Check out Zone 14 Coaching below:
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Use code: ModernSoccer5 for $5 OFF
The US Soccer age group rule change is here — and it’s creating real uncertainty across the youth soccer landscape. In this Modern Soccer Coach podcast episode, Gary Curneen is joined by STA Technical Director Tom Shields to explain exactly what’s changing (birth-year registration to a seasonal/school-year window), why it’s being introduced, and how coaches and clubs can manage the transition with clarity.
We unpack the biggest issues families are asking about: “Will my child be playing down?”, what happens to late-birthday players, how “trapped” players can be affected during middle school to high school transitions, and how clubs can protect player development, team culture, and coach well-being during year one. Tom shares a simple leadership framework for communication and trust: keep people informed, inspired, interested, involved, and included — so you can lead the change instead of reacting to it.
If you’re a director, coach, or parent navigating team placement, tryout season, and registration shifts, this episode will help you understand the implications and make better decisions rooted in process — not panic.
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Check out Zone 14 Coaching below:
https://zone14coaching.com/
Use code: ModernSoccer5 for $5 OFF
The US Soccer age group rule change is here — and it’s creating real uncertainty across the youth soccer landscape. In this Modern Soccer Coach podcast episode, Gary Curneen is joined by STA Technical Director Tom Shields to explain exactly what’s changing (birth-year registration to a seasonal/school-year window), why it’s being introduced, and how coaches and clubs can manage the transition with clarity.
We unpack the biggest issues families are asking about: “Will my child be playing down?”, what happens to late-birthday players, how “trapped” players can be affected during middle school to high school transitions, and how clubs can protect player development, team culture, and coach well-being during year one. Tom shares a simple leadership framework for communication and trust: keep people informed, inspired, interested, involved, and included — so you can lead the change instead of reacting to it.
If you’re a director, coach, or parent navigating team placement, tryout season, and registration shifts, this episode will help you understand the implications and make better decisions rooted in process — not panic.
Per Mertesacker: How Arsenal REALLY Develops Young Players
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
52 minutes 20 seconds
1 month ago
Per Mertesacker: How Arsenal REALLY Develops Young Players
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MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
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Per Mertesacker joins Gary for a deep dive into youth development, leadership, and the Strong Young Gunners philosophy that drives Arsenal’s world-class academy.
In this conversation, Per explains how football teaches life, why character is the foundation of performance, and how Arsenal balances high challenge with high care across every age group. From the purity of the foundation phase to creating adaptable modern players, he shares a transparent look at what it takes to build people and players capable of thriving in any environment.
We also explore the four-pillar framework used inside the academy, the importance of lifelong learning for both staff and players, and the reality that less than one percent will make it as professionals. Per’s perspective is a masterclass for coaches, leaders, and anyone working in player development.
Topics include:
• Person-first development and daily standards
• Strong Young Gunners philosophy
• Balancing challenge and care
• Foundation phase environment
• Creativity, super strengths, and modern player profiles
• Staff development and coaching pathways
• Managing expectations with parents
• Preparing young people for life beyond football
• The future of coaching and youth environments
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
Check out Zone 14 Coaching below:
https://zone14coaching.com/
Use code: ModernSoccer5 for $5 OFF
The US Soccer age group rule change is here — and it’s creating real uncertainty across the youth soccer landscape. In this Modern Soccer Coach podcast episode, Gary Curneen is joined by STA Technical Director Tom Shields to explain exactly what’s changing (birth-year registration to a seasonal/school-year window), why it’s being introduced, and how coaches and clubs can manage the transition with clarity.
We unpack the biggest issues families are asking about: “Will my child be playing down?”, what happens to late-birthday players, how “trapped” players can be affected during middle school to high school transitions, and how clubs can protect player development, team culture, and coach well-being during year one. Tom shares a simple leadership framework for communication and trust: keep people informed, inspired, interested, involved, and included — so you can lead the change instead of reacting to it.
If you’re a director, coach, or parent navigating team placement, tryout season, and registration shifts, this episode will help you understand the implications and make better decisions rooted in process — not panic.
