Player Development Project Podcast - Learning Tools for Soccer Coaching

In this Q&A, PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright is joined by PDP Coaching Advisor, James Coutts to discuss some of the core skills that are critical for young players to develop, how we can support them and some practical ideas for you to implement.Don't forget you to head over to playerdevelopmentproject.com to find out more about our new online courses or to sign up for a monthly or annual membership to access all of our coaching content.

The Foundation Phase broadly covers the ages of 8-12 in youth soccer and is a crucial period of experimentation and skill acquisition for young players. So what game formats should we use in order to give them the best opportunities to learn, enjoy the sport, and develop? Below, we look at the range of formats available to coaches and consider how we can incorporate them into our training and games programs to give kids a variety of positive experiences playing soccer. Read more here.

Leadership is an inherent part of coaching. In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright is joined by father and son coaches, Keith & David Mayer for an in depth discussion on the topic of authenticity and leadership.Keith and David Mayer have just released their second book, The Lone Wolf: A Story About Assumptions, Authenticity & Action.Some of the key concepts from the book underpin this conversation with Keith, David and Dave diving into the following areas:What is authenticity?The coach as a role modelHow can coaches be authentic in their approach?The importance of self-awarenessMental health and it's place in sportPlus much moreIf you enjoy this discussion, you can buy Keith & David's book on Amazon and don't forget to check out their previous PDP Masterclass Discussion on Building Connections by clicking here.`Become a better coach by joining a supportive global community of coaches sharing ideas and learning together. Check out the PDP Membership here.

In this podcast, PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright sits down with Andrew Watt, Youth Development Phase Manager at Fulham FC, to discuss how the Premier League club supports players across the U9-U16 age groups.Andrew provides insights into the Fulham Academy's principles, his views on talent identification, the different approaches to coaching children from U9s all the way through to U16s, and how to manage the transitions to different game formats.For the full video discussion head to playerdevelopmentproject.com or click here to be taken straight to the post and don't forget you can sign up to PDP on a monthly or annual membership to access our huge range of learning resources.

The question this week comes from Gav through the PDP Slack Community:Gab asks, “How do you support players with self reflection?”Try PDP Free for 30 Days

The question this week comes from the PDP Slack Community: How do I help teenage players value defending?Start your Free 30 Day Trial Now

Professor Stephen Rollnick is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years experience. In this Masterclass Discussion, Stephen joins PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright for an in depth discussion on coach communication, the skill of motivational interviewing and much more.Stephen is a truly world-class thinker and practitioner who is applying his extensive knowledge to sport. This conversation covers a range of topics around connection, communication, tradition and relationships which will help coaches improve their ability to build effective relationships in their coaching.Watch the full conversation here.

The question this week comes from Tom through the PDP Slack Community:Tom asks, "How do you support players with self reflection?"

In our latest masterclass PDP Coaching Advisor James Coutts is joined by former QPR player and current Bristol City FC u18 lead coach Trevor Challis. In this discussion Trevor shares some invaluable stories from his playing days and in particular the late great Ray Wilkins that has helped shape how Trevor coaches now.A great discussion around 'guiding' players through their journey and ensuring that being honest along the way is very important.

Warren Grieve is an AFC Pro License holder and Technical Director at Football NSW in Australia. In this interview, PDP Editor, Dave Wright sits down with Warren to talk coach education, learning environments and more.This conversation covers a range of topics including:Insights into Warren's experience doing the Pro LicenseAdvice for coaches undertaking coursesTackling the question, "What is Coaching?"Common misconceptions on coaching coursesSession designCreating learning environmentsPlus much moreThis is an insightful discussion for developing coaches, particularly those who have an interest in pursuing formal courses and qualifications.

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts Sean Douglas for an in depth conversation on coach development.Sean is the National Coach Education Manager at Football Federation Australia and has vast experience as a Technical Director, Coach and Coach developer.In this discussion, Sean and Dave discuss formal coach education courses, advice for coaches who are on a coach education pathway and what to expect, the importance of self reflection and the Australian football landscape.If you're considering a coaching course or want insights into how it works, this is a great discussion to get a better understanding of the process and how you can develop as a coach.

This week the question comes from our PDP Members Slack channel:“Should my club run trials for players?”

In our latest Masterclass Webinar we sit down to discuss the coach/athlete relationship with Keith and David Mayer, authors of Gold Dust: How to Become a More Effective Coach, Quickly.The focus of the conversation is how we build connections with young players, using empathy, understanding, patience and communication. Keith is has over 40 years coaching experience at a number of professional clubs and has worked as an FA Tutor. David is currently completing his UEFA A license and has experience in the USA and Africa. This wide ranging conversation discusses how coaches can build quality relationships with players and shares insights into the book, giving practical advice for you to implement in your environment.

