, network, and perspective required to lead with impact.

Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

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Image credit: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

 

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

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