Win Forever | Book Review and my reflections

Who wrote it? 
Pete Carroll, current NFL Head Coach to the Seattle SeaHawks.

Who's it for? 
Athletes and coaches in any sport wishing to know more about the famous and successful 'Win Forever' philosophy.

What's actually in there? 
Pete Carroll covers his life as an NFL and college coach, his relationship with athletes and staff and how he created a philosophy to help him become won of the most successful coaches in football today.

Quote from book.
'Competition to me is not about beating your opponent. It is about doing your best; it is about striving to reach your potential; and it is about being in relentless pursuit of a competitive edge in everything you do.'

Would I recommend it? 
I would definitely recommend this book to coaches and players in any sport who wish to boost their game mindset.

This book will forever stay on my book case to refer to. 

My reflections

I was recommended this book by two good friends and coaches at Durham University.

I have always loved an autobiography from sports men and women and so I was intrigued to read one by one of the greatest American Football coaches, Pete Carroll.

From the beginning I was completely hooked on his story telling and coaching philosophy

'aspiring to be the best you can be, or as i like to refer to it, "maximising your potential". But Winning Forever is not about the final score; its about competing and striving to be the best. if you are in this pursuit, then you're already winning.'

The energy that Pete Carroll appears to have 27/4 in regards to every aspect of his life is inspiring. I hope that I can bring  that energy and enthusiasm to my coaching!


I like and appreciate how Carroll takes you through the ups and downs of being an NFL and college team coach. I have a lot of appreciation for the work he and his staff do, as well as his family supporting him through the long hours and travelling.

One of my highlight quotes from the book is 'in order to be successful, you must have a consistent philopshy. If you change who you are from year to year, he explained, you're never going to be great at anything'.

I'm still working on my philosophy. This book certainly made me think about my own coaching techniques and how I can improve them to get the most out of the individuals I work with.

Check out my site Gridiron Strong for more about American Football.

End of the Season

Well this season at the Newcastle Vikings has been another huge success (despite what some would perceive as difficulties). We moved up to Division 1 and ran the season with lower numbers than previously.... and with no head coach! Finishing the season we placed 3rd in the division. Things can only get better for us!

I'm super proud of the achievements of our team and love all of the guys I get to work with each week. We have such laughs! Thanks to them for being super supportive of my new venture Gridiron Strong too! 

We couldn't do it all without our general manager Mick who works tirelessly each week to make sure each game runs smoothly. Thanks Mick! 

Off season begins soon so it'll be time to put in the hard work for the next season in Div1. 

Next comes the Uniball season when I'll be working with a new North East team (exciting news to come!). 

Newcastle's Strongest 2017

On Sunday I worked at Newcastle's Strongest 2017 held at FSI gym in North Tyneside. 

The day ran from 10am-4pm with 2 categories; novice and intermediate. 

Each had 5 events each. 

These were- 

Event 1 

Log floor to overhead/Yoke overhead press 

Men Novice: 90kg/80kg

Men Inters 100kg/90kg

Event 2

Rising Car Deadlift

Men Novice: 180kg-190kg-200kg-210kg-220kg-230kg

Men Inters: 210kg-220kg-230kg-240kg-250kg-260kg

Event 3

Squat to box for reps 

Men Noice: 150kg

Men Inters: 190kg

Event 4

Sandbag Carry 20m/Seated arm over arm 20m

Men Novice: Sandbag - 100kg/240kg

Men Inters: Sandbag- 110kg/280kg

Event 5

Atlas stones 

Mens Novice: 77kg-90kg-110kg-130kg-145kg

Mens Inters: 90kg-110kg-120kg-145kg-160kg

Throughout the day I offered athletes treatment to help enhance and promote recovery between events. It was a busy one at times!

The event was well attended, raising £400 for Cancer Research, 

All athletes did extremely well. I'm particularly happy for one of my clinic clients (and previous rugby players) Owen Irving who came 3rd in the Novice Competition. He's overcome some injuries in the last few months to achieve a great result! On wards & upwards! 

Secondly, congratulations to Fin and Adam who both train at FSI who took 1st place in both categories. It appears FSI is the place to train... (and to come for sports injury advice).

Here are some photos from the event -