*Educating Football* by Steve Sallis**

The first time I heard of Steve Sallis was on the *High Performance Podcast*. His open, insightful, and highly competent way of speaking immediately caught my attention, and I knew I had to read his book. Now, after finishing *Educating Football*, I can confidently say it was well worth it.

In *Educating Football*, Steve Sallis highlights the crucial role of mental and cognitive development in football success. As a former player, educator, and consultant for clubs and national teams, he combines psychological insights with practical strategies that can be applied immediately. His goal is to help players and coaches understand football not just physically but also mentally.

The book is written in a very fluid and engaging style, making it an enjoyable and easy read. Sallis uses clear, practical language and addresses issues directly without unnecessary complexity. He demonstrates how mental strength often makes the difference between success and failure in modern football—and how it can be developed systematically. Topics include handling pressure, fostering a positive mindset, and building a sustainable winning mentality.

A particularly interesting aspect of the book is the connection between football and education. Sallis argues that learning and personal development are essential parts of a successful career. He provides concrete methods to improve decision-making, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills—qualities that are crucial both on and off the pitch.

**Who is Steve Sallis?**

Steve Sallis is a former footballer who transitioned into education after his playing career. He worked as a teacher and later as a deputy headteacher, focusing on cognitive and personal development. This experience led him to explore the mental aspects of performance, both in sports and beyond.

Today, Sallis is a sought-after consultant for professional clubs, national teams, and elite athletes. He helps them develop a winning mindset, build resilience, and enhance their performance through mental strategies. With his company *Solutions Mindset*, he provides support not only in sports but also in business and education. His unique combination of football expertise and educational background makes him a leading voice in athlete development.

The book is structured into six key sections:

1. **Warm-up – Football Foundations**: Covers the fundamentals of talent development, dealing with difficult players, and the 10,000-hour rule.
2. **First Half – Teaching Tips**: Effective teaching and learning methods, the role of data in high-performance football, and strategies for accelerated development.
3. **Half Time – Coaching Champions**: The importance of coaching personality, leadership skills, and developing a personal coaching philosophy.
4. **Second Half – Teamwork Training**: Sports psychology, group dynamics, and communication in an elite football environment.
5. **The Final Whistle – The Power of Parents**: The role of parents in the development of young footballers—supportive or obstructive?
6. **Extra Time**: Personal stories from professionals, mental resilience, sports science in football, and the role of luck in the game.

With many real-life examples, *Educating Football* is a valuable resource for anyone who sees football as more than just physical performance. Coaches and players looking to develop further will find immediately applicable insights for their daily work.

I really enjoyed reading this book and took a lot from it. The insights into mindset, leadership, and mental resilience gave me a new perspective on my work as a coach. I hope to transfer this knowledge into my own coaching approach and my interactions with players, helping them not just improve their skills but also develop a stronger, more confident mentality.