The Sporting Resource

2026 has clear targets for TSR, shaped by what worked in 2025 and what didn’t. ➟ The learning stays. ➟ The standards rise. This year is about pushing myself further out of my comfort zone, building confidence, and showing up more consistently by putting my face to the thinking, not hiding behind graphics or text. More variety, presence and more accountability. And yes, an almighty target sitting there too: 🎙️ Starting the TSR podcast. Same values. More visibility. Higher intent.

@officialwalks youtube.com/playlist?list=…

@TheS_Resource When is doc out, mate.

Tony Pulis spent almost a year filming a documentary series for Sky Sports called "Chasing the Dream," investigating the academy system in English football. What he found should concern every coach and parent involved in youth football. 91% of young players in academies never play a professional game, but it's what happens to them after they're released that he thinks needs urgent attention. I've broken down his key points in the comments 👇

The opponent’s #9 is checking into the pocket between your midfield and defensive lines to receive a forward pass. 📸 As shown in the image, what is the most effective coordinated response by your back line and midfield? What should be the first defensive reaction as #9 checks into the gap? 🔴 A. Center back #4 steps tight with #9; #5 tucks in to cover 🔴 B. Defensive midfielder #6 steps to #9; center backs hold their line 🔴 C. Right back #2 steps into the gap to press; rest of back line slides 🔴 D. Entire back line drops off; midfield delays without pressure Click here to download our free Tactical Quiz workbook: bit.ly/43ZfjRn @JustCoachMD @Coach_Osku @TheS_Resource @Coach_B_Godwin @AcademySCoach @Coach_Temisan @TacticalPad @Tactica1Thinker

Specialising your child in one sport too early might be the reason they fall out of love with it.

@BBCMOTD x.com/thes_resource/…

Tony Pulis has shared his plan to overhaul academy systems and help young players. #BBCFootball

@Charlie26Adam @UEFA @ScottishFA Which could be applicable across youth sports as well. Thank you for sharing!

@TheS_Resource @UEFA @ScottishFA Relationships, Clarity, Adaptability

Great experience @UEFA for the student exchange for the pro license, 3 days of learning. Thank you again to @ScottishFA ⚽️

@Charlie26Adam @Davidatha_10 @UEFA @ScottishFA Yes, he spoke openly about this on the @WeAreTheOverlap

@Davidatha_10 @TheS_Resource @UEFA @ScottishFA Look back at europa league final and you will see how he adapted.

@StevenVent101 Thank you - fascinating and insightful documentary and recent article by Tony Pulis for the BBC

@TheS_Resource Brilliant summary, thanks for sharing. The 'making up the numbers' observation is particularly interesting.

🔟 What do you think about Pulis's proposals? Should academies be doing more to prepare young players and their families for the reality that most won't make it? And have you seen the impact first-hand, either as a coach, a parent, or someone who went through the system yourself? This is a conversation that affects grassroots football directly because the children who are released often come back to us, and what they've been through shapes how they feel about the game from that point on.

9️⃣ The game can be brutal for young players trying to make it. Pulis isn't saying dismantle the system, he's saying improve the honesty, strengthen the education, and take proper responsibility for the 91% who won't make it as professionals but who still deserve to come out the other side as confident, supported young people with options in front of them.

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Some children need six months before they feel brave enough to ask for the ball. When they do, that moment belongs to you both.