Player Development Project Podcast - Learning Tools for Soccer Coaching artwork

Player Development Project Podcast - Learning Tools for Soccer Coaching

136 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 30 ratings

Welcome to the PDP Podcast. Each week we publish a new episode where we answer your coaching questions, or we conduct an in-depth interview with a top coaching innovator.Learn from the world's most innovative player developers. Join our community at playerdevelopmentproject.com. Submit your coaching questions to us on Twitter (@playerdp) or Facebook (facebook.com/playerdp).

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Episodes

What Is the Value of Coaching Soccer Skills?

December 09, 2021 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MB

In this Q&A, PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright is joined by PDP Coaching Advisor, James Coutts to discuss some of the core skills that are critical for young players to develop, how we can support them and some practical ideas for you to implement. Don't forget you to head over to playerdevelopmentproject.com to find out more about our new online courses or to sign up for a monthly or annual membership to access all of our coaching content.

Which Game Formats Should I Use in the Foundation Phase?

October 27, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

The Foundation Phase broadly covers the ages of 8-12 in youth soccer and is a crucial period of experimentation and skill acquisition for young players. So what game formats should we use in order to give them the best opportunities to learn, enjoy the sport, and develop? Below, we look at the range of formats available to coaches and consider how we can incorporate them into our training and games programs to give kids a variety of positive experiences playing soccer. Read more here.

Authentic Leadership: A Conversation with Keith and David Mayer

August 02, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

Leadership is an inherent part of coaching. In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright is joined by father and son coaches, Keith & David Mayer for an in depth discussion on the topic of authenticity and leadership. Keith and David Mayer have just released their second book, The Lone Wolf: A Story About Assumptions, Authenticity & Action. Some of the key concepts from the book underpin this conversation with Keith, David and Dave diving into the following areas: What is a...

Insights across the age groups at Fulham FC with Andrew Watt

April 19, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

In this podcast, PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright sits down with Andrew Watt, Youth Development Phase Manager at Fulham FC, to discuss how the Premier League club supports players across the U9-U16 age groups. Andrew provides insights into the Fulham Academy’s principles, his views on talent identification, the different approaches to coaching children from U9s all the way through to U16s, and how to manage the transitions to different game formats. For the full video discussion head to playerd...

Q&A: Should I have a theme for my sessions?

February 02, 2021 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

The question this week comes from Gav through the PDP Slack Community: Gab asks, “How do you support players with self reflection?” Try PDP Free for 30 Days

Q&A: How do I help teenage players value defending?

November 10, 2020 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

The question this week comes from the PDP Slack Community: How do I help teenage players value defending? Start your Free 30 Day Trial Now

Coach Communication with Stephen Rollnick

November 05, 2020 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

Professor Stephen Rollnick is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years experience. In this Masterclass Discussion, Stephen joins PDP Co-founder, Dave Wright for an in depth discussion on coach communication, the skill of motivational interviewing and much more. Stephen is a truly world-class thinker and practitioner who is applying his extensive knowledge to sport. This conversation covers a range of topics around connection, communication, tradition and relationships which will help coac...

How do you support players with self reflection?

September 21, 2020 20:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

The question this week comes from Tom through the PDP Slack Community: Tom asks, "How do you support players with self reflection?"

The Impact of Mentors in Coaching with Trevor Challis

August 31, 2020 23:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

In our latest masterclass PDP Coaching Advisor James Coutts is joined by former QPR player and current Bristol City FC u18 lead coach Trevor Challis. In this discussion Trevor shares some invaluable stories from his playing days and in particular the late great Ray Wilkins that has helped shape how Trevor coaches now. A great discussion around 'guiding' players through their journey and ensuring that being honest along the way is very important.

