Every soccer journey starts somewhere. In this episode, Alex and Alan share how to build fun, engaging U5 practice sessions that maximize ball touches, use games to teach skills, and create a positive first soccer experience. Learn why the goal at this age isn't winning—it's helping kids fall in love with the game.
5 Jun 2026
Welcome Back
After a longer break than planned, Coach Alex and Alan are back behind the microphones. In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, they take a look back at the season that was, reflecting on the highs, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the moments that reminded them why they love coaching grassroots soccer. The guys also address the gap between episodes, sharing a little about life, coaching commitments, and everything that comes with balancing family, work, and the beautiful game. Joi...
27 Feb 2026
Steel City FC and Metrics in Youth Soccer
In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Coach Alex and Alan sit down with Tom Ovenden and Jonathan Velotta from Steel City FC for a deep dive into what makes their program tick. We unpack the philosophy behind their player development model and explore some of the key metrics they track — including front half regains and balls under control in the box — and why those numbers matter beyond just data sheets. Tom and Jonathan share how these insights shape training sessions and ultimately impac...
1 Feb 2026
Session Design
What actually makes a good soccer training session? In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, we break down session design. From setting a clear objective to choosing activities that create real learning moments, we talk through how coaches can design sessions that are engaging, purposeful, and age-appropriate. We discuss common mistakes coaches make when planning sessions, why “more drills” doesn’t always mean better development, and how constraints, guided discovery, and game-like activities...
13 Jan 2026
Building Out From the Back
Building out of the back is one of the most debated topics in youth soccer. In this episode, Coach Alex and Coach Alan break down the pros, the challenges, and our thoughts where we stand. We discuss how building out develops technical skills, decision-making, confidence, and long-term player growth — while also addressing common frustrations like mistakes near goal. A must-listen for coaches and parents looking to better understand the when, why, and how behind building out of the back.
12 Dec 2025
The Welcome Letter
In this episode, Alan and Alex break down our team’s welcome letter and why clear, proactive communication with parents is essential for a successful season. We share what information truly matters, how to set expectations early, and simple strategies coaches can use to build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and create a supportive environment for their players and families.
14 Nov 2025
Coaching Mixed Ability Teams
In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, we take on the everyday challenge of coaching mixed-ability teams. From managing wide skill gaps to keeping every player engaged, we break down what makes these teams tough — and why they’re also hugely rewarding. We share simple, practical strategies you can use right away: flexible training design, tiered activities, and creating a team culture where every kid feels included and pushed to grow. A quick, honest look at the real work of grassroots coac...
28 Oct 2025
Our Coaching Journey. Why We Started and Why We Keep Going
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 l...
21 Sept 2025
Winning vs Development
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?
7 Sept 2025
The Three Ls
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. Follow our socials and hit us up with topics you'd like to hear us covered. https://www.face...
10 Aug 2025
The Rotation Game
Episode 3 – The Rotation game. In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Coach Alex and Coach Alan explore why rotating players through different positions is one of the most powerful tools in youth development. From building well-rounded skills to fostering creativity and resilience, we break down how thoughtful rotation can benefit players, teams, and coaches alike. We also tackle common concerns—like pushback from parenrs and sacrificing short-term wins—and share practical tips for im...
18 Jul 2025
The Power of Pick-up Soccer
In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alan and Alex dive into heart of the game: pick-up soccer. From empty lots and gravel roads to church fields and schoolyards, we explore how unstructured, player-led games shape creativity, resilience, and a love for the game in ways traditional training often can’t. We share personal stories, insights from coaching in rural communities, and discuss why letting kids "just play" might be the secret weapon in youth development. Whether you grew up in the...
11 Jul 2025
Let Them Play, The Joystick Coaching Trap
Welcome to the premiere episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, the podcast that dives into the heart of grassroots soccer in rural America. In this debut episode, hosts Coach Alex and Coach Alan tackle one of the biggest development killers in youth soccer: joystick coaching—when coaches (or even parents) try to control every move a young player makes from the sidelines. We break down what joystick coaching looks like, why it’s so common in rural environments, and how it holds back creativity, dec...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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