Sam Miller

"What defines a good player and a bad player is your decision making on the pitch!" 🗣️ Roy shuts down Carra’s analysis on City’s second goal against Arsenal... 👀

Greenfield, Ind. -- The star turn for UConn's Braylon Mullins was generations in the making in a small town. No prep schools, no transfers, no far-flung AAU team. An organic Hoosier success story. "If you're from Indiana, you better be able to shoot." bit.ly/4sKpRwV

For any footballer who is genuinely serious about becoming a professional, the truth is simple: there is no big secret. Talent matters, of course, but it’s only part of the equation. What truly makes the difference is willpower, discipline, and relentless dedication...call it what you like, but without it, a long career at the top level simply isn’t possible. Look at Seamus Coleman. At nearly 38 years old, he still speaks about his commitment to training and maintaining high standards every single day. That level of dedication doesn’t fade...it defines longevity.

Painting all high school and college soccer programs with the same brush ignores the sheer scale and diversity of those environments. There are thousands of teams, and among them are outstanding coaches who have spent decades developing players, building strong cultures, and preparing athletes for the next level, both on and off the field. Yes, there will be mismatches and the occasional lopsided scoreline. That’s part of any large, open system where participation and development go hand in hand. But those moments don’t define the pathway, they’re a byproduct of it. What matters is the consistent opportunity for players to train, compete, and grow within structured programs that emphasize education, character, and long-term development. High school and college soccer have produced countless high-level players and continue to do so because they provide something essential: access, continuity, and mentorship at scale. The presence of a few uneven results doesn’t undermine that value, it reinforces the reality that development is a process, not a perfectly curated outcome. @Msccamp

We’re only halfway through the 2025 regular season, and it’s clear we’re headed to a full-on CFB coaching carousel bloodletting. By year’s end, the combined cost of those buyouts could well exceed $200 million. Supposed institutions of “higher learning” have managed to negotiate themselves into paying $200 million to people who will no longer be working for them. These schools aren’t broke. They’re just wildly irresponsible spenders. @slmandel explains: nytimes.com/athletic/67114…

It’s the 30th anniversary of Rene Higuita’s scorpion kick, so here’s Barry Davies’ delightful commentary of that moment. After describing the Colombian’s criminal history, Higuita does his magic, and the great man just can’t stop laughing. Lovely stuff.

@Fraserfranks: We are all our own front cover. What are we communicating without saying a word? I watched the Birmingham documentary this week and posted yesterday about something that stood out. Tom Brady’s reaction to Wayne Rooney. On the surface, it felt like a clash of personalities, but if you look closer, it’s about values. Brady’s world revolves around core principles. Discipline, preparation, hard work, energy and intensity. If you don't embody that, you are out. He’s still walking around with a water bottle in hand, training at a high level and operating across multiple industries. Even post-retirement, he’s broadcasting the same message he always has: “I show up prepared.” It matters so much. You don’t have to say a word. Your energy, body language, presence, and physical wellbeing are already speaking for you. Wayne Rooney is a legend. But in this case, Brady’s issue looks to be about what was being communicated non-verbally. Whether fair or not, when you appear flat, low-energy, and physically disconnected from the habits you once held, it can affect trust. Especially in high-performance environments. It reminds me of a podcast I heard yesterday. 2 strangers instantly connected and respected each other… simply because they both held a certain jiu-jitsu belt. Why? Because that belt symbolised dedication, humility, discipline, and effort. It said something about them without them having to say anything. The same applies in all walks of life. I look Chris Davies, who took over from Wayne Rooney. His energy, intensity, and physical presence send a clear signal: “I’m here to lead, and I take that seriously.” You can feel it. That kind of presence builds trust and sets a tone. It isn’t about perfection. It’s about pride, consistency, and the example we set. It's why I say the same thing to so many retiring athletes. Do not stop training! It says more about you than you think.

