The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World

This episode is not about offering solutions. Nope — it’s a full-on rant inspired by the tidal wave of advice, contradictions, and guilt trips parents get from every corner of the youth soccer world.

We’re told:

• Don’t train your kid too early — unless you do.

• Winning doesn’t matter — but your team better be in a competitive league.

• Clubs don’t develop players — but also, stop moving clubs.

• Be hands-on — but don’t be that parent.

• Tryouts are scams — but pick the perfect team in 48 hours.

So today, I’m asking one question: What do you actually want from us?

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in expert opinions but starving for actual clarity — this one’s for you.

Let’s get better (or at least stay sane) together.
— Neil

P.S. Accepting nominations for Mayor of Parent Trainers and President of the YSPPA. Must love logic, sarcasm, and juggling with the non-dominant foot.

Hey everyone, Neil Crawford here, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I share an idea I’ve been thinking about—what if schools could partner with local soccer clubs to create affordable after-school programs that mirror the club soccer experience?

It’s not something I plan to launch, but I wanted to think out loud, unpack the challenges, and hear your thoughts. If you care about accessibility, cost, and creative solutions for youth soccer, this one’s for you. Let’s get better together.

Hey everyone, Neil Crawford here with a quick update to my last episode. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make starting with Anytime Soccer Training more intuitive — especially for new parents and coaches who feel overwhelmed by all the content.

In this short episode, I walk through a new idea I’m hoping to roll out with the dev team — a simple, organized way to follow weekly training plans based on skill area. If you’ve ever wondered how to make individual training smoother without sacrificing structure or variety, this one’s for you. Let me know what you think! Let’s get better together.

In this episode, I answer a great question from a parent struggling to structure a training plan for their 6-year-old using Anytime Soccer Training.

I share a straightforward, age-appropriate approach to avoid overwhelm, focus on foundational skills, and keep training fun.

Whether you're a parent or coach, this episode will help you build a plan that supports consistent development without overcomplicating things.

Tune in for practical tips!

Hey, it’s Neil Crawford, host of The Inside Scoop and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Today’s episode is a little different — I’m responding to a text from a fellow "parent trainer" that had me thinking. We’re talking about what it really looks like behind the scenes when parents support their kids in soccer development, how the so-called "crazy parent" label gets thrown around, and why it’s not always what people assume.

I’ll also share why I think we need more honest conversations about the role parents play, and why having a deliberate plan matters more than people give credit for. If you’re a parent trainer or just curious about this side of youth soccer, this one’s for you. Let’s get better together.

Hey everyone, it's Neil Crawford here, host of The Inside Scoop. This episode is a behind-the-scenes snippet of a fun conversation I had with pro scout Chris Robinson.

Chris shared some of his thoughts on the relative age effect and a few other hot topics in the world of scouting. It was a really interesting chat, and I’m excited to give you a glimpse into how scouts think about player development. Let’s dive in!

Hey everyone, it’s Neil Crawford. In today’s episode, I’m responding to a great message I got from a listener who’s feeling a little frustrated with their club’s setup. We’re talking about how to bring up concerns — like training time, competition level, or even suggesting something like Anytime Soccer Training — without being labeled "that parent." I’ll share a few real-world tips and how I would approach a club director if I were in your shoes. Let’s get into it.

Hey everyone, it's Neil Crawford here. In today’s episode, I’m answering a great question I got from a parent who asked how their child can perform better in rondos — especially with tryouts right around the corner.

I break down why individual technical training actually does help your rondo game, even though it might not seem like it at first. We talk about how things like first touch, passing, and decision-making are the real foundation, and why doing well in a rondo has a lot more to do with your touch and your thinking speed than you might realize.

I also explain why you shouldn't stress too much if rondos seem unpredictable — there are so many variables, like space, the setup, and the other players involved. Plus, I share a few simple rebounder drills that can really sharpen your one- and two-touch passing.

If you’re a parent or a player trying to connect all the dots between training at home and performing in games, you’ll definitely want to stick around for this one!

Winning Mindset Program with Thomas Dooley

Hey, it’s Neil Crawford, host of The Inside Scoop. In this episode, I dig into a term we hear all the time—soccer IQ—but rarely define clearly. What does it really mean? Why do so many players lack it? And what can we actually do about it?

I also share how I'm helping my own son improve in this area—and why most clubs aren't teaching it like they should. Let’s break it down and challenge some assumptions.