This week we are sharing something special from the early days of the Coerver Coaching Podcast, when the format was very different to what we do now. We always planned to re-record this episode in person, but we haven't yet and decided didn't want this interview to go to waste! The style is simple, but the insight is anything but. You get two of the most influential minds in world football giving honest, thoughtful answers on coaching, development and how the game should be taught. We think you'll agree that it's pretty cool to hear Wenger and Alf reflecting on the principles that shaped their work and still shape the game today. If you are interested in where the podcast started and want to learn from two people who changed the way football is taught, you will get a lot from this one. We've done our best to clean up the audio and video but appreciate it isn't as good as when we shoot in the studio. Don't forget to subscribe if you found this valuable! 📈 Level up your coaching with our courses: www.playgreatsoccer.com #CoerverCoaching #coervercoachingpodcast #ArseneWenger #FootballCoaching #YouthSoccer #GrassrootsSoccer #PlayerDevelopment

What happens when you’re released from an academy at 12, rejected by multiple clubs, and still chasing the dream at 15? In this episode of the Coerver Coaching Podcast, Isaac Ogundere, current professional at AFC Wimbledon, breaks down his real journey, the setbacks, the sacrifices, and the lessons every parent, player, and grassroots coach needs to hear. This is not a fairytale story. It’s the reality of development. In this episode, we cover: Being released from an academy and coping with rejection at a young age Why not being in an academy at 15 or 16 does NOT mean it’s over The role of Sunday league and men’s football in player development What coaches really look for beyond talent Mentality, resilience, and taking ownership of your journey Training habits and standards in the professional game Practical defending insights from the men’s game that grassroots coaches can use If you’re a parent worrying about academies, a coach developing young players, or a player questioning your path, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Listen to the full Coerver Coaching Podcast episode now. ⚽ Coach education, sessions, and resources: 👉 https://www.playgreatsoccer.com 📌 Subscribe for weekly insights from professional players, elite coaches, and grassroots experts. #coervercoaching #coervercoachingpodcast

@7mlc aka Michael Cunningham, joins Jimmy on the Coerver Coaching Podcast to break down why most players train a lot but don’t actually improve! In this episode, Michael explains why foundations like ball mastery, first touch, and repetition are the real source of confidence, and how players should structure individual training to actually transfer into games. We also dive deep into 1v1 confidence, player identity, training habits, visual learning, and how coaches and parents can motivate players without killing creativity. If you’re a player, this will change how you train. If you’re a coach, this will change how you design sessions. ✅ Check out Michael's channel here @7mlc 🎧 Listen to the full Coerver Coaching Podcast episode now. ⚽ Coach education, sessions, and resources: 👉 https://www.playgreatsoccer.com 📌 Subscribe for weekly insights from professional players, elite coaches, and grassroots experts. #coervercoaching #coervercoachingpodcast #7mlc #7mlctraining

How to Use World Cup Stars to Teach Grassroots Players ⚽️🏆 The World Cup isn't just entertainment—it's the ultimate classroom for players and coaches. In this episode, we dive into how you can use "Star Models" from the world's biggest stage to inspire and teach your grassroots team. From the legendary 1974 final between Beckenbauer and Cruyff to modern superstars like Mbappé and Bellingham, we break down specific skills and mentalities you can bring to your next training session. In this episode, we discuss: The History of Star Models: How Will Coerver pioneered the use of professional "Star Models" to teach 1v1 skills. Modern Examples: Breaking down the technical brilliance of David Raya, William Saliba, and Jude Bellingham. Specific Drills & Skills: We identify 5 essential change-of-direction moves and 4 key faints every player under 16 should master. Finishing Secrets: Why first-time striking is the key to scoring like Erling Haaland. Coaching Girls vs. Boys: Insights into creating the right environment for players to take risks and build confidence. 🚀 Take Your Coaching to the Next Level Stop guessing and start coaching with a proven system. Get lifetime access to the Coerver Platinum Bundle—including ball mastery, 1v1 moves, session planners, and youth diplomas. 👉 Get it here: playgreatsoccer.com 🔥 Special Offer: Use code CoerverInsider for an extra 15% off! If you enjoyed this, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Bell 🔔 to stay updated on our latest coaching tips! #CoerverCoaching #SoccerTraining #WorldCup #GrassrootsFootball #SoccerCoach #Mbappe #Bellingham #BallMastery

