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

I'll be honest — I don't have a coaching license and I never played the game. But I've spent years thinking deeply about how I'd want my teams to play. In this episode, I share my game model and coaching philosophy, imperfections and all, hoping other coaches will push back and help me get it right.

Before I keep sharing opinions, I want you to understand where I'm coming from. In this episode, I lay out the fundamental principles that shape everything I say — so you can filter my advice through the right lens.

A parent asked me to prep them before their demo, so I hit record instead. In this episode, I break down the core principles behind Anytime Soccer Training — the connection between competency and confidence, why the parent is the most important coach, and how the curriculum is structured. I also get real about what no online program can promise, including individual feedback and guaranteed engagement.

This is just a quick clarification on what people really mean when they bring up promotion and relegation in youth soccer. I share my perspective on how the idea gets misunderstood and what actually matters for kids and development.

I wasn't always the parent I am now. For years, I thought I was helping my sons by stepping in, questioning coaches, pulling them from practice for outside games, and trying to “manage” their development myself. Looking back, I can see how often I got in the way of what their clubs were actually trying to build. I meant well, but I didn't understand the bigger picture.This episode is me owning that—and pushing back on the way we, as parents, turn every club policy into a moral judgment. Guest playing is my example, but the pattern is everywhere. Three clubs can handle it three completely different ways and still genuinely care about development. I had to learn that the hard way.I talk about the “I'm paying, so I own the experience” mindset I used to have, why I held my older son back from an academy move even when it felt uncomfortable, and the real pressures clubs face when parent factions start pulling in different directions.My message to parents is simple but not always easy: Ask the right questions before you join. Once you commit, actually commit. And if the fit isn't right, move on without burning the place down. For clubs, be painfully clear about your policies upfront so families know exactly what they're signing up for.Different approaches aren't moral failures. They're just different. And if we want youth soccer to be healthier, we need less judgment and more partnership.If you want, I can make it even more raw, more conversational, or more punchy, depending on the tone you want for the episode.

 A coach's viral reel says if your club won't release your player card, they don't care about your child's development. I disagree — not because clubs are always right, but because we need to stop moralizing every disagreement in youth soccer. In this episode, I break down why clubs can have sincere reasons for their policies, why it shouldn't matter if you're paying or it's a free academy, and why the real problem isn't player cards — it's the us-versus-them mentality that's replacing communication with conflict.

Kids are jumping from rec to club way too early — and showing up without the basics.In this episode, Coach Jesse and I get real about what's broken in grassroots soccer:

I'm Neil Crawford, and in this episode I'm breaking down the real problem with scrimmages in youth soccer. Coaches love them, parents expect them, and players think they're ‘the fun part'—but they're quietly holding kids back. I'm pulling back the curtain on why endless scrimmaging stalls development, what actually builds skill, and how we can rethink training to help every player grow.” If you want, I can make it spicier, more conversational, or more research‑backed depending on the vibe you want for the episode.

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I sit down with Coach Jesse Novatski — a grassroots and college coach who's become a trusted voice in our soccer parent community.Jesse has a remarkable story. Born near São Paulo, Brazil, he spent his early years in an orphanage before being adopted and moving to the United States at age five. "The United States became my fifth birthday present," he shares.We talk about how those early experiences shaped his character, his drive, and ultimately his coaching philosophy. From giving food to homeless people on the streets of Rio as a child, to that one summer when "the skills just started to come, the goals just started to come" — Jesse's path to coaching was anything but ordinary.If you've seen Jesse in our Facebook group preaching about fundamentals, free play, and making sure kids love the game — this conversation gives you the full picture of why he believes what he believes.Connect with Coach Jesse:

Hey guys, Neil Crawford here. In this episode, I show you how to find specific drills in Anytime Soccer Training when a coach gives your player targeted feedback. A parent asked about aerial control drills, so I walk through creating a custom training session and pinning the right videos from our 5,000+ video library.Remember: technology plus human is better than either alone. You can modify any drill to fit your needs while still getting the timer, tracking, and professional demonstration.Ready to get started? Check out these free resources:

