Join our NEW YouTube page here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV
US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker joins Gary Curneen to break down what has to change in American player development if we want to become consistent World Cup contenders, not just a team that can make a one-off run.
Matt shares the data points behind global performance (what the numbers suggest you need in the top 250 and top 1000 players), why the real shift has to happen in the player development space, and how US Soccer is trying to influence the landscape without a “telling” mentality. We get into clear pathways for players, the importance of technical leadership beyond tactics, and why psychological safety and fun are not soft concepts, but essential foundations for long-term development.
We also talk about the pressure coaches feel to win at all ages, the disconnect between practice and competition, and what parents should actually be looking for when choosing a club. If you coach, lead, or parent in the youth game, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a clearer lens on what great environments should look like.
A big thank you to our sponsor Zone14 Coaching. Their NextGen journals help coaches and players plan, reflect, and track progress throughout the season, built on intentional coaching and backed by neuroscience. Modern Soccer Coach listeners can get $5 off with code MODERNSOCCER5 at zone14coaching.com.
Subscribe for more interviews and weekly coaching content, and check out Modern Soccer Coach TV for additional training sessions and tactical breakdowns.
#ModernSoccerCoach #USSoccer #MattCrocker #PlayerDevelopment #CoachDevelopment #YouthSoccer #SoccerCoaching #FootballCoaching #CoachingEducation #TalentDevelopment #TechnicalLeadership #PlayerPathway #IDP #IndividualDevelopmentPlan #PsychologicalSafety #Motivation #LongTermDevelopment #WorldCup #USMNT #USWNT #GrassrootsSoccer #ElitePlayerDevelopment #YouthDevelopment #SoccerParents #ClubSoccer #TrainingDesign #CoachingCulture #HighPerformance #SoccerPodcast #Zone14 #youtubepodcast #coachpodcast #soccerpodcast #garycurneen #soccercoachpodcast #youtubevideo
source
