Episode 2: James Brown

Episode 2: James Brown

During this difficult time with all of us sheltering in place, respecting social distances, and soccer at all levels brought to a halt, it is perhaps the best time to talk about how youth players can continue to develop their soccer outside of the usual context. That is where my next guest, James Brown, has been developing a very exciting project that was inspired by working with his son Jack, who is a member of US Soccer’s Development Academy. Motivated to work with his son and get him more quality touches, James spent a small amount of time and money to build a kick wall that could be used right in his driveway. Jack took immediately to it and has not looked back. Nor has James, who launched kickwalls.com, inspired many in his community to build similar kickwalls, and now has inquiries pouring in from all across the United States. And, by the way, he is making all that he has learned, including the plans for the kickwall, available for free. We discuss the challenges of getting more touches for aspiring players, how a solid technical foundation contributes to success and enjoyment in the game, his ideas of a holistic approach to developing a player, and many more aspects of the growth and challenges facing youth soccer in America.

Episode One: Peter Knight

My first guest is Peter Knight. He and I worked together briefly in Los Angeles at the same youth club. He came across the pond from England many years ago to begin his coaching journey first in Chicago before moving out to Los Angeles. He holds a UEFA “B” license and is working his way through the elite licenses of US Soccer. We begin by discussing the now almost forgotten but still surprising result at Anfield and then venture into multiple pressing topics in youth soccer today such as the pay to play system, periodization, street or pickup soccer culture, state cup in southern California, college soccer, and finally what “Pete” thinks might help us all move forward more efficiently.