In this Inside Scoop session, I answer a parent's question about helping their 14-year-old improve 1v1 skills with just 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. I walk through our "Get Started" section for experienced players and show how our 30-day training plans focus on essential dribbling and ball mastery that translate directly to game performance.I demonstrate how the dashboard's calendar pinning and completion tracking features keep players accountable, with email notifications when plans are finished. I emphasize that consistent in-home training is like sharpening a rifle—it's what transforms game performance, whether you're training indoors during cold months or outside.I also introduce our Player Journey feature that maps out a lifetime training progression and show how to navigate between grid and list views to find exactly what you need.Ready to get started? Grab our free 7-day training plan at anytimesoccertraining.com and see how just 30 minutes a day can transform your player's 1v1 skills.

I almost made a mistake that would've killed my son's love for soccer.The advice? "Iron sharpens iron — get him on a team with the best players." It sounded perfect. But three weeks in, everything changed.In this episode, I reveal why the most popular club selection advice is dangerously wrong — and what actually sharpens iron.If you're choosing a club right now, you need to hear this before you sign anything.Ready to start developing your player at home?Get our free 7-Day Ball Mastery Training Plan at: https://anytime-soccer.com/free-soccer-drills-for-kids/

How do young players actually go from youth soccer to a professional contract?In this episode, former FIFA-licensed agent Miro Gladovic answers real questions from parents in our community. No fluff—just honest insight into how the process really works.Coming up in this episode:

In this episode, I respond to a parent's email about a nine-year-old losing confidence — not with solutions, but with honesty. I don't have all the answers, but I wanted to acknowledge the struggle and start a real conversation about confidence, environment, and what our kids actually need from us in youth soccer. Sometimes the most important thing isn't a fix — it's realizing we're not navigating this alone.

If you've ever wondered how young players go from youth soccer → academy → professional contracts, this interview is for you.In this special episode, former FIFA-licensed agent Miro Gladovic joins me to answer real questions submitted by parents from our community.40% Off Soccer Family Agent. Use discount code: AST40https://soccerfamilyagent.teachable.com/p/homeWe dig into what scouts actually look for, how the process really works, and the common mistakes families make when chasing opportunities.Inside this conversation, we cover:✔ What separates players who get noticed✔ The role environment, culture & timing play✔ Europe vs. U.S. pathways — what's the difference?✔ What parents should (and shouldn't) focus on✔ Trials, scouting, agents, and exposure — explained clearlyIf your child dreams of going pro — or you just want clarity, honesty, and direction — this episode will give you the roadmap.

When Frederick emailed me asking how to train his two sons—ages 8 and 10—it took me right back to those early days when I was trying to figure everything out myself. I remember the uncertainty, the frustration, and the feeling that everyone else somehow knew what they were doing… except me.In this episode, I share what I've learned along the way: why structured training matters, how simple routines create momentum, and why mindset and consistency often matter more than natural talent. I also walk through the resources I wish I had earlier—training tools, podcasts, eBooks, and communities that make the journey clearer and far less overwhelming.This episode isn't just about drills or technique. It's about the parenting side of soccer—the role we play in supporting our kids, building confidence, and creating an environment where they can improve and still love the game.

In this episode, I go on a short rant that probably won't make me more popular—but I think it needs to be said. I talk openly about why I don't believe “bad soccer parents” are the biggest problem in youth development, why coaches focus so much on things they can't control, and why the real work still happens Monday through Friday on the training ground. If you're a coach or parent who's tired of hearing that you are the problem, this one is for you.

