In this ‘top-tips’ packed episode, FA regional coach development officer for the east, Nimesh Patel, covers topics such as managing difference, communication and the impact you can have on a player’s journey by showing you care.

Our conversation spans over a variety of key coaching topics, where Nimesh shares the clear and thoughtful insight that he’s gathered and implemented throughout his career. He reflects on his mentor’s attributes that impacted his experience and shaped the values he shares in his own role and coaching practice today.

We discover how a coaching journey isn’t always easy but, resilience, patience and exploring varied experiences can make all the difference.

You’ll also hear some clear and actionable advice on defending which is one of Nimesh’s passions.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• key attributes and skills that make a transformational coach
• how PARA football can be a great way to develop your coaching skills
• advice on getting to know your players
• that coming out of the comfort zone can make the biggest impact
• player pathways in disability football
• how to create inclusive sessions
• how to tweak your communication to motivate and engage players
• information on the before, during and after of defending and pressing
• community chat questions on maintaining a love of the game whilst progressing a player and best practice for formations in younger age groups.

Transcript:  Episode sixteen: Nimesh Patel - going beyond your comfort zone