What comes first? Competence or confidence? The clip below is from 1997. Being a former professional golfer, I remember this moment well. A fresh-faced Tiger Woods, new to the professional game being quizzed by commentator and former back-to-back U.S. Open Champion, Curtis Strange. “I believe I can win now. Second place is first for losers.” “You’ll learn” snapped Mr. Strange. A response rich with veteran memories and experiences. I don’t blame Mr. Strange for his irritated response. I’ve never enjoyed the brashness of the idea of second being first loser. And I’m sure the older Tiger, as a father, and with a collection of all-too human mistakes scribed into his life’s journal (like all of us), would look back on that moment with a little cringe as well. But I also wonder if Mr. Strange would look back at that and shudder slightly at his presumption. “You’re young…you don’t understand. You’re being arrogant. Reign yourself in!” is the insinuation. “Let’s wait and see” may be the more sophisticated response. “Let’s wait and see.” Of course, my question at the top is rhetorical. At 21 years old Tiger had both competence and confidence in abundance. That Tiger was a genius there is no doubt…but he had to have a strut to match his skills - the ones that helped him achieve what he went onto achieve. Competence and confidence. One feeds the other…but in isolation neither are enough. In high performance sport both must be worked on daily. Both must be protected daily. Both must be a part of a coach’s plan. Both must be in a player’s lexicon. Competence and confidence - the bookends of excellence in high performance sport…

@bomani_jones This post had me thinking of when I was introduced to PE. Not from the album but one of the best highlight montages ever, perfectly set to one of PE’s greatest songs. youtu.be/DTpbZhaPfHE?fe…

before we decided nothing mattered before 1992, this was the consensus choice for the greatest rap album ever. and it is a monster.

@MrBurrowsPE @WannaTeachPE Here in America in my ages 15-18 Leisure Games class we do a week of Darts and I’ve found a growing interest in the game.

Unbelievable talent! 👏🏼 Would be keen to hear from anybody that has been able to successfully implement darts into their school curriculum or extra-curricular programm🤞🏼🙌🏼🎯

Things that build self-belief according to one of the greatest ever psychologists, Albert Bandura: -mastery experiences (you've done it before, so...) -vicarious experience (that person can, so can you) -verbal persuasion (you can do it) -emotional experience (how you feeling?)

HUGE SHOUTOUTS of GOOD LUCK to our @AHS_M_Soccer TEAM as we GET AFTER IT tonight against Northmont at Lakota East High School at 7:00!!! Our boys from @AndersonRaptors go for THE DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP!!! LET’S GO RAPTORS!!! #AHSisFIREDup #AHSisFAMILY

I loved being there with engaged students and fellow mentors @GymskinCoach !

@PBrennanENQ @Allbirds Why UC AD John Cunningham eliminated a soccer program that helped provide players to @fccincinnati and to the world, and when a group of alumni were willing to fund the program for multiple years, during COVID 2020. He also said he would honor the program, which hasn’t happened.

@PBrennanENQ That was sustained in a friendly vs Australia weeks before. Tim is co-founder of @Allbirds . It’s Tim’s story or Omar Cummings representing Jamaica 35x that I wish you would understand the precedent that UC Mens Soccer set before NKU. It’s a story that needs to be investigated.

Greive and Randall almost combined for a goal in Oceania Nations Cup on Wednesday. I know I bang this drum really loud but that is a staggering feat for NKU — two former players capped in meaningful, full int’l match. Truly unbelievable for the university and Cincy-area soccer.

TOMORROW, Marco's Pizza Dine and Donate for Ayer PTA TOP 3 CLASSES win a Pizza Party

@KarieBuck22 @AHS_M_Soccer @AHSWomenSoccer @FHSchools Thank you @KarieBuck22 ! The boys are playing well and they’re are some former @ayerelementary students leading the way!

Way to go @AHS_M_Soccer and @Sammymarvel21 How awesome that you guys and our @AHSWomenSoccer advanced into the fourth round this week!!! 🧡🖤🧡🖤 @FHSchools

@lorivaneman You let me know and I’ll make it happen @lorivaneman !

@Sammymarvel21 my soccer friends are already requesting your players come over for the next PBIS 🎟️Teacher Choice prize day! ⚽️

THANK YOU to the Anderson High School 🏈and 📣 Programs for sending over special guests today! Mark my words- this will be their favorite“Teacher Choice” Red Ticket Prize EVER! 🖤❤️@ayerelementary @AndersonRaptors @AshleyTibbe @CoachEvanDreyer @AHSRaptorsAD

"What cost is it to those student-athletes?" #Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz commented on the direction of college athletics right now ⤵️ says it's a football decision that will affect A LOT more than just football teams. Long answer, but worth a listen