The Soccer Coaching Podcast

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Episode 135
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek).
Developing Leadership in Players – a conversation with JP Nerbun
In this episode of The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Scott is joined by JP Nerbun, leadership coach, author and founder of TOC Culture, for a conversation exploring how coaches can intentionally develop leadership within their players.
JP returns to the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Culture Captain: A 4-Level Framework for Athletes – Know Yourself, Lead Yourself, Lead Others, Lead the Team, and the ideas behind helping athletes recognise that leadership is not simply reserved for captains or the most vocal players in a team.
Scott and JP explore what leadership can look like within youth sport, why coaches shouldn't simply expect players to know how to lead, and how leadership can instead be viewed as a skill that can be taught, practised and developed over time.
We also discuss:
What JP has been working on since his previous appearance on the podcast.
Why he decided to write The Culture Captain specifically for athletes.
Why leadership should not be limited to players wearing the captain's armband.
The importance of helping players first know themselves before expecting them to lead others.
JP's four levels of leadership: Know Yourself, Lead Yourself, Lead Others and Lead the Team.
How coaches can create environments that give young players genuine opportunities to lead.
The difference between being vocal and actually demonstrating leadership.
Developing self-awareness, ownership and personal responsibility in players.
Helping players navigate difficult conversations and support their teammates.
How leadership development connects with creating a strong and sustainable team culture.
The role coaches play in developing leaders rather than simply identifying them.
Practical ideas coaches can take back into their own environments.
A really interesting and practical conversation for coaches working at all levels of the game who want to help players become more independent, responsible and capable of positively influencing the people and environment around them.
📘 The Culture Captain
You can find out more about JP's new book and order a copy here:
The Culture Captain – JP Nerbun
https://tocculture.com/theculturecaptainbook
The book provides athletes with a practical four-level framework for developing their leadership: Know Yourself, Lead Yourself, Lead Others and Lead the Team.
Podcast Information
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Soccer Coach Weekly
This episode is brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly, providing practical coaching advice, drills, sessions and ideas to support coaches working across the grassroots game.
Find out more at:
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/
 
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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!
Coach Development Programme
If you're looking to continue your own coaching journey, Ray's Coach Development Programme is an outstanding opportunity to learn alongside coaches from around the world.
🎟️ Use discount code: PODCAST to receive a discount when booking.
Programme details and booking:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/raypowercoacheducation/2305062
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
Please subscribe, follow and leave a review wherever you listen to the podcast.
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!