The Soccer Coaching Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Episode 87, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) How to plan a season long Player Development Program, a conversation with Carl Wild, lecturer, author and lead U9’s-U14’s coach at Chester FC In this episode Carl returns to discuss the topic of player development and how we might approach supporting our players individual development over the long-term. Carl shares his thoughts on what player development m...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 85, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) All things 9 aside, a conversation with James Brooks, FA level 2 and Brentford FC Foundation/ YDP phase coach In this episode we discuss all things 9 aside with James Brooks, FA level 2 and Brentford FC coach. James reflects on what the team had in place to transition from 7 to 9 aside, how they managed player recruitment, playing time, formations and the overall philos...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 85, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Foundation Phase Player Development, a conversation with Pete Sturgess, FA National Lead Coach (5-11) In this episode we talk with Peter Sturgess about all things coaching with a focus on the Foundation Phase Pete talks to us about his own coaching journey and the time he spent in academy football and his role at the FA. We discuss what the foundation phase is and...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 84, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Creating a Great Training Environment, a conversation with Jonny Martin from the Football Fun Factory In this episode we talk with Jonny Martin, Co-Founder and Director @ the Football Fun Factory. Jonny talks to us about his own coaching journey and time he spent in academy football, as well as the evolution of the Football Fun Factory (FFF) since its inception in 2019...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 83, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) All things 7 aside, a conversation with Mark Edwards, FA level 2 coach, U10’s coach/manager and Football Development Officer In this episode we talk all things 7 aside with Mark Edwards who is currently coaching/managing a boys U10’s team. Mark is also one of the Football Development Officers at the teams grassroots club. We discuss what was in place at 5 ...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 82, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Football Beyond Borders, existing to change the lives of young people, a conversation with Jeremie Tchibo from FBB In this episode we talk with Jeremie Tchibo about the work he and the team do to support young people at Football Beyond Borders. We discuss how Football Beyond Borders works in partnership with schools and uses football as a way of engaging y...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 81, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Helping Coaches Maximise Their Potential, a conversation with Nick Levett, Head of Coaching at UK Coaching. In this episode we talk with Nick Levett about his coaching philosophy, his coaching journey, and his current role as Head of Coaching at UK Coaching. We discuss what coaching is, how coaches can maximise their own potential and some of the more comm...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 80, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) The Power of Personalised Coaching, a conversation with Dion Von Moltke and Mike Semenza from Blayze. In this episode we talk with Dion Von Moltke and Mike Semenza from Blayze. We discuss their background, their approach to coaching, their shared passion for personalised coaching and their work at Blayze We look at how coaching transcends individual sports...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 79, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) A Look At Football In The English Premier League During Th...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 78, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Principles of Play and Developing Skill, a conversation with Peter Prickett, football coach and author. In this episode we discuss principles of play, developing skills, 3v3 and much more with football coach and author, Peter Prickett. Peter talks us through his coaching journey, philosophy and his 3 books (Football Principles of Play, Developing Skill 1 and Developing S...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 77, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Online Coach Education, a conversation with Gerard Jones, UEFA A, MSc Performance Coaching and founder of ULEARNBLY In this episode we discuss online coach education, philosophies, communication and much more with Gerard Jones (@Gerard_Jones). Gerard is a UEFA A coach with a wealth of experience coaching as well as coach education, both in the UK and overseas. Ger...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 74, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) The Soccer Coach's Toolkit, a conversation with Rob Ellis (@rob_coach82), UEFA B, Teacher, Chelsea Foundation Phase Coach and Author In this episode we discuss coaching influences, philosophies and The Soccer Coach’s Toolkit book with author and coach Rob Ellis. Rob talks us through his playing and coaching journey and shares what influenced and most significantly...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the benefits of adopting a constraints-led approach to player development with Ben Bartlett, Head of Academy Coaching at Fulham Football Club. Ben talks to us about his coaching journey including time at Colchester FC, Chelsea FC, The FA and now Fulham FC. Ben also explains what a constraints-led approach to player development is, how coaches can adopt it and the benefits for the players. We also discuss Ben’s new book, Constraining Football - a vis...