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Episode 138

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 138 – The Coaching Journey, a conversation with Gary Piggott

In this episode Scott and Ray are joined by the brilliant Gary Piggott for a fascinating conversation about his coaching journey and the wider journey we all experience as coaches.

Gary shares his experiences, reflections and lessons learned throughout his time in coaching and coach development, exploring how his approach, beliefs and understanding of the game have evolved over the years.

The conversation goes beyond qualifications, courses and coaching badges to explore what it really means to develop as a coach. We discuss the importance of experience, making mistakes, challenging your own thinking, learning from others and being willing to adapt and evolve.

We also reflect on whether there is ever a point when a coach can consider themselves the finished article, how our experiences shape the way we coach, and why the coaching journey is rarely a straightforward one.

As always, Gary brings some fantastic insight, honesty and thought-provoking perspectives to a discussion that we hope will resonate with coaches at every stage of their journey.

Whether you're just starting out or have been coaching for many years, this episode is a reminder that coach development is a continuous journey, not a destination.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Connect with Gary Piggott

X: @CCD_Essex

Gary's Book – The Coaching Journey:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coaching-Journey-Simple-Grassroots-Football/dp/B0GFY4W9QW

Podcast Information

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast

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 137

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 137 – Paul Barry and the MiMentor Coach Development Programme

In this episode, Scott catches up with the superb Paul Barry, a highly experienced coach and coach educator, for an update on his coaching journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Paul then talks about his involvement with MiMentor and the exciting launch of MiMentor Explore, a new coach development programme designed to provide coaches with practical resources, expert guidance and ongoing learning opportunities.

We discuss the range of resources available, including a coaching library, weekly video learning, coaching articles, interactive webinars and a community where coaches can share ideas, experiences and challenges.

Paul also explains how MiMentor Explore aims to support coaches at all levels, from grassroots volunteers and parents to academy coaches, helping them challenge their thinking and continue developing their coaching practice.

MiMentor Explore is offering a limited-time founding membership for just £6 per month (normally £10).

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

MiMentor – https://app.mimentorportal.com

MiMentor Learning Hub – https://app.mimentorportal.com/library

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!

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Episode 136

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 136 – Limiting Touches in Training or Matches

In this episode, Scott and Ray discuss the pros and cons of limiting the number of touches players can take in training sessions and matches.

We explore how touch restrictions can encourage quicker decision-making, better movement and faster passing, but also consider whether they can sometimes restrict creativity, confidence and individual player development. We discuss when limiting touches might be beneficial, when it could be counterproductive and alternative ways coaches can achieve similar outcomes.

To finish, we introduce the 30-second rule, a simple coaching principle that can help reduce unnecessary stoppages, increase ball-rolling time and maximise player engagement and learning during training sessions.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

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!

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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

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Follow the podcast on X: @SoccerCoachCast

Get in touch: thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

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/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

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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!

Send us Fan Mail

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!

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 129,
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 129 – Match Day

In this episode Scott and Ray discuss match days in youth football and explore the role coaches, players and parents all play in creating a positive and developmental environment on game day.

They talk about preparation leading into matches, managing emotions on the touchline, supporting players through mistakes, and ensuring match days remain aligned with long-term player development rather than simply focusing on results. Scott and Ray also discuss communication with players, dealing with pressure, substitutions, post-match reflections, and how coaches can create enjoyable and meaningful experiences for young players.

The conversation also highlights the importance of perspective in youth football and why match days should be seen as an opportunity for learning, growth and enjoyment for everyone involved.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

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 128

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly

Episode 128 – What Actually Is Player Development?

In this episode, Scott Mowberry is joined by regular co-presenter Ray Power for an insightful discussion exploring one of the most frequently used phrases in football coaching: player development.

Together, Scott and Ray examine what player development actually means and why it involves much more than simply improving a player's technical ability. They discuss the importance of developing the whole person, including mindset, decision-making, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to transfer learning from training into match situations.

Drawing on their combined experience in coaching, coach education and youth development, Scott and Ray share practical insights into how coaches can create environments that support long-term growth and help young players fulfil their potential both on and off the pitch.

Whether you are a grassroots coach, academy practitioner, coach educator or parent, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to balance performance and development while keeping the individual needs of each player at the centre of the coaching process.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Website – Ray Power Official Website

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 in 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for grassroots coaches.

Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, who save time and effort while making their coaching journey more effective, enjoyable and successful for both themselves 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 127,

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 127 – Coaches Voice (Episode 2): Half-Time Team Talks, Opposed v Unopposed, Player-Centred Coaching

In this episode we bring you the second instalment of our Coaches Voice series, recorded with Ray Power, where we share thoughts, experiences and reflections on key topics within the game.

This episode is shaped around questions and contributions from the coaching community. Zack kicks things off by asking about half-time team talks, Jonathan explores the use of opposed versus unopposed practices, and Adam, alongside a couple of his awesome young players, provides a brilliant real-life example of what player-centred coaching can look like in action.

We discuss how half-time can be used effectively to support players without overloading them, focusing on clarity of message and helping players to reset and refocus.

