In the debut episode of Focus on The Goal, host Danny Baca sits down with Coach Stephen Paylor, a dreamer from England whose journey from humble beginnings to leading roles in American youth soccer reveals what it truly takes to raise the game.

From growing up surrounded by the working-class football culture of England to shaping the player development philosophy at Next Level Soccer, Paylor shares how community, creativity, and technical excellence have guided his approach to coaching. His story highlights how soccer can be more than a sport — it’s a source of belonging, identity, and opportunity for players at every level.

In this episode, Danny and Stephen dive deep into:

• The cultural significance of soccer in England and how it shaped Paylor’s outlook on coaching and competition
• The importance of community and how local clubs can serve as pillars of hope and purpose
• The influence of players like Ronaldinho, who inspired creativity, flair, and freedom on the ball
• How Next Level Soccer prioritizes technical skills, decision-making, and individual growth over short-term wins
• The coaching philosophy behind developing intelligent, adaptable players who think for themselves
• The flaws in the pay-to-play model and the need for a more accessible, player-driven development system in the U.S.
• Why team dynamics, tactical understanding, and self-driven growth are key ingredients for long-term success
• The role of technology in soccer training — from performance tracking to video analysis — and how it’s changing the modern game
  

Throughout the conversation, Paylor explains how the Next Level OR evaluation system brings structure and consistency to player development, helping coaches and players measure progress in meaningful ways. He emphasizes that true growth happens when coaches build environments that challenge players technically, support them emotionally, and encourage creativity — not conformity.

As a coach and leader, Paylor also opens up about the challenges of balancing competition and development, dealing with pressure and criticism, and maintaining a sense of purpose in a system that often prioritizes results over relationships.

If you’re a coach, parent, or player passionate about youth soccer, coaching philosophy, or the future of player development, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to think differently about the game. Whether you’re building a team, shaping young athletes, or chasing your own goals, Coach Paylor’s story reminds us all that soccer isn’t just about winning — it’s about growth, connection, and the dream that drives it all.

Key Takeaways

• Technical skill is the foundation for tactical understanding.
• Player development must be individualized and measurable.
• A unified coaching philosophy strengthens team culture.
• The U.S. needs a more accessible, player-driven youth soccer system.
• Great coaches build dreamers, not just players.
  

Episode Themes:
Soccer | Coaching | Player Development | Youth Sports | Football Culture | Community | Technical Skills | Coaching Philosophy | Team Dynamics | Technology in Sports | Pay-to-Play | Youth Soccer | Tactical Understanding | Next Level Soccer | Leadership | Mentorship