The Learning Journey: Coach Education with Warren Grieve

August 05, 2020 23:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

Warren Grieve is an AFC Pro License holder and Technical Director at Football NSW in Australia. In this interview, PDP Editor, Dave Wright sits down with Warren to talk coach education, learning environments and more. This conversation covers a range of topics including: Insights into Warren's experience doing the Pro License Advice for coaches undertaking courses Tackling the question, "What is Coaching?" Common misconceptions on coaching courses Session design Creating learning envi...

Coach Development with Sean Douglas

July 08, 2020 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts Sean Douglas for an in depth conversation on coach development. Sean is the National Coach Education Manager at Football Federation Australia and has vast experience as a Technical Director, Coach and Coach developer. In this discussion, Sean and Dave discuss formal coach education courses, advice for coaches who are on a coach education pathway and what to expect, the importance of self reflection and the Australian football la...

Should my club trial players?

June 09, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

This week the question comes from our PDP Members Slack channel: “Should my club run trials for players?”

Building Connections: An Interview with David & Keith Mayer

June 05, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

In our latest Masterclass Webinar we sit down to discuss the coach/athlete relationship with Keith and David Mayer, authors of Gold Dust: How to Become a More Effective Coach, Quickly. The focus of the conversation is how we build connections with young players, using empathy, understanding, patience and communication. Keith is has over 40 years coaching experience at a number of professional clubs and has worked as an FA Tutor. David is currently completing his UEFA A license and has exper...

Q&A: Would you ever use isolated technique with your players?

May 25, 2020 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

The question this week comes from Percy via Facebook: "Would you ever use isolated technique training?" Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Coach

May 05, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

The question this week comes from the John via Facebook: “What are some of the common mistakes when you start coaching?” Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

OTG Podcast: Ray Power on Coach Education

April 22, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

In this episode Dan is joined by Ray Power. Ray, is a UEFA A Licence coach, an FA tutor and author. In this discussion Dan and Ray touch on ‘collecting badges’, the importance of informal learning and the some practical tips for coaches and coach developers. We also discuss some of the best educators including some golden nuggets from Dick Bates. If you enjoy the show please like and share!

On The Grass: Ray Power on Coach Education

April 22, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

In this episode Dan is joined by Ray Power. Ray, is a UEFA A Licence coach, an FA tutor and author. In this discussion Dan and Ray touch on ‘collecting badges’, the importance of informal learning and the some practical tips for coaches and coach developers. We also discuss some of the best educators including some golden nuggets from Dick Bates. If you enjoy the show please like and share!

On The Grass: Adrian Bradbury on Developing Character

April 10, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB

In this episode Dan is joined by Adrian Bradbury.  Adrian has spent the last 10 years identifying and nurturing talent in East Africa.  In this conversation they discuss character – which Adrian is truly passionate about. Adrian shares his approach to character development.  Why he thinks it is important, how we could go about delivering it – both on and off the pitch, as well as some of the complexity when working with young people! If you enjoy the show please let us know via twitter - @...

Human Movement with Jade Martin & Ben Westbook

April 07, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright sits down with Parkour coach, Ben Westbook and physiotherapist Jade Martin. Ben and Jade are experts in human movement and in this conversation we discuss injury prevention, functional movement, integrating variety into sports programs, specialisation and more. This is an insightful conversation with two innovators in youth development with some great tips for coaches and parents.

Should my players play multiple sports?

March 17, 2020 03:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

The question this week comes from Stuart via Twitter: “I coach U12 footballs and I have a player that wants to play rugby as well as football, how should I manage this situation?” Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Process to Performance: Heinrich Malan

March 03, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Head Coach of Auckland Aces Cricket team, Heinrich Malan to discuss a range of coaching topics. Heinrich is a highly successful young coach having one national titles with both Central Districts and most recently his Auckland Aces side in the 2019/20 Ford Trophy One Day Competition. Dave and Heinrich dive into a number of topics including the individual nature of cricket, the future game, specialist coaching, technique and ...