We also explore the balance between opposed and unopposed practices within training sessions, looking at how each can be used to support both technical development and game realism, and how coaches can design sessions that maximise transfer into match situations.

Finally, we reflect on player-centred coaching, highlighting the importance of creating environments where players are encouraged to think, solve problems, and take ownership of their development. Adam’s example, supported by his players, really brings this concept to life.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

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 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power

In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself.

Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance.

The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development.

It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Connect with our guests

• Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett
• Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet
• Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos
• Ray Power – X: @power_ray

Podcast Information

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast

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 125

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 125 – How AI Can Be Used in Football Coaching, a conversation with Kevin Middleton

In this episode, Ray and I are joined by the awesome Kevin Middleton to explore the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in football coaching and beyond.

Kevin shares his journey and provides a fascinating insight into his work with FootballGPT, highlighting how AI is beginning to shape the way coaches plan, analyse, and deliver their sessions. We dive into the practical applications of AI in coaching, as well as the opportunities and challenges it presents for coaches at all levels of the game.

We also discuss:

• What AI actually means for grassroots and academy coaches
• How tools like FootballGPT can support session design and planning
• The role of AI in analysis, feedback, and player development
• The balance between technology and the human side of coaching
• What the future of coaching might look like with AI continuing to evolve

Ray and Kevin are also running an AI course for coaches who want to explore this space further. You can find out more and book your place here:
AI for Football Coaching Course

This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how coaches can embrace innovation while staying true to their coaching philosophy and values.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @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 124

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 124 – Deep Dive Episode 2: Playing a HIGH BLOCK

In this episode, Paddy and I take a deep dive into the concept of playing a high block, using a fascinating tactical example from the Carabao Cup Final where Manchester City surprised Arsenal with a bold and aggressive approach.

We explore how City implemented a high block structure, committing four attacking players high up the pitch to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up and create immediate pressure in advanced areas. Through analysis of match footage, we break down how this tactical adjustment impacted the game, the positioning and roles of the players involved, and why it proved so effective.

We also discuss:

• What a high block really looks like in practice
• The benefits and risks of committing players high
• Key coaching points for implementing a high block with your own team
• How coaches can adapt this approach across different age groups and levels

This episode is packed with practical insights for coaches looking to develop a more aggressive out-of-possession strategy and better understand modern tactical trends in the game.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @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/

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 123
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 123 – Being a Confidant to Elite Football Managers, a conversation with Ray Power

In this episode, Ray and I explore a fascinating and often unseen aspect of his coaching business, his 1-2-1 work with elite, top-flight football managers.

Ray shares what it means to act as a trusted confidant at the very highest level of the game, and why even the most experienced managers need someone they can speak to openly and honestly. We dive into the types of conversations they have, from handling pressure and decision-making, to managing relationships, maintaining clarity, and navigating the complexities of modern football.

We also discuss why top-flight managers reach out in the first place, what they’re really looking for in that support, and how Ray creates a space that is both challenging and psychologically safe. This episode offers a unique insight into the human side of elite coaching and leadership.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @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 122: Coach’s Voice (Episode 1)

Episode 122 marks the launch of our brand-new Coach’s Voice series — where the conversation starts with you.

In this first edition, Scott and Ray respond to four thought-provoking questions sent in by coaches who listen to the podcast. These are real challenges from real environments, and the discussion is honest, practical, and grounded in lived coaching experience.

This episode is less about theory — and more about the realities of coaching in today’s game.

🗣️ The four questions discussed:

⚽ 1. The Match Day Environment
How do we create a match day atmosphere that supports development rather than fear?
Scott and Ray explore the role of the coach on game day, emotional tone, parent behaviour, and how match day can either reinforce or undo the work done during the week.

💭 2. Building (and Protecting) Player Confidence
What does confidence really mean in young players — and how easily can we damage it?
The conversation explores the difference between praise and belief, the impact of language, and why confidence is often built through challenge, not comfort.

🎯 3. Over-Coaching
Are we saying too much?
Scott and Ray reflect on the temptation to control every moment, the dangers of constant instruction, and why silence can sometimes be the most powerful intervention a coach can make.

🧩 4. Tactics & Structure vs Freedom & Creativity
How much structure is too much?
Where is the balance between giving players a framework and allowing them to solve problems?
The discussion dives into whether rigid tactical systems can unintentionally limit game intelligence — and how coaches can design structure that still allows expression.

Throughout the episode, Scott and Ray share practical examples from their own environments, challenge common coaching habits, and encourage deeper reflection on how our behaviours shape player experience.

This is an episode designed to make you think about how you show up — on the grass, on the sideline, and in your communication.

🎧 Coach’s Voice – Get Involved

Coach’s Voice episodes are driven by you.

We invite coaches to:

• Send in a voice note (up to 2 minutes) sharing a question, dilemma, idea, or opinion
• Be reflective, honest, even challenging
• Help shape future episodes of the podcast

Selected submissions will be played on the show and used as the starting point for discussion.

