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

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 s...

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 uns...

In this interview, James Jordan, founder of River City FC, shares his insights on a key question for aspiring soccer players: "If you have a U-15 son with the opportunity to play in UPSL or MLS Next/ECNL, which path should he choose to maximize his chances of going pro, both in the U.S. and internationally?" Tune in for valuable advice from a seasoned soccer leader and founder of a UPSL club!

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 skill...

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 sk...

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?...

Follow-up Answers on Training Time & Weak Foot

Hey, it’s Neil Crawford from Anytime Soccer Training. In today’s episode, I’m answering a question I get a lot from parents about helping kids build confidence with their non-dominant foot. I’ll share some tips on how to make the most of those practice sessions at home and during team training. If you’re wondering how to help your child become more comfortable using both feet, you’ll want to tune...

On this episode of Inside Scoop , I share how I used Anytime Soccer Training to help a listener design a four-day soccer training plan for their 13-year-old. With team practices and a rest day already in place, we crafted a 30-minute routine packed with juggling, ball mastery, dribbling, and wall-passing drills. Tune in to discover how you can use the Anytime Soccer Training platform to balance vo...

On this episode of Inside Scoop , I share how I used Anytime Soccer Training to help a listener design a four-day soccer training plan for their 13-year-old. With team practices and a rest day already in place, we crafted a 30-minute routine packed with juggling, ball mastery, dribbling, and wall-passing drills. Tune in to discover how you can use the Anytime Soccer Training platform to balance vo...

In this episode, I dive into a thoughtful question from a parent trainer who asked why Anytime Soccer Training starts juggling with thighs instead of feet. It's a great question that opens up a larger conversation about the deliberate process we use to help kids improve while keeping training frustration-free. I explore the role of deliberate practice, the importance of starting small and progress...

In this episode, I share how I used the slow and steady approach to help my son Matthew improve his soccer skills. Through Anytime Soccer Training’s step-by-step progression, we focused on simple drills and consistent practice, which not only transformed his confidence but also his love for the game. I also break down how small adjustments to drills, like toe taps and toe taps spinning, make a big...

Jeff & & David Interview

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating intersection of brain science and soccer training. Many coaches and trainers unintentionally hinder player development by not aligning their methods with how the brain learns. We explore key neuroscience principles, such as neuroplasticity, myelination, and chunking, and how they should shape soccer practices. From emphasizing the importance of unoppo...

In this episode, we chat with Simone Ghirlanda, who has experienced soccer cultures in both Texas and Italy. Simone provides a fascinating look at how youth soccer is approached in Italy, from training methods to club structures, and compares it with the American system. He shares valuable insights into the Italian mindset around player development, offering coaches, parents, and players alike an...

Why I Forced My Kids to Train Consistently - Part 4

Why I Forced My Kids to Train Consistently Listener Feedback Response - Part 3

Conversation and Reflection with Mike Byers on a Podcast About the Role of Structured Games in Development

Neil Crawford on Train Like a Pro

Check out this inspiring interview where 11-year-old Matthew Crawford chats with pro soccer player Channing Chasten about what it takes to be a 1% Kid. Practice, perseverance, and patience are the keys to achieving your dreams!

Looking for fun and easy 1v1 drills to try for homework? Check out this video for some football drills that you can do in your own backyard. Let's improve our game together! ⚽️ Quick update! One of our coaches asked for tips on assigning 1v1 homework for the team. In this video, I share how you can use Anytime Soccer Training to assign hundreds of essential 1v1 drills. It’s 100% follow-along, int...

In this episode, I break down an effective way to help young players master essential 1v1 moves. Inspired by one of our coaches, we discuss how you can assign a new move each week for your team, complete with follow-along drills to keep things simple and fun. Tune in to learn how to use these 1v1 exercises for practice and at-home homework, boosting your players' skills one move at a time! www.any...

What would you change if you were handed the keys to a competitive US youth soccer club? In this episode, I put myself in the hot seat and share my quick pitch for improving a struggling program — from player development and coaching culture to parent involvement and long-term vision. Whether you're a coach, parent, or club administrator, these ideas will get you thinking about what real chang...