On The Grass: Graham Mills on shifting the lens from team to individual development

February 26, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MB

In this On The Grass episode we are joined by Graham Mills. We discuss putting individual development at the centre of our approach. Graham, UEFA A and Advanced Youth Award holder, is currently a Lecturer in Football Coaching at Solent University. He holds a BA Honours degree in Coach Education and Sports Development from The University of Bath.  In this chat we talk through the process of setting targets, focusing on individuals through training and game day and empowering young players o...

Creativity and Control: A Conversation with Mark Upton, James Vaughan and Dave Wright

February 04, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 54.5 MB

Creativity values, culture, systems and control. What does it all mean and how does it impact coaching and sporting environments? In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts Co-Founder of my fastest mile, Mark Upton alongside PDP Lead Researcher and AIK Academy Coach, James Vaughan. In this wide-ranging conversation, the guys discuss some of James’ Phd research and his recently published paper on creativity, as well as diving down a number of rabbit holes such as: Challen...

On The Grass: Maxi Opondo-Mbai on the Learning Curve

January 21, 2020 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

In this episode of On The Grass I am joined by Maxwell Opondo Mbai. Maxi has vast experience in the game working in a number of different environments – he has worked as a coach in academy football, non-league and the women’s game, as well as a scout for a league one football team.  In this meandering chat Maxi shares some of his reflections – successes and failures during this journey. We discuss lots of topics in this one, we touch on session design, developing individuals and player mo...

10,000 Experiences: Developing Players Age 7-10 with Mark Lyons

January 08, 2020 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Mark Lyons - Pre Academy Co-ordinator and Lead Coach at Leicester City Football Club. In this wide ranging conversation, Mark and Dave dive into the topic of coaching foundation phase aged players. If you work with U7-11 players, this is essential viewing. Mark shares his philosophy, insights into the clubs approach when working with young children, the importance of fun, variety of experiences, session design and more. M...

On the Grass: The Learning Journey with James Coutts

December 22, 2019 22:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

In this episode I am joined by the newest member of the PDP team, James Coutts.   In this podcast we explore some of James’ playing and coaching journey.  I was keen to ask who has influenced his coaching style and what are the key bits he has learnt along the way! James has recently joined the PDP as a coaching advisor, so it was great to learn more and share with the PDP community. Hope you enjoy the show! Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www....

Q&A: How can I do Position Specific Work?

December 17, 2019 23:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

The question this week comes from Frank via our Facebook Page, He asks: "How can I do position specific work with my players?" Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Q&A: How can I do position specific work?

December 17, 2019 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

The question this week comes from Frank via the PDP Facebook Page Frank asks: "How can I do position specific work?" Click here to find out more about Player Development Project Membership.

On the Grass: Gareth Byres on Grassroots and Working with Parents

December 08, 2019 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

When we started this series of shows we were keen to share some of the fascinating stories of people working “on the grass”, and Gareth Byres is the embodiment of this. He has over 20 years experience of coaching young people and he is a busy guy! His background includes working in specialist schools, mentoring grassroots coaches, developing the girls game and making time to take his sons grassroots teams. This discussion addresses some of the questions we get asked by members. Gareth cov...

Kristjaan Speakman on Leadership and Youth Development

December 02, 2019 22:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor, Dave Wright is joined by Academy Manager of Birmingham City FC, Kristjaan Speakman for an in depth and wide ranging conversation. Kristjaan has been at the club for well over a decade and has also coached at Derby County under the guidance of Terry Westley. Now one of England's most highly regarded Academy Managers, Kristjaan sits down with Dave to discuss leadership, coaching and coach development, shares insights into the journey of Demarai Gra...

Gordon MacLelland on Working with Parents in Sport

November 25, 2019 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

Gordon and Dave dive into a discussion which includes practical advice for parents on how to support their children in sport, how clubs can better engage with parents, how to manage the car ride home and much more. Gordon has vast coaching and teaching experience and this discussion is essential viewing for coaches and clubs looking to better understand parental influence in youth sport. Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproje...

