Paul Spacey Podcast

Paul Spacey
  • 4.5 (14)
  • Soccer

Unfiltered truth from the youth soccer environment and the wider soccer landscape. Raw, direct and brutally honest information for parents, players and coaches. https://pauljspacey.com

  1. 1d ago

    #30 - Why Pro/Rel Is Coming Soon With Tactical Manager, 3four3 & Erik Hultstrom

    This episode explores the future of promotion and relegation in American soccer, discussing the cultural, financial, and developmental impacts of an open meritocratic system versus the current closed league structure. Experts share insights on how systemic change could transform the sport in the US. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction to promotion and relegation debate in US soccer 02:01 Differences between closed MLS system and open pyramid models 04:13 The importance of freedom, opportunity, and merit in promotion systems 06:48 Investment and growth in a meritocratic, open system 10:11 MLS commissioner’s stance on promotion relegation 14:57 Financial incentives and investment in open vs closed systems 20:00 The monopoly nature of MLS and market barriers 25:07 Impact of promotion and relegation on lower leagues and youth soccer 30:01 Player development and competitive intensity in open systems 34:55 Pressure, jeopardy, and the product on the field 39:56 Cultural differences in sports engagement and competition 45:10 European leagues, promotion relegation, and global competitiveness 49:49 Systemic change, future prospects, and systemic insights 55:01 Closing thoughts and resources for youth and coaches

  2. 3d ago

    #29 - Stop Counting Juggles & Start Watching the Body. How Good Is Your Kid?

    In this episode, Paul discusses how to assess a player's potential through juggling, emphasizing the importance of body mechanics, fluidity, and experience over mere tricks. He debunks myths about juggling and highlights the broader skills needed to excel in football. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the topic 02:10 What to look for in a player's body mechanics and fluidity 04:01 Examples of professional players and their juggling comfort 09:01 Limitations of judging players solely by juggling skills 12:06 The importance of experience and practice in player development 15:02 How pattern recognition and game IQ relate to technical skills 20:13 Common misconceptions and myths about juggling and football ability 25:11 The value of individual practice and developing both feet 30:08 Addressing biases and misconceptions about American players 34:49 The broader skills needed to excel in football beyond juggling 40:13 Encouraging young players to practice and develop confidence 44:46 Final thoughts and resources for players, parents, and coaches

  3. 5d ago

    #28 - Promotion & Relegation Is Coming To America

    In this episode, Paul explores the state of Major League Soccer, the impact of promotion and relegation, and the differences in football competitiveness. He discusses the potential benefits of an open meritocratic system and addresses common criticisms of MLS. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of MLS and promotion-relegation debate 02:30 MLS as an entertainment league versus a competitive sport 05:09 The inevitability of promotion and relegation in US soccer 08:50 Criticisms of MLS level of play and comparisons to college soccer 11:59 The importance of consequences and competitive intensity 14:48 Addressing criticisms and misconceptions about MLS 18:06 The cultural differences in football competitiveness 20:55 The potential of open meritocratic systems to improve US soccer 23:56 The role of criticism and open debate in growth 27:12 The global context of soccer and American participation 30:01 The future of MLS and systemic reforms 34:02 The importance of embracing change for better competition 37:05 The growth of soccer culture in America 39:59 The systemic benefits of promotion and relegation 43:56 Addressing misconceptions about league quality 47:12 The competitive nature of top leagues and the importance of meritocracy 49:55 The global dominance of soccer and its future in America

  4. Aug 12

    #27 - Why Professional Players Are So Good (And How This Impacts Your Kid)

    In this episode, Paul analyzes a video of ex-Arsenal player Laurent Koscielny performing technical skills, discussing what makes top footballers exceptional and debunking myths about football talent and development. He looks at social media comments and gives feedback on the takes. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the video and main topic 00:30 Laurent Koscielny's technical skills in action 01:12 Community comments and initial reactions 01:54 Discussion on technical skill transfer from freestyle to match play 02:48 The rarity and difficulty of executing advanced tricks in games 04:00 The level of technical ability required to reach pro football 06:01 The importance of early technical development in youth 08:02 The comprehensive qualities needed to be a top footballer 09:45 The role of mental resilience and psychological factors 11:54 Myth-busting: Tricks vs. match performance 14:06 The significance of technical comfort and confidence 15:46 The impact of early engagement and foundational skills 20:02 The level of competition and difficulty of becoming a pro 25:04 The influence of genetics and physical attributes 33:53 Final thoughts and resources for development

