The Soccer Coaching Podcast

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Episode 134
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)
Episode 134 – Reflections on the Season
In this episode Scott and Ray look back on the season just gone and reflect on the lessons they've learned from two very different, but equally valuable, perspectives.
Ray shares his reflections from a coach development viewpoint, discussing the themes, challenges and successes he's experienced working with coaches throughout the year. Scott reflects on his season coaching an Under-14 side, sharing the practical lessons learned from planning, training, matchdays and supporting the development of young players.
Rather than simply looking back, Scott and Ray take turns to ask each other questions that encourage honest reflection, discussion and learning. They explore what went well, what they would do differently, how their thinking has evolved over the season, and the key ideas they'll be taking into the next campaign.
This episode is a reminder of the importance of reflection as one of the most powerful tools for coach development and continuous improvement.
Whether you're a grassroots coach, academy coach or coach developer, we hope this conversation encourages you to reflect on your own season and identify the lessons that will help shape the year ahead.
Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!
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Podcast Information
X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players.
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
 
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

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Episode 133 – Coaches’ Questions
In this episode of The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Scott and Ray answer three questions submitted by listeners.
The questions cover three very different but equally important areas of coaching and coach development, including stepping into a leadership position, whether everyone is suited to coaching or educating others, and balancing tactical changes with individual player development during matches.
The first question comes from Laurie, who asks:
What should the first 90 days look like when starting a new role as Head of Youth Coaching at a club?
Scott and Ray discuss the importance of observing and listening before making significant changes, understanding the club’s existing environment and building relationships with coaches, players, parents and key decision-makers. They also consider how a new Head of Youth Coaching can establish priorities, communicate their vision and begin creating a clear and sustainable plan.
The second question is from Damien:
Is everyone cut out to be a coach or educator?
This leads to a wider conversation about the characteristics needed to coach and support others effectively. Scott and Ray explore the importance of communication, empathy, self-awareness, adaptability and a willingness to continue learning. They also discuss whether coaching skills can be developed and the difference between possessing knowledge and being able to help somebody else learn.
The final question comes from Zane:
What do you do when your team is struggling tactically during a match without compromising individual development?
Scott and Ray consider how coaches can respond when a game is not going to plan while remaining committed to the longer-term development of their players. The discussion includes tactical interventions, communication from the touchline, allowing players to solve problems and deciding when the team genuinely needs support from the coach.
As always, the conversation offers practical ideas, different perspectives and plenty for coaches to reflect on within their own environments.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the questions discussed in this episode. You can also send us a question that you would like Scott and Ray to answer in a future episode.
The Soccer Coaching Podcast is sponsored by Soccer Coach Weekly.
Follow and connect with:
Ray Power: @power_ray
Soccer Coach Weekly: @soccercoachweek
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Thanks for listening!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
 
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

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Episode 132,
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)
Episode 132 – Parents in Youth Football, a round-table discussion with Gary Piggott, Kevin Middleton, Zane Barber and Paul Kennedy
In this episode, Scott and Ray are joined by the superb Gary Piggott, Kevin Middleton, Zane Barber and Paul Kennedy for a round-table discussion about the important role parents play in youth football.
The panel discusses the relationship between coaches and parents, the importance of clear and consistent communication, managing expectations and how clubs and coaches can help parents better understand the player-development journey.
The conversation also explores what can happen when things do not run smoothly, how coaches can approach difficult conversations and how everyone involved can work together to create the best possible experience for young players.
Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!
X – Zane Barber – @zbarber44
X – Gary Piggott – @gary_piggot
X – The Soccer Coaching Podcast – @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email – thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
 
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail
Episode 131 – Coaching a Performance Mindset, with Dan Leivers
In this episode Scott and Ray are joined by the brilliant Dan Leivers for a fascinating discussion on Coaching a Performance Mindset.
Dan is one of the most respected coach developers in the game and is currently working at Notts County following his time with Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt. Throughout the conversation, Dan shares his thoughts on what a performance mindset really means, how it differs from simply focusing on results, and why creating the right environment is crucial for long-term player development.
The discussion explores the importance of challenge, accountability, resilience, ownership and reflection, and how coaches can help players develop the mental skills required to perform consistently under pressure. Dan also shares practical insights from his experiences across coach development, academy football and elite performance environments.
We discuss how coaches can balance support and challenge, why mindset should be developed intentionally rather than left to chance, and how creating high-performing people ultimately leads to high-performing players.
This episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas, practical examples and actionable takeaways for coaches working with players of all ages and abilities.
Whether you're coaching in grassroots football, an academy setting or the professional game, this conversation will challenge your thinking and provide valuable insight into developing better performers and better people.
Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!
Connect with Dan Leivers
TikTok - @focuscoachingonline
Podcast Information
X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
 
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail
Episode 130 - 2026 World Cup Analysis, with the awesome John Walker
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)
Episode 130 – 2026 World Cup Analysis, with John Walker
In this episode Scott and Ray are joined by the awesome John Walker, UEFA A Licence Coach and Analyst, for a fascinating deep dive into the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
John talks about the incredible work he has been doing analysing all 48 teams taking part in the tournament, providing detailed insight into their tactical approaches, formations, playing styles and key trends from around the world game.
The conversation explores how the expanded format could impact the competition, which nations may surprise people, tactical trends emerging across international football, and the importance of detailed analysis in understanding the modern game.
John also shares some of the processes behind his research and how coaches and analysts can use tournament analysis to support their own learning and development.
This was a brilliant football conversation packed with insight, knowledge and tactical discussion.
Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!
Connect with John Walker
X - @johnwalker_1986
You can also find links to John’s excellent World Cup analysis work through his X account.
Podcast Information
X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!
This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.
Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/
 
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!