#170 - Connection in Coaching w/ Tom Hartley

Aug 18, 2025

55:26

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Episode notes

" A good coach changes the game, a great coach changes a life"; - John Wooden.

A mantra from the one and only John Wooden but one in which today's guest Tom Hartley lives and breathes by.

Tom is a leading voice in coach development, system design, and player pathways. Tom brings a multi-disciplinary perspective from his roles at Arsenal, The FA, UK Coaching, Oxford United Women, True Athlete Project, and—most notably—Head of Competitor Development at Motorsport UK.

We explore what makes a great coach developer and how to build sustainable coaching systems that align from grassroots foundations to elite performance levels. We also dive into how emerging technologies like AI and data are reshaping coaching, and what forward-thinking strategies are essential for future readiness. Whether you’re a coach, technical director, or sports leader, this episode equips you with the frameworks and mindset to build impactful, future-facing coaching cultures.

Listen to find out more including;

- How coach developers support transformation, not just instruction?

- Key principles in designing scalable coach development systems.

- Building alignment across the player pathway, from youth to elite levels.

- What he learned from producing IDP's at Arsenal?

- Tom’s groundbreaking work in bringing structured coaching to motorsport.

- Opportunities and risks of integrating AI and technology into coaching.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:48 - Relationships

05:49 - 14:50 - IDPs

14:51 - 19:22- Handcuffs to Handrails

19:23 - 30:58 - Coach Development