Caroline Foscato, President and Founder of Soccer Unity Project, shares her journey from organizing neighborhood pickup games in Boston's South End in 2008 to building one of the city's most impactful youth soccer organizations, now serving over 1,400 young players. In this conversation, we explore how Soccer Unity Project prioritizes diversity and community-building over competitive outcomes, the real challenges of scaling a grassroots nonprofit in urban environments, and why the current youth soccer system needs fundamental rethinking. Caroline discusses the barriers that keep families and coaches from participating, the importance of meeting communities where they are, and why every decision in youth sports should start and end with one question: What about the kids? Whether you're leading a grassroots program, coaching at any level, or thinking about how sports can be a force for positive change, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for making youth soccer truly accessible to all.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

Boston City Councilor Ben Weber joins the show to discuss the intersection of youth sports and local politics. From coaching grassroots soccer to serving at City Hall, Ben shares insights on the resource disparities facing city athletes, the controversial White Stadium renovation and Legacy FC partnership, and why Boston's young athletes are underperforming despite the city's size and talent. We explore what it takes to advocate for youth sports infrastructure, how professional women's soccer could inspire the next generation, and practical ways coaches and parents can make their voices heard in local government. A timely conversation about community, investment, and fighting for opportunities for all kids.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this heartfelt episode, host Alf Gracombe honors the legacy of Dean Conway, a beloved mentor and coach who passed away earlier this year. Through conversations with Chris Hoeh, a long-time collaborator of Dean, the episode explores Dean's profound impact on youth sports, his coaching philosophy centered around fun and mastery, and the community he built through soccer. The discussion also delves into personal anecdotes that highlight Dean's character, his approach to coaching, and the lessons he imparted to those around him.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this conversation, Neil Harris shares his extensive coaching journey, transitioning from a player to a coach at Manchester United and eventually becoming self-employed. He discusses the importance of building trust with players and their families, the challenges faced in modern youth football, and the impact of professionalism on player development. Harris emphasizes the need for individualized coaching approaches and the significance of mentorship in shaping young players. He also reflects on the pressures of professional football and the importance of maintaining a love for the game.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

Today's conversation is with Joe Cummings, a longtime leader in American soccer who knew and worked with Dean Conway going back over 40 years. Joe's career has spanned coaching, education, and executive leadership roles throughout the soccer community. He served as CEO of United Soccer Coaches from 2009 to 2015, was Technical Director at the New England Revolution, and worked as President and General Manager of the Boston Breakers. But before all of that, Joe was a 7th grade teacher who met Dean in the 1980s when they were both helping to build the foundation of coach education in Massachusetts. Their friendship and professional partnership would span decades. Joe brings a unique perspective on Dean's impact - having witnessed firsthand how Dean helped shape not just individual coaches, but the entire framework of youth soccer development in New England.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, host Alf Gracombe speaks with Edu Rubio, a UEFA Pro coach with nearly two decades of experience in English football. They discuss Edu's journey from youth coaching to the Premier League (Wolves and West Ham), the importance of authenticity in coaching, and the balance between player development and achieving results. Edu shares insights on creating a positive coaching environment, effective communication during games, and the critical role of halftime talks. The conversation also touches on the influence of a coach on team performance and the importance of self-awareness in coaching.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, Alf Gracombe speaks with Meotis Erickson, a former elite player turned coach, about her journey in soccer. They discuss the evolution of the women's game, the importance of creating healthy environments for young athletes, and the challenges faced by female coaches. Meotis shares her insights on coaching philosophy, the role of parents in youth sports, and the need for more female representation in coaching roles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the impact of a supportive environment on player development.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/1IlY1dG-Yr8

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this conversation, Alf Gracombe speaks with Michael Paule-Carres, head of F7 methodology at RCD Espanyol, about his journey from the U.S. to coaching in Spain. They discuss the importance of values-based player development, the application of Montessori methods in coaching, and the significance of understanding player development stages. Michael emphasizes the role of methodology in coaching, the cultural values at Espanyol, and the benefits of mixed-age training. They explore constraints-based learning, adapting coaching to individual needs, and the transition from 7-a-side to 11-a-side football. The conversation concludes with insights on coaching philosophy, continuous learning, and recommended resources for coaches.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/MofZbFgRLPM

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this engaging conversation with Biso Nkosi, we explored the journey of a coach whose football education spans multiple continents. From his childhood playing on the dusty streets of South Africa to coaching youth players across various cultures, Biso offers a unique cross-cultural perspective on youth development in football. He shares insights about the structural differences between nations like Japan, Spain, Brazil, and South Africa, explaining how early exposure to ball mastery and technical skills creates competitive advantages for young players. Biso details his possession-based coaching philosophy while emphasizing the importance of nurturing creative dribblers who can add that little something extra to help break through stubborn defenses. Our conversation also covers practical approaches to coaching diverse populations, from organizing themed training sessions to adapting communication styles for individual players, providing listeners with valuable strategies they can implement immediately with their own teams.

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/VFt3zB5ExYo

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.

In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, host Alf Gracombe speaks with David Shapiro, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. They discuss David's journey from youth sports to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of relationships over outcomes in coaching and mentorship. David shares insights on creating inclusive communities through sports, the dynamics of coaching diverse groups, and the significance of mentorship in youth development. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing competition with fun, the role of community in youth sports, and the lessons learned from coaching that translate into effective leadership.

Takeaways

• David Shapiro emphasizes the historical significance of the YMCA as a community hub.
• The YMCA has evolved to serve diverse community needs beyond its original mission.
• David's early exposure to sports was influenced by his family, particularly his older brother and father.
• Coaching for David began as a passion for teaching and mentoring young athletes.
• Balancing competition and fun is crucial in youth sports to foster a positive environment.
• Understanding the end game in youth sports helps guide coaching decisions.
• Diversity in youth sports presents unique challenges and opportunities for coaches.
• Winning is defined by teamwork and support among players, not just by scores.
• Mentorship is about building relationships and supporting individuals in their journeys.
• Shared power dynamics in mentorship create a more effective and supportive environment. Mentoring should start with understanding the mentee's interests.
• The relationship dynamics change as mentees grow older.
• Community is essential for youth sports and development.
• Inclusivity in sports programs is crucial for building community.
• Sports can serve as a vehicle for community engagement.
• Listening and learning are key components of effective leadership.
• Building trust takes time and is essential for mentoring.
• Youth sports should focus on the experience, not just winning.
• Collaboration among community organizations can enhance access to sports.
• Leave a positive impact on the community through sports.

For more information about CoachCraft, visit https://coachcraft.info.