episode#

49

What Must Change With USA Youth Soccer Culture?

September 23, 2024

In this episode, we chat about the big issues in youth soccer in the USA.

Listen on:

What Must Change With USA Youth Soccer Culture?

About this episode

In this episode, we chat about the big issues in youth soccer in the USA. Did you know that 75% of kids quit playing by age 14? We explore why that’s happening and how the focus on winning is making the game less fun and stifling creativity.

We compare the American approach to soccer with what’s working in countries like Brazil and the UK, where kids have more freedom to play and grow their skills naturally. We also touch on the impact of the expensive pay-to-play system and how it keeps many talented kids from getting a fair shot.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or just love soccer, this episode offers some real insights on how we can make the sport more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. It’s all about helping the next generation of players fall in love with the game and reach their full potential.

Football Pathway Consultation

Got questions about your child's pathway?

Book a one-to-one call with Sean, Matt or Amir for honest, practical guidance.

Book a consultation

Newsletter

New episodes, straight to your inbox

One short email when a new episode drops, plus the occasional practical guide for football parents. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Thanks - you're on the list. Look out for our next episode email.

Something went wrong. Please check your email address and try again.

Other episodes:

#

Title

added

Listen on

64

Inter Miami Player Alex Shaw's Dad Explains How He Made It Through the American Youth System

Inter Miami Player Alex Shaw's Dad Explains How He Made It Through the American Youth System

Johnathan Shaw, father of Inter Miami player Alex Shaw, on raising a professional footballer through the American youth system.

1:51:22

10/8/26

63

15 year old wonderkid asks to leave Man Utd academy | Youth Football News

15 year old wonderkid asks to leave Man Utd academy | Youth Football News

Manchester United’s 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel has asked for his academy registration to be cancelled, and we’re reacting to what it means for the player, his family and the club.Gabriel has been one of the most talked-about names to come out of the Carrington academy in years.

36:13

9/18/26

62

Joleon Lescott Challenges Futsal Coach: Why Spain Really Produces Smarter Footballers?

Joleon Lescott Challenges Futsal Coach: Why Spain Really Produces Smarter Footballers?

Former Premier League and England Footballer Joleon Lescott and Futsal and Football Veteran and Coach Rob Ursell sat down with Sean Conlon, CEO of We Make Footballers, to settle a heated Instagram debate that started after a clip of Rob's comments on futsal and player development went viral.

86:31

9/4/26

61

From Managing Football's Biggest Names to Raising a Lioness: Misha Sher on Women's Football Industry

From Managing Football's Biggest Names to Raising a Lioness: Misha Sher on Women's Football Industry

Misha Sher spent years managing some football legends including Pelé, Mesut Özil, Vinícius Júnior and Alessia Russo - but in this episode, he's talking about a different kind of talent: his own daughter, Maia, a rising star in Arsenal's academy.

90:08

9/1/26

60

Can AI Predict Your Child’s Future as a Footballer? | Haniff Brown, FIT:MATCH.ai

Can AI Predict Your Child’s Future as a Footballer? | Haniff Brown, FIT:MATCH.ai

Could AI change the way young footballers are scouted?Footballers are getting taller, and physical development is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation around youth football.

98:05

8/17/26

59

Why England Still Isn't Producing the World's Best Footballers | Robert Ursell

Why England Still Isn't Producing the World's Best Footballers | Robert Ursell

England has world-class facilities, world-class clubs and the richest football league in the world.

68:55

7/30/26

58

Training With Ronaldo & Rooney: Life Inside Man Utd's Academy | Aaron Burns

Training With Ronaldo & Rooney: Life Inside Man Utd's Academy | Aaron Burns

Aaron Burns spent over a decade inside Manchester United's academy, training alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

82:47

7/2/26

57

I Made It Pro at QPR Without Loving Football

I Made It Pro at QPR Without Loving Football

🎙️ Project Footballer: I Made It Pro at QPR Without Loving Football What happens when a player has the talent to make it in professional football - but not the passion?

