#ThePROJourney
206 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsThe mission of #ThePROJourney Podcast is to educate soccer players, parents and their families about the PROCESS of becoming a PROFESSIONAL player.
#ThePROJourney is a 10-Year (+) player development adventure to reach the pinnacle of the sport domestically or internationally.
#ThePROJourney will challenge the status quo of the American Youth Soccer Landscape as we discuss, question and dive into the PROCESS needed to make the DREAM a reality.
#ThePROJourney is and will be a brutally honest podcast with nothing held back. Be prepared.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Episode 33 - is 'Coaching' Yelling From The Sidelines
June 17, 2020 20:54 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBWhat is coaching? Is it YELLING at the sideline at the players when they make a mistake? How about when you tell them EXACTLY what to do every time? Is that coaching? Listen to find out... Get the Future PRO Player Checklist Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruiting Course
Episode 30 - Why I DIDN'T Make it as a PRO
June 12, 2020 15:43 - 27 minutes - 25 MBI have never enjoyed talking about my playing career but in this episode. I share all. Many people have asked the question. Today. I answer. I have discussed the 6 characteristics you need to master to make it as PRO. There were 2.5 elements I was missing. Listen to find out. Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruiting Course https://www.signnowsports.com/collegerecruiting
Special Episode - With a European PRO Academy Player - Nik
June 10, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBI interviewed one of my former players - NIK - who currently plays for APOEL FC's PRO Academy in Europe. He discusses his story, his journey, and the current level of performance playing at a top academy in world football. Want to know what Nik does every single day during his journey to become a PRO? Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruiting Course https://www.signnowsports.com/collegerec...
Special Episode - With US National Team Coach for Tennis PT 2
June 09, 2020 11:00 - 35 minutes - 33.1 MBHere is part 2 with the US National Coach Men's Department for Tennis Nico Todero. Great insight again on how to become an ultimate professional. Make sure to listen all the way through. So many incredible details about how to become an elite athlete. Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruiting Course https://www.signnowsports.com/collegerecruiting
Special Episode - With US National Team Coach for Tennis PT 1
June 08, 2020 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBHere is the FANTASTIC interview with current US National Coach Tennis Men's Department Nico Todero - who has been in the position for 10-years and has worked with some of the BEST players in the world including a TOP 60 PRO player. Listen to his insight and what he calls the "PAINFUL PROCESS" to become a PRO.
Episode 31 - College Recruiting
June 06, 2020 21:14 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBWant to be a college student-athlete? Listen to find out how to DOMINATE the process. Here is a link for a LIMITED TIME FREE COURSE on college recruiting. https://www.signnowsports.com/CollegeRecruiting
Episode 28 - Youth Football: Small vs Athletic Players - Who Wins?
June 05, 2020 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBDoes your child dominate on the soccer field between the ages of 8-16? Do you know why? Do you think it's because they are a better player? Take a step back and truly evaluate as to why. If it's because they are PHYSICALLY dominating then heed the following warning: If they rely on physical attributes instead of playing ability (technique/FOOTBALLING Intelligence) then forget it. By the age of 16, they will be found out and CAUGHT. Smaller and less physically dominant players will grow and m...
Special Episode - Interview with OC Academy Scout - Coach Luna - PT 2
June 02, 2020 19:58 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MBPart 2 of the interview with Coach Luna - an OC Academy Scout - as we discussed scouting using game film, position-specific qualities for a #8, #10, #7/#11 and #9, the expectations of playing in the OC Academy, is playing time guaranteed, and much more. Listen to LEARN!
Special Episode - Interview with OC Academy Scout - Coach Luna - PT 1
June 02, 2020 19:50 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBI had a fantastic interview with Coach Andres Luna who is an Orlando City Academy scout who works to identify talent for his OC Academy program. We discussed many different items including how to get scouted by their staff, what players need to have to make it, position-specific qualities for the GK, #2/#3, #4/#5, and #6 and so much more! Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruiting Course http...
Episode 29 - 2020-2021 Season Goal for FL Prospects
June 02, 2020 19:11 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBInterested in the FL Prospects? Here is our 2020-2021 season objective. May be different than you think.