In this episode, I walk you through the newest improvements now available inside Anytime Soccer Training — designed to make home and team training even easier and more effective.You'll get a quick video tour of new enhancements across the platform, including:Weekly Training PlansQuick Sessions for Busy DaysCustom Training Plans for Any Player or TeamKey Skill Area Organization for Faster NavigationAnd more…Whether you're coaching a team, training your child at home, or using Anytime Soccer Training to stay consistent, these updates are built to save time, remove confusion, and help players improve faster.

Everyone wants their kid to train more at home… but nobody warns you about this part.In this short, real-talk episode, I share a conversation with a friend whose son loves soccer — but doesn't always love the work. If you've ever tried to get your child to do solo reps, wall passing, juggling, or even follow-along videos… you already know.This isn't about motivation hacks, gimmicks, magic apps, or the promise that training will somehow become “fun.” It won't — not in the way kids expect fun. Solo training is delayed gratification — and that's exactly why it works.Press play. It's short. It's honest. And it may change how you think about training forever.

Everyone wants their child to have “better soccer IQ”… but what if we've been approaching it the wrong way?In this short episode, I break down the real foundation—something I stumbled across while scrolling a coaching group—that might completely shift how you think about developing smarter players.Listen now… the answer may not be what you expect.

In this episode, we sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Val Rytova to break down what's actually happening in a child's brain as they learn soccer skills. We explore how kids develop movement patterns, why they sometimes perform skills in games they've never formally practiced, and whether parents need to be skilled players to help their children grow.We also discuss the ongoing debate of unopposed vs. opposed training, the role of repetition vs. realism, and why a mix of structured practice, free play, and varied experiences may be the best path forward.If you've ever wondered how kids truly learn—not just with their bodies, but with their brains—this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and science-backed insight.Connect with Dr. Val: http://www.drvalrytova.com | Instagram @love_of_brain

It's the holidays — and every year I get the same questions about new gadgets, apps, and “fun” soccer programs. In this episode, I reveal why most kids lose interest fast… and why real development is more nuanced.Enjoy!

In this short preview, Dr. Val Rytova reveals one of the biggest myths about practice — and what neuroscience says actually builds skill.Learn more here https://www.drvalrytova.com/

What's really happening inside your brain when you practice a skill over and over again?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Val Rytova, neuroscientist and creator of Neuroplasticity and Epigenetics 101, to explore how consistent practice literally rewires your brain. Dr. Rytova breaks down the science of neuroplasticity — how repetition and focus reshape your brain's structure — and explains why practice isn't just about muscle memory, it's about rewiring your identity at the neurological level.Learn more at: https://www.drvalrytova.com/

In this episode, I challenge the myth that playing more games leads to better players. Games don't build skill — they reveal it. I explain how true development happens outside the spotlight, through repetition and deliberate practice, not in the flow state of competition.

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I unpack what I call the universal answer — a framework I use to respond to nearly every question parents ask about their child's soccer development.This time, the question was: “How can I help my child be more aggressive on the field?” Instead of offering a quick fix, I explain why words like “aggressive” are often too vague to be useful — and how to transform that frustration into teachable moments.I walk through a clear, step-by-step method:Define the specific behavior you want to seeIdentify players who model it wellPinpoint when and where it happens in the gameCreate opportunities to practice it — in a way that's positive and age-appropriateBecause “aggression” isn't about changing your child's personality — it's about building clarity, repetition, and confidence.Tune in, take notes, and join the conversation in the Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group. Let's keep growing together.

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I share what I call the universal answer — the framework I use to respond to almost every question parents ask about their child's soccer development.This time, a parent asked how to help their child become more “aggressive” on the field. Instead of giving a quick tip, I break down why terms like aggressive are too vague to be helpful — and how to turn that frustration into something you can actually teach.I walk through a step-by-step method to define what you want your child to do, identify who does it well, when and where it happens, and how to help them practice it — all in a positive, developmentally appropriate way.Because “being aggressive” isn't about personality — it's about clarity, repetition, and confidence.Tune in, take notes, and join the conversation inside the Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group.