98:27

6/3/26

56

Football Agent reveals how grassroots players can get professional contracts!

Football Agent reveals how grassroots players can get professional contracts!

🚀 Help us reach 20k subscribers by hitting the subscribe button and joining our growing community dedicated to youth football development!This episode features Godfrey Torto — a football agent, academy coach, and owner of both a football academy and player agency.

126:39

10/16/25

55

Manchester United U14s coach, Neil Harris, tells us what it takes to make it in football

Manchester United U14s coach, Neil Harris, tells us what it takes to make it in football

🚀 Help us reach 20k subscribers by hitting the subscribe button and joining our growing community dedicated to youth football development!

123:24

9/16/25

54

What Are the REAL Odds of “Making It” in Football? Chris Platts Breaks it Down

What Are the REAL Odds of “Making It” in Football? Chris Platts Breaks it Down

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Platts, a career coach and leading researcher in football career trajectories.

135:59

3/27/25

53

The Mindset Behind Raising Football Stars - Jenny Boateng's Winning Formula!

The Mindset Behind Raising Football Stars - Jenny Boateng's Winning Formula!

In this episode, we're joined by Jenny and Jeriah Boateng, a mother-son duo with an incredible story.

87:25

2/27/25

52

Troy Deeney - Ex-Premier League Star Discusses How to Raise a Footballer

Troy Deeney - Ex-Premier League Star Discusses How to Raise a Footballer

In this episode, we sit down with one of our biggest guests to date!

91:35

11/27/24

51

Jeremy Sauer & Dan Rice - How To Build The Perfect Football Academy From Scratch

Jeremy Sauer & Dan Rice - How To Build The Perfect Football Academy From Scratch

In this episode I sit down with two of the leaders in Wycombe's bold academy vision!

71:30

10/30/24

50

Peter Sturgess - The EX-England Head of Futsal Explains Its Importance In The UK

Peter Sturgess - The EX-England Head of Futsal Explains Its Importance In The UK

In this episode, Marcelo and I have the pleasure of speaking with Peter Sturgess, the Ex-Head of Futsal for the FA.

98:48

10/28/24

48

John Allpress - What Is Being Taught To The English Football Coaches?

John Allpress - What Is Being Taught To The English Football Coaches?

In this episode, Darius and I have the pleasure of speaking with John Allpress, the original creator of the FA Coaching Awards.

100:15

8/28/24

47

Richard Allen - Ex Head of England Talent ID explains what English clubs are taught to scout

Richard Allen - Ex Head of England Talent ID explains what English clubs are taught to scout

In this episode, Marcelo and I speak to Richard Allen.

104:38

8/13/24

46

MATT JARVIS: Getting Released From Academy at 16 | Project Footballer

MATT JARVIS: Getting Released From Academy at 16 | Project Footballer

Join us for an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the journey of our special guest, Matt Jarvis, as he shares his incredible story of determination, resilience, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.

73:49

7/18/24

45

MICHAEL HAMILTON - Benefits of signing for a category 3 academy

MICHAEL HAMILTON - Benefits of signing for a category 3 academy

Join us as we discuss the world of academy signings and uncover the truth behind some horror stories involving player recruitment.

118:29

6/19/24

44

Weekly Q&A Episode 8: The role of GENETIC influence in player success

Weekly Q&A Episode 8: The role of GENETIC influence in player success

In this Weekly Q&A, we are joined with Chris Robinson, Danny Edwards, Sean Conlon and Matt Healy to answer your questions!

61:02

2/9/24

43

Harry Redknapp: “Coaches that haven't played the game are ruining football! They are all academics!”

Harry Redknapp: “Coaches that haven't played the game are ruining football! They are all academics!”

Welcome to an extraordinary episode featuring a captivating panel discussion with football legends Harry Redknapp, Jamie Redknapp, and Paul Merson.

