The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World

In this episode, I respond to a great question from a parent of a four-year-old asking if Anytime Soccer Training has sessions for kids that young — and more importantly, what advice I’d give to someone just starting their soccer journey. I take a step back and reflect on what I wish I had known when my boys were that age. We talk about being intentional but playful, the importance of early adopti...

In this episode, I’m responding to a voice memo from a friend and fellow soccer parent who’s been using the 30-day programs inside Anytime Soccer Training. She loves how simple and organized it is — and I totally get it. That’s why I built those plans. But I also wanted to share something deeper — how I stumbled on what I now call a cheat code for building a rock-solid technical foundation at home...

In this episode of The Inside Scoop , I answer a question I hear all the time from parents — “How can I help my child become more confident, especially in 1v1 situations against stronger players?” A fellow parent reached out about their almost 11-year-old who is technically decent but lacks confidence when the pressure is on. I’ve been there — not just as a coach, but as a dad working with my own...

Hey, it’s Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this episode, I answer a common question from parents — where should your child start in the program? I break it down simply: begin with the 1,000 Touch Ball Mastery , Ronaldinho Freestyle Dribbling , Juggling , and Wall Passing . These are the core building blocks I used with my own kids. I also share why patience and consistency mat...

In this episode, I break down a soccer video submitted by one of our Facebook group members, showing how data can turn subjective opinions into objective insights . Instead of relying on gut feelings or vague feedback, I explore how tracking key metrics—like touches, decision-making, and positioning—can provide a clearer picture of player development. Join me as I discuss why numbers don’t lie, ho...

In this episode, I sit down with Tami Matheny, a renowned Mental Game Coach, author, and certified Jon Gordon trainer, to explore one of the trickiest aspects of youth sports: giving feedback to competitive kids. Tami draws on her deep experience working with athletes across a wide range of sports—including soccer—to offer practical, research-backed advice for parents and coaches alike. We dive in...

In this episode, I keep the conversation going on youth soccer development and club accountability. After stirring up discussions in our online communities, I take a deeper dive into the real challenges of evaluating player progress. Are clubs truly developing players, or just marketing development? I break down the difference between player evaluations and measuring a club’s effectiveness, highli...

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Haughton, Technical Director of Bluffton Rush , to explore how a strong technical framework helps young players thrive. With experience at Manchester City’s Academy, Burnley FC, and Global Premier Soccer, Mike shares key insights on coaching education, player development, and building a successful soccer pathway. 🔗 Learn more about Mike and Bluffton Rush: Blu...

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Inside Scoop ! I'm your host, Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. If you're new here, this podcast helps parents explore different soccer pathways worldwide. And of course, it's brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training—the only training app with over 5,000 step-by-step training videos. Check it out at anytime-soccer.com . Now, onto today’s show! Ye...

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 developm...

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 p...

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 c...

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 mode...

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 abo...

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 depe...

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 on...

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 the...

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...

Hey everyone, it's Neil Crawford, your host and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. On this episode of The Inside Scoop , I’m responding to a heartfelt email from a parent who’s struggling with their child’s soccer development. She can’t afford private training, but sees other kids benefiting from it—and she’s worried her son is falling behind. I totally get it. My own sons have never had...

Hey everyone, it's Neil Crawford, your host and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. On this episode of The Inside Scoop , I’m responding to a heartfelt email from a parent who’s struggling with their child’s soccer development. She can’t afford private training, but sees other kids benefiting from it—and she’s worried her son is falling behind. I totally get it. My own sons have never had...

Hey everyone, welcome back to another edition of Inside Scoop ! I’m your host, Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. If you’re new here, this podcast is all about helping parents understand the different soccer pathways available to their kids—whether they live in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world. In this episode, I’m tackling something personal—parental bias and the irony of as...

Hey everyone, welcome back to Inside Scoop ! I’m Neil Crawford, your host and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. If you’re new here, this is the show where we dive into soccer pathways around the world and help parents navigate the crazy journey of youth soccer. And of course, this podcast is brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training—the only program with over 5,000 follow-along training vide...

Hey everyone, I’m Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this episode, I chat with Dennis Bros, founder of NASDA, about how he’s helping young players gain international soccer experience. We cover club-neutral pathways, ID camps, and affordable opportunities to play in Europe. Don’t miss it! Learn more at https://www.nasdasoccer.com/

Welcome to another episode! I’m Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training, and today we’re tackling a question that hits close to home for many soccer parents. Have you ever told your kid not to pass to certain teammates—maybe a new kid or someone you think is better than them? It’s a tough topic, but I’m offering my thoughts on the situation and what role coaches play in this kind of beha...