Off the Beaten Pitch

Every soccer journey starts somewhere. In this episode, Alex and Alan share how to build fun, engaging U5 practice sessions that maximize ball touches, use games to teach skills, and create a positive first soccer experience. Learn why the goal at this age isn't winning—it's helping kids fall in love with the game.

After a longer break than planned, Coach Alex and Alan are back behind the microphones. In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, they take a look back at the season that was, reflecting on the highs, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the moments that reminded them why they love coaching grassroots soccer.

The guys also address the gap between episodes, sharing a little about life, coaching commitments, and everything that comes with balancing family, work, and the beautiful game.

Join us as we discuss player development, team culture, memorable moments from the season, and what we're taking forward into the next chapter. Whether your season ended with trophies, tough losses, or somewhere in between, there's something here for every coach trying to make a positive impact on young players.

Thanks for sticking with us—we're excited to be back. Let's get back to talking grassroots soccer.

In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Coach Alex and Alan sit down with Tom Ovenden and Jonathan Velotta from Steel City FC for a deep dive into what makes their program tick.
We unpack the philosophy behind their player development model and explore some of the key metrics they track — including front half regains and balls under control in the box — and why those numbers matter beyond just data sheets. Tom and Jonathan share how these insights shape training sessions and ultimately impact performance on match day.
Whether you’re a competitive coach looking to sharpen your game model or a grassroots volunteer wondering how data can inform development, this episode bridges the gap between analytics and the everyday youth soccer environment.

Steel City FC's first team has a big match with cross town Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the US Open Cup on 3/17, tickets below. 

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What actually makes a good soccer training session? In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, we break down session design. From setting a clear objective to choosing activities that create real learning moments, we talk through how coaches can design sessions that are engaging, purposeful, and age-appropriate.
We discuss common mistakes coaches make when planning sessions, why “more drills” doesn’t always mean better development, and how constraints, guided discovery, and game-like activities can elevate player learning. Whether you’re coaching rec, grassroots, or competitive players, this episode offers practical ideas to help you plan sessions with intention—so players stay challenged, confident, and having fun.
If you’ve ever left a practice wondering “Did my players actually learn today?”—this one’s for you.

Building out of the back is one of the most debated topics in youth soccer. In this episode, Coach Alex and Coach Alan break down the pros, the challenges, and our thoughts where we stand. We discuss how building out develops technical skills, decision-making, confidence, and long-term player growth — while also addressing common frustrations like mistakes near goal. A must-listen for coaches and parents looking to better understand the when, why, and how behind building out of the back.

In this episode, Alan and Alex break down our team’s welcome letter and why clear, proactive communication with parents is essential for a successful season. We share what information truly matters, how to set expectations early, and simple strategies coaches can use to build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and create a supportive environment for their players and families.

In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, we take on the everyday challenge of coaching mixed-ability teams. From managing wide skill gaps to keeping every player engaged, we break down what makes these teams tough — and why they’re also hugely rewarding. We share simple, practical strategies you can use right away: flexible training design, tiered activities, and creating a team culture where every kid feels included and pushed to grow. A quick, honest look at the real work of grassroots coaching.

In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alex and Alan rewind to where it all began — how they got into coaching in the first place, what sparked their passion for growing players, and the lessons they learned the hard way along the way.

They share what they wish they knew on day one. And they don’t stop there — the guys dive into the changes they hope to see in the youth soccer landscape… 

It’s honest. It’s personal. And it’s a call to make grassroots soccer better for every kid who laces up.

On this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alex and Alan dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in youth soccer: chasing wins today versus building players for tomorrow. Should coaches push for trophies at U10, or focus on long-term growth even if it means losing games?

Too many youth soccer practices still get bogged down by the “three Ls”: lines, lectures, and laps. In this episode, we break down why these outdated methods hurt player development and how coaches can create more engaging, game-like environments instead. From practical training alternatives to mindset shifts for coaches, we’ll share simple ways to keep players moving, thinking, and enjoying the game.

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