On the Grass: Sam Grace - Understanding your Emotions

November 20, 2019 22:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

In this episode of “On The Grass..” Dan Wright is joined by Sam Grace. Sam is currently the Lead U16 Coach at Reading FC, and has 12 years’ experience coaching in academy football. In this podcast Sam takes us through some of his masters research around Sports Psychology, as we discuss some of the implications for both coaches and players. The UEFA A Licence coach shares some strategies to help coaches and performers to develop their understanding of their emotions and how to improve thei...

Motivation & Psychology with Jonny McMurtry

November 11, 2019 22:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion Dave Wright sits down with motivational researcher and rugby coach, Jonny McMurtry. Jonny discusses his research into motivation and participation in youth sport. Jonny and Dave cover a number of topics including athlete motivation, autonomy supportive environments, talent identification and coach behaviour. This is another fascinating discussion around psychology and youth development not to be missed. Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free A...

Q&A: Should I have a season long plan?

November 04, 2019 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

The question this week comes from a Richard via the PDP Member's Slack Channel. Richard asks: "Should you have a season long plan? Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Performance Analysis with Danny Barham

October 21, 2019 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, Dave Wright & Dan Wright Co-host a conversation with Danny Barham, Head of Analysis and Data for Birmingham City FC. Danny shares insights into the power of video, practical advice for grassroots clubs looking to apply analysis, shares the approach of Birmingham City's analysis department and how they individualise analysis for players. This is a fascinating discussion for analytical coaches interested in how performance and development environments are util...

On the Grass: Dave Wright on Ego

October 17, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

In this episode of “On The Grass..” Dan Wright is joined by PDP Editor Dave Wright, who shares his view on modern coaching, developing individuals, putting your ego aside and putting the players first. Dan flips roles with Dave and puts him on the spot as they discuss a range of coaching topics and Dave tackles the question cube. Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Challenging the System: A Conversation with Mark Upton

October 08, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MB

This Masterclass Discussion is a special 60 minute edition featuring one of our longest supporting contributors and a genuine coaching innovator, Mark Upton. Mark is hosted by PDP Editor, Dave Wright to discuss contemporary coaching environments, organisational culture, sports science and much more. We dive down a number of rabbit holes in this one from sporting culture, the purpose of youth sport through to academic literature and how to comprehend it plus the commercialisation of youth sp...

Q&A: Should I recruit stronger players?

September 25, 2019 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

The question this week comes from an anonymous grassroots coach: He asks, “Should I recruit stronger players?” Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Coaching Youth Sport: A Conversation with John O’Sullivan

September 17, 2019 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Coaching youth sport is complex, challenging and rewarding. In this Masterclass Discussion we speak to Founder of Changing the Game Project and youth coaching expert, John O'Sullivan. PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts John for an in depth discussion which dives into a range of topics including women's football, John's work in the youth coaching space, specialisation, organisational culture and creating learning environments for young people. John is a leader in driving change in youth sport, a ...

On the Grass: Rob Carlisle on Culture

September 11, 2019 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

In this episode of “On the grass..” we are joined by Rob Carlisle. Rob is the Programme Leader – MA Sport Coaching and Development at the University of Chester. He is completing a PhD examining the organisational cultures of professional football clubs. Rob is a level 4 football coach and works for the Football Association delivering coach education courses including the UEFA B Licence qualification. Alongside this he is also a Youth Development Phase coach at Blackburn Rovers where he work...

Purposeful Play with Dr. Craig Harrison

September 03, 2019 23:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, Dr. Craig Harrison is hosted by PDP Editor, Dave Wright for a wide ranging conversation on youth development, skill acquisition and the importance of play in the learning process for children. Craig and Dave cover a range of topics including sports science and how it can be integrated in youth settings, specilasation, development versus performance and much more. This is an insightful and educational interview with a real innovator in New Zealand youth sport....

