Ufuk Talay: “Never compromise your beliefs on the way the game should be played”

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“Be strong in your beliefs. Don’t compromise on your playing style and philosophy and the principles of how you want to play, whether your winning 5-0 or losing 5-0. You might tweak a few a few things but never compromise on any beliefs on the way the game should be played.” Ufuk Talay’s ‘One Piece of Wisdom’.

Season 4, Episode 4 of the Football Coaching Life with Gary Cole is an engaging and open conversation with Ufuk Talay, the manager of Wellington Phoenix’s A-League Men’s side.

Ufuk fell in love with the game through his father who encouraged him to develop his skills. His dad used the SBS TV show ‘Captain Socceroo’ to find new skills for Ufuk to master! Those were the days!

After debuting for Marconi and winning a championship in the NSL, Ufuk signed for the large Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray coached by Liverpool legend Graeme Souness. We discuss the passion of the incredible derbies with Fenerbahçe and his almost 10 years playing in Turkey.

He had the opportunity to serve an apprenticeship on his coaching journey at Sydney United, the AIS and the Joeys before taking on Head Coaching roles with the Joeys and the Australian U20 teams. Ufuk then served as an Assistant with Steve Corica at Sydney FC before taking on the Manager position at Wellington Phoenix, where his team consistently plays attractive and successful football.

Ufuk talks openly about his coaching journey, his learnings from Ange Postecoglou, developing young Kiwi footballers and the challenge of Australian junior coaches with so many players not getting enough game time.

Please join us in sharing Ufuk Talay’s Football Coaching Life.

Listen to the podcast or watch on FCA’s YouTube via the link here.

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Perth Glory Extends Deal With Theme Group

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Image credit: Perth Glory

Perth Glory have announced one of their major partners, Theme Group will be continuing to work with the club for the 2025/26 A-Leagues season.

Theme Group is Western Australia’s leading provider of food services, cleaning solutions and facility management, servicing some of WA’s most iconic venues, industries and events for the mining, aviation, education and healthcare sectors, as well as certain arenas.

The extended partnership will continue to have Theme Group cater all of Perth Glory’s dietary needs, both for events and players and staff, under the Good Food Eating brand, which caters to a number of high-performance touring athletes and teams across Australia and overseas.

Perth Glory CEO, Anthony Radich commented on the ongoing partnership being another positive step forward for the club.

“Theme Group have been fantastic supporters of Perth Glory for many years, and their renewed, three-year commitment reflects the strength of that relationship,” he said via press release.

“They share our values around excellence, community and performance and we’re proud to have a local WA company that’s fuelling both our players and our Members and fans.”

Theme Group Founder and Executive General Manager, Robbie Damjanovic called the partnership a proud continuation of the company’s passion for the football community in the state.

“Football has always been in my blood and Perth Glory has played a big part in my family for generations,” he said via press release.

“We’re thrilled to continue supporting the club and to continue enhancing the experience for players, staff and fans alike.

“Through our Good Food Eating brand, we’re proud to bring the same nutrition that fuels high-performance teams to everyone, whether that’s at the stadium, in stores, or in your own workplace.”

Alongside the news of the extended partnership, Perth Glory fans will also be able to enjoy the same performance-driven nutrition as the club members, with Good Food Eating’s Grab and Go.

The new accessible meals are now available in major supermarkets and convenience stores across Perth, along with an upcoming direct-order catering service for offices, schools and private functions.

Off the Pitch Podcast: Chris Shen on Martial Arts and Mental Strength

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Image Credit: Christopher Shen Consulting

On Episode 14 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast, sports psychologist and martial arts master Chris Shen explored the topics of mental health in athletes, his long martial arts journey and the psychology behind returning from injuries or a mistake in a particular match.

In what was an incredibly fun and insightful discussion, Shen spoke about Martial Arts and its connection with sports psychology, and explaining its importance particularly for footballers.

“Martial Arts and psychology bundle together really wonderfully. There are so many mental health benefits when practicing the Martial Arts but specifically for athletes there are so many both physical and spiritual benefits that come with it,” he said on the podcast.

“Whilst professional football sometimes prevents pro footballers from practicing so-called dangerous pursuits like rock climbing and mountain bike riding to prevent injury, I highly recommend footballers practicing martial arts of any kind.”

Combat sports have a role to play in the community as well as in the sporting realm and Shen explained this in more detail.

“Combats sports provide the opportunity for individuals to be able to really lead a life of virtue. You can take people off the streets, enrol them in a combat sport or martial art and as long as there is a good leader and a good culture, that individual comes out a better person than before.”

“It can lead people away from pursuits such as crime or even being a bad person in the community because of the rigorous practice, the camaraderie, and the virtues.”

Martial Arts has many benefits and purposes for athletes already engaged in another sport, particularly football, where discipline and a good mental state are keys to success on the pitch.

Click hear the full interview with Chris Shen, on Episode 14 of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast – available on all major podcasting platforms.

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