The Soccer Coaching Podcast

Episode 126 - Training Session Round Table, a conversation with Ben, Craig, Peter and Ray,

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance. The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development. It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! Connect with our guests * Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett  * Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet  * Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos  * Ray Power – X: @power_ray  Podcast Information X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 125 - How AI can be used in football coaching, a conversation with Kevin Middleton

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 125 Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 125 – How AI Can Be Used in Football Coaching, a conversation with Kevin Middleton In this episode, Ray and I are joined by the awesome Kevin Middleton to explore the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in football coaching and beyond. Kevin shares his journey and provides a fascinating insight into his work with FootballGPT, highlighting how AI is beginning to shape the way coaches plan, analyse, and deliver their sessions. We dive into the practical applications of AI in coaching, as well as the opportunities and challenges it presents for coaches at all levels of the game. We also discuss: *  What AI actually means for grassroots and academy coaches  *  How tools like FootballGPT can support session design and planning  *  The role of AI in analysis, feedback, and player development  *  The balance between technology and the human side of coaching  *  What the future of coaching might look like with AI continuing to evolve  Ray and Kevin are also running an AI course for coaches who want to explore this space further. You can find out more and book your place here:  AI for Football Coaching Course [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/raypowercoacheducation/2093668?utm_source=chatgpt.com] This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how coaches can embrace innovation while staying true to their coaching philosophy and values. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast  The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 124 - Deep Dive 2: Playing a HIGH BLOCK

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 124 Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 124 – Deep Dive Episode 2: Playing a HIGH BLOCK In this episode, Paddy and I take a deep dive into the concept of playing a high block, using a fascinating tactical example from the Carabao Cup Final where Manchester City surprised Arsenal with a bold and aggressive approach. We explore how City implemented a high block structure, committing four attacking players high up the pitch to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up and create immediate pressure in advanced areas. Through analysis of match footage, we break down how this tactical adjustment impacted the game, the positioning and roles of the players involved, and why it proved so effective. We also discuss: *  What a high block really looks like in practice  *  The benefits and risks of committing players high  *  Key coaching points for implementing a high block with your own team  *  How coaches can adapt this approach across different age groups and levels  This episode is packed with practical insights for coaches looking to develop a more aggressive out-of-possession strategy and better understand modern tactical trends in the game. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast  The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 123 - Being A Confidant To Elite Football Managers

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 123 Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 123 – Being a Confidant to Elite Football Managers, a conversation with Ray Power In this episode, Ray and I explore a fascinating and often unseen aspect of his coaching business, his 1-2-1 work with elite, top-flight football managers. Ray shares what it means to act as a trusted confidant at the very highest level of the game, and why even the most experienced managers need someone they can speak to openly and honestly. We dive into the types of conversations they have, from handling pressure and decision-making, to managing relationships, maintaining clarity, and navigating the complexities of modern football. We also discuss why top-flight managers reach out in the first place, what they’re really looking for in that support, and how Ray creates a space that is both challenging and psychologically safe. This episode offers a unique insight into the human side of elite coaching and leadership. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast  The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.  Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 122 - Coaches Voice (episode 1)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Episode 122: Coach’s Voice (Episode 1) Episode 122 marks the launch of our brand-new Coach’s Voice series — where the conversation starts with you. In this first edition, Scott and Ray respond to four thought-provoking questions sent in by coaches who listen to the podcast. These are real challenges from real environments, and the discussion is honest, practical, and grounded in lived coaching experience. This episode is less about theory — and more about the realities of coaching in today’s game. 🗣️ The four questions discussed: ⚽ 1. The Match Day Environment How do we create a match day atmosphere that supports development rather than fear? Scott and Ray explore the role of the coach on game day, emotional tone, parent behaviour, and how match day can either reinforce or undo the work done during the week. 💭 2. Building (and Protecting) Player Confidence What does confidence really mean in young players — and how easily can we damage it? The conversation explores the difference between praise and belief, the impact of language, and why confidence is often built through challenge, not comfort. 🎯 3. Over-Coaching Are we saying too much? Scott and Ray reflect on the temptation to control every moment, the dangers of constant instruction, and why silence can sometimes be the most powerful intervention a coach can make. 🧩 4. Tactics & Structure vs Freedom & Creativity How much structure is too much? Where is the balance between giving players a framework and allowing them to solve problems? The discussion dives into whether rigid tactical systems can unintentionally limit game intelligence — and how coaches can design structure that still allows expression. Throughout the episode, Scott and Ray share practical examples from their own environments, challenge common coaching habits, and encourage deeper reflection on how our behaviours shape player experience. This is an episode designed to make you think about how you show up — on the grass, on the sideline, and in your communication. 🎧 Coach’s Voice – Get Involved Coach’s Voice episodes are driven by you. We invite coaches to: * Send in a voice note (up to 2 minutes) sharing a question, dilemma, idea, or opinion * Be reflective, honest, even challenging * Help shape future episodes of the podcast Selected submissions will be played on the show and used as the starting point for discussion. A couple of simple guidelines: * Please don’t use player names * If discussing sensitive topics, avoid naming clubs * If you’d rather not record audio, you can email your question instead 📩 Send voice notes or emails to:  thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for listening — and if one of these questions resonated with you, share the episode with a fellow coach. Your voice matters. This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!