In this episode, I answer a parent's question about how to help their child who's technically solid but finding it hard to stand out on a stronger team.I share how I'd approach this situation using the principles of play and my experience as both a coach and parent. We talk about balancing technical work, physical training, and tactical awareness, and why development often happens in phases.Sometimes the answer isn't more practice — it's helping your child see the game differently and rebuild confidence as the level rises.Check out www.anytime-soccer.com

In this follow-up episode of The Inside Scoop, host Neil Crawford sits down again with Joao Plantier, General Manager of FuteBALLER and former scout for Sporting CP and other top European clubs. This time, the spotlight is on how FuteBALLER actively creates opportunities for young players to be seen and evaluated by European scouts.Joao explains the systems and strategies FuteBALLER uses to connect talent with real chances abroad—from curated trials and video scouting to mentorship and development tracking. He shares what makes their approach different, how they prepare players for the moment, and what families need to understand about the journey.If you're serious about helping your child break into the European soccer scene, this episode shows how FuteBALLER is making it possible.

In this quick recap episode of The Inside Scoop, I revisit my approach to starting every team training session with unopposed technical work. I wanted to make this short and clear—just breaking down why I do it, what the benefits are, and some of the drawbacks too.I also share a great conversation we had in the Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group about how unopposed drills fit into modern coaching and player development.If you've ever wondered why I emphasize repetition, confidence, and control before adding pressure, this episode will make my strategy crystal clear.Brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training — with over 5,000 follow-along videos covering every major skill area. Visit anytime-soccer.com to learn more.#2 Rank Football Podcast!https://podcast.feedspot.com/youth_football_podcasts/

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, host Neil Crawford talks with Joao Plantier, General Manager of FuteBALLER and a former scout with Sporting CP and other top European clubs.Joao shares what scouts really look for during a two-week trial — from technical quality and decision-making to mentality and adaptability. He breaks down the difference between American and European development, what separates elite players from the rest, and how parents can better prepare their kids for opportunities abroad.A must-listen for any parent or coach serious about understanding what it takes to reach the next level.Voted #2 Football Podcasthttps://podcast.feedspot.com/youth_football_podcasts/?feedid=5379766&_src=f1_featured_email

In this episode, I share why I always start my soccer sessions with unopposed technical training — even though some coaches wouldn't.After talking with a fellow JV coach and alum who gave me great feedback, I wanted to explain my approach and the strategy behind it. For me, it's about getting a high volume of touches, maximizing football actions, and never wasting time.I also touch on what happens in the brain during repetition — and why that foundation helps players think faster and perform better when it mattersVoted #2 Football Podcast!https://podcast.feedspot.com/youth_football_podcasts/?feedid=5379766&_src=f1_featured_email

In this quick episode of The Inside Scoop, I respond to a great question from our Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group: Can speed of play and technical IQ really be improved in private training? I share my personal perspective as both a soccer dad and JV coach, why one-on-one work is crucial (but doesn't always need a private trainer), and how home training fits into the bigger picture. It's a short, conversational dive meant to spark discussion—not deliver final answers.

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I dig into a question that stirred up plenty of debate in our Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group: Are kids more likely to go pro if their parents set that goal early on?It's a thought exercise, not a prediction—but it opens up big conversations about parenting, expectations, and how much influence we really have on our children's soccer journeys. I share my perspective as both a soccer dad and coach, why discipline and engagement matter, and why we also have to stay reflective about our behavior as parents.Tune in, think it through with me, and let me know where you'd put your million-dollar bet.

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I push back on the common “U.S. Soccer bad, rest of the world good” narrative. Sparked by a heated Facebook group discussion, we look at league tables, myths about youth soccer abroad, and whether parents here are focusing on the wrong things—missing what truly drives player development.

