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

In this episode, I break down a soccer video submitted by one of our Facebook group members, showing how data can turn subjective opinions into objective insights. Instead of relying on gut feelings or vague feedback, I explore how tracking key metrics—like touches, decision-making, and positioning—can provide a clearer picture of player development.

Join me as I discuss why numbers don’t lie, how to measure real progress, and how parents and coaches can use data to refine training strategies. Whether you're analyzing your child's game or looking to improve your own coaching, this episode will change the way you view player performance.

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In this episode, I sit down with Tami Matheny, a renowned Mental Game Coach, author, and certified Jon Gordon trainer, to explore one of the trickiest aspects of youth sports: giving feedback to competitive kids.

Tami draws on her deep experience working with athletes across a wide range of sports—including soccer—to offer practical, research-backed advice for parents and coaches alike.

We dive into:

• The fine line between encouragement and pressure
• How to tailor your feedback based on your child’s personality and mindset
• Why confidence is the foundation of performance—and how you might be unintentionally undermining it
• The right (and wrong) time to give feedback after games
• Specific strategies for helping young athletes want to hear and apply your feedback

Tami also shares her personal story of struggling with confidence as a young athlete and how that journey sparked her passion for helping others master the mental side of sports. Whether you're a parent on the sidelines or a coach on the field, this episode will give you a new lens for supporting your athlete’s growth.

In this episode, I keep the conversation going on youth soccer development and club accountability. After stirring up discussions in our online communities, I take a deeper dive into the real challenges of evaluating player progress.

Are clubs truly developing players, or just marketing development? I break down the difference between player evaluations and measuring a club’s effectiveness, highlight key red flags, and discuss how parents can take a more informed approach.

If you're investing time and money into your child’s soccer journey, let’s make sure it’s paying off. Tune in!

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Haughton, Technical Director of Bluffton Rush, to explore how a strong technical framework helps young players thrive.

With experience at Manchester City’s Academy, Burnley FC, and Global Premier Soccer, Mike shares key insights on coaching education, player development, and building a successful soccer pathway.

🔗 Learn more about Mike and Bluffton Rush: Bluffton Rush Staff

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Inside Scoop! I'm your host, Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. If you're new here, this podcast helps parents explore different soccer pathways worldwide.

And of course, it's brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training—the only training app with over 5,000 step-by-step training videos. Check it out at anytime-soccer.com.

Now, onto today’s show! Yesterday, my youngest son, Matthew (2013, now 11), had a first-time experience—his first private training session with someone other than me. A buddy of mine texted, asking if I had finally tried private training, and the answer is yes! Through a company called Teach Me Two, we linked up with a local trainer who had a fascinating playing background.

In this episode, I break down what I learned from this experience, the unique dynamic between Matthew and his coach, and why so many parent-trained kids end up in the midfield. I also reflect on my strengths as a parent trainer and where outside perspectives can help. Plus, stay tuned—there’s a freebie coming for Inside Scoop listeners!

Let’s dive in.

In this follow-up episode, I continue the conversation on youth soccer development and club accountability. After sparking debate in our online communities, I break down the reality behind club philosophies and the challenge of measuring true progress.

Are clubs genuinely developing players, or just selling the illusion of it? I tackle common misconceptions, the complexities of evaluating development, and the role parents play in navigating the system. If your child’s soccer journey is an investment, how do you ensure you're getting real value? Tune in as we separate fact from fiction.

Every soccer club claims to prioritize "individual development," but what does that really mean? In this episode, I explore the layers behind club philosophies, development processes, and game models, exposing the gaps in transparency. If your child’s soccer journey is an investment, how do you measure the return?

Podcast Title: "Join the 1%: Elevate Your Rec Coaching Game"Episode Summary:

In this follow-up episode, I break down what separates the top 1% of rec coaches from the rest. Spoiler alert—it’s not about having a pro soccer background! It’s about being intentional, organized, and focused on player development while keeping the game fun.

I’ll share practical steps on structuring engaging practices, teaching key fundamentals, and creating an environment where kids thrive. Whether you’re coaching for the first time or looking to level up, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to stand out.

Let’s go beyond just running drills—let’s build confident, skilled players who love the game!

Podcast Title: "Rec Coach to Rec Coach: Advice for New Soccer Coaches"Episode Summary:

Hey everyone, it’s Neil Crawford, host of Inside Scoop and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Today, I’m diving into a message from an old friend who just volunteered to coach his son’s U-12 team. He’s excited but a little nervous—sound familiar?

In this episode, I reflect on my own journey as a rec coach, the two main types of rec coaches, and how coaching can be both a fun way to give back and a stepping stone in a child's long-term soccer development. Whether you're just stepping up to help out or thinking long-term about player development, this one’s for you.

Plus, I’ll share some key tips and resources to make your rec coaching experience smoother. And stay tuned—I'll be inviting my friend onto the show to see how his season unfolds!

https://www.youtube.com/@CoachRorySoccer

Hey everyone, it’s Neil Crawford, host of The Inside Scoop and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this episode, I dive into a social media post that’s been making the rounds on game formats and youth soccer development.

But before getting into that, I introduce a term I’m coining for parents—tactical goals and tactical sequences—which describe patterns of play that reflect a team’s game model.

I break down why it’s important to evaluate whether goals and sequences in matches align with what’s being taught in training, rather than just relying on individual brilliance or defensive mistakes. I also share my thoughts on the recent move by the English FA to introduce 3v3 for U7s and why flexibility over format should be the focus of youth development.

Most importantly, I emphasize why what happens Monday through Friday in training is far more important than the game format on the weekend—because no amount of 3v3, 7v7, or 11v11 can replace quality coaching, clear game models, and intentional development.

Tune in as I unpack this topic, challenge common narratives, and advocate for a more thoughtful approach to youth soccer. Let’s get better together!

🔗 Brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training – The ultimate online soccer training program.