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Alpha Forms Residency with Erin Medina – Rethinking Youth Soccer Development
What does real player development actually look like—and why are so many systems missing it?
In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Erin Medina, COO of Forms Residency and Forms Academy, to break down a completely different approach to youth soccer development.
From her journey through the Canadian national team to building one of the largest youth clubs in the country, Erin shares what she’s learned about development, structure, and what kids actually need to succeed.
They dive into the reality of today’s youth soccer environment, the pressure of competition, and why a residency-style model focused on individual growth, education, and balance may be the future of the game.
This conversation is for players, parents, and coaches trying to understand how to truly develop—not just compete.
Key Talking Points
Erin Medina’s journey from Canada’s national team to youth soccer leadership
The impact of early coaching and development environments
Why player development is not a linear path
Transitioning from player to business leader in youth soccer
Building Sting into a national powerhouse
The importance of early technical development windows
Why traditional training models fall short
The role of individual development vs team training
What makes Forms Academy’s methodology different
Why residency programs require a different type of athlete
Quotes from Erin Medina
“Nobody’s journey is linear.”
“We’re not just developing players—we’re developing people.”
“There’s only so much time before that technical window closes.”
“The youth game is where you can really impact kids.”
“Development requires meaningful time—not just an hour and a half twice a week.”
“We’re creating an environment where kids can focus on development without pressure.”
“The model is not for everyone—and that’s okay.”
“Kids need balance to avoid burnout.”
“We’re building athletes that can move and think differently.”
“It’s about preparing them for performance, not just chasing wins.”
Connect with Erin Medina / Forms
Erin Medina
📸 Instagram: @maccallummedina
FORMS RESIDENCY
🌐 Website: https://www.formsresidency.org
📸 Instagram: @formsresidency
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61587855025706 (Forms Residency | Melissa TX)
FORMS ACADEMY
🌐 Website: https://www.formsacademy.com
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FormsAcademy
📸 Instagram: @formsacademy
✖️ X: @FormsAcademy
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormsAcademy
FORMS MADRID
🌐 Website: https://www.formsmadrid.com
📸 Instagram: @formsmadrid
Ron Hogsett
✍️ Substack (Writing): https://ronhogsett.substack.com
Follow Chat By The Pitch
🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch
📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch
📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch
🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.
#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerTraining #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #FormsAcademy #SoccerEducation #NextGenPlayers #SoccerCulture #PlayerPathway #EliteDevelopment #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #SoccerLife #AthleteDevelopment #YouthSports #SoccerCommunity #TrainToDevelop #SoccerGrowth #FutureOfSoccer
Mentioned in this episode:
Zone 14 Coaching
This episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time.
If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com
and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘
Zone 14 Coaching
Reeplayer:
Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.
Reeplayer
Soccer Innovations:
Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories
Soccer Innovations
View all episodes
By Ian Babcock
4.9
77 ratings
What does real player development actually look like—and why are so many systems missing it?
In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Erin Medina, COO of Forms Residency and Forms Academy, to break down a completely different approach to youth soccer development.
From her journey through the Canadian national team to building one of the largest youth clubs in the country, Erin shares what she’s learned about development, structure, and what kids actually need to succeed.
They dive into the reality of today’s youth soccer environment, the pressure of competition, and why a residency-style model focused on individual growth, education, and balance may be the future of the game.
This conversation is for players, parents, and coaches trying to understand how to truly develop—not just compete.
Key Talking Points
Erin Medina’s journey from Canada’s national team to youth soccer leadership
The impact of early coaching and development environments
Why player development is not a linear path
Transitioning from player to business leader in youth soccer
Building Sting into a national powerhouse
The importance of early technical development windows
Why traditional training models fall short
The role of individual development vs team training
What makes Forms Academy’s methodology different
Why residency programs require a different type of athlete
Quotes from Erin Medina
“Nobody’s journey is linear.”
“We’re not just developing players—we’re developing people.”
“There’s only so much time before that technical window closes.”
“The youth game is where you can really impact kids.”
“Development requires meaningful time—not just an hour and a half twice a week.”
“We’re creating an environment where kids can focus on development without pressure.”
“The model is not for everyone—and that’s okay.”
“Kids need balance to avoid burnout.”
“We’re building athletes that can move and think differently.”
“It’s about preparing them for performance, not just chasing wins.”
Connect with Erin Medina / Forms
Erin Medina
📸 Instagram: @maccallummedina
FORMS RESIDENCY
🌐 Website: https://www.formsresidency.org
📸 Instagram: @formsresidency
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61587855025706 (Forms Residency | Melissa TX)
FORMS ACADEMY
🌐 Website: https://www.formsacademy.com
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FormsAcademy
📸 Instagram: @formsacademy
✖️ X: @FormsAcademy
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormsAcademy
FORMS MADRID
🌐 Website: https://www.formsmadrid.com
📸 Instagram: @formsmadrid
Ron Hogsett
✍️ Substack (Writing): https://ronhogsett.substack.com
Follow Chat By The Pitch
🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch
📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch
📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch
🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.
#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerTraining #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #FormsAcademy #SoccerEducation #NextGenPlayers #SoccerCulture #PlayerPathway #EliteDevelopment #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #SoccerLife #AthleteDevelopment #YouthSports #SoccerCommunity #TrainToDevelop #SoccerGrowth #FutureOfSoccer
Mentioned in this episode:
Zone 14 Coaching
This episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time.
If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com
and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘
Zone 14 Coaching
Reeplayer:
Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.
Reeplayer
Soccer Innovations:
Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories
Soccer Innovations
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