Sports Psychology with Dan Abrahams

August 30, 2019 08:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, Player Development Project hosts, Dave Wright and Dan Wright sit down for a fascinating conversation with world leading Sports Psychologist, Dan Abrahams. Dave and Dan facilitate an in depth conversation with Dan on his experience in sports psychology across different codes.  We examine the four corner model and the value of breaking down psychology into a component, we talk autonomy, challenge the review process, discuss coach communication and much, much mo...

Q&A: Is it OK for a young player to commit a professional foul?

August 22, 2019 23:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

The question this week comes from Joe via Facebook: “Is it OK for a young player to commit a professional foul?” Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

On the Grass: Developing the Individual with Jonas Munkvold

August 20, 2019 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

In this episode of  ‘On the Grass’ we are joined by Jonas Munkvold. Jonas is a coach at Vålerenga in Norway, he joins us to share his 1v1 model as we discuss developing the individual in the team. Exclusive offer for Podcast listeners: 30 Days Free Active Membership. Visit www.playerdevelopmentproject.com/podcast

Principles of Video Game Design with Amy Price

August 14, 2019 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, FA National Women's Coach Developer, Amy Price shares her unique approach to player development with Dave Wright & Dan Wright in a highly engaging conversation. Amy shares research on how coaches can use the principles of video game design to engage young players in their own development, setting challenges, designing tasks and encouraging problem-solving. Amy outlines how players can take ownership of the task and you can 'level' up the challenge as you go. ...

On the Grass: Alan Good on Competition

August 07, 2019 23:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MB

Alan Good is the coaching director for Focus Field Hockey, a hockey club in Virginia that aims to grow the game, develop players and people and help those who wish to play at the collegiate level in America get recruited. He also works for USA Field Hockey, the sport’s governing body in America, as a coach educator and high performance coach.In this conversation we discuss competition, working with teenagers and helping our players to develop their psychological skills. Exclusive offer fo...

Applying Positive Psychology with Lara Mossman

July 31, 2019 23:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

How can you make your environment as positive as possible? In this Masterclass Discussion, Positive Psychology expert, Lara Mossman joins PDP Editor, Dave Wright for an in-depth discussion on positive psychology in coaching. Lara is one of Player Development Project’s founding contributors and is a world-class expert in the area of positive psychology in coaching. Dave and Lara tackle some common misconceptions around psychology, discuss what positive psychology is and how coaches can apply...

On the Grass: Free Play with Debbie Sayers

July 25, 2019 23:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

In this episode of “On the Grass” Dan Wright is joined by Debbie Sayers from Salisbury Rovers. Debbie discusses the importance of play and why their club put the child at the centre of every decision, this includes picking formation and even kids designing their own sessions! As youth sport because more and more structured Debbie is offering a different approach.  There are loads of great takeaways for coaches in this conversation, especially for those wanting to increase fun, engagement an...

The Specialist Coach: A Conversation with Aaron Danks

July 22, 2019 08:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright is joined by Head of Specialist Coaching & Lead In Possession Coach at The FA, Aaron Danks. PDP Technical Advsior, Dan Wright also joins the discussion for a fascinating conversation on youth development. Aaron is a holder of the UEFA Pro License, he spent over a decade at West Bromwich Albion Academy and was part of the England U20 coaching staff who led the team to World Cup success in 2017. We dive into Aaron’s personal coaching jour...

On the Grass: The Coaching Wilderness with Stuart Armstrong

July 16, 2019 07:55 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

“On the grass” is a new project hosted by Dan Wright. In each show Dan is joined by an expert guest, with the ultimate aim is to share some of their experience and knowledge to help other coaches working in the youth development space.  The podcast is an informal discussion where coaches and people working on the grass, discuss one BIG idea. In the first episode Dan is joined by Stuart Armstrong. Stuart is Head of Coaching at Sport England and also founder of the Talent Equation, blog and ...

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