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.

Hey everyone, it’s Neil Crawford, host of The Inside Scoop and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this episode, I’m following up on a recent discussion about whether playing experience is a must for coaching.

This topic has so many layers, so I’m breaking it down piece by piece.

For me, it all starts with mindset—believing that anything is possible if you put in the work.

But it’s not just about blind optimism; it’s about understanding the process, staying committed, and recognizing that the journey itself is where the real value lies. I share my own experiences, including how my initial goal of helping my son with ball control led me to something much bigger—helping other parents support their kids without stress.

I also dive into why we need to be careful about telling others (especially kids) what they “can’t” do, because that mindset shuts down all the necessary steps to even try. Instead of limiting people, we should be showing them the path forward.

Join me for this deep dive into mindset, belief, and why the process matters more than the outcome. Let’s get better together!

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

Welcome to The Inside Scoop! Today, we’re tackling a hot topic in youth soccer—does playing experience matter when it comes to coaching?

This debate comes up constantly in soccer circles. Some argue that you must have played at a high level to coach effectively, while others believe coaching is a separate skill that can be developed without prior playing experience. Where’s the line? Does it depend on age, competition level, or something else?

Throughout this series, we’ll hear from different perspectives—coaches who played, coaches who didn’t, and experts who can break down what really makes a great coach. We’ll also explore the bigger picture of developing more quality coaches as the sport grows.

Stick around as we dive into the nuances of this ongoing debate. And if you’re looking for ways to develop your child’s skills at home, check out Anytime Soccer Training at Anytime-Soccer.com. Let’s get into it!

Podcast Title:
Is Using Guest Players Ethical? Let's Talk About State Cup Rosters ⚽️

Podcast Summary:
In this episode, I'm diving into a hot topic from my Youth Soccer Guest Player Opportunities group: Is it ethical to add guest players for state cups and regional qualifiers?

I share my experience and discuss the loopholes, roster freezes, and realities faced by clubs and parents. This one's got me thinking—I’d love to hear your thoughts, too!

I'm Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Let's figure this out together!

Podcast Title:
"Puberty, Patience, and the Technical Myth in Youth Soccer"

Podcast Summary:
In today's episode of The Inside Scoop, I share a thoughtful email from one of our listeners that sparked an important conversation about youth soccer and the impact of puberty on player development. We dive into the challenges kids face when their physical maturity doesn't align with their technical skills, emphasizing how patience, mental resilience, and tactical awareness become vital during these critical years.

I openly discuss why parents shouldn't put too much weight on individual performances during these transitional periods, since growth stages—before, during, and after puberty—each bring unique challenges. Additionally, I explore the misconception surrounding the term "technically outstanding," highlighting that most young players, including my own, rarely reach this level, despite common assumptions.

As always, this is an open, honest dialogue—just my personal reflections and experiences—and I invite listeners to contribute their insights or share helpful resources. Plus, I'm also reaching out to the community for recommendations on budget-friendly podcasting equipment due to recent audio issues.

Let's keep the conversation going!

In this episode, I walk you through how to create a personalized soccer training plan using Anytime Soccer Training. From signing in and selecting skill areas—like juggling, ball mastery, dribbling, and wall passing—to saving favorites and building custom training sessions, I break it down step by step.

Plus, I share how you can access pre-made sessions, track progress, and collaborate with others. Whether you're a parent or coach, this guide makes organizing effective training easier than ever. Let’s get better together!