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the launch and first three seasons of the new Canadian Premier League with the leagues Director of Football, Oliver Gage. Oliver talks to us about his journey, his role with the CPL and how CPL is hoping to support and grow player development in Canada. We discuss the leagues history, some of the challenges, its current situation and the hopes for the future. To find out more about the Canadian Premier League of Oliver Gage please follow the links b...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we to talk to Sean Conlon and Eve McBrinn from We Make Footballers (@wmfootballers) about starting and running a successful football coaching franchise business. Sean and Eve talk about the company model, its history and how its grown since its beginnings back in 2008. We discuss the philosophy and how the business now support’s the development of over 5,000 young players across 23 franchises. To find out more about We Make Footballers please use of&nbs...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the impact of having fun and effective soccer interactions at home before players start playing `organised` matches and training, with the awesome Tom Byer (@tomsan106). Tom's talks about his own playing and coaching journey and how his passion for supporting soccer development at the entry level begun and developed. Tom's book and further information can be found here - https://www.soccerstartsathomebook.co To find out more about the wo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss effective online resources for clubs, coaches and players with Stewart and Ross from Football DNA (@footballdna_) Stewart and Ross talk about their background and different roles in football. They explain how online resources can support player development and how they see these developing over the next 5 years. To find out more about the resources available at Football DNA visit their website www.footballdna.co.uk Thank you for listening and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the importance of engagement, play and enjoyment when coaching…as well as being an effective facilitator, with the awesome Todd Beane. Todd is the founder of the TOVO Institute (https://www.tovoinstitute.com/) and has extensive experience in all ages and stages of the game. Todd shares his thoughts and ideas on effective coaching and gives us an insight in to the philosophy at TOVO for both players and coaches. Todd also talks about his new bo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss how competition impacts on youth coaching and player development. Lee Christou (@LeeChristou), who has researched the topic and is an experienced UEFA B coach and primary school PE teacher, shares his thoughts ideas and experiences. Lee talks about how competition can be used effectively to support player development, as well as the dangers when the competition becomes the primary focus for the coach. Thank you for listening and we hope you en...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss how coaches can best support and develop young grassroot players. Paul Barry, who has extensive coaching experience at the foundation and youth development phase, shares his thoughts ideas and experiences. Paul talks about the characteristics of grassroots players, what makes a good coach, the power of empathy and his G.O.A.L philosophy. Paul also gives us an insight into coaching workshops designed specifically to support grassroots clubs. To find ...

Send us Fan Mail Coaching Positional Soccer, a conversation with Michael Curless, PH.D, USSF A Coach and author of `Coaching Positional Soccer: Perfecting Principles and Skills` In this episode we talk with Michael Curless (@michael_curless) about his playing and coaching background and his new book - `Coaching Positional Soccer: Perfecting Principles and Skills`. Michael explains about the importance of practice design, the eleven coaching elements, playing principles and coaching points. ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I talk with Paul Robinson (@TheHalfTurn) UEFA B, FA Youth Award and author. Paul talks about delivering sessions based on the FA Youth Award, his top tips for an effective session and how his new book `The Soccer Sessions Book`, combines the principles of session delivery from Youth Award with his own coaching practices. Here is the Amazon link to the book: The Soccer Sessions Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soccer-Sessions-Book-Prepared-Practice/dp/17825...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we look at the importance of psychology and mental well-being in relation to youth sports development with Brandon Shintani, founder of Mind-Design Sports (www.mind-designsports.org). Brandon talks to us about what psychology is, its impact and explains some of the techniques that can help players and coaches. We hope you enjoy this episode and thank you for listening. T - @SoccerCoachCast E - [email protected] This episode was brought to y...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Laurie McGinley (@LaurieMcGinley1) speaks about the importance of investing time in yourself as a coach. Laurie shares his own experiences and explains how he uses goals to help him develop. Laurie also tells us about his coaching philosophy, his work with the Curve Mindset podcast and the one (two! 😉) things he would change about the world of coaching. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode. T - @SoccerCoachCast E – thesoccerc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the difference in coaching grassroots and academy football with the superb Danny Fowler (@DFcoaching), founder of DF Next Level Coaching. Danny shares his experiences of coaching grassroots football, coaching at an academy and running his own coaching business. We look at training and how grassroots coaches could adopt a curriculum, thinking longer term when it comes to developing players and teams, and also about approaching matches. Thanks for l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss a new concept, `Scoreboard Soccer` with the wonderful David Baird (@CoachDavidBaird). David explains how Scoreboard Soccer can be used as an evolution to SSG's and as part of a general Games Based approach to training. David describes some of the Scoreboard Soccer games hes used, the benefits and how they can work for individual player and team development. