Matt Olson’s Post

Another huge signing for the Class of 2024 NJ/NY Gotham FC squad. With this announcement and the signing of USWNT champion Crystal Dunn last week (just in time to drop the NYE ball in Times Square with her new teammates) it had me wondering, will there start to be a power vacuum in the NWSL? Will we start to see an imbalance in the league? Davidson and Dunn join an already star studded Gotham FC with the likes of Margaret (Midge) Purce, Lynn Williams, Kelly O'Hara and more, and coming off their 2023 NWSL championship, will this be a recipe for sustained, continued success at the top? In Gotham's case the success to date is new, with a complete 180 from their 2022 season where they finished dead last, only to come back a year later to win the league. And while they will lose Ali Krieger (to retirement) and Kristie Mewis (to a transfer to West Ham FC), I feel like this may be the beginnings of a Yankees or a Kansas City Chiefs. Which then begs the question - are we ok with there being a competitive imbalance at the pro level? When I was working in operations for youth sports clubs competitive balance was always a concern for us. We didn't want teams playing up to only get beat 15-0, and we worked hard to balance out divisions as much as we could. However, as the teams got in higher and higher levels it became less of a concern. Somes teams were just outright better and dominating, and they were rewarded for it in better recruiting and championships. And once you reach a paid level of competition, better teams get more sponsorship dollars, more fans, better players, which lead to higher payrolls, better facilities and the like. (If we need an example of how that works, look at the Carolina Panthers $8 tickets this season) So as a fan and one who wants to see the continued success of the NWSL and all teams, should we be trying to spread the players out more? Do we think a power vacuum will be formed? Or are all the players of a similar enough quality, that it's more the teamwork and coaching that leads to sustained success? Thoughts? #nwsl #gothamfc #womenssports #womenssoccer #competitivebalance #youthsports #justwomenssports #thegist

Those who are following the #cricketworldcup2023 must have been astonished by yesterday's performance by #maxwell against Afghanistan. At one point, Australia was struggling at 91/7, and many assumed that Afghanistan had secured victory. However, as they say, no one can predict the outcome of a game until the very last minute. And true to this, the unexpected happened - Maxwell played a majestic double century for the 8th wicket, leaving the spectators in awe. He took complete responsibility and led the Australian team to successfully chase the target of 292. Despite suffering from cramps and struggling to stand, his determination and hard work prevailed, resulting in this remarkable inning. On the other hand, Australian Captain Pat Cummins, who didn't lose his wicket, exhibited patience and emotional control by playing the ball without seeking boundaries. This type of performance is quite rare, and I encourage everyone to watch the highlights if possible. I'm sharing this here because, as we all work in the corporate world, we often encounter challenging times in our projects, teams, and companies. How many of us can be like Maxwell for our teams and step up to save our projects, teams, or companies when needed? If your answer is yes, then kudos to you. If not, it's a reminder to prepare ourselves so that we can deliver results when the situation demands it." #maxwellleadership #riskassessment #victory

This weekend was amazing time spent with our team of enthusiastic young rugby players! Leading a team of youngsters is much like leading a team at work. It's all about showing up, providing the right motivation and allowing them to reach their full potential. However, in addition to these responsibilities, managing the inevitable bumps and bruises that come with the sport is also a must. As a team leader, it's important to be there for your players both on and off the field. #teamleadership #rugby #motivation

Dr. Roger Federer shares his insightful perspective on why he doesn’t believe in perfection. He emphasizes that perfection is impossible and encourages focusing on the next point rather than dwelling on mistakes. #inspiration #rogerfederer #mindset #tennis #perfection #motivation #growthmindset #success #winningmindset #nevergiveup

KNEEbuilding @lloydavies_9 getting stuck into his rehab programme after suffering a knee dislocation on the Rugby pitch Looking forward to getting you back playing mate 🏉 🔷Online and in-person training available For more information, book a free consultation today!! #strengthandconditioningcoach #injuryrehab #rugby #rugbyleague #sportsinjuries #bfrtraining #preseason #health #fitness #personaltraining

well done

🏉Pre-season is only a few weeks away🏉 Here are the boys from the Rugby development programme going to work following last week’s testing Some very good work here!! 🔷For more information regarding the Rugby development programme, book a free consultation today!! #strengthandconditioning #strengthtraining #rugby #rugbyleague #sprinting #speedtraining #injuryprevention #health #fitness #preseason #personaltraining #cardifffitfam

Red Roses Grand Slam Triumph + How to Stop Red Cards Ruining Championship Games... The Red Roses were once again worthy W6N Grand Slam Champions today, but the contest was marred and the result became academic (although still thrilling) with the Red Card 2nd half dismissal of France's Khalfaoui. Unless close to the end, or already with large leads, teams reduced to 14 players (a c.7% disadvantage) can rarely win in rugby, and so one player's over-enthusiasm and over-commitment in the heat of the contest, is often additionally punished by victory being handed to the other side. Here is a suggested new solution to keep a proper contest between the teams alive in these circumstances, and that is that the penalized team can choose: i) either to permanently lose the offending player and go down to 14 players as now or ii) to lose the offending player, bring a new replacement on, thus restoring team numbers to 15, but also incur a penalty try for the offence. Might be worth a try?... https://lnkd.in/eFmvS8wY

If you watched the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, you know what followed this frame. But if we backtrack a few notches, we see a story that very easily could have ended very differently. And that includes PSDT running around with a 66 year old hamstring tendon in his knee. (Feel free to watch the clip in the comments for context. On context - Big Jim is 2,05 m tall and definitely doesn't overshadow PSDT) What is my angle here? In life we will suffer a few/some/many setbacks. The unconditional support we receive (or give) will keep us going forward. Sometimes in inches. Sometimes in being held back to 'get that looked at'. Family and friends. Colleagues and acquaintances. The coaches/mentors - even the reluctant ones. Belief system(s). What we are willing to accept or condone and what that might mean for us. I don't know PSDT other than a few interviews on RugbyPass and elsewhere (which normally involves a MOTM award). But I know quite a few people that I believe I can bracket into that fold. Sold out and bought into the task at hand. If that makes sense. If you're that guy or gal - keep on being awesome. If you don't think you're that guy or gal. Chances are that you for someone. You could very well be the literal 66 year old hamstring tendon in someone's knee. #lifeisajourney Photo credit RugbyPass