The Next Level Training Soccer Podcast with host Aaron Byrd and Jeff Suffolk

What if everything you thought was the point of youth soccer… isn't? In Episode 63, we sit down with C. Thi Nguyen — Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah and author of the new book The Score: How to Stop Playing Somebody Else's Game — to explore one of the most important questions in youth sports: are you chasing what actually matters, or have you been captured by a system someone else designed? From the rec field to the elite club circuit, Thi breaks down why scoring systems that were meant to measure what we value end up replacing it — and what it looks like to help your kid play their own game. If you've ever found yourself stressed at a tournament, confused about tryouts, or wondering why none of it feels like enough, this episode is for you.

FC Cincinnati Academy Coach, Bryan Rodrigues joins the series of the Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the Country. At just 29 years old, Bryan has held positions at Cedar Stars Academy, Columbus Crew and now FC Cincinnati. Check in his incredible words of wisdom he drops.

On Episode 48 of the Next Level Training Soccer Podcast, we have the legend of MLS Next Academies on the show, Larry Sunderland of FC Cincinnati. Larry created the first Chicago Fire and Fire Jr Academy, Youth Technical Director for Portland Timbers and now the Director of Player Development at FCC.

In Episode 47, Jeff and Aaron continue the series of the Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the Country with Doctor Nick Markette of RSL AZ. Get your notebooks out, because Dr. Markette is about to drop some knowledge on Parents and Coaches. With over 30 years of coaching experience, Dr. Markette has been named Coach of the Year in Arizona, ODP Coach, Professional and College Coach, and a doctorate in Education with a dissertation on Structure & Conditions of High Performing Teams.

Hall of Famer, Aaron Byrd and dad coach extraordinaire Jeff Suffolk have a pre-turkey dinner and dive into some hot questions from parents about technically skilled coaches, spending time in the gym and other takes. They explore the concept of becoming the five people who are closest to you. Jeff gives us a story time tale from the Alaskan oceans and Aaron introduces us to the pro training group.

On Episode 31, we invite Professional Poker Player turned dad coach, James Davis on to the NLT Podcast.He is trying to answer the question, "If it's possible for an uncoordinated 12 year old to catch and pass many of his peers with no prior soccer experience essentially with YouTube videos and a 100 sqft area in an unfinished basement, can this formula be refined and replicated for other players? Does an even better formula exist?

On today's podcast, we have the Dan Campbell of college soccer. Chad Wiseman of the Nationally Ranked Western Michigan University Broncos joins Aaron and Jeff to talk about non-negotiables as a