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode. T - @SoccerCoachCast E - theso...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we chat to the awesome Paul Barry (PBazza07) about the concept of storytelling in coaching. We discuss how stories can be used as `interventions` to support individual player and team development. Paul is UEFA A licenced , FA Advanced Youth Award coach and a Foundation Phase Specialist who was previously a guest on episode #21 where we looked at an U10 training session. Paul's new book, `Keep the tap on` can be found here. Thank you for listening and we ho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I talk to George about his journey, coaching, session design, match day considerations, a winning mentality and much more. George is the creator of `My Coaching Journey` and shares his superb resources via his website (www.mycoachingjourney.co.uk), twitter (@MyCoachingJour1) and YouTube (My Coaching Journey). Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode. T - @SoccerCoachCast E - [email protected] This episode was brought to you i...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 59 - Coaching U12's, a conversation with the awesome Michael Thomas, U12 Everton RTC coach and creator of the e-book `Foundation Phase Sessions` In this episode we talk to the awesome Michael Thomas (@MickThomo) about coaching U12's. We discuss Michael's coaching background and philosophy and then look at some of the specific aspects to consider and focus on when coaching this age group. Michael has over 15 years of experience working in football and education, coach...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk to the superb Charlie Bill (CBillCoach), women`s first team manager at MK Dons F.C. We discuss Charlies coaching philosophy and look at how he focuses on the team culture to create positive individual and collective performances. We discuss what is `Culture` and how it can be influenced as well as what Charlie means by `Positive Performance` and how the team have match `objectives` that enable them to stay focused on the process regardless of results. ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss creating a player-centred approach with the wonderful James Honeyman (@jameshoneyman10). James shares his coaching journey where he is currently the Women`s Academy Manager at Arsenal FC and discusses his views on adopting a player-centred approach to your coaching. We look at the benefits and challenges of taking such an approach for both coaches and players, as well as the importance of reflection. We hope you enjoy this episode and thank you for ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I talk to Grant Knight (@grantknight16) from King Knight Methodology (@KingKnightEd) about their new book `Alchemy Coaching, turning training into gold`. We discuss Grants coaching philosophy, principles and core values before taking a look at rondos and positional play. https://www.kingknightcoacheducation.com/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alchemy-Coaching-Turning-training-Positional/dp/057823906X Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this episod...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I ask the question...who are you doing it for, really? I discuss some of the positive things I've seen over the past seven years of coaching, as well as the negative and ask why is this happening? I look at the groups that impact on the whole training and playing environment and ask what type of coach are you? Is your coaching `epicentre` positioned in one the three Me-ego or one of the three We-ego positions and how are you impacting positively on ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the wonderful work John has done and continues to do in shinning a spotlight on the important role coaches and parents play in the youth development journey of young players. We talk about the brilliant Changing the Game Project (@CTGProjectHQ / www.changingthegameproject.com) the awesome Way of Champions podcast and both of Johns Books (Changing the Game and Every Moment Matters). We also discuss Johns own approach to coaching and his 2014 TED ta...

Send us Fan Mail Rough and Tumble Play, a conversation with the awesome Carl Wild (@CarlWild75), Man City Foundation Phase Lead Coach In the episode Carl talks about the importance of embedding `Rough and Tumble` play in training and gives us the highlights of the presentation he delivered as part of a St Marys university CPD webinar. Carl tells us how to go about embedding it and some of the many positive outcomes. We also discuss some of the differences between coaching boys and girls, havi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Sam Holmshaw (@SamHolmshaw_MSc) from The Sports Coaching Podcast (@The_SC_Podcast) discusses Game Models, Tactical PeriodiZation, Play v`s Practice and much more. Sam shares his own coaching journey and philosophy, and explains how the Ajax model and Portuguese methodology has influenced his practice. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode! E - [email protected] T - @SoccerCoachCast This episode was brought to you in ass...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a look at how you can use language and different `props` to get across coaching points and `mix things up`, with the awesome Billy Ready (@BillyR_Coach). Billy is a foundation phase coach at Wycombe Wanderers FC SET and also coaches an open age adult team. Billy shares one of his favourite coaching games, talks about his experiences and we discuss the benefits of having a hobby outside of football, in Billy’s case hosting his own podcast `Not An...