The World Cup isn't just soccer — it's the greatest teaching tool a parent has. Coach Markens breaks down what Brazil, Maradona, and 92 years of World Cup history teach us about raising champions.

The 2026 World Cup just kicked off — and it's happening in our backyard. USA, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting across 16 cities. Here's what opening day means for your family and young athletes.

FIFA just rewrote the rulebook. Here are the 5 biggest rule changes hitting the 2026 World Cup — from faster substitutions to red cards for covering your mouth.

The college soccer recruiting process is more structured than most families realize. In Episode 1, Markens breaks down the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA landscape and explains exactly when families need to start.

Have you ever watched your kid walk out of tryouts with their head down and not known what to say? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down why getting cut doesn't mean what most people think — and why the system is making permanent decisions about kids who are still growing. If your child has ever been cut or overlooked, this one is for them. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

Have you ever watched your kid drag themselves to practice — the same kid who used to beg you to go outside and kick the ball — and wondered what happened? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down the real reason young players burn out, and it has nothing to do with talent. It has everything to do with joy — and what happens when the schedule destroys it. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

The U.S. has the athletes, the facilities, and the resources. So why do we still struggle to compete at the highest levels of soccer? In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down the real reason — and it starts with how we develop players from day one. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

The most dangerous coaching your child receives doesn't happen on the field. It happens in the car ride home. In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down how well-meaning parents are quietly damaging their child's confidence after every game — and the one simple change that makes all the difference. Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

The most dangerous coaching your child receives doesn't happen on the field. It happens in the car ride home.

In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down how well-meaning parents are quietly damaging their child's confidence after every game — and the one simple change that makes all the difference.

Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

Why do so many young soccer players start strong and then suddenly stop developing?

In this episode GSI Gunners founder Markens Benoit breaks down the real reasons — fear of mistakes, pressure culture, and a system that prioritizes results over growth.

If you're a parent or coach who wants more for your young player, this conversation is for you.

Built Not Born — The GSI Gunners Podcast. New episodes every week.

Chapters

• 00:00 Natural Development vs. Pressure