Episode 27 - The #1 Reason Cones Mess Up Your Game
May 29, 2020 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBDon't believe me? Listen to the episode. And put my theory to the test. Watch where all the player's eyes go when they are dribbling through/around/outside of cones. "I have lost many top players because their head was on the ball and they were NOT seeing what was around them. Great players isolate from the ball. Their head is like a RADAR." - Arsene Wenger Former Manager of Arsenal FC Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (fo...
Special Episode - Part 3: With College Conference Coach of The Year
May 24, 2020 16:10 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBWe interviewed the NAIA Conference Coach of the Year and in this segment discussed many segments relating to youth and competitive soccer including PARENT COACHING during games and HOW OFTEN he SPEAKS on the sideline during the games... And my personal favorite question, how many full athletic scholarships he's given. LISTEN to find out + SO MUCH MORE! Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruitin...
Special Episode - Part 3: With the NAIA Conference Coach of The Year
May 24, 2020 16:10 - 29 minutes - 36.9 MBWe interviewed the NAIA Conference Coach of the Year and in this segment discussed many segments relating to youth and competitive soccer including PARENT COACHING during games and HOW OFTEN he SPEAKS on the sideline during the games... And my personal favorite question, how many full athletic scholarships he's given. LISTEN to find out + SO MUCH MORE!
Special Episode - Part 2: With NAIA Conference Coach of The Year
May 24, 2020 16:09 - 24 minutes - 29.8 MBWe asked the NAIA Conference Coach of The Year - many EYE Catching questions regarding youth and college soccer like this question: How does a player STANDOUT in the recruiting process - WITH A HUGE SECRET TIP and How many coaches go to HIGH SCHOOL games for Recruiting PURPOSES (you may be surprised by the answer). Listen to find out + MANY more questions!
Special Episode - Part 2: With College Conference Coach of The Year
May 24, 2020 16:09 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBWe asked the NAIA Conference Coach of The Year - many EYE Catching questions regarding youth and college soccer like this question: How does a player STANDOUT in the recruiting process - WITH A HUGE SECRET TIP and How many coaches go to HIGH SCHOOL games for Recruiting PURPOSES (you may be surprised by the answer). Listen to find out + MANY more questions!
Special Episode - Part 1: With College Conference Coach of The Year
May 24, 2020 16:08 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBWe asked The NAIA Conference Coach of the Year many questions regarding youth and collegiate soccer. The second question we ask is if WINNING between U9 - U18 is IMPORTANT. His answer? Listen to find out.
Special Episode - Part 1: With NAIA Conference Coach of The Year
May 24, 2020 16:08 - 23 minutes - 29.2 MBWe asked The NAIA Conference Coach of the Year many questions regarding youth and collegiate soccer. The second question we ask is if WINNING between U9 - U18 is IMPORTANT. His answer? Listen to find out.
Episode 26 - Why America Has Pay to Play
May 22, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBWe've all talked about how PAY to PLAY is bad for youth sports and it just simply ruins the development. I COMPLETELY agree. However, today, I will explain to you - WHY Pay to PLAY actually exists. There are two main options for organizations when it comes to operating: Pay to Play vs Compensation For Formation There is always a COST associated with playing sports, both models have different individuals PAYING for that cost. Learn how.
Episode 25 - Want to Stand Out? Here's How:
May 20, 2020 11:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBI get this question a lot, 'I feel like I am a good technical player with a strong footballing knowledge; what am I missing? CHARISMA. PERSONALITY. THAT INNER FIRE. Zlatan said the following after signing for Manchester United, "I admire Cantona, I heard what he said. But I won't be the KING of Manchester. I will be the GOD of Manchester." He's a perfect example of that CHARISMA. PERSONALITY. THAT FIRE. HE WANTS IT. He's a Winner. "Winner's want the ball when the game is on the line." F...
Episode 24 - Future Pro Checklist
May 18, 2020 11:00 - 9 minutes - 8.38 MBa FFF scout said the following, players don't make the grade due to a lack of talent. No, they fail because they do not have the mental fortitude or HUNGER to fight through adversity. Here is a PART of my FUTURE PRO CHECKLIST. Get the Future PRO Player Checklist https://www.signnowsports.com/myprodream Get access to the FREE (for a LIMITED TIME) College Recruiting Course https://www.signnowsports.com/collegerecruiting
Episode 24 - So, You WANT to be a PRO?
May 18, 2020 11:00 - 8 minutes - 9.89 MBa FFF scout said the following, player's don't make the grade due to a lack of talent. No, they fail because they do not have the mental fortitude or HUNGER to fight through adversity. Here is a PART of my FUTURE PRO CHECKLIST. This will be released in the near future with at least 10 items for you to do every single day.
Episode 19: USA vs France - Concrete Football
May 17, 2020 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBUSA vs France - I will discuss what is better known in French Football as "Concrete Football" or street football. This is a major part of the inter-city players; I remember living right outside Saint-Ettiene and being able to walk 5-minutes and see about 5-7 different types of fields from grass to concrete, rubber to turf and all different sizes as well. The street is a major component of the identity of French football as many world-class players grew up playing in the street with no coache...
Special Episode - Listen to the Advice of a PRO Player
May 15, 2020 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBAfter signing his FIRST PRO contract - Sanjay discusses the realities of PRO football and even shares what you need to make it. A key being the INNER FIRE and PASSION to want to make your DREAM a reality. Sanjay even dives into the next steps after becoming a PRO. The next level of WORK just begins. The GRIND is a lifestyle. Listen to LEARN more.
Episode 21 - Why Player Development is Like The Stock Market
May 13, 2020 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MB“If you are not willing to own a stock for 10 years, do not even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” - I live in America and most individuals listening are American and we all love business. So here is my take on Why Player Development is Like The Stock market. For me, with my minimal education in the stock market, there are two main options when owning stocks: Short-Term and Long-Term. The market is volatile and will change many times of the course of a year up and down; but in the long...
Episode 20 - By 14 You Must Take This Test
May 12, 2020 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBFootball's Secret Weapon? Find out what it is and how to take the Challenge I set forth in this episode. By 14 years old, if you can complete it, you have 1 FOOT through the door at WORLD FAMOUS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM in France. The Key? Technique. Read about the David Beckham article here: https://www.soccermastermind.com/soccer-training-or-the-ipad/?fbclid=IwAR0wrJgAs1KtgUQk3fYBNmm_V85WDEVZ3rlbcw3bcHzFZME5avOiz39mBAw
Episode 22 - Scouting: Are You Good Enough?
May 11, 2020 11:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBJust like the title says, Are you good enough? Listen to find out how scouts determine if you really are GOOD enough for whatever level you're trying to reach: High School, College, Pro Academy, Professional WARNING! You may be SHOCKED.
Episode 23 - How Many Teams Have SIGNED PRO Contracts?
May 09, 2020 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBThis is a trick question... and you're probably confused by the title. What that on purpose? Yes. I really want you to answer the question, how many TEAMS (NOT PLAYERS) have signed PRO contracts? The answer may surprise you. Or not. However, so many FACTS are dropped in this episode. It truly ANSWERS the question about #ThePROJourney development process. Enjoy.
Episode 18: USA vs Holland - AZ Alkmaar
May 07, 2020 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBUSA vs Holland - Welcome to the series where I start diving into specific differences between cultures. In this scenario, I discuss a specific club in Holland that is producing elite talent through their academy: AZ Alkmaar. For example, their captain is an academy graduate who is 22-years old. Their top goal-scorer is a 19-year-old academy graduate. AZ actually has an objective of at least 50% of their first-team squad members to be academy graduates. In the 2019-2020 season, they smashed ...
Part 2 - Episode 5 - U12
May 05, 2020 11:00 - 7 minutes - 7.33 MBWelcome to U12! This is a fun age group as lots of details change, although, from a training standpoint, it will be identical to U11, with a bit more complexity and difficulty in training exercises. It is all about developing individual creativity and COMPETITIVENESS to win playing a good brand of football (possession). Players must be introduced to the 15 technical elements and continue to refine the ones from past age groups. If the same group of players has been training, the fluidity of ...
Part 2 - Episode 4 - U11
May 03, 2020 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.59 MBIn this episode, I dive into what I believe from an overview standpoint should be taught at U11 (ASSUMING) that the players have been taught correctly at the U9 and U10 age groups. This will be their first year of 9v9 and another major adjustment will be needed to prepare to play possession and quality football from the start as all other teams will utilize kickball. Players need to be introduced to the 15 technical elements recommended at U11.
Special Episode - PRO PLAYER STORY
May 01, 2020 13:22 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBListen to Sanjay Karim and Brazil Clarke, who both play high-level football. Sanjay recently signed his FIRST PRO contract for Bangladesh Police FC and is currently on the radar for the Bangladesh Senior National Team and Brazil plays for JWU Women's Soccer in Miami. Listen to their stories regarding GRINDING their way through to reach their current level of play. Sanjay in particular shares tremendous insight into the life of being a PRO and what it really takes to make it.
Part 2 - Episode 3 - U10
May 01, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 6.36 MBIn this episode, I break down U10 and what I believe is the critical developmental structure players at this age group need including maximum repetitions of 1v1 play and technique! There are 30 technical elements that must be introduced at this age group. Listen to learn. :)
Episode 17 - Your Club's Mission Statement
April 30, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBPractically every single organization related to soccer has a mission statement, and I recommend you evaluate your club's mission statement and clubs you will be trying out for as this will give you a MAJOR indication of what kind of training and game environment to expect. 90% are not centered around developing the next PRO; they are focusing on providing an experience for soccer. If your son/daughter is coming to you and wanting to be a PRO, you need to find an organization that matches....
Part 2 - Episode 2 - U9
April 29, 2020 11:00 - 7 minutes - 6.81 MBIn this episode, I discuss what I believe is critical for U9 players to be developing during their critical formation years to have the future potential to become elite football players. For example, there are 28 technical elements that players need to be introduced too. Learn about my recommendations by listening!
Part 2 - Episode 1 - The 3 Player Categories
April 27, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBFor parents and players, there are what I consider three-player categories to provide an overview of a player level in youth soccer: Beginner --- Intermediate --- Advanced --- Listen to the following information to have a better understanding of where your player is. There are outliers to the following, but understanding this is a general template.
Introducing #ThePROJourney Part 2
April 25, 2020 20:00 - 48 seconds - 1.01 MBIn this series of episodes, you will learn about what I believe is critical for players to learn during specific age group years from U9 t0 U18 covering technical, tactical, physical, mental, discipline and charisma development they need to achieve to become strong future football players. Sit back, relax and let's enjoy the ride!
Episode 16 - The Single Most IMPORTANT Question to Ask
April 24, 2020 11:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBMake sure to get a pen and paper out. As I am going to share with you the MOST IMPORTANT question that you need to ask club officials and/or the coach at your next tryout. If you have a son/daughter or you are the player that WANTS to go and play professionally in the future. This question is critical! This will give you either the positive or negative confirmation you need to make the best-informed decisions. The following quote from a former PRO Club Manager in Croatia should give you ...
Episode 15 - This Was My Defining Moment
April 21, 2020 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBWe have a cultural football (soccer) problem in the United States. Most of our players do NOT love the game. If you go to places around Europe or South America. These cultures live, breath and repeat football every single day. It was the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where I got my 'AHA' moment and truly fell in love with the game. For young players, you need to find your moment so that you love the game. That way you dedicated your life to wanting to be successful in it to make your dream a realit...
Episode 14 - Run Away If You See This at a Club Tryout
April 19, 2020 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MBYou know what I am talking about, the club tryout and they are RIGHT around the corner. Do your research and be prepared. The biggest disaster probably in youth soccer. Players get lined up, put pennies on, do a quick warmup and then scrimmage the remaining duration for an hour and 20 minutes; while all the coaches stand there with a clipboard and discuss internally and share a few laughs. Vince Lombardi said, "Winning isn't everything, but making the effort to win is." The same principl...
Episode 13 - The 6 Characteristics to be PRO
April 17, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBMany young players talk about wanting to BECOME PRO. In this episode, I break down the 6 CRITICAL Characteristics a player needs to become a PRO and to play with their IDOLS - The Messi's, Ronaldo's, Neymars. 1) Technique 2) Tactical 3) Physical 4) Mental 5) Discipline 6) Charisma
The DA Pulled A Star Wars Episode 9
April 16, 2020 16:29 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBYou read that right. The DA has pulled a Star Wars Episode 9. Emporer Sidious died in Episode 6 but return in episode 9. He created the Empire in 4, 5 and 6. It collapsed. He rebuilt under a new umbrella called the First Order and then re-released into the Final Order. The DA is following the same path. The Development Academy has collapsed and 5-minutes later the MLS announced a new league that will include MLS academies and TOP non-MLS programs in this league. You don't believe this has be...
KIA - The Development Academy (DA) Failed
April 15, 2020 15:45 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBKilled in Action. The Development Academy or better known as the DA is closed. Many principles about the DA were fantastic, however, there have been rumors circulating for about a week the DA is closing. There have been talks for about 2-3 years about necessary changes to the DA, but now with the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) - no official announcement as of yet has been made, but if it's true - the DA failed. The Objective of the DA was to develop WORLD CLASS PLAYERS - which is the main message ...
Episode 12 - The Club Dilemma: Player vs Team Development
April 15, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBAh yes. This topic. One of the greatest and well-discussed problems in youth soccer. Let me be honest, clubs WILL NOT make a change because if they centered on the development of players, they would LOSE money. The average parent believes winning is what is necessary for development. While winning is important, it's not the only detail that matters. In fact, in my opinion, there are 6 qualities a player needs to master to reach the highest level of the game. Technique, Tactical, Mental, Ph...
Episode 11 - Why 'FANCY' is Ruining Your Game
April 13, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBIn this episode, I discuss everything wrong with 'FANCY' and how we seemingly have this obsession with the LOVE of the ball and not the LOVE of the game. Players rather spend time or are spending time doing TONS of skills work with repetition of skills, skills or move skills. The whole purposes of the a skill is 1 of 2 things: 1) Beat an Opponent 2) Get away from an Opponent Too many players are trapped by doing skill work, skill work and more skill work, but they do NOT learn STEP 2 and ...
Episode 10 - What Football Can Learn From Basketball
April 10, 2020 20:32 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBI wanted to DIVE into why America has been a SUPER POWER of Basketball. What you maybe did NOT know as well is that basketball is directly related to soccer (football) and futsal. In my research, I found that there were four(4) primary reasons for the success of American basketball. 1) SSGs - ALWAYS under 5v5 2) Accessability to play in the STREET 3) Competitive Drive 4) FUNDAMENTALS The first 3 lead to the LOVE of the game. American basketball players LOVE the game. They spend time ev...
Episode 9 - 2 Immediate Actions to FIX the Broken US System
April 08, 2020 12:18 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBWhat I am going to discuss with you may seem radical, however, I feel we are at a POINT where radical changes are necessary for the survival and regrowth of this game. For the United States to truly take OFF. I am sharing with you my US Soccer Mandate. There will be a written report on this, but I needed to at least discuss it since my last episode highlighted all the issues. This will be segmented into two separate episodes as there is simply too much information to discuss. I feel that to ...
Episode 8 - US ⚽ Grassroots is FLAWED and it's Costing You
April 03, 2020 17:05 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBThis is my MOST HONEST and BRUTUAL EPISODE YET...US ⚽ Grassroots is FLAWED and is DESIGNED for you to fail; that is if you want to play at the highest level in the world. There are 3 main reasons for this: 1) American Clubs develop players for the MLS a (TOP 20 league) and NOT TOP 5 Leagues (PL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1) 2) $$$$$ 3) Clubs across the country are NOT delivering As of now, if you're goal is to play at the highest level in the World. You're best chance to have a ...
Episode 7 - 17 Years and 114 Days
April 02, 2020 15:04 - 19 minutes - 18 MB17 Years and 114 Days. Success Overnight. Those numbers are exactly how long it took MESSI - arguably the world's greatest player to become a SUCCESS overnight. What you need to realize is that it takes HARD WORK to make your DREAM a REALITY. During this CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - What are you doing? Playing FORTNITE, COD or FIFA? The World's BEST are training every single day, even in ISOLATION. You need to QUIT making EXCUSES for everything that goes against you. PROVE everyone wrong. OUT WORK.
Episode 6 - The Grind
March 30, 2020 17:16 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this episode, I share with you the most difficult part of becoming a PRO, better known as The Grind. I also give you my experience playing semi-professional in France. I walk you through a specific period were the grind was real and at the time was my most difficult moment. In reality, 99% of players that want to become a pro will have to go through The Grind.
Episode 5 - The 3 Phrases Destroying Football
March 27, 2020 20:37 - 20 minutes - 19 MBDo you think that Christian Pulisic grew up playing kickball? He has had trials at Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund before signing for Dortmund's academy. If he played kickball, he would NEVER have had the ability or level to compete at those PRO ACADEMY levels. "There is a difference between kicking into a soccer ball and playing the game of football." Feel my passion for the 3 phrases destroying FOOTBALL across the country that is negatively impacting 95% of youth players are being taught ...