The Football Association (FA) has unveiled a groundbreaking four-year equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy aiming for 30% ethnic minority representation in England men’s coaching staff by 2028. This ambitious target follows calls for greater diversity and addresses the disparity between the high number of Black players in the Premier League and their representation in coaching roles.
Roberto Mancini has been dismissed as the coach of the Saudi Arabia national team after a disappointing run of results. The decision was announced by the Saudi Football Federation, ending his tenure after 14 months in the role. Mancini’s departure comes as a surprise, as he had previously led the Italian national team to victory in the 2020 European Championship. However, his time with Saudi Arabia has been marked by inconsistency, with the team struggling to achieve success in key competitions.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has voiced his concerns over the club’s underwhelming start to the season, urging them to regroup and secure positive results. Neville, who won eight Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies with the Red Devils, believes the team needs a reset to get back on track. He also expressed his views on the current state of English coaching, urging them to find their identity and re-evaluate their approach in light of the recent appointment of German coach Thomas Tuchel as the new England manager.
Iga Swiatek, the reigning World No. 1, has announced that she has added veteran coach Wim Fissette to her team, aiming for a successful run at the WTA Finals and beyond. Fissette, known for his work with top players like Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, and Naomi Osaka, brings a wealth of experience to Swiatek’s camp.
Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) has entered a groundbreaking partnership with Premier League club Southampton FC, aiming to revolutionize grassroots coaching in India. The collaboration will provide BBFS with access to Southampton’s renowned coaching philosophy, resources, and opportunities for player exchange, fostering a new generation of Indian football stars.
American tennis star Coco Gauff has added Matt Daly to her coaching team, alongside her long-time mentor Jean-Christophe Faurel, with a specific focus on improving her serve. This comes after a disappointing US Open title defence where she struggled with double faults. Gauff believes that improving her serve will significantly elevate her overall game, and is excited about the changes and potential for improvement in the upcoming season.
Double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu has bolstered her coaching team ahead of her return to competition in October, adding South Korean legend Lee Hyun Il as a consulting coach on an interim basis. The move follows the recent appointment of Anup Sridhar as Sindhu’s interim coach. The duo will be in Sindhu’s coaching team until December 2024, while a decision on a permanent coaching team is expected by then.
Syed Nayeemuddin, a legendary figure in Indian football, recounts his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated player and coach. He shares his insights on the evolution of the sport, the importance of discipline, and the need for a change in mentality to elevate Indian football to global standards.
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has bolstered his team with the addition of Novak Djokovic’s former fitness coach, Marco Panichi. This move comes on the heels of Djokovic’s controversial clearance from doping charges, despite testing positive twice for a banned substance. Sinner’s decision to bring in Panichi, along with a new physiotherapist, signifies a strategic shift aimed at enhancing his performance on the court.
The field of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) is filled with self-proclaimed experts, making it crucial to identify true professionals. This article highlights key differences between genuine experts and imposters, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation for athletes and their development.