The question this week comes from Percy via Facebook:"Would you ever use isolated technique training?"Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

The question this week comes from the John via Facebook:“What are some of the common mistakes when you start coaching?”Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode Dan is joined by Ray Power. Ray, is a UEFA A Licence coach, an FA tutor and author. In this discussion Dan and Ray touch on ‘collecting badges', the importance of informal learning and the some practical tips for coaches and coach developers.We also discuss some of the best educators including some golden nuggets from Dick Bates.If you enjoy the show please like and share!

In this episode Dan is joined by Adrian Bradbury.  Adrian has spent the last 10 years identifying and nurturing talent in East Africa.  In this conversation they discuss character – which Adrian is truly passionate about.Adrian shares his approach to character development.  Why he thinks it is important, how we could go about delivering it – both on and off the pitch, as well as some of the complexity when working with young people!If you enjoy the show please let us know via twitter - @coachdanwright or @playerdp

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright sits down with Parkour coach, Ben Westbook and physiotherapist Jade Martin.Ben and Jade are experts in human movement and in this conversation we discuss injury prevention, functional movement, integrating variety into sports programs, specialisation and more.This is an insightful conversation with two innovators in youth development with some great tips for coaches and parents.

The question this week comes from Stuart via Twitter:“I coach U12 footballs and I have a player that wants to play rugby as well as football, how should I manage this situation?”Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Head Coach of Auckland Aces Cricket team, Heinrich Malan to discuss a range of coaching topics.Heinrich is a highly successful young coach having one national titles with both Central Districts and most recently his Auckland Aces side in the 2019/20 Ford Trophy One Day Competition. Dave and Heinrich dive into a number of topics including the individual nature of cricket, the future game, specialist coaching, technique and managing athletes transitioning into the team and returning from international duty. This conversation is essential listening for coaches who want to understand a high performance environment from a top practitioner with a big future in coaching.For the full discussion head over to our website or click here.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this On The Grass episode we are joined by Graham Mills. We discuss putting individual development at the centre of our approach.Graham, UEFA A and Advanced Youth Award holder, is currently a Lecturer in Football Coaching at Solent University. He holds a BA Honours degree in Coach Education and Sports Development from The University of Bath. In this chat we talk through the process of setting targets, focusing on individuals through training and game day and empowering young players on their journey. Let's get started! Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Creativity values, culture, systems and control. What does it all mean and how does it impact coaching and sporting environments? In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts Co-Founder of my fastest mile, Mark Upton alongside PDP Lead Researcher and AIK Academy Coach, James Vaughan.In this wide-ranging conversation, the guys discuss some of James' Phd research and his recently published paper on creativity, as well as diving down a number of rabbit holes such as:Challenging the role of traditional sports scienceThe problem with creativityData built programsThe concept of controlSystemic issues in youth developmentOrganisational cultureThis philosophical discussion will hopefully leave you considering your approach and generate a few different perspectives to look at your own coaching. When tuning in to this one, consider the environments we create, how we shape them and how they shape us.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode of On The Grass I am joined by Maxwell Opondo Mbai.Maxi has vast experience in the game working in a number of different environments – he has worked as a coach in academy football, non-league and the women's game, as well as a scout for a league one football team.  In this meandering chat Maxi shares some of his reflections – successes and failures during this journey. We discuss lots of topics in this one, we touch on session design, developing individuals and player motivation.  Maxi is a coach I have worked closely with and he has a great eye for detail, I really enjoyed this discussion he has a fantastic voice for podcast!Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Mark Lyons - Pre Academy Co-ordinator and Lead Coach at Leicester City Football Club. In this wide ranging conversation, Mark and Dave dive into the topic of coaching foundation phase aged players. If you work with U7-11 players, this is essential viewing. Mark shares his philosophy, insights into the clubs approach when working with young children, the importance of fun, variety of experiences, session design and more. Mark is a vastly experienced coach, holds the UEFA A license and FA Advanced Youth Award and this discussion contains a huge amount of practical advice for coaches working with young players.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode I am joined by the newest member of the PDP team, James Coutts.  In this podcast we explore some of James' playing and coaching journey.  I was keen to ask who has influenced his coaching style and what are the key bits he has learnt along the way! James has recently joined the PDP as a coaching advisor, so it was great to learn more and share with the PDP community.Hope you enjoy the show!Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

The question this week comes from Frank via our Facebook Page,He asks: "How can I do position specific work with my players?"Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

When we started this series of shows we were keen to share some of the fascinating stories of people working “on the grass”, and Gareth Byres is the embodiment of this. He has over 20 years experience of coaching young people and he is a busy guy! His background includes working in specialist schools, mentoring grassroots coaches, developing the girls game and making time to take his sons grassroots teams.This discussion addresses some of the questions we get asked by members. Gareth covers working with parents, developing lifelong friends through sport and some practical tips for coaches working in any set up.Hope you enjoy the show!Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Academy Manager of Birmingham City FC, Kristjaan Speakman for an in depth and wide ranging conversation. Kristjaan has been at the club for well over a decade and has also coached at Derby County under the guidance of Terry Westley. Now one of England's most highly regarded Academy Managers, Kristjaan sits down with Dave to discuss leadership, coaching and coach development, shares insights into the journey of Demarai Gray & recent first team debutant, Jude Bellingham plus much more. This discussion contains a huge amount of practical advice for developing coaches from session design to individual planning, so don't miss it.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership.

