The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World

Neil Crawford
  • 4.5 (21)
  • Soccer
  • Updated Weekly

The Inside Scoop Youth Soccer podcast is a place where parents and coaches from around the world get together to discuss how youth soccer works in their city. Go to www.anytime-soccer.com to learn more.

  1. US vs. South America Insights on Youth Soccer Development

    6d ago

    US vs. South America Insights on Youth Soccer Development

    I sat down with Andy Barrero, Director of Coaching at OC Premier Academy Futsal, for a fascinating look at how youth soccer development differs between the US and South America. Andy shares his firsthand insights on the cultural and environmental factors that shape players on both continents — from how the game is introduced at a young age to the role futsal plays in technical development. It's a conversation that gives coaches, parents, and players a lot to think about. The Inside Scoop Podcast with Neil Crawford Guest: Andy Barrero, Director of Coaching — OC Premier Academy Futsal ocpremieracademy.com

    8 min
  2. Why Does Soccer Cost So Much in America? | I'm Still Figuring This Out Too

    Jun 12

    Why Does Soccer Cost So Much in America? | I'm Still Figuring This Out Too

    I'll be honest with you — I don't have all the answers on this one. I've been asking questions about pay-to-play for a while now, and the more I dig in, the more I realize how complicated it actually is. On this episode I'm thinking out loud, trying to understand why youth soccer costs so much more in the US than in countries like England or Germany — and whether the comparisons people make online are even fair. We talk through the difference between structured and unstructured soccer, volunteer-based programs versus paid coaching, and what academy systems look like at different levels around the world. But I'm genuinely still learning here — and I need data. Real numbers. Coaching costs, training hours, actual P&L from lower division clubs abroad. If you know how this works in other countries, reach out. I want to get this right. 🎙️ The Inside Scoop | Hosted by Neil Crawford, Founder of Anytime Soccer Training | 🌐 Anytime-Soccer.com

    30 min
  3. Futsal 101: What Every Soccer Parent Needs to Know | Andy Barrero, OC Premier Academy

    Jun 12

    Futsal 101: What Every Soccer Parent Needs to Know | Andy Barrero, OC Premier Academy

    I sat down with Andy Barrero, Director of Coaching at OC Premier Academy, to break down everything you need to know about futsal — and why it might be the missing piece in your child's development. We cover the basics: what futsal actually is, how the court and ball are different, what shoes to wear, and why goalkeepers don't wear gloves. Andy also explains what he calls the "Spidey senses" effect — how playing futsal trains players to read the game so well that when they step onto a full-size soccer field, everything slows down. If you're in the OC area or want to learn more about their program, connect with OC Premier Academy here: 🌐 ocpremieracademy.com.app.crossbar.org📸 instagram.com/OCPremierAcademy👍 facebook.com/ocpremieracademy If you've ever wondered whether futsal is worth it for your kid, this episode will answer that. 🎙️ The Inside Scoop | Hosted by Neil Crawford, Founder of Anytime Soccer Training 🌐 Anytime-Soccer.com

    1 hr
  4. The Real Reason Youth Soccer Is So Expensive — PRO/REL, MLS, and Why It's More Complicated Than You Think

    Jun 9

    The Real Reason Youth Soccer Is So Expensive — PRO/REL, MLS, and Why It's More Complicated Than You Think

    In this episode I'm responding to a comment from our Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group that puts most of the blame on MLS and closed-circle systems for the problems in youth soccer. And honestly, there are some valid points there. We do need a stronger federation, a more open pyramid system, and better accountability across the board. But the more I dug into it, the more I realized — this is a lot more complicated than pointing the finger at one organization. Yes, MLS has influence. But club soccer's high costs aren't primarily driven by league structure. They're driven by what parents want and expect. Paid coaches. Multiple training days per week. National league competition. That demand exists regardless of how the system is set up at the top. I also talk about why bringing in more professional academies doesn't solve the cost problem for the average family, how the lack of a clear ranking system lets clubs market themselves without real accountability, and why those international comparisons you see online are almost always missing key context — coaching compensation, training frequency, facility costs, season length all matter before you can make a fair comparison. There's room to improve the system, no question. But a lot of what's driving costs comes down to cultural expectations around what youth sports should look like in America — and that's the harder, messier conversation nobody wants to have.

    51 min
  5. Guest Pass Part 2 — When Communication Breaks Down, Who's Really Responsible?

    Jun 7

    Guest Pass Part 2 — When Communication Breaks Down, Who's Really Responsible?

    The comments from my last episode were too good to ignore so I came back for a follow-up. I also had a quick correction to make — I said "game model" last time, I meant "gaming program." Not the same thing. I push back on the idea that this situation is automatically a culture problem. It may just be a communication problem — and those are very different things. One is fixable, the other is a reason to leave. Don't conflate the two until you know more. I also get into what I actually believe the coach's role should be — and I break down nine things that need to be in place for a club to have real standards. Not just the word on a website, but things you can actually point to and measure. If your club can't check most of those boxes, what you have isn't standards — it's just rules that get enforced when it's convenient.

    49 min
  6. Can You Get a Player Card Without Your Coach Knowing?

    Jun 6

    Can You Get a Player Card Without Your Coach Knowing?

    A parent from our Youth Soccer Guest Player Facebook group asked a question I hear more than you'd think — their daughter is on a top-level ECNL team, not getting minutes, likely not making the playoff roster, and wants to guest play somewhere without the coach finding out. I break down why that's harder than it sounds — player cards are owned by clubs and administered by governing bodies like US Club Soccer and USYSA, so the coach is almost always in the loop. I cover the gray areas: dual registration, unsanctioned tournaments, futsal, and a loophole through state associations that may or may not still exist. I also share my honest take — if you're writing a check to a club, you deserve clarity upfront on what's guaranteed and what isn't. Playing time isn't a right, but transparency is. https://www.anytime-soccer.com/free-resource-hub

    29 min
  7. The Questions Nobody Asks Before Judging You

    May 30

    The Questions Nobody Asks Before Judging You

    Every soccer parent has faced it — someone jumps in the Facebook group and tells you your kid should "just have fun." Push back even slightly and suddenly you're the villain. I'm not backing down. In this episode, I share the exact questions I ask every time someone tries to tell me I'm doing it wrong. Not to judge — but to find out if we're even talking about the same thing. Do you train your own child? At what age did you start? How many hours a week? How many years have you been doing it? Because without those answers, the conversation is noise. Can you answer the questions?

    14 min
  8. NCAA Changes Every Soccer Parent Needs to Know | Dave Morris, College Athletic Advisor

    May 29

    NCAA Changes Every Soccer Parent Needs to Know | Dave Morris, College Athletic Advisor

    The NCAA just got sued — and everything is changing. In this episode of The Inside Scoop, Neil Crawford sits down with Dave Morris, founder of College Athletic Advisor, to break down the latest NCAA rule changes and what they mean for high school soccer players and their families right now. From JUCO pathways to Division 1, 2, and 3 recruiting, Dave explains how these shifts could impact your child's college journey — and why most parents have no idea how any of this actually works until it's too late. If your child has dreams of playing college soccer, this is the conversation you can't afford to miss. 🔗 Learn more about Dave Morris: collegeathleticadvisor.com

    32 min
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The Inside Scoop Youth Soccer podcast is a place where parents and coaches from around the world get together to discuss how youth soccer works in their city. Go to www.anytime-soccer.com to learn more.

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