Understanding that an ultra-competitive training environment is the most important element when it comes to development in structured club soccer is crucial if you are trying to make the best decision for where your player needs to be. The training environment is oftentimes hard to judge. That is why things like clubs and leagues tend [...]

Episode 261: The One Element Of Player Development You Can’t Get Wrong

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College & High School

The following episode features Ted Westervelt, regarded by many, including myself, as one of the originals who have been advocating and educating about promotion and relegation, both in the United States and abroad, for well over a decade. As you’ll see in this episode, he is very well-versed in the subject. And despite some suggesting [...]

Ep 335: Pro/Rel and MLS’ Assault on the US Open Cup with the OG himself, Ted Westervelt

Before the start of our weekly business meeting, John Kokkoris and I had some soccer small talk regarding this misguided notion of “let the kids play”. It was stimulated by the following comments made by the Argentine National Team manager, Lionel Scaloni. “There’s an excess of analysis, too much. Nowadays, everyone knows how the opponent [...]

Ep 334: Be Smart with this Incomplete Notion of “Just Let the Kids Play”

Don (@Don_K_Williams) and I touch on a number of topics, including: There’s Nothing New in Soccer. Stats and Video Don’t Capture the Quality of a Player. Coaches Aren’t the Main Problem in Development. Personal Experience in Helping Latinos Have a Chance at the Professional Level. What is “Mentality”, and How Much Influence do Coaches Really [...]

Ep 333: Don Williams – Soccer Practitioner Working on Player Pathway Management you Should Follow on X

Truly knowing the landscape at all scales, helps you successfully navigate it. On Clubs A crucial concept often overlooked in discussions about soccer is the absence of what we commonly refer to as “clubs” at the MLS level. Moreover, this absence extends to the youth ranks. It might seem different from what you’d expect, especially [...]

Ep 332: The Ongoing US Open Cup Fiasco, Pro/Rel, and Are There Any Real Clubs in American Soccer?

Contrary to what many in the States will tell you: A National Team manager does not have to conform to the proverbial “player pool.” By selecting and elevating players that conform to it, they absolutely can impose their preferred style of play. Inspired by a post from @SerbFootyScout who wished Serbia could have had Marcelo [...]

Episode 261: The One Element Of Player Development You Can’t Get Wrong

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