In part 2 of Chat by the Pitch, we continue our conversation with Alexander Jakubov and Libor Volf, founders of Volf Soccer Academy. From competing at top European clubs to mentoring young talent in North America, they reveal their unique approach to player development. Learn how they're connecting Europe, North America, and Africa through soccer, helping young players achieve their full potential. This episode dives deeper into how they guide players through critical stages of their soccer journey, preparing them for the professional world.

Key Talking Points:

• ​The foundation of Volf Soccer Academy’s philosophy: balance between technical training and love for the game.
• ​The challenges of transitioning players from youth soccer to professional opportunities in Europe and MLS.
• ​Differences in training styles between North America and Europe.
• ​Encouraging player confidence and technical mastery through free play and competitive environments.
• ​Connecting young players to opportunities in Europe and beyond through global networks.

Tune in to learn:

• ​Why body language and confidence are key in player development.
• ​How Volf Soccer Academy helps young players build strong technical foundations.
• ​How soccer is used as a tool to connect different cultures across continents.
• ​Why it’s important for parents to understand their child’s soccer journey and training phase.

Quotes from Alexander:

• ​"We believe in building players through repetition and touches on the ball, not just focusing on results."
• ​"Confidence comes from mastering the basics, knowing you can perform when it matters most."
• ​"At 14 or 15, you should behave as a professional to become one."
• ​"The goal isn’t just to develop soccer players, but to develop confident individuals."
• ​"In soccer, you have to be two levels better as a foreign player to earn a spot in Europe."

Quotes from Libor:

• ​"If a player loves the game, no one has to push them—they’ll push themselves."
• ​"You can’t build professional players by focusing solely on athleticism; technique is the core."
• ​"Our goal isn’t to just create skilled players, but to help them enjoy the game while building life skills."
• ​"We’re not just coaching soccer; we’re creating global connections and fostering cultural exchange."
• ​"In the end, it’s about putting the ball in the goal—but how you get there matters just as much."

Connect with Volf Soccer Academy:

Website: https://www.volfsoccer.us/

Instagram:

volfsocceracademy

Alexanderjakubov

Volfino13

Facebook:

Volf Soccer Academy

Alexander Jakubov

Libor Volf

TikTok: Volfsocceracademy

Training location:

Ulete in Southlake

SWAT(Sports World Athletics of Texas) in Rockwall

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