In this episode, the discussion centers around the importance of promotion and relegation in the American soccer ecosystem. Terry Ransberry, an entrepreneur and father of a young soccer player, shares his personal experiences as his son navigates the soccer world in Europe. The conversation highlights the differences between the American closed sys…

In this episode of the podcast, Gary and Benny discuss the 3four3 Masterclass, a parent education program aimed at equipping parents on how to better guide their kid’s soccer development. They explore how the program evolved from personal training to a comprehensive tool for parents, highlighting the critical role parents play in their kid’s soccer…

This episode dives into the balance between winning and youth soccer development, addressing challenges faced by parents, coaches, and clubs. The discussion covers the impact of media narratives and the structural shortcomings of American soccer, such as the lack of promotion and relegation. It explores how losing can be a learning tool and the nee…

Navigating the Complex World of Youth Soccer Coaching with Rory O’Neill In this episode Gary and guest Rory O’Neil drop unique gold nuggets. Quite a bit of Argentina talk, and how it’s different from the US. Rory shares his journey as a coach and a parent, his experiences with his YouTube channel, and his professional background as a physician. The…

Unlocking the 3four3 Soccer Coaching Methodology The episode delves into various aspects of coaching philosophy such as the importance of structured training, balancing the pressure to win versus player development, setting clear expectations, and building trust with players and parents. Real-world insights are shared into adapting these methods at…

Transformation in US Soccer: What’s Mauricio Pochettino’s Impact? This episode discusses a potential turning point for U.S. Soccer with the hiring of high-profile Argentinian manager Mauricio Pochettino for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Hosts explore the possible cultural impact of this hire, both on and off the field, emphasizing the need for socc…

Inside American Soccer: Coaching, Social Media, and Beyond with Benjamin Rogers In this episode host Gary has Benjamin (who played for Brian from age 10 on) share his transformation from a soccer player to a coach and his role as a social media manager for 3four3. The discussion includes the importance of understanding the sport’s political and cul…

Exploring U.S. Soccer: Politics, Development, and Coaching with Kirk Kinsey Gary’s guest appearance on the Counter Press Podcast with Kirk Kinsey is featured. They delve into the U.S. Soccer Federation’s decision to terminate Gregg Berhalter and its broader repercussions on the U.S. Men’s National Team. The discussion covers intricate aspects of Am…

American Soccer Under the Microscope: Governance, Culture, and Development In this episode, Kephern Fuller and I critically examine the systemic issues plaguing American soccer. We highlight how U.S. Soccer’s governance prioritizes control over sporting excellence, making coaches and players mere cogs in a power-driven machine. The discussion revea…

This urgent podcast exposes the dire state of US soccer as the country becomes the first to host Copa America and not advance out of the group stage. The hosts lambast the current leadership, calling for immediate dismissal of the coach and a complete overhaul of the US Soccer Federation. We start to discuss the underhanded control Major League Soc…

In this episode, host Gary Kleiban sits down with Kephern Fuller to explore the complexities of American soccer players breaking into the European scene. The discussion covers immigration challenges, the realities of competing internationally, and the difficult decisions parents must make for their kid’s soccer careers. Key topics include the devel…

Can coaches be “honest” with players and families, and more broadly is there honesty in the American soccer ecosystem? I’m joined by Paul Spacey, who I first met over 10 years ago soon after he arrived from England. Now with over a decade of working in American soccer, he shares a good number of lessons learned. Topics in the episode include: Hones…

The following episode features Ted Westervelt, regarded by many, including myself, as one of the originals who have been advocating and educating about promotion and relegation, both in the United States and abroad, for well over a decade. As you’ll see in this episode, he is very well-versed in the subject. And despite some suggesting that this to…

Before the start of our weekly business meeting, John Kokkoris and I had some soccer small talk regarding this misguided notion of “let the kids play”. It was stimulated by the following comments made by the Argentine National Team manager, Lionel Scaloni. “There’s an excess of analysis, too much. Nowadays, everyone knows how the opponent plays; th…

Don (@Don_K_Williams) and I touch on a number of topics, including: There’s Nothing New in Soccer. Stats and Video Don’t Capture the Quality of a Player. Coaches Aren’t the Main Problem in Development. Personal Experience in Helping Latinos Have a Chance at the Professional Level. What is “Mentality”, and How Much Influence do Coaches Really Have? …

Truly knowing the landscape at all scales, helps you successfully navigate it. On Clubs A crucial concept often overlooked in discussions about soccer is the absence of what we commonly refer to as “clubs” at the MLS level. Moreover, this absence extends to the youth ranks. It might seem different from what you’d expect, especially when comparing i…

Contrary to what many in the States will tell you: A National Team manager does not have to conform to the proverbial “player pool.” By selecting and elevating players that conform to it, they absolutely can impose their preferred style of play. Inspired by a post from @SerbFootyScout who wished Serbia could have had Marcelo Bielsa. Premium Educati…

Today, I’ve got a multi-decade long practitioner based out of Japan, Tom Byer. He’s American, but Japan has been his home for 38 years. As I was writing this intro, which is the only thing I ever script, it occurred to me: What is a practitioner? For me, anyway, there’s that cliche of “I know one when I see one“, but I don’t really like that, and I…

Lifelong American soccer practitioner and entrepreneur, Kephern Fuller, joins me again from Holland. On September 15, news came out that an MLS owner, Arthur Blank, who operates the Atlanta franchise, was going to fund US Soccer with $50 million in order for them to build a National Training Center in Atlanta. Kephern then posted the following on X…

Player attributes are compartmentalized in 4 general attributes: Technical Tactical Physical Psychological They’re all critical. But that 4th one, man that 4th one is quite a bit different from the others. It’s tough to put your finger on it. One thing is certain though, without having the requisite mentality, not only will the player not come remo…

The following is a conversation with longtime friend and colleague, Paul Holocher, a former professional player with experience in MLS, pre-MLS, and in Europe when Americans overseas was barely conceivable. After his playing days, he turned to coaching, starting with youth teams, then coaching Division 1 college soccer back when that was a very big…

I am joined today from Holland by a long-time soccer friend, colleague, and fellow builder who continues to push the envelope of what’s possible: Kephern Fuller. After founding a club named Joga SC on the east coast of the United States in 2010 and operating it in the DC area until 2016, he moved overseas and took his business with him. Kephern and…

Today I’m joined once again by Joey Cascio. One of the extremely rare exceptional American coaches He wanted us to discuss what are likely the 2 most critical components (of the 5) to player development: The parent, family, household influence. And The structured club team influence. This led us to chat about a variety of touch-points. From proper …

I’m joined today by professional footballer and former youth player of Brian Kleiban, Taylor Davila. Taylor’s doing really well in the USL Championship as a 22-year-old central midfielder. Playing for the RGV Toros, he’s leading the league in chances created. In this episode, he chose to have a chat about the salary cap in Major League Soccer. Is i…

I am joined today by Kirk Kinsey, soccer coach, soccer parent, doing the remarkable within the confines of American soccer. Within what is deemed “rec soccer” of all places. Ok, ok. Why on earth would 3four3 be talking about AYSO? I mean doesn’t 3four3 represent the top end of the game, doesn’t it work with professional soccer players, top pro club…