In this episode of the Coerver Coaching Podcast, Alf & Jimmy Galustian break down the coaching philosophy of one of football's greatest managers, Pep Guardiola. From his legendary Barcelona team to his success with Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Pep's influence on modern football is undeniable. But what practical lessons can youth and grassroots coaches take from his approach? In this conversation, we explore: ⚽ Why possession football matters for player development ⚽ The importance of space, scanning, and decision-making ⚽ How Pep uses the goalkeeper as an extra outfield player ⚽ Lessons from Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, De Bruyne, and Messi ⚽ Why first touch is the foundation of elite performance ⚽ The role of 1v1 skills within possession-based football ⚽ How coaches can build confidence and resilience in young players ⚽ What grassroots coaches can learn from Pep's leadership and philosophy Whether you're coaching U8s, U12s, academy players, or simply love learning about football, this episode is packed with practical coaching insights you can apply immediately. 🔥 Get 15% EXTRA off the Coerver Platinum Bundle: https://playgreatsoccer.com/product/coerver-platinum-package/ Use Code: "CoerverInsider" 💬 What is the biggest lesson you've learned from Pep Guardiola's coaching philosophy? Let us know in the comments below. 👍 Like the video 🔔 Subscribe for more coaching insights 📢 Share with a coach who would enjoy this discussion

This is a clip from our full podcast with @7mlc If you enjoyed it be sure to check out the full episode, and subscribe to our channel.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Robinson, Ex-Head Coach of Chelsea’s Development Squad and former AFC Wimbledon Manager. With years of experience developing young players and leading teams at the professional level with unorthodox methods, Mark shares powerful insights into the psychology of football — how mindset, belief, and mental resilience can significantly impact a player’s success. We dive deep into how coaches can help players overcome mental blocks, perform under pressure, and build a mindset that fuels long-term development and consistency. 💪 🎯 In this episode: Lessons from Mark’s journey through AFC Wimbledon and Chelsea Why wearing odd socks to highlight everyone's weak foot helped his side! Why he sent an U18s team to play without a manager! Many other mindset tweaks that lead to big improvements Whether you coach grassroots players or professionals, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the mental game - and how to bring out the best in your players. 🔥 Follow Mark on Twitter! https://x.com/mark6robinson?lang=en-GB 🎙️ Watch or listen to the full episode now on YouTube & Spotify! 📲 Need help planning your coaching sessions? Download our App now! – Link in bio 📈 Level up your coaching with our courses: www.playgreatsoccer.com #SoccerCoaching #FootballMindset #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #ChelseaFC #AFCWimbledon #CoachingTips #MentalToughness #GrassrootsSoccer #FootballCoaching

This week, we welcome back Coerver Coaching co-founder (and Jimmy’s dad!) Alf Galustian for another deep dive into player development. In this episode, Alf shares his insights on the dos and don’ts of 1v1 coaching — what really matters when developing confident, creative players who can beat opponents under pressure. 💪 We also finish with a Q&A session, answering your most common 1v1-related coaching questions and giving practical advice you can use straight away in your sessions. 🧠🔥 📺 Become a YouTube member and check out the perks by tapping the "Join" button below the video! 📲 Need help planning your coaching sessions? Download our App now! https://onelink.to/565w67 📈 Level up your coaching with our courses! (HUGE BLACK FRIDAY SALE) www.playgreatsoccer.com #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #1v1Coaching #CoachingTips #GrassrootsSoccer #YouthSoccer #FootballCoaching #SkillDevelopment #coervercoaching #coervercoachingpodcast

Pat sat down with Jamie Cureton on #BeyondTheFinalWhistle, exploring a career that’s spanned decades and every level of the game. Still playing at 50, Jamie shares the buzz he still feels, his standout moments, the realities of Non-League football, and the mindset that’s kept him going.

