The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World

Tune in to my latest podcast episode, where I tackle yet another contentious topic: the impact of structured games, leagues, and teammates on your child's development.

I try to add some nuance and challenge conventional wisdom, hopefully sparking lively conversation and offering fresh perspectives.

We Are Where We Are - Incremental Improvement

🌟 Insights from Dutch Schotemeyer, Tournament Director! 🌟 Do some soccer teams actually sandbag and chase trophies? Check out my chat with Dutch Schotemeyer, director of the Aliso and San Clemente Cups. ⚽️📋 Learn more: https://www.alisocup.com/ https://www.sanclementecup.com/

Interview with Carl Anthony on UK Soccer.

In this episode, I discuss three conversations that parents, players, and coaches should avoid at all costs.

Let me know your thoughts.

In this episode, I sit down with Anees Merzi to discuss the inception and founding journey of the 703 Warriors soccer club. Join us as we explore the insights and experiences behind establishing this dynamic soccer organization.

Interview with Perry Hines on What it Takes to Operate a Soccer Club

How I Use the Program - Follow-up to a Listener's Question on Layout

Welcome to a special edition of Inside Scoop!

In this episode, Neil Crawford, host and founder of Anytime Soccer Training, interviews Katie, the host of the soccer podcast "Kick It with Katie."

Katie is a soccer mom, wife, and coach, managing a busy life within the soccer world. She shares her inspiring journey to becoming a coach, starting with volunteering for her daughter's team and eventually getting licensed after a pivotal moment during a game.

Now, Katie coaches multiple age groups and even her own daughters' teams, navigating the unique challenges of coaching her kids while maintaining a professional coaching approach.

During the podcast, Katie discusses some of the challenges faced during tryouts in her area. The timing of tryouts often clashes with important events like State Cup and out-of-state tournaments, causing players to miss tryout opportunities.

This scheduling conflict can create difficulties for both players and coaches. While players committed to their current clubs can secure a spot through registration, those seeking new clubs face challenges due to overlapping schedules.

Despite these challenges, Katie and Neil explore potential solutions and encourage open discussions in their soccer community to address these issues and make the tryout process more accessible and equitable for everyone involved.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kick-it-with-katie-a-soccer-podcast/id1648920617

Answering a Listener's Question on Getting Starter and Layout.

Join me for a quick chat to answer a user's question on their cone setups and how they relate to the various skill levels.

Interview with Dave Morris

In this episode, we unravel the secrets behind effective youth soccer technical training, a crucial element in shaping the stars of tomorrow. We dive deep into the nuances of skill development, exploring key techniques and strategies that empower young players to excel on the soccer field. A highlight of the discussion is Coach Rory's game-changing Belgium Boxes tip, a innovative approach designed to refine ball control and passing precision, offering a unique perspective that can revolutionize youth soccer coaching.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips, whether you're a dedicated coach, a supportive parent, or simply a soccer enthusiast. Coach Rory's expertise and the emphasis on essential technical skills make this podcast a must-listen for anyone involved in youth soccer, providing a roadmap for nurturing talent and fostering a love for the beautiful game.

In this episode of "A Ref's Ref," host Neil Crawford sits down for an insightful interview with Juan Guzman, the State Referee Administrator at California State Soccer Association-South, better known as Cal South. With an impressive background spanning over a decade, Guzman shares his journey from being an MLS Referee to his current role overseeing refereeing in one of the nation's largest soccer associations.

Listeners gain exclusive insights into Guzman's experiences, including his time as an MLS Referee from 2010 to 2018, officiating memorable events such as the FIFA panel in 2013-2014, the Brazil vs. Portugal match at Gillette Stadium in 2013, and the U.S. Open Cup Final in the same year. Crawford delves into Guzman's pivotal role as the State Youth Referee Administrator in Nevada from 2016 to 2020, setting the stage for his current position at Cal South.

Tune in to discover the challenges and triumphs of a seasoned referee, as Juan Guzman reflects on his fascinating journey, offering valuable perspectives on the intricacies of soccer officiating at both the youth and professional levels. Whether you're a soccer enthusiast or someone intrigued by the world of refereeing, this episode provides a unique glimpse into the life and experiences of one of the industry's key figures.