Gordon and Dave dive into a discussion which includes practical advice for parents on how to support their children in sport, how clubs can better engage with parents, how to manage the car ride home and much more.Gordon has vast coaching and teaching experience and this discussion is essential viewing for coaches and clubs looking to better understand parental influence in youth sport.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode of “On The Grass..” Dan Wright is joined by Sam Grace. Sam is currently the Lead U16 Coach at Reading FC, and has 12 years' experience coaching in academy football. In this podcast Sam takes us through some of his masters research around Sports Psychology, as we discuss some of the implications for both coaches and players.The UEFA A Licence coach shares some strategies to help coaches and performers to develop their understanding of their emotions and how to improve their performance on the pitch. As always there are lots of practical tips for coaches working with young players.Hope you enjoy the show!Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion Dave Wright sits down with motivational researcher and rugby coach, Jonny McMurtry. Jonny discusses his research into motivation and participation in youth sport. Jonny and Dave cover a number of topics including athlete motivation, autonomy supportive environments, talent identification and coach behaviour. This is another fascinating discussion around psychology and youth development not to be missed.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

The question this week comes from a Richard via the PDP Member's Slack Channel.Richard asks: "Should you have a season long plan?Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, Dave Wright & Dan Wright Co-host a conversation with Danny Barham, Head of Analysis and Data for Birmingham City FC. Danny shares insights into the power of video, practical advice for grassroots clubs looking to apply analysis, shares the approach of Birmingham City's analysis department and how they individualise analysis for players. This is a fascinating discussion for analytical coaches interested in how performance and development environments are utilising objective analysis and data to support player development in a holistic way.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode of “On The Grass..” Dan Wright is joined by PDP Editor Dave Wright, who shares his view on modern coaching, developing individuals, putting your ego aside and putting the players first. Dan flips roles with Dave and puts him on the spot as they discuss a range of coaching topics and Dave tackles the question cube.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

This Masterclass Discussion is a special 60 minute edition featuring one of our longest supporting contributors and a genuine coaching innovator, Mark Upton. Mark is hosted by PDP Editor, Dave Wright to discuss contemporary coaching environments, organisational culture, sports science and much more.We dive down a number of rabbit holes in this one from sporting culture, the purpose of youth sport through to academic literature and how to comprehend it plus the commercialisation of youth sport and how current paradigms have been influenced by tradition and industry. There are lots of ideas for coaches in this one.Mark is the Co-founder of myfastestmile, a social enterprise designed to examine how sport provides meaning for people from participation to performance. He also has extensive experience in AFL and working at both the Australian Institute of Sport & the English Institute of Sport. For more of Mark's articles on playerdevelopmentproject.com or myfastestmile.com.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

The question this week comes from an anonymous grassroots coach: He asks, “Should I recruit stronger players?” Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Coaching youth sport is complex, challenging and rewarding. In this Masterclass Discussion we speak to Founder of Changing the Game Project and youth coaching expert, John O'Sullivan.PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts John for an in depth discussion which dives into a range of topics including women's football, John's work in the youth coaching space, specialisation, organisational culture and creating learning environments for young people. John is a leader in driving change in youth sport, a long time PDP contributor and has some fantastic ideas and a great lens of approaching youth coaching.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode of “On the grass..” we are joined by Rob Carlisle. Rob is the Programme Leader – MA Sport Coaching and Development at the University of Chester. He is completing a PhD examining the organisational cultures of professional football clubs.Rob is a level 4 football coach and works for the Football Association delivering coach education courses including the UEFA B Licence qualification. Alongside this he is also a Youth Development Phase coach at Blackburn Rovers where he works with aspiring young professional footballers.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, Dr. Craig Harrison is hosted by PDP Editor, Dave Wright for a wide ranging conversation on youth development, skill acquisition and the importance of play in the learning process for children.Craig and Dave cover a range of topics including sports science and how it can be integrated in youth settings, specilasation, development versus performance and much more. This is an insightful and educational interview with a real innovator in New Zealand youth sport.Click here to find out more about Player Development Project Membership.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, Player Development Project hosts, Dave Wright and Dan Wright sit down for a fascinating conversation with world leading Sports Psychologist, Dan Abrahams.Dave and Dan facilitate an in depth conversation with Dan on his experience in sports psychology across different codes.  We examine the four corner model and the value of breaking down psychology into a component, we talk autonomy, challenge the review process, discuss coach communication and much, much more. This is a fascinating conversation from an experienced expert in the world of sports psychology with a huge amount of practical advice for you to apply in your environments. For the full two hour conversation, head to playerdevelopmentproject.com and access the Masterclass Discussion section.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

