82: Barry Squires - Navigating the Shift from Football Fields to Sports Administration Leadership

2ndwind Academy Podcast

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Ever wondered about the life beyond the roar of the stadium for athletes? Barry Squires, a former university-level footballer turned sports leader, sits down with us to navigate that very transition. From the humble beginnings at AFC Bournemouth's academy to the strategic world of university sports administration, Barry reveals the complexities behind the pivotal decisions that shape careers post-athletics. His insights into the balance of education and competitive sport provide a fresh perspective on the real-life challenges and opportunities athletes encounter when stepping off the pitch and into the boardroom.
Barry's story is more than just a tale of athletic prowess; it's a roadmap for leveraging one's passion for sports into a successful career. He shares his experience of playing semi-professional football while keeping his academic goals in sight, the summers spent coaching in the U.S., and the mentorship that catalyzed his growth. His approach to life beyond the game—grounded in seizing opportunities for learning and development—underscores the importance of adaptability for athletes looking to make their mark in sports leadership.
Tune in to learn more about:
- How he is raising the aspirations and exploration of young athletes in areas unknown to them beforehand
- Sports for Barry in his childhood and higher academic life
- Informative look into the vast opportunities that they offer students whilst in their - undergraduate and postgraduate academic journey
- How he kept sports in his life when the realization of not becoming a pro footballer sunk in
- The strategic steps Barry took to prolong sports in his life during his post University period
- Why you should continuously aim to build your value for professional development
- His passion for adding value to young athletes through a multi-sports approach
- How his definition of success evolved and matured from being a Young player to a seasoned sports coach
- Aspects of his history that he would change
- The overlooked roles and fulfillment an individual can have by being in the background of the sports world
- The former roles of a sports coach and how they are evolving
…and so much more!

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io

Kapitler

1. Transitioning From Athlete to Sports Leader (00:00:00)

2. Balancing Dreams and Reality (00:10:43)

3. Building Success in Sports and Career (00:22:13)

4. Sports Development Role Evolution (00:29:28)

5. Leaving Competitive Sports Careers (00:34:49)