In this episode, Pat meets Stuart Munro, Director at Winchester City Football Club, for a real look at what it takes to run a non-league football club. They go beyond the matchday to explore the realities of leadership at this level: from managing expectations and finances, to building sustainable revenue streams and making tough decisions. Stuart opens up on the emotional highs and lows of the game, from relegation pressure to the push for play-offs and promotion, and what those moments truly feel like behind the scenes.

In this episode Pat chats to Olly Porteous, an experience coach within elite academy environments, including Manchester City, supporting the development of thousands of players and coaches worldwide.

Pat sits down with former England international Matt Jarvis for a brilliant, honest conversation that mixes top-level insight with plenty of laughs. From his journey from Gillingham, to the Premier League and England, to the realities of life in and beyond the game, Matt shares what football is really like at the top and at non-league level. They dive into looking after yourself as a player, the challenges many don’t see, and the advice every non-league player should hear. An insightful, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable chat with someone who’s seen it all.

Over in Costa Rica: Cecilia Lihv is building real pathways into professional football. In this Non-League Network podcast, Pat finds out it isn’t about the dream. It’s about the truth. Every player has a level and potential. The key? Know it, own it, and maximise it. We talk mindset, reality, international football and how SoccerViza is helping players grow on and off the pitch.

In this episode, TBOFN Journalist Maxwell Kablan sits down with the brains behind the Non-League Network, Co-Founder David Leese & Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Tordeur, to unpack how the platform came to life and why it matters so much to the non-league game. From grassroots football to business, community, and club support, they share the story behind building a network designed to connect players, clubs, volunteers, and services across the football pyramid. Patrick brings a unique international background, having played in Belgium, England, and Spain, before moving deeper into the business side of sport and finding his way back into football through the Non-League Network. David, meanwhile, explains how his own grassroots and non-league experiences exposed the lack of a real middleman between players and clubs, and inspired him to create a platform that could help bridge that gap. Together, they discuss the products and services the network is building for clubs and players, from mental health support and sponsorship opportunities to safeguarding, staffing, and practical club solutions. They also open up about the challenges of growing a startup in a space where most people involved are volunteers, and share their long-term vision of making the Non-League Network the go-to ecosystem for non-league football in the UK and beyond. KEY TAKEAWAYS The non-league game is full of clubs, players, and volunteers who need better access to products, services, and support. The Non-League Network was created to act as a middleman between clubs and the solutions they need. Volunteer-led clubs often struggle with time, staffing, and commercial decision-making. Mental health, safeguarding, sponsorship, and staffing are all areas where clubs can benefit from more tailored support. The long-term vision is to build a wider ecosystem that helps make non-league football more sustainable. BEST MOMENTS “There’s no way I’m going to pass that.” “We wanted to build a platform where we can act as that middleman between players and clubs.” “It’s a community that’s much bigger than we thought.” “A sports club is basically a business.” “If we can even save one team from folding, that would make my day.” ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101118948474912953943 OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@UCtEC1mWTuSfNvhUO7PE8yDQ Youtube: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

Dave and Pat speak with player care specialist Tristan Griffiths about the pressures facing non-league players, the support available within clubs, and how managing off-pitch challenges can unlock better performance on it.

Pat talks to Dave Kitson about his views on footballing culture, developing a learning ethos, opportunities in the game, life interests outside of the beautiful game and the learnings in the sport. Dave, who in February revealed he was THE SECRET FOOTBALLER discusses his views on the game and how his interest in cultures and different views of the game have shaped the work he is doing at Maidenhead, which Pat will not forever refer to as the Bodo Glimt of England.

Pat and Dave chat about the makings of the Non League Network, what made Dave create it and take action, what has been done, what could be done and why we even bother! It is a gritty and chatty podcast about the realities of the non league and what we are looking to achieve. And some laughs too

Dave and Pat speak with Non-League Day founder James Doe about how it all started, the challenges behind building it, and the moments that have made it special. From big wins to creative ideas from clubs, this is the story behind one of football’s best community-driven days.

Dave and Pat speak with Rebecca (Bex) Duff about the challenges academy players face as contracts end, preparing for life beyond football, and how Tenacious Transition supports players with personalised pathways, career planning and financial awareness.