128:15

2/6/24

42

Weekly Q&A Episode 7: Height In Football

Weekly Q&A Episode 7: Height In Football

In this Weekly Q&A, we are joined with Chris Robinson, Danny Edwards, Sean Conlon and Matt Healy to answer your questions!

57:21

1/30/24

41

Why Birth Month Matters in Football Development Insights from Ajax Consultant Stephen Lawrence

Why Birth Month Matters in Football Development Insights from Ajax Consultant Stephen Lawrence

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Lawrence — Ajax Consultant and father of professional footballer James Lawrence — to explore one of the most overlooked factors in youth football development: birth month.

82:05

4/29/23

40

Episode 8 - Jamie Redknapp discusses how much of making it as a footballer is down to nature or nurture.

Episode 8 - Jamie Redknapp discusses how much of making it as a footballer is down to nature or nurture.

In this incredible interview Jamie Redknapp gives us the scoop on how his father and uncle developed two of England's best ever midfielders.

74:15

1/18/22

39

Episode 7 - Ethan Pinnock tells us his journey from playing football for £30 a week

Episode 7 - Ethan Pinnock tells us his journey from playing football for £30 a week

Ethan Pinnock is currently playing a signifant role in Brentford's debut season in the Premier League, but it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Ethan.

85:19

1/18/22

38

Episode 5 - Nigel James, father of Chelsea footballers Reece James and Lauren James tells us what he did to help his children make it

Episode 5 - Nigel James, father of Chelsea footballers Reece James and Lauren James tells us what he did to help his children make it

Reece James is considered one of the top players in the world in his position.

99:32

1/17/22

37

SE Dons: Learning Dark Arts develops Football IQ

SE Dons: Learning Dark Arts develops Football IQ

Join us on a journey with SE Dons as they discuss how learning dark arts develops football IQ! Get ready for an inside look at the Sunday League football team that's changing the game. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting episodes like this!

1:55:25

6/1/24

36

Frank Lampard - I Was The RESULT Of My Dad's Project Lampard | Project Footballer

Frank Lampard - I Was The RESULT Of My Dad's Project Lampard | Project Footballer

In this episode, we speak to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, one of the Premier League's most legendary midfielders. From early childhood training under his father's watchful eye to becoming a football icon, Lampard shares personal anecdotes and insights that shaped his career. Discover the intense and unique training methods that set him apart from an early age, the motivations and expectations placed upon him before he was even born, and how these experiences influenced his approach to football and life. Lampard also reflects on the evolution of football training, the challenges of youth development, and his philosophy on coaching and parenting in the modern era.

2:33:02

5/20/24

35

Eric Friedlander - Ricfit: Becoming a Professional Footballer Without an Academy FULL PODCAST

Eric Friedlander - Ricfit: Becoming a Professional Footballer Without an Academy FULL PODCAST

In this episode, we speak to youth mentor Eric Friedlander, Eric shares his personal journey from a young footballer to becoming a mentor and big brother figure for aspiring players. Gain valuable knowledge on navigating the challenges of youth football, developing essential skills beyond the pitch, and shaping a successful career in the sport.

1:42:20

4/27/24

34

Ruben Tabares: I’ve learned that extreme discipline is a key part of the success of the world’s best athletes

Ruben Tabares: I’ve learned that extreme discipline is a key part of the success of the world’s best athletes

From meticulously crafted training regimens to the finer nuances of nutrition and recovery, Ruben breaks down the components of elite athletic performance and the unwavering discipline required to achieve it.

2/24/24

33

Harry Redknapp: "Coaches that haven't played the game are ruining football! They are all academics!

Harry Redknapp: "Coaches that haven't played the game are ruining football! They are all academics!

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intricacies of 1-to-1 training and its impact on a budding footballer's development. Can a child be inherently born as a footballer, or is it the result of dedicated training and mentorship? Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind nurturing sporting talent from a young age.

2:09:00

2/7/24

32

Why are there only 1% of South Asian players in academy football?

Why are there only 1% of South Asian players in academy football?

