From working on Hull’s fish docks to standing on the touchline at Wembley, Steve reflects on the evolution of the sport and the people and principles that shaped him. Whether you’re a performance coach, team manager, or aspiring leader in sport, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of early coaching influences and how Brian Smith shaped Steve's entire coaching outlook
• What it was really like transitioning from part-time pro in the mud to full-time athlete in the Super League era
• How to build identity and unity in a national team without a home base – and why Steve moved England’s programme to Loughborough
• Leading England to a heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat — and how to handle pressure and process loss
• Turning around Catalans Dragons: the brutal honesty, cultural differences, and a French barbecue that changed everything
• Why great coaches need great support teams – and Steve’s advice to anyone aspiring to coach at the highest level

From tactical insights to leadership philosophies, Steve shares stories that are honest, humorous, and hugely insightful.
**
About Steve McNamara**
Steve McNamara is a former professional Rugby League player and top-level coach with over 35 years in the game. He’s coached England at a home World Cup, worked in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, and led Catalans Dragons to their first major trophy and multiple Grand Final appearances. Known for his leadership, culture-building, and tactical insight, Steve is one of the sport’s most respected figures.

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Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world's most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.

Whether you're a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport's greatest underdog stories.

About Jared Roberts-Smith
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.

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​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
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What if the key to unlocking peak performance isn’t just data or drills—but care? Join coaching legend Jeff Reinebold—a pioneer across the NFL, CFL, NCAA, and Sky Sports—as he unveils the untold secrets behind football’s evolution.

In this episode, Reinebold (coach, broadcaster, and sports science advocate) pulls back the curtain on:

**Tech’s Game-Changing Role: **How Catapult and modern metrics transformed player safety—and why “old-school grit” alone can’t protect athletes.

**The Vermeil Effect: **Lessons from NFL icon Dick Vermeil on mentoring players before metrics existed—and why “care” is vital.

**Avoiding Catastrophe: **The heart-stopping story of a player’s death that reshaped Reinebold’s approach to conditioning—and what every coach must learn.

**Future-Proofing Football: **Can AI and wearables coexist with locker-room soul? Reinebold’s blueprint for blending tradition with innovation.

Why Sports Science Pros Need This Episode:

Actionable Insights: Learn how to balance hard data with human connection—a skill critical for today’s athlete development.

Safety First: Discover protocols to prevent overtraining, reduce injuries, and build trust (backed by 50 years of trial-by-fire experience).

**Legacy Building: **Steal Vermeil’s mentorship playbook for creating cultures where players and tech thrive.

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a masterclass from a man who’s coached on three continents, survived football’s analog-to-digital revolution, and still believes the game’s future hinges on one question: Do your athletes know you care?

Listen now and redefine what “science” means in your playbook.

** About Jeff Reinebold**
Jeff Reinebold is an American football coach with over four decades of experience across collegiate and professional levels. Born on November 19, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana, he played defensive back at the University of Maine before embarking on a diverse coaching career. Reinebold has held positions in the Canadian Football League (CFL), NFL Europe, and NCAA, serving teams such as the BC Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Notably, he contributed to the University of Hawai‘i's successful 2006 and 2007 seasons, which included a historic BCS bowl appearance. Beyond coaching, Reinebold is recognized as an NFL analyst for Sky Sports in the UK and hosts "The Jeff Reinebold Show." As of 2024, he serves as the defensive tackles coach for the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors.

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SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

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