Modern Soccer Coach Podcast Barca Academy Learning, Coach Development and US Player Development with Conor Walsh
Aug 2, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Conor Walsh, Academy Director at Chicago City FC and host of The Lowdown Podcast, shares insights from his time at the Barca academy. He dives into the essential balance between winning and developing players, emphasizing a people-centric coaching approach. Conor also discusses how personal development aligns with coaching methodologies and the unique challenges of player development in North America. His experiences underscore the importance of community, self-awareness, and connection in nurturing soccer talent.
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Immersive Start In Barça Network
- Conor describes arriving in Barcelona's network via chance and immersion after diverse experiences in 2018.
- He spent two years in Dubai fully immersed in Barca methodology and learning from staff from La Masia.
Game Seen As Two Moments
- Barça's curriculum stresses the ball and two moments: possession or hunting to win it back.
- This framing prioritizes collective aggression, bravery and teammate trust over transition labels.
Balance Structure With External Learning
- Use a structured curriculum while you learn, but step out periodically to widen your ideas.
- Treat continuous professional development like a second job and be intentional about it.