In this episode, we look to discover why only there are only 1% South Asian players in English academies, whilst the UK population currently has 5% South Asian people, and grassroots football sees 6% of players from the same background.

2:00:00

1/12/24

31

Can your child make it in the National League on a cold Tuesday night?

Can your child make it in the National League on a cold Tuesday night?

Statistically, most academy players play in the lower leagues. So as a parent pursuing professional football for your child, you really do need to know what lower league football is like. In. this episode, we speak to three players who play for Scunthorpe United. You learn about their journeys into football. We explain about the lower league structure, the type of football that's played in the National League and that the average wage of a National League player is £36,000 per year.

1:19:00

1/1/24

30

At what age is it okay for coaches to swear at your child?

At what age is it okay for coaches to swear at your child?

In this episode, Darius Charles and Dan Edwards talk to Jess Warner, the blogger known as being “the one with all the boys”—the mum behind The Only Girl in the House, where she shares tales, tips, tricks, family travels and grumbles of having 5 boys.

26:54

11/6/23

29

Help your child avoid being one of 40% of footballers who go bankrupt.

Help your child avoid being one of 40% of footballers who go bankrupt.

In this episode, we speak with Rob Moore about the importance of managing money in football, whether you make it as a footballer or don't make it. This is a super important topic that needs to be covered, and we hope you can enjoy this episode with an open mind.

1:34:03

11/6/23

28

David Horrocks: "AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance”

David Horrocks: "AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance”

David is the former head of research and development at Manchester United, providing intelligence and support to the multi-disciplinary team across coaching, science, data, technology, medicine, operations, media and psychology. He also wrote an in-depth case study on the success of Gary Neville, looking into his structured deliberate practice and decision making. In this episode, we dive deep into football's biggest secrets at the elite level of the game, including how artificial intelligence will impact the future of football. We also look into the success behind Gary Neville in our quest to further explore the question of 'How do you make it as a footballer?'.

1:04:03

9/6/23

28

Homeschooling is giving players a huge advantage to go pro

Homeschooling is giving players a huge advantage to go pro

In this episode, a panel of experts, including ex-footballer Darius Charles, top coach Dan Edwards, ex-footballer Rob Ursell, and parent Portia Freno, answer the question: How to make it as a footballer.

1:57:08

10/9/23

27

Is your child’s speed predetermined by genetics?

Is your child’s speed predetermined by genetics?

Can genetics determine your child's speed? Renowned speed analyst Jonas Dodoo, who has worked with Olympic athletes and 5 Premier League clubs, shares insights on enhancing your child's speed and the factors involved.

1:32:49

9/27/23

26

AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance

AI will track facial expressions and body language to monitor performance

David, former head of R&D at Manchester United, brings insights into elite football secrets and the influence of AI on the game. We also delve into Gary Neville's success in our ongoing exploration of 'How to make it as a footballer?'

1:04:01

9/7/23

25

Carlton Cole: “Cage Football Made Me The Man I Am Today”

Carlton Cole: “Cage Football Made Me The Man I Am Today”

Carlton Cole, former Premier League striker, shares his journey from cage football to bankruptcy, highlighting key moments that shaped his career and life. Don't miss his inspiring story in this episode and share your feedback in the comments!

1:58:38

11/10/21

24

Why mastering technique alone will not make you a footballer

Why mastering technique alone will not make you a footballer

In this episode of Project Footballer, we speak with professional freestyler and internet personality, Daniel Cutting. He has amassed a huge audience of over 3 million across his socials from showcasing his incredible football technique online. As well as building his son's accounts past 250,000 in a short space of time, setting him up to become either a footballer or content creator.

56:44

6/25/23

24

Is a player's position predetermined by genetics, personality, environment or chance?

Is a player's position predetermined by genetics, personality, environment or chance?

In this bonus episode, we speak about how to choose your child's play position. This is a bonus episode hosted by Rob Ursell and Sean Conlon. We hope you enjoy and learn as much as we did from these discussions!

