Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

Coaches: You can read Jake's full article here: https://theraumdeuter.sport.blog/2024/12/14/boxed-in-how-the-thirds-of-play-impact-creativity-in-football-development/ Gary is joined by former Premier League Academy Coach, Jake Pickles, to discuss and challenge a common approach to possession football: the thirds model. Jake believes that, rather than educating players on the tactical principles of the game, it limits creativity and individualism. What are your thoughts? Please let us know!

In this episode we visit ACF Fiorentina in Italy to talk to Mirko Mazzantini (ACF Fiorentina Technical Director U8–U15) who discusses the youth methodology at the club. It's a fascinating insight into structure vs. freedom, development vs. winning, and even how coach compensation is structured within the academy. The St Mary’s University Performance Football Coaching master’s is a unique opportunity to learn from world renowned academics and industry experts, whilst making significant strides to develop your career and bolster your knowledge of coaching theories. https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/performance-football-coaching Their course content has been tailored to reflect the diverse football coaching environments across the world. We have worked with industry experts, alumni, and designated football partners, who have contributed to module design that ensures you are always gaining industry relevant knowledge. Our students are coaching across the world, from Mexico City, Iceland, India and the United States, in roles including senior international first team analysts; academy managers; senior first team managers, heads of department and coach educators, all armed with the knowledge they have developed on the course. Students will need to have achieved the UEFA B, USSF B or equivalent coaching qualification from your home country to apply, as well as having either a relevant undergraduate degree OR significant football experience as a player or coach should you not have completed a degree prior to enrolling. Places are open for September 2025 now and you have the whole summer to submit your interest, with those meeting the entry criteria eligible to apply right up until September 1st. If you would like to know more, they have a series of online information webinars coming up over the next few months which will provide you with even more detail about finance, module content and further details of how to apply. To register for these webinars, book a meeting with our course lead or to download our course brochure, just visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn or X. https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/performance-football-coaching

Gary was recently joined by former Al Ettifaq FC 1st Team Lead Analyst, Raymond Shearwood. Before his role on Steven Gerrard's staff at Al Ettifaq, Raymond spent nine years at Liverpool coaching and working from the starting age groups to the Under 21's. In this interview, Raymond shares unique insights on what made that Liverpool culture so special and how they blended football development with leadership and life skills. Raymond's journey itself is somewhat of a hybrid approach as he discusses the role of tactical analysis alongside coaching, as well as the decision behind his move to Saudi Arabia to work with Steven Gerrard.

Coaches: Register for MSC Set-Piece Webinar Below: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/442/k3g3rbgy Gary is joined by former Sacramento Republic head coach Mark Biggs. Mark discusses the difference between the idealistic world of coaching and the realistic version. He shares insight around how he used data to drive the player profile at Sacramento, changing the culture, playing a 13 year old in a pro game and the importance of training intensity. As a USSF PRO License holder, Mark is just as passionate about coach development and gives a lot back to the next generation with some great advice on how to manage your own coaching career. Thank you for listening! Please 'leave a rating' or comment if you enjoy it!

Coaches: Register for our FREE MSC Set-Piece Webinar with Michele Aragona below: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/442/k3g3rbgy This week, Gary is joined by Head of Coaching at Wellington Phoenix, Joshua Neff, to discuss the Director of Coaching role at youth and pro clubs. Joshua shares his experience at the New Zealand club of building out a methodology but also aligning it with a 'coaching culture' that is built around trust, honesty, passion for the game, and growth mindset. He discusses the unique environment at Wellington Phoenix and how the coaches work alongside one another to help the players and the club progress. Having also experienced MLS academies, Joshua has some some words of advice for coaches in the US who are working through the sometimes challenging role of a Director of Coaching and where you can get high quality professional support.

Don't miss our 4-2-3-1 Webinar on March 7th. Register Below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/msc-webinar-coaching-the-4-2-3-1-system-principles Last week there was a huge announcement in the world of youth soccer with the English FA confirming it as a game format next calendar year. So what does that mean for development? What will the landscape look like moving forward? How are coaches going to prepare for this? There is no one better equipped in world to talk about this topic than Peter Prickett. He has written extensively on this subject in his best-selling 3v3 Methodology books, as well as supporting coaches and working on the grass himself. In this week's MSC Podcast, we speak to Peter about the details of the announcement and look at ways that clubs and coaches can maximize this opportunity to make a difference in youth development.

Mark Robinson, a seasoned coach at Chelsea U21's and AFC Wimbledon, shares his expertise in elite player development. He dives into how environment influences player growth and the vital trust between coaches and athletes. Robinson discusses unique training strategies, like sending youth players to games without a coach to encourage independence. He emphasizes fostering a positive training culture and innovative approaches that boost creativity. His insights on balancing tactical strategies with individual strengths make for a captivating listen!

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Nicol, Head Coach at Mjøndalen and UEFA Pro Licence holder, shares insights on balancing structure and creativity in coaching. He emphasizes the importance of player confidence and the need for coaches to communicate tactics simply and effectively. Nicol highlights the power of connection between coach and player, advocating for freedom within a tactical framework to foster creativity. He explores how collaboration enhances player development and the significance of adapting coaching styles in diverse environments.

Ciarán McArdle, co-founder of XL Soccer World and author of 'Soccer of Success,' shares insights on leadership drawn from the soccer field. He discusses the critical life lessons learned through sports, like resilience and mental strength. Ciarán delves into the challenges of transitioning from coaching to entrepreneurship, emphasizing perseverance and time management. He also explores leadership styles in football and their relevance in business, and addresses the importance of holistic growth in sports and education.

Yiannis Tsala, Head Coach at FC London and Director of Methodology, dives deep into the complex world of football actions and interactions. He discusses the critical balance between player autonomy and coaching guidance, emphasizing individualized feedback for improved decision-making. Yiannis highlights the importance of context in training, urging coaches to adapt to team dynamics and opponent strategies. He also explores how storytelling and advanced analytical tools can enhance coaching effectiveness, paving the way for better player development.