This episode of The Inside Scoop is a follow-up to my recent discussion on soccer IQ. Instead of just theory, I share real match clips that highlight how the principles, patterns, and people we talked about actually play out on the field. It's a chance to see the framework come to life—through the eyes of both a parent and a player.Here is the playlist in case the video is not clearhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbONH4Pe_wRVI1V_bfJBVoDu7juX1VVLP&si=JkQaJkJcwFxa4O5z

This week on The Inside Scoop, we dive into one of the toughest questions every soccer parent eventually asks: How do I help my child improve their soccer IQ?It all started when I got a message from one of my Morehouse brothers—when a Morehouse man asks, you answer. What seemed like a simple question opened up a much bigger conversation about the game, how kids really learn, and the role we play as parents and coaches.In this episode, I share my own journey—from stumbling through training sessions with my sons, to coaching high school soccer, to learning the hard truths about how awareness, principles of play, and patterns actually develop. Along the way, I'll reveal the frameworks I use as a “parent trainer” to make sense of soccer IQ—so that even if we don't have all the answers, we can ask the right questions.This show is brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training, the only program with 5,000+ follow-along videos designed to give kids 4–5x more touches than traditional training. Don't miss the FREE 7-Day Training Plan Challenge—7 sessions straight to your inbox that you can keep forever

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I sit down with João Plantier—UEFA Pro Coach and General Manager at FuteBALLER—to talk about what makes Portuguese youth soccer different from the U.S. We dig into the culture, coaching, and pathways that have produced world-class players at clubs like Sporting CP and Benfica, and explore what parents and coaches in the States can learn from Europe's approach.

Just dropped a new snippet from my chat with João Plantier, UEFA Pro Coach and General Manager at FuteBALLER.https://www.futeballer.co/coachesWe dug into the differences between youth soccer in Portugal and the U.S.—from culture to coaching to player development.Check it out and let me know what stands out to you.Full episode dropping this Friday!

Hey, it's Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training and your host of The Inside Scoop. Normally, this show is all about exploring the soccer pathways available to kids around the world. But today's a little different—it's a check-in episode.I've been quiet lately because I took on a new role: assistant high school coach and head JV coach. For someone who didn't grow up playing the game, this feels like the full circle moment of my soccer journey—from learning through my own kids, to building Anytime Soccer Training, to now coaching a group of young men every day.In this episode, I share my first impressions of high school soccer—the challenges, the surprises, and the lessons I'm learning on the fly. From setting standards and building trust, to dealing with skill gaps and limited prep time, I'll take you behind the scenes of what this first season has been like.This is just the beginning. I'll be inviting other high school and JV coaches on the show to trade notes, share tips, and keep learning together.So if you're a coach, a parent, or just curious about what high school soccer really looks like from the sidelines—this one's for you.

In this episode, I'm sharing a bit about what it means to be a parent trainer—and why I think so many of us fall into that category without even realizing it.I talk about the balance between pushing too hard and not doing enough, why deliberate practice still matters, and the role tech can play in all this. Plus, I share one simple tip for getting high-quality training without spending a dime—something I wish more parents knew about.

Hey everyone — Neil Crawford here, founder of Anytime Soccer Training and host of The Inside Scoop.In this episode, I sit down with Gloria Stitt, co-founder of https://ussoccerparent.com/, and a soccer mom with an incredible story. Her son's journey took him from futsal courts in New York City all the way to playing in Madrid, Spain.We dive into:⚽ How soccer is part of her Hispanic heritage

Hey guys, it's Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training, and welcome back to The Inside Scoop. Today I'm sitting down with the incredible Gloria Stitt — co-founder of a new website called ussoccerparent.com, a much-needed resource for families navigating the wild world of youth soccer.In this episode, Gloria shares her personal story as a soccer mom whose son went from futsal in New York City all the way to playing in Madrid, Spain. We talk about how soccer is woven into her Hispanic heritage, what it was like supporting her son's dream, and the big differences she noticed between U.S. and international soccer development.Gloria also gives some heartfelt tips for parents just starting this journey. If you're a soccer parent—or just trying to figure this whole system out—this one's for you. Let's get into it.

