In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alex and Alan rewind to where it all began — how they got into coaching in the first place, what sparked their passion for growing players, and the lessons they learned the hard way along the way.

They share what they wish they knew on day one. And they don’t stop there — the guys dive into the changes they hope to see in the youth soccer landscape…

It’s honest. It’s personal. And it’s a call to make grassroots soccer better for every kid who laces up.

On this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alex and Alan dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in youth soccer: chasing wins today versus building players for tomorrow. Should coaches push for trophies at U10, or focus on long-term growth even if it means losing games?

Too many youth soccer practices still get bogged down by the “three Ls”: lines, lectures, and laps. In this episode, we break down why these outdated methods hurt player development and how coaches can create more engaging, game-like environments instead. From practical training alternatives to mindset shifts for coaches, we’ll share simple ways to keep players moving, thinking, and enjoying the game.

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