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 (https://pauljspacey.com)
Why Your Quiet Kid Gets Overlooked In Youth Soccer (And How To Fix It)
Paul explains why communication and self-advocacy should be taught to young soccer players as deliberately as technical skills.
He offers practical ways parents and coaches can build the habit, from stepping back during coach conversations to practicing short role-plays at home.
Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (https://pauljspacey.com/podcast)
(get the info coaches won't openly tell you)
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Get In Touch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey (https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey)
Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey (https://x.com/PaulSpacey)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey (https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey)
Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ (https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/)
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Chapters
00:00 Why communication compounds like technical skill
02:32 Self-advocacy gives young players agency
05:44 How speaking up leads to clearer feedback
07:05 Why parents should stop speaking for their child
08:00 Try being the loud player for one practice
10:34 Getting comfortable takes practice
11:35 Make questions and feedback normal at home
13:29 Role-play coach conversations with your child
14:31 Communication is a trainable skill
15:30 Build the person as well as the player
12 Oct 2026
#41 - Why Being Nice Is Ruining Your Kid (And What To Do Instead)
Paul discusses the importance of resilience, direct feedback, and high standards in youth sports to develop strong, capable athletes and individuals.
He gives advice on what you can do as a parent to ensure your kid progresses through the levels of competition.
Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (https://pauljspacey.com/podcast)
(get the info coaches won't openly tell you)
-
Get In Touch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey (https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey)
Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey (https://x.com/PaulSpacey)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey (https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey)
Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ (https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/)
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
02:30 The difference between being nice and setting high standards
05:14 The importance of being firm and direct with feedback
07:28 Letting kids sit with discomfort and sit with failure
10:24 The importance of teaching kids to handle discomfort
13:18 The necessity of honest feedback for growth
15:09 Responding to pressure and difficult situations
16:25 The sacrifice and resilience required to reach top levels
17:09 The higher levels as a limited resource pool
18:19 Closing remarks and resources for development
6 Oct 2026
#40 - Why The Same Training Every Week Makes Your Kid Easy To Play Against
Paul discusses the importance of variation in football and youth development, emphasizing how diverse environments, opponents, formations, and positions foster growth and adaptability in players.
Featuring Harry Kane, Cavan Sullivan, Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and Sebastian Berhalter.
Free Parent Starter Pack: https://pauljspacey.com/podcast (https://pauljspacey.com/podcast)
(get the info coaches won't openly tell you)
-
Get In Touch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey (https://www.instagram.com/pauljgspacey)
Twitter: https://x.com/PaulSpacey (https://x.com/PaulSpacey)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey (https://www.youtube.com/@paulspacey)
Email: https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/ (https://pauljspacey.com/contact-3/)
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the importance of variation in football
02:11 Examples from professional players and their varied experiences
07:08 The need for variety in youth soccer environments
11:23 Playing against opponents from different backgrounds and cultures
14:43 The benefits of experiencing different formations
18:01 Playing in multiple positions for development
20:11 The growth benefits of pushing outside comfort zones
21:09 The importance of challenge and adversity for growth
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
15 ratings
Contact Youth Soccer Podcast
Guest appearances
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