  5. Aug 11

    #26 - Why Your Kids Need To Learn How To Foul

    This episode explores the nuances of physical contact in soccer, focusing on jersey pulling, fouls, and the balance between rules and game flow. Paul discusses how players, coaches, parents and referees can better understand and manage these aspects. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jersey Pulling and Game Flow 01:53 The Laws and Reality of Contact in Soccer 03:55 Physicality in Youth and Professional Soccer 06:06 Referee Discretion and Game Management 08:01 The Role of Strategy and Advantage in Contact 09:50 Policing Jersey Pulling and the Limits of Enforcement 11:50 Levels of Play and the Use of Physical Tactics 14:13 Lessons from Playing and Defending in Competitive Soccer 16:02 Rules, Fairness, and the Spirit of the Game 17:50 Strategies for Gaining Advantage and Protecting the Ball 20:13 The Importance of Physical Contact in Soccer 21:58 Effective Body Control and Defensive Tactics 24:06 Final Thoughts on Fair Play and Competition

  6. Aug 6

    #25 - Why Your Kids Need More Criticism (Not Less)

    In this episode, Paul discusses the importance of criticism in personal and athletic development, emphasizing that growth often requires discomfort and direct feedback. He shares insights on how to embrace criticism, develop resilience, and create environments conducive to improvement. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The role of criticism in growth 02:21 The desire for a criticism-free environment 03:45 Why criticism is more effective than praise 05:08 Comfort is the enemy of progress 07:09 Finding environments that support direct feedback 08:18 The dangers of complacency and overly positive environments 09:46 Developing resilience and a thick skin 10:40 Using criticism as a tool for self-improvement 11:10 The importance of accepting and seeking criticism 12:35 Encouragement to ask for blunt feedback

  7. Aug 1

    #24 - What Elite Youth Coaches Actually Do (And How Parents Can Spot Them)

    In this episode, Paul shares insights on what makes a great youth soccer coach, from appearance and equipment to communication and accountability. He also discusses how parents can spot the good (and bad) coaches. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction: What makes a great youth soccer coach? 00:26 Coach appearance and professionalism 02:17 The importance of minimal equipment 04:07 Effective communication: Talk less, say more 06:24 Focus and adaptability in training sessions 08:42 Communication with parents and players 10:44 Discipline, accountability, and support 13:27 Qualifications and experience 16:11 How coaches can level up and build character

  8. Jul 23

    #23 - The Dark Arts of Soccer: The Forbidden Skills Nobody Wants To Discuss

    In this episode we explore the controversial topic of the dark arts in soccer, discussing what they are, how players use them, and whether they should be taught to young players. We emphasize the importance of understanding these tactics to succeed and how to deal with them effectively. Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (get the info coaches won't openly tell you) - Get In Touch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ - Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Dark Arts in Soccer 01:46 Common Tactics: Shirt Pulling and Holding 03:55 Top Level Play and Discreet Tactics 05:50 VAR and Referee Oversight 08:05 Argentina and Boundary-Pushing in the Dark Arts 10:10 Learning the Dark Arts: Advantage and Disadvantage 12:06 Teaching Young Players About the Dark Arts 13:38 Provocation and Gamesmanship 14:59 Is Learning the Dark Arts Cheating? 17:03 Winning Without the Dark Arts 18:50 Fairness, Competition, and Reality in Sports 21:45 Teaching Kids to Deal with Physical Play 23:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Unfiltered truth from the youth soccer environment and the wider soccer landscape. Raw, direct and brutally honest information for parents, players and coaches. https://pauljspacey.com

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Spacey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Paul Spacey