Hey guys, it's Neil Crawford here—founder of Anytime Soccer Training and host of The Inside Scoop. I just wrapped up a great interview with Gloria Stitt, co-founder of the new sitewww.USSoccerParent.com. This is just a quick preview, but we talked about why they built the site and how it's designed to help parents navigate the youth soccer journey with more clarity and confidence. Full episode coming soon…stay tuned!

Hey, it's Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this quick episode, I'm tossing out a random idea that popped into my head during a Facebook group convo. No research, no promises—just something I wanted to say out loud and see if it sparks any thoughts. Give it a listen, then let me know what you think.

Hey, it's Neil Crawford here with a quick freestyle episode of The Inside Scoop.This one's just me thinking out loud — no script, just opinion. A friend of mine posted a great graphic from the Croatian Football Federation encouraging players to rotate positions. I love the idea in theory, but I had to jump on the mic and share a few personal thoughts.We'll talk about:Why I prefer my sons to start in the spine (6, 8, 10)What I think games are and aren't good forHow training — not just playing — drives real developmentAnd why structured games may not be the best place to “fix weaknesses”Again, this isn't gospel — just one parent-trainer's point of view.Let me know what you think, and as always — let's get better together.

Hey, it's Neil Crawford here with a quick freestyle episode of The Inside Scoop.This one's just me thinking out loud — no script, just opinion. A friend of mine posted a great graphic from the Croatian Football Federation encouraging players to rotate positions. I love the idea in theory, but I had to jump on the mic and share a few personal thoughts.We'll talk about:Why I prefer my sons to start in the spine (6, 8, 10)What I think games are and aren't good forHow training — not just playing — drives real developmentAnd why structured games may not be the best place to “fix weaknesses”Again, this isn't gospel — just one parent-trainer's point of view.Let me know what you think, and as always — let's get better together.

Hey, it's Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. This is a follow-up to the last episode where we talked about the classic tryout dilemma: Team A or Team B?In that show, I walked through how I help my own kids think through those choices. This time, I'm diving deeper — unpacking how I personally evaluate teams, what I actually look for in a training environment, and how I turn these moments into teachable life lessons.I also share my take on why I don't obsess over what kids say they want long-term — and instead focus on what they're willing to do right now.If you caught the last episode, this one fills in a lot of the blanks. Let's keep the conversation going and, as always, let's get better together.

In this episode, I share a real conversation I had with a soccer dad wrestling with a common tryout dilemma — should his child join the more competitive A team or stick with the solid B team?I break down how I think through these choices with my own kids: focusing less on titles, leagues, or promises, and more on training environment, realistic commitment, and what we actually control as parents.If you're a parent trying to help your child navigate team choices, this one's for you. Let's get better together.

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, I (Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training) dive into one of the biggest headaches for parents—tryout season. What if we could standardize it? What if there was a clear window for tryouts, offers, and decisions—just like college recruiting?I explore a proposal that some states are already testing and raise questions about why this isn't the norm nationwide. Could it work if everyone agreed? What's stopping it now?This isn't a rant—it's an open question. If your state does it differently, I'd love to hear from you. Let's figure this out…together.Brought to you by Anytime Soccer Training — 5,000+ follow-along videos and now: Weekly Plans, Skill Moves by category, Individual Player Plans, and more.

Hey everyone, Neil Crawford here—host of The Inside Scoop and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. In this episode, I interview Frisly Colop, a soccer parent currently living in Mexico, to get his firsthand perspective on how youth soccer in Mexico compares to the U.S. We dive into the structure of training, the role of the community, cost differences, and what he's observed as both a parent and a fan of the game. If you've ever wondered how soccer development looks outside the U.S., this episode brings an honest and insightful look from a parent who's lived both sides.https://anytime-soccer.com/