Neil Crawford here, your host and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Today on "Inside Scoop," sponsored by Anytime Soccer Training, we're tackling a recurring topic that hits close to home for many parents in the soccer world.

Our podcast is all about simplifying soccer pathways for parents globally. Exciting news – stay tuned for our upcoming homework/favorites feature!

Now, let's talk about a social media post that caught my eye. A concerned parent of a U12 player worried about exposure for her son. This reflects the reason I started this podcast – creating a space for open discussions.

In the episode, I emphasize empathy for parents who might not be well-versed in soccer intricacies. Let's break the taboo around parents seeking insights for the long-term development of their young soccer stars.

As a parent trainer and consumer advocate, my goal is to defend parents' perspectives and encourage a more understanding approach within the soccer community. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let's make the soccer journey enjoyable and informative for everyone! I'm Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training – let's get better together!

David Mayer was born in 1991. He is an ex-soccer player who represented professional clubs in several countries. David played in England, Spain and had a successful college career in America as a two-year captain at a #1 ranked Division 1 school.

He is the co-author of #1 Best Selling book, "Gold Dust, How to Become A More Effective Coach, Quickly."

David is a UEFA A License coach and was an Assistant Coach at the National Champion Pfeiffer University Soccer Team and Manchester City Football Schools. He has also coached and delivered on four continents.

David grew up around some of the finest coach educators in the world which not only helped him understand the time, organization and fine details that go into being elite, but also enabled him to gain invaluable experiences to continue to help his progression as a person.

David has a degree in Communication from UNC-Charlotte, and is an NLP Master Practitioner, further enabling him to unlock other people's potential.

In today's episode, I explore the power of mindset even further by discussing a listener's question regarding Kevin De Bruyne.

Tune in and let me know your thoughts!

"Hey, it's Neil Crawford, your host from Inside Scoop and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Today's quick tip comes straight from my ebook on unconventional strategies for raising a competitive soccer player.

Tip #5: Play at least three times more than the average American kid. 🕰️⚽

Back when I wrote this, I noticed American kids weren't spending enough time on the ball compared to their global counterparts. So, my strategy for my kids was simple – triple the average time spent on soccer activities.

For my older son, this meant playing for two competitive clubs, a Hispanic club, indoor and footsall teams, rec soccer, free play, and individual training with me. I knew it was overwhelming, but it was a mix of everything soccer-related. I wanted soccer to be a part of his life, not just a serious commitment.

Fast forward, and my son, now 13, is on the ball around 13 to 16 hours a week. It's not just playing time; it's inclusive of film study, gym workouts, game watching, and more.

It's a huge time commitment, and I get that it's not for everyone. But if you're aiming for success in competitive soccer, this could be a solid starting point.

Remember, the engine of improvement is individual technical training. So, while team experiences are valuable, don't skip out on quality time at home. Let's get better together! ⚽🌟 #SoccerTips #PlayerDevelopment"

In this interview, Neil Crawford sits down with Keldric Walker to discuss his recent Barcelona Soccer Experience.

Keldric shares firsthand impressions, highlights, and candid opinions on the camp's atmosphere, training sessions, and overall soccer vibes.

Tune in for a quick dive into Keldric's unique perspective on the Barcelona Soccer Experience! www.anytime-soccer.com

In this episode, we delve into a thought-provoking conversation questioning the concept of elite teams at younger ages in youth soccer. Join us as we explore the potential impacts, benefits, and concerns surrounding the formation of elite teams in the early stages of player development.

Gain insights into the evolving landscape of youth soccer and the implications of introducing competitive structures at a young age.

In today's show, we will explore the distinction between guiding players with specific actions and the potential pitfalls of joystick coaching.

Follow-up - Answering User Question on Escaping Tight Pressure

Answering User Question on Escaping Tight Pressure

Welcome to Inside Scoop! I'm Neil Crawford, host and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. This podcast helps parents understand global soccer pathways for their kids. Sponsored by Anytime Soccer Training, check out our 5,000+ videos at Anytime-Soccer.com.

In today's quick rundown, I shared a simple algorithm I used to improve decision-making in my sons' soccer games. The key: if they get the ball in the middle, spaces are likely wide, and vice versa. This approach helped them make faster decisions, turning feedback into a positive cycle.

