In this episode, Stuart sits down with Coach Joe Quigley — a highly respected youth development coach known for his work with at Super Soccer Stars and Football Fun Factory as well as UK Elite delivers his powerful message about putting kids first in sport. ⚽

Joe has become a leading voice on redefining what great coaching looks like: creating environments where children play freely, feel supported, and fall in love with the game long before tactics and systems ever enter the picture.

This conversation breaks down why fun, engagement, and joy are the real foundations of long-term player development — and why so many coaches unintentionally get this wrong. From designing play-based training sessions to understanding what kids actually want from sport, Joe shares insights every coach, parent, and club leader needs to hear.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why “fun first” is essential in youth soccer

✅ The biggest mistakes coaches make with young players

✅ Play-based training and why it works

✅ How enjoyment accelerates learning and development

✅ Why kids stay in sport (and why they quit)

✅ Building environments where players feel valued as people

✅ The role of friendship, freedom, and creativity in sport

✅ How coaches can reshape the player experience

Whether you coach a grassroots U8 team or an elite academy group, this episode offers a powerful reminder: kids don’t show up to be coached — they show up to play.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations shaping the future of youth sports.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, Stuart & Jack sit down with former New York Red Bulls & NYCFC Academy Coach Richard Scott to unpack what truly defines a team’s identity — and why strong beliefs, principles, and a clear coaching philosophy are the foundation of long-term success in modern football. ⚽

From the rise of possession-based football to the challenge of staying true to your tactics under pressure, this conversation explores how the best coaches build systems that balance creativity, structure, and adaptability.

Richard shares how understanding your team identity helps players make smarter decisions, solve problems creatively, and maintain style even when the game gets chaotic. It’s an honest look at the balance between football tactics and coaching beliefs — and why having conviction is key in today’s results-driven world.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why beliefs and principles matter in coaching

✅ Building a clear and consistent team identity

✅ How possession-based football shapes player development

✅ Creative problem-solving and adaptability in-game

✅ Teaching players to think, not just execute

✅ Managing external pressures as a coach

✅ Balancing philosophy with football pragmatism

Whether you’re a coach, player, or football enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to define your team’s style, sharpen your football tactics, and build a lasting identity on and off the pitch.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more deep-dive football conversations shaping the modern game.

#FootballPodcast #CoachingPhilosophy #TeamIdentity #FootballTactics #SoccerCoaching #PossessionBasedFootball #FootballDevelopment #ModernFootball #CoachingMindset #FootballCulture #SoccerPodcast #PitchsidePerspective #TacticalAnalysis #FootballStrategy #FootballCoach

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Stuart and Jack welcome back Paul Gerald from Groundhopper Soccer Guides — a football travel expert helping fans experience the game’s greatest atmospheres across Europe. 🌍⚽

Paul joins the show to share what he’s been up to since his last appearance — including exciting new partnerships with St Johnstone and West Brom — before diving into the ultimate question: Where’s the best stadium atmosphere in Europe?

From the drama of Italian supporters to the boisterous energy of English terraces, this conversation explores how fan culture, emotion, and local traditions shape the matchday experience. Paul breaks down his favorite stadiums outside England, hidden gems across Spain, and what truly makes a football ground unforgettable.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Catching up with Paul and Groundhopper’s latest projects

✅ The best stadiums to visit outside of England

✅ English vs Italian supporter culture

✅ Why atmosphere feels different across Europe

✅ Hidden gems for football travelers in Spain

✅ What makes a truly great matchday experience

✅ Quick-fire “This or That” stadium questions

Whether you’re a football fan, traveler, or culture lover, this episode captures the passion, emotion, and connection that make European football truly special.

💬 Share your favorite stadium experiences in the comments — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Pitchside Perspective for more conversations shaping the game.

#FootballPodcast #SoccerTravel #StadiumAtmosphere #Groundhopping #EuropeanFootball #FootballFans #MatchdayExperience #FootballCulture #FootballTravel #HiddenGems #StadiumTravel #SoccerCulture #PitchsidePerspective #FootballTalk #SoccerPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.