1:08:54

6/15/23

23

Chelsea Strength and Conditioning Coach explains how to develop Physicality for young players

Chelsea Strength and Conditioning Coach explains how to develop Physicality for young players

In this episode, we speak to Chelsea Strength and Conditioning coach Harry Knock about how to develop physicality in young players. He answers some interesting questions and provides us with nuggets of information that we all needed to learn!

1:34:55

6/11/23

22

August Born Birthday? "You will never make it!" Ajax Consultant discusses Relative Age Bias

August Born Birthday? "You will never make it!" Ajax Consultant discusses Relative Age Bias

In this episode, we speak to Ajax Consultant Stephen Lawrence, who is also the Father of professional footballer, James Lawrence. We take a deep dive into the disadvantages of being born later as a footballer within the UK.

1:22:05

4/30/23

21

Parents of Leicester academy star Nazar Mahina tell their story!

Parents of Leicester academy star Nazar Mahina tell their story!

The parents of Leicester academy player Nazar Mahina on supporting his development and handling the attention that came with it.

1:11:44

3/25/23

20

Joleon Lescott - His incredible football journey and advice for parents!

Joleon Lescott - His incredible football journey and advice for parents!

In this episode, we speak to English former professional footballer Joleon Lescott, who has previously won 2 Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, as well as making over 500 appearances for club and country.

1:40:43

2/20/23

19

The Panel Answers Your Football Questions!

The Panel Answers Your Football Questions!

In this episode, we've brought together a panel including former Arsenal legend Paul Merson, ex-futsal star Rob Ursell, YouTube sensation Tim Grimwade, Chelsea FC scout Sean Conlon and Spurs scout Marcelo Graca. Together, we answer YOUR questions surrounding academy football and football development, in a bid to further explore the question... how do you make a footballer? Is there a formula?

1:43:47

18

Sonny Pike: The Greatest Footballer That Never Was "My father and I have never spoken since"

Sonny Pike: The Greatest Footballer That Never Was "My father and I have never spoken since"

Sonny Pike has an amazing story to tell. One that could really help parents avoid some potential mistakes, as they try to aid their child’s journey towards becoming a football player.

53:13

7/9/22

17

How to develop a winning mentality for your child! We speak to top football sports phyciologist

How to develop a winning mentality for your child! We speak to top football sports phyciologist

In this episode, we are joined by Gabriel from Athlete Mentality, an Instagram platform with over 50,000 followers which discusses ways in which athlete mentality can be improved! We discuss how to develop a winning mentality for your child in this episode.

1:02:10

7/27/23

16

Discussing the NEW changes to academy football!

Discussing the NEW changes to academy football!

Recently - news broke about the new changes which have been made to academy football, this sent shockwaves across the industry. Therefore, we hopped onto an online call to discuss these changes which have been applied to academy football at all ages and whether they are a positive or negative decision.

56:29

15

The player who turned down a pro football contract to go to Harvard

The player who turned down a pro football contract to go to Harvard

James Fahmy spent his whole career in the academy system, playing for Queens Park Rangers FC and captaining the U18 Professional Development Team. However, he is now studying at the renowned Harvard University, where he is also a NCAA Division 1 student-athlete for the college. We take a look at his journey to Harvard, and the reason why he turned down the oppurtunity of a professional football contract, to focus on his education.

39:59

7/6/22

14

Why England aren't producing controlling midfielders

Why England aren't producing controlling midfielders

Ex-England Futsal player Rob Ursell has had an amazing career in futsal and football. He has strong views on what's wrong with English academies and why England will never win anything with our current teaching methods.

1:17:41

6/15/22

12

One of the world's top sports lawyers dispels the myths about agents working with academy players

One of the world's top sports lawyers dispels the myths about agents working with academy players

In this fantastic episode, Daniel breaks down what is fact and fiction relating to football agents working with academy players.