I also touched on how I turned a portion of the game into a structured passing pattern, creating more 2v1 situations. Decision-making involves perceiving, processing, and acting, followed by self-assessment. While ideal for a more extended period, my goal was to provide a quick reference point during the short recreational season.

Stay tuned for the video show, where I'll delve deeper into these concepts. Neil Crawford, Anytime Soccer Training, signing off!

In this podcast, Neil Crawford and Coach Rory talk about the nitty-gritty of playing from the back in soccer.

They break down practical strategies and tips for teams to start their moves from the defense. Whether you're a player, coach, or just love soccer, this episode gives you down-to-earth insights into building a solid foundation in the game.

Tune in for some expert advice and a closer look at playing from the back in soccer!

Check out Coach Rory's Youtube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/@CoachRorySoccer

www.anytime-soccer.com

Does Decision-Making in Soccer Have Stages?

Answering a parent question about MEEE!

Part 2 - Join me, Neil Crawford, as we dive deep into the fiery debate surrounding objective metrics in youth soccer development.

Can we truly measure success, or are we missing the goal entirely?

Let's discuss the mysteries and challenge the status quo in this episode that might just change the way you view youth soccer

Join me, Neil Crawford, as we dive deep into the fiery debate surrounding objective metrics in youth soccer development.

Can we truly measure success, or are we missing the goal entirely?

Let's discuss the mysteries and challenge the status quo in this episode that might just change the way you view youth soccer.

Hey folks, just wanted to share a bit about my experience coaching youth soccer in a recreational setting. You know, I didn't want my son's soccer journey to be solely in the intense world of club soccer, so I opted for a more laid-back, fun-filled recreational environment.

As a dad, it was important to me that my son not only enjoyed playing with his friends but also had the chance to be a leader on the team, despite being a year younger than the others. So, I kept him in the club but also introduced some home training to boost his skills without making it all about formal coaching.

Now, here's where the real challenges kicked in. Recreational practices were just once a week, and the season was pretty short.

To tackle this, I came up with what I like to call an "algorithm" – a strategy to make the most out of our limited time. It involved creating conditions for the players to look up, make decisions, and execute certain plays. I wanted them to enjoy the game while still developing essential skills.

Now, I get it; some might say I was trying to create "robots." But trust me, if I could turn kids into soccer-playing robots in just eight weeks, I'd be sipping a cocktail on a beach somewhere. The reality is, I aimed to find a balance between guided learning and direct instruction to help these kids improve in a short timeframe.

Join me on this podcast journey as I share the highs, lows, and the nitty-gritty of coaching youth soccer in a recreational league. And hey, if you've got your own tricks up your sleeve, I'm all ears – let's learn from each other and make youth soccer coaching a blast!

Neil Crawford interviews Coach Rory on the latest podcast, uncovering an innovative approach to activate youth soccer players.

Could this be the new leading session activator in youth soccer? Tune in for cutting-edge strategies and insights that may reshape youth soccer training.

Watch Coach Rory's full explanation here.

https://youtu.be/1IV2CGbGC3Q?si=cS1KViFQUo5tVg1r

www.anytime-soccer.com

Hey there, it's Neil Crawford, the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Today's episode dives into my personal values, influenced by my small-town upbringing.

Fueled by social media posts criticizing parents' soccer complaints.

www.anytime-soccer.com

Join me in this quick podcast where I chat about a small but impactful tweak that might make soccer clubs even better.

Discover the simplicity behind the change and how it could make a significant difference in making our clubs even better!

Join us as Coach Danny van Mol takes us on a fascinating journey "Inside the Dutch Youth Soccer Scene." Discover the secrets, strategies, and unique insights that make youth soccer in the Netherlands a powerhouse.

Don't miss out on this enriching discussion! ⚽🇳🇱 #YouthSoccer #DutchFootballInsights 🎙️

Improving Performance is the Easy Part!

Listener Question - Helping Players Develop a Softer Touch

In this episode, I tackle the controversial question: Are cones messing up your game?

Join us as we delve into the debate on whether these seemingly innocent training tools are secretly sabotaging your skills, especially in the realm of dribbling.

Answering a Listener's Question on the Soccer Passing Algorithm