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a look at coaching and supporting women and girls sports development with the awesome Shay Haddow (@shayhaddow). Shay is an experienced coach and speaker on confidence and mind-set. Having worked with hundreds of youth female athletes and college teams from across the country, Shay has empowered girls from all walks of life to strengthen self-belief to play and live confidently. Alpha Girls Soccer Academy – www.alphagirlconfidence.com The Alpha G...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a look at coach development, learning and mentoring with Dr Thomas Leeder (@TomLeeder). Tom talks about what coach education is, the different types of learning and how we can support our own education, including the role of mentoring. Thanks for taking the time to listen and we hope you enjoy this episode. T - @SoccerCoachCast E – [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a look at coaching at the pre-academy phase with the superb Chris Hughes (@_chrishughes_). We discuss what makes for a good pre-academy coaching session, some of the challenges and Chris`s books, The complete series to coaching 4-6 year olds. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode. T - @SoccerCoachCast E – [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Establish...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk to the awesome Lewis Bloom, Elite Development Academy Manager at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. We discuss the progress made and lessons learned since we last spoke, how they have managed through the pandemic, plans for the coming season and loads more! Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode! T - @SoccerCoachCast W – www.thesoccercoachingpodcast.com E – [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we are joined by ex-professional footballer Luke Chadwick (@Luke_FFF). Luke began his career at Manchester United and also played for West Ham, Stoke, Norwich, Milton Keynes Dons and Cambridge United as well as in Belgium for Royal Antwerp. Luke discusses his youth soccer journey, grassroots and academy football today and we find out more about his role and the work going on at The Football Fun Factory (www.thefootballfunfactory.co.uk). Thank you to Luke for g...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a look at Core Values & Philosophy, Game Model, Training & Matches and the importance of having them all aligned. Scott discusses the work he’s done on putting this together and the benefits and challenges of going through the process. We hope you enjoy this episode! T - @SoccerCoachCast W – www.thesoccercoachingpodcast.com E – [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Scott discusses ideas for delivering coaching sessions that comply with the social distancing requirements with the awesome Aaron Tyler (@7pro_soccer). We look at what coaches should be considering when planning their sessions and discuss some of the ways sessions can still be fun, engaging and realistic even without contact. We also discuss Aarons coaching philosophy and views on effective player development. We hope you enjoy this episode! T - @SoccerC...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Scott discusses Learning Environments and Games Based Coaching with the superb Jack Rolfe (@JPR_25), founder of The Coaching Lab (@The_CoachingLab). We look at why coaching environments are so important and how they can be influenced. We also discuss how `games based coaching` can be used to increase the effectiveness of a session. Jack is the founder of The Coaching Lab and believes “Coaching should be an adventure which is shared, explored and experim...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Scott talks with Jack Norbury and James Stokes from the Edge of Play @EdgeOfPlay. We discuss what it’s like coaching adults in the `open age` phase and some of the challenges, as well as the great work they are doing with the Edge of Play website https://www.edgeofplay.com/about. The website is an online coaching resource, providing football coaches with hundreds of football coaching videos from the grassroots and professional game. Thanks for listening and we...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Mark talks to Dave Francis from the foundationagecoaching.com about his coaching experiences. Covering some of the differences between coaching the different genders as well as across the age groups in the foundation phase. Dave can be reached via his twitter account @FAgeCoaching We hope you enjoy this episode! T - @SoccerCoachCast W – www.thesoccercoachingpodcast.com E – [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with o...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Scott discusses the concept of `Game Models` with the awesome Paddy King (KingKnightEd). We look at what a game model is, how you could start to plan yours and their relevance in the foundation and youth development phases. We also look at the relationship between game models and positional play, and chat a bit about rondos and constraints based learning. Paddy is the author of `A Game Model and Accompanying Session Plans` which is a superb book that practical...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we look back on the first three weeks of lockdown and how we’ve been maintaining interaction with the players. We then have a discussion about transitioning from 5 to 7 aside and look at what should be considered as well as formations. Keep safe and well! We hope you enjoy this episode! T - @SoccerCoachCast E - [email protected] W - www.thesoccercoachingpodcast.com This episode was brought to you in ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we look at the theme of `Deliberate Practice` and discuss the benefits of adopting these principles within your training sessions. The episode includes part of a conversation we had with the wonderful Ray Power (@power_ray). Unfortunately, due to technical issues the first 20 minutes was not recorded. Ray has written several books that we are huge fans of and our club give copies of his first book `Making the ball roll` to all new coaches as part of their indu...