54:12

6/12/22

12

Coping with Mental Health & Bullying in Academy Football

Coping with Mental Health & Bullying in Academy Football

Professional Footballer Fabio Sole and Daniela Osu, a Sports Psychotherapist, discuss coping with mental health & bullying within Academy Football. They also discuss FootballersMinds, a programme, full of activities and techniques targetting the matinence of wellbeing within football.

1:03:54

5/31/22

11

Social Media in Youth Football. What are the benefits and the dangers?

Social Media in Youth Football. What are the benefits and the dangers?

We speak to Shane O'Brien, a social media expert who has worked with the likes of Ronaldo, Sterling, Ibrahimovic and many more of the top players in the world.

1:08:30

4/8/22

10

How much can technique improve? We hear from Isa - The Technical Trainer

How much can technique improve? We hear from Isa - The Technical Trainer

In this episode we speak to Isa Hussein, who is also known as @the.technical.trainer and considered one of the best technical trainers in the world.

1:29:54

2/26/22

9

How important is athleticism in football? Academy Scouts discuss!

How important is athleticism in football? Academy Scouts discuss!

In this episode, we recap what we have learned from the previous 8 episodes. We push to find the answer to discover 'What is the formula to making a footballer!'

1:07:53

2/21/22

8

Jamie Redknapp: "I was playing football with pros from as early as I can remember"

Jamie Redknapp: "I was playing football with pros from as early as I can remember"

In this incredible interview Jamie Redknapp gives us the scoop on how his father and uncle developed two of England's best ever midfielders. He also speaks about his own son's journey through academy football at Chelsea and his thoughts on how much of becoming a footballer is down to nature and how much is down to nurture.

1:14:55

12/30/21

7

Ethan Pinnock: I went from being paid £30 per week to the Premier League.

Ethan Pinnock: I went from being paid £30 per week to the Premier League.

Ethan Pinnock is currently playing a significant role in Brentford's debut season in the Premier League, but it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Ethan. He tells us what it was like to be released from Millwall at the age of 15 and how he had to make his way in football from playing in the Conference League to then climbing the ladder to reach the Premiership. Ethan has so many insights to offer to parents of children looking to become footballers.

1:25:13

12/16/21

6

Jamie Mackie tells us how he went from Sunday League to the Premier League

Jamie Mackie tells us how he went from Sunday League to the Premier League

Jamie Mackie tells us his incredible story of how he went from playing local Sunday league football with his school mates at age 16 to playing in the Premier League and scoring in one of the most famous games in football history against Manchester City. This is a fascinating insight into the positives and negatives of skipping the normal academy football journey which is common for most footballers in the modern game.

1:28:29

11/27/21

5

The father of Reece James & Lauren James tells us how they made it to the top

The father of Reece James & Lauren James tells us how they made it to the top

Reece James is considered one of the top players in the world in his position. His sister also plays at the highest level of the female game. What did their father Nigel do to help foster such talent? In this incredible interview we find out the key decisions Nigel made to help his children make it.

1:39:22

11/9/21

4

Arsenal Legend Paul Merson talks about his U7 child in Academy Football

Arsenal Legend Paul Merson talks about his U7 child in Academy Football

Ex-England and Arsenal player Paul Merson talks about his own journey and how his young son's academy journey compares.

1:20:49

11/9/21

3

Coach Danny Edwards talks about his child's journey into academy football

Coach Danny Edwards talks about his child's journey into academy football

Danny Edwards gives us a brilliant insight into what he does with his son to help him achieve football success. Danny also reflects on what he would do differently if he had the chance. He tells us what he has learned from his time in academy football.

1:03:54

11/8/21

2

Perry Mitchel talks about his son signing for Chelsea U9's

Perry Mitchel talks about his son signing for Chelsea U9's

Perry Mitchel talks about his son signing for Chelsea's U9s, and the routines and commitment his family has built around his football.

1:23:54

11/7/21

1

Footballer Darius Charles talks about his son's journey into Football

Footballer Darius Charles talks about his son's journey into Football

Former Wycombe Wanderers captain Darius Charles on how he supports his son through academy football.

56:08

11/6/21