After listening to a leading podcast on soccer development that completely overlooked the role of brain science, I felt compelled to share my perspective. In this episode, I dive into neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and grow—and explain why it's crucial for mastering soccer skills.

Drawing from my experience training my sons, Adam and Matthew, I discuss how I balance structured drills with free play to help them thrive. If you're a parent or coach looking to understand how the brain influences player development, this one’s for you. Let's challenge the myths and focus on what truly works!

In this episode, I answer the most common questions parents have about guest player opportunities in youth soccer. From navigating the paperwork to understanding the role of carding bodies and international transfers, I provide clarity on how guest playing can give your child more exposure and experience.

I’ll also introduce the Youth Soccer Guest Player Opportunities Facebook group, a resource I created to connect families with coaches and tournament directors offering these valuable opportunities.

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When it comes to youth soccer in the U.S., one question keeps coming up: why does it cost so much? It’s a topic that sparks a lot of strong opinions, and honestly, I’ve wrestled with it myself.

Is it the clubs? Are they taking advantage of parents? Or is there something bigger happening here—something cultural, structural, or maybe even about what we, as parents, expect from the game?

I’ve heard stories of volunteer-run clubs charging just a few hundred dollars and competing at high levels. I’ve also seen clubs charging $6,000 a year, and it’s hard not to wonder where all that money goes. Between fields, referees, insurance, leagues, and coaches, are we paying for what we really value?

And here’s the kicker—do parents even want less expensive, volunteer-driven soccer? Or have we, in a way, created the demand for this “luxury soccer experience” without even realizing it?

I don’t have all the answers, but I do think the conversation has to shift. It’s not just about costs—it’s about what’s missing. Affordable options, transparent pathways, a middle ground between rec and elite—it feels like we’re stuck in a system that doesn’t leave much room for choice.

What do you think? Are we part of the problem, or is the system broken? Let’s talk about it in the Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group—I’d love to hear your perspective.

In this episode, we break down an important idea: the practice deficit and how it shapes the development of youth soccer players. Many players, especially at the average level, don’t accumulate enough deliberate practice hours early on, leading to technical deficiencies as they grow.

We discuss the importance of starting structured technical training early—a method not embraced by most. While unstructured play is valuable, committing to focused, unopposed drills at home can create a degree of technical refinement that many players miss out on. Think of it like becoming a classically trained chef—you develop a wide-ranging skillset that serves you in any setting.

I also share insights on the 80-18-2 rule, which I see in highly competitive environments like MLS academies. About 80% of players are solid but average, 18% stand out with stronger technical or physical abilities, and only 2% are the truly gifted ones—the players who seem destined to shine at the highest levels.

If your child dreams of playing professionally, you need to realize that the competition is fierce. It’s not just about raw talent. It’s about controlling what you can—like the volume and quality of touches they get on the ball.

Here’s what that looks like in my house:

These efforts added up to an extra 200-300 hours of deliberate practice over 5-6 years. And while many families hire private trainers, I found DIY coaching more flexible and affordable. Paying for that kind of volume would be prohibitive for most.

But let’s be real—this approach isn’t without risks:

This is why I emphasize listening to your child’s body and being mindful of risks. Diversify activities, slow down when needed, and always seek medical advice if something seems off.

At the end of the day, this level of commitment isn’t for everyone. But if you decide it’s the right path for your family, you can minimize the practice deficit and build a technical foundation that gives your child an edge.

Let’s keep sharing our experiences—both successes and setbacks—so we can all learn and grow together. As always, there’s no ego here, just a desire to help each other improve.

Let’s get better together.

In this interview, James Jordan, founder of River City FC, shares his insights on a key question for aspiring soccer players:

Does My Player Need A Player Card to Guest Play

In this episode, I break down the key differences between content marketing videos and a complete soccer learning system. While content marketing videos are fantastic for quick tips and inspiration—I rely on them myself—they serve a different purpose than a step-by-step curriculum.

A full learning system provides structure, progression, and a clear path to development, ensuring players build skills systematically. Tune in to hear why having both tools in your training arsenal can make all the difference!

Execution Risk & Helping Rec Coaches.

Follow up:

In this episode, I reflect on a popular coaching podcast I listened to while driving my son, Adam, to his game. The guest, a top-level coach, suggested focusing solely on game-like situations in practice.

But as I thought about it, I began to question how this advice plays out in the real world.

How practical is it when coaches may not have the experience or when players have varying skill levels?

I dive into these questions and explore the concept of "execution risk"—the gap between intentions and outcomes in soccer training. Tune in for more.

In this episode, I reflect on a popular coaching podcast I listened to while driving my son, Adam, to his game. The guest, a top-level coach, suggested focusing solely on game-like situations in practice.

But as I thought about it, I began to question how this advice plays out in the real world.

How practical is it when coaches may not have the experience or when players have varying skill levels? I dive into these questions and explore the concept of "execution risk"—the gap between intentions and outcomes in soccer training. Tune in for more.