Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/
MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis
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
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Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/
MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis
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
Principles Over Patterns | Ray Power on Rethinking the Modern Press & Coaching 'Philosophies'
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
48 minutes 6 seconds
2 weeks ago
Principles Over Patterns | Ray Power on Rethinking the Modern Press & Coaching 'Philosophies'
Watch Ray's full pressing webinar on MSC Insider below:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions
Contact Ray directly about his coaching support:
ray@coachpower.pro
In this episode, Gary welcomes Ray Power back to the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for his third appearance — and one of the most important discussions yet. Together, they explore why modern coaching has become overly reliant on patterns, how this affects player decision-making, and what it means to truly coach with principles instead of prescriptions.
From “shopping-list” pressing traps to “joystick coaching,” Ray shares his journey of ripping up rigid models and designing training that produces adaptable, creative, and resilient players. The pair also discuss the fear of losing that drives much of modern football, the difference between control and influence, and the role of everyday coach development in breaking those cycles.
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/
MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis
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