A couple of simple guidelines:

• Please don’t use player names
• If discussing sensitive topics, avoid naming clubs
• If you’d rather not record audio, you can email your question instead

📩 Send voice notes or emails to:
thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening — and if one of these questions resonated with you, share the episode with a fellow coach.

Your voice matters.

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 121: Coaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha Players – A Focus on Mindset

Episode 121 marks the first episode co-hosted by Scott Mowberry and Ray Power, launching a new collaborative chapter for The Soccer Coaching Podcast.

For this episode, Scott and Ray are joined by Phil Phillipou to explore the challenges and opportunities of coaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha players, with a particular focus on mindset.

As the game continues to evolve, so do the players we coach. This conversation dives into how today’s young players think, learn, communicate, and respond to pressure — and what that means for coaches working in modern football environments.

🧠 Key themes discussed include:

• Understanding the mindset traits of Gen Z and Gen Alpha players
• How social media, culture, and modern life influence young footballers
• Why traditional coaching approaches don’t always land with today’s players
• Creating environments that support confidence, resilience, and self-belief
• Practical strategies coaches can use to connect, challenge, and support players
• The balance between standards, empathy, and accountability

Phil brings a psychology-informed perspective grounded in real-world coaching and athlete development, offering practical insight that coaches can apply immediately — whether they’re working in grassroots football, academies, or performance environments.

📘 About the guest

Phil is the author of Inspiring Young Minds: The Psychology Mastery for Young Footballers, a book designed to help young players develop strong psychological foundations alongside their football ability.

🔗 Book link:
https://www.amazon.com/Inspiring-Young-Minds-Mastery-Footballers/dp/B0FN79FKV9

📲 Connect with Phil:

• Instagram: @mindsightsport
• LinkedIn: Phil Phillipou

Phils Webinar & Discount Code- https://www.tickettailor.com/events/raypowercoacheducation/2029162

The discount is PHIL10

🎧 Coach’s Voice – get involved

As part of this new phase of the podcast, we’re introducing Coach’s Voice episodes — and we want to hear from you.

Coaches are invited to:

• Send in a voice note (up to 2 minutes) sharing a question, idea, experience, or viewpoint
• Be as individual, reflective, or even controversial as you like

Selected submissions will be played on the podcast and used as the starting point for discussion with Scott and Ray.

A couple of simple guidelines:

• Please don’t use player names
• If your topic is controversial, avoid naming clubs
• If you prefer not to record audio, you can email your thoughts instead

📩 Send voice notes or emails to:
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!

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Episode 120: An Exciting Evolution of The Soccer Coaching Podcast

In this short update episode, I share some exciting news about the next evolution of The Soccer Coaching Podcast.

Going forward, I’ll be collaborating with Ray Power to bring even more engaging, thought-provoking, and coach-focused content to the podcast. Together, we’re planning to release one or two episodes per month, alongside the existing format, designed to explore the game from multiple perspectives and spark meaningful discussion.

🔍 What’s coming next?

Our collaborative episodes will include a mix of:

• Guest interviews with coaches and practitioners
• Round-table conversations exploring key themes and ideas
• Coach’s Voice episodes — where you, the coaching community, take centre stage

🎧 Coach’s Voice: we want to hear from you

For our Coach’s Voice episodes, we’re inviting coaches to get involved directly.

You can:

• Record a voice note (up to 2 minutes) sharing a question, idea, experience, or opinion
• Be as unique, reflective, or even controversial as you like

We’ll play selected voice notes on the podcast and use them as a starting point for discussion.

A couple of important guidelines:

• Please don’t use player names
• If your topic is controversial, avoid naming clubs
• If you’d rather not record audio, you can email your thoughts instead

📩 Send voice notes or emails to:
thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This evolution is all about making the podcast more interactive, more reflective of the coaching community, and a place where real coaching conversations can happen.

Thanks, as always, for listening and Ray and I are really looking forward to sharing what comes next.

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 118 — Deep Dive #1: Building Out from the Defensive Third (with Paddy King)

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

In the first episode of our brand-new Deep Dive series, we’re joined by Paddy King to explore one of the game’s most important tactical elements — building out from the defensive third.

Paddy breaks down what effective build-out play looks like and shares insight into the key principles behind it — from creating angles and supporting runs to recognising when and how to progress the ball through the thirds.

Using a short clip from a recent Barcelona match, Paddy highlights how top teams manage this phase of play, before explaining how grassroots and academy coaches can translate those same concepts into practical, engaging training sessions.

In this episode:

• How Barcelona’s structure and spacing create options during build-out
• The decision-making process for centre-backs, midfielders, and the goalkeeper
• Coaching cues and constraints-led practices to develop confident build-out play
• Ideas for small-sided games that replicate real match scenarios

📺 Watch this Deep Dive episode on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@thesoccercoachingpodcast9489

💬 Got feedback or a topic you’d like us to explore?
We’d love to hear from you — email us at thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

⚽ Subscribe on your favourite podcast app (and on YouTube) so you never miss a new Deep Dive 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!