The question this week comes from Joe via Facebook: “Is it OK for a young player to commit a professional foul?”Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode of  ‘On the Grass' we are joined by Jonas Munkvold. Jonas is a coach at Vålerenga in Norway, he joins us to share his 1v1 model as we discuss developing the individual in the team.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, FA National Women's Coach Developer, Amy Price shares her unique approach to player development with Dave Wright & Dan Wright in a highly engaging conversation.Amy shares research on how coaches can use the principles of video game design to engage young players in their own development, setting challenges, designing tasks and encouraging problem-solving. Amy outlines how players can take ownership of the task and you can 'level' up the challenge as you go. This is essential listening if you want practical advice around session design and ensuring you're making the environment as enjoyable as possible for young players from one of England's top young coaches.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Alan Good is the coaching director for Focus Field Hockey, a hockey club in Virginia that aims to grow the game, develop players and people and help those who wish to play at the collegiate level in America get recruited. He also works for USA Field Hockey, the sport's governing body in America, as a coach educator and high performance coach.In this conversation we discuss competition, working with teenagers and helping our players to develop their psychological skills.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

How can you make your environment as positive as possible? In this Masterclass Discussion, Positive Psychology expert, Lara Mossman joins PDP Editor, Dave Wright for an in-depth discussion on positive psychology in coaching.Lara is one of Player Development Project's founding contributors and is a world-class expert in the area of positive psychology in coaching. Dave and Lara tackle some common misconceptions around psychology, discuss what positive psychology is and how coaches can apply it. The conversation also covers what an autonomy supportive environment actually is, how parents can support their children in sports and provides practical examples of how coaches can communicate effectively with young people.If you're a coach hungry to learn, better understand player development and approach your coaching in a more holistic way, this is essential listening.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this episode of “On the Grass” Dan Wright is joined by Debbie Sayers from Salisbury Rovers. Debbie discusses the importance of play and why their club put the child at the centre of every decision, this includes picking formation and even kids designing their own sessions!As youth sport because more and more structured Debbie is offering a different approach.  There are loads of great takeaways for coaches in this conversation, especially for those wanting to increase fun, engagement and getting to know the people in front of them. We dive into the question cube to quiz Debbie on some practical tips for coaches.Enjoy the show!Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright is joined by Head of Specialist Coaching & Lead In Possession Coach at The FA, Aaron Danks. PDP Technical Advsior, Dan Wright also joins the discussion for a fascinating conversation on youth development.Aaron is a holder of the UEFA Pro License, he spent over a decade at West Bromwich Albion Academy and was part of the England U20 coaching staff who led the team to World Cup success in 2017. We dive into Aaron's personal coaching journey, his views on what coaching is, the role of chaos in learning, trends in the modern game and much more. If you want to be a better coach, this is a must listen Masterclass from one of England's top youth developers.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

“On the grass” is a new project hosted by Dan Wright. In each show Dan is joined by an expert guest, with the ultimate aim is to share some of their experience and knowledge to help other coaches working in the youth development space.  The podcast is an informal discussion where coaches and people working on the grass, discuss one BIG idea. In the first episode Dan is joined by Stuart Armstrong. Stuart is Head of Coaching at Sport England and also founder of the Talent Equation, blog and podcast. In this conversation Stuart discusses his time in the “coaching wilderness” and his passion to connect the latest research to practical sessions. On the Grass is a new format which will be published on the PDP Podcast along with some Q&A episodes and selected snippets of Masterclass Discussions.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Dave and Dan sit down to discuss a new show coming to the podcast..tune in to find out more! Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

The question this week comes from Mark, via Facebook: "When are players ready for a playing position?"Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by highly experienced Academy Coach, Arthur Brammer for a wide ranging conversation on player development.Arthur Brammer is a holder of the FA Advanced Youth Award and the UEFA A license. With over 10 years Academy experience in England at Watford FC and Fulham FC, Arthur is now working at New York City FC. Dave and Arthur dive into a conversation outlining a number of practical pieces of advice based on Arthur's vast experience focussing on individual development of young players, the role of mentors, creating learning environments, communication styles and much more. This is essential listening for anyone working with young players.For the full discussion, head over to the Player Development Project website and search the Masterclass Discussion section.Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast