Register for MSC Tactical Flexibility webinar:
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/upcoming-webinar-how-to-coach-tactical-flexibility-in-an-attacking-manner
Sign-Up for MSC Insider:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions
In the final Modern Soccer Coach podcast of 2025, we step back from tactics and trends and ask a bigger question:
What will the game look like in 2026 and beyond?
Rather than reviewing downloads or highlights, this episode focuses on three ideas from 2025 that point directly toward the future of soccer coaching and player development.
Across the year on Modern Soccer Coach, conversations consistently returned to the same themes: clarity over complexity, individuality over rigid structure, and environments over outcomes.
In this episode, we explore:
• How modern game models may be limiting individual development
• Why more content does not always create better coaches
• The growing importance of methodology and clarity
• How youth environments shape the future of the professional game
This episode is for coaches who want to think beyond the next session and reflect on where the game is actually heading.
Thank you for listening throughout 2025.
We hope you stay with us in 2026.
- Gary Curneen
All content for Modern Soccer Coach Podcast is the property of Gary Curneen and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Register for MSC Tactical Flexibility webinar:
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/upcoming-webinar-how-to-coach-tactical-flexibility-in-an-attacking-manner
Sign-Up for MSC Insider:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions
In the final Modern Soccer Coach podcast of 2025, we step back from tactics and trends and ask a bigger question:
What will the game look like in 2026 and beyond?
Rather than reviewing downloads or highlights, this episode focuses on three ideas from 2025 that point directly toward the future of soccer coaching and player development.
Across the year on Modern Soccer Coach, conversations consistently returned to the same themes: clarity over complexity, individuality over rigid structure, and environments over outcomes.
In this episode, we explore:
• How modern game models may be limiting individual development
• Why more content does not always create better coaches
• The growing importance of methodology and clarity
• How youth environments shape the future of the professional game
This episode is for coaches who want to think beyond the next session and reflect on where the game is actually heading.
Thank you for listening throughout 2025.
We hope you stay with us in 2026.
- Gary Curneen
Easy Is Boring — Inspiring Young Minds with Phil Phillipou
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
48 minutes 21 seconds
2 months ago
Easy Is Boring — Inspiring Young Minds with Phil Phillipou
In this episode, Gary Curneen is joined by Phil Phillipou, author of Inspiring Young Minds, to explore how coaches can build youth environments that go beyond drills and technique — and actually develop people.
From the chaos of his first youth session back to the deeper psychology behind learning, Phil shares honest, experience-driven lessons for every coach working in today’s game. Together, they discuss:
Why modern players struggle with verbal communication and social connection
How to use football to teach respect, resilience, and teamwork
The importance of structured chaos and why easy is boring
Managing behavior through clear, fair hierarchy rather than punishment
Tackling the social media and phone addiction challenge head-on
How gratitude, persistence, and storytelling can transform player mindset
Phil’s refreshing blend of humility and honesty makes this one of the most relevant coaching conversations of the year. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful environments for young players — not just compliant ones — this episode is a must-listen.
📚 Book: Inspiring Young Minds (available now on Amazon)
📲 Follow Phil: Instagram @mindsight_sports | LinkedIn: Phil Phillipou
🎙️ Hosted by Gary Curneen — Modern Soccer Coach
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
Register for MSC Tactical Flexibility webinar:
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/upcoming-webinar-how-to-coach-tactical-flexibility-in-an-attacking-manner
Sign-Up for MSC Insider:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions
In the final Modern Soccer Coach podcast of 2025, we step back from tactics and trends and ask a bigger question:
What will the game look like in 2026 and beyond?
Rather than reviewing downloads or highlights, this episode focuses on three ideas from 2025 that point directly toward the future of soccer coaching and player development.
Across the year on Modern Soccer Coach, conversations consistently returned to the same themes: clarity over complexity, individuality over rigid structure, and environments over outcomes.
In this episode, we explore:
• How modern game models may be limiting individual development
• Why more content does not always create better coaches
• The growing importance of methodology and clarity
• How youth environments shape the future of the professional game
This episode is for coaches who want to think beyond the next session and reflect on where the game is actually heading.
Thank you for listening throughout 2025.
We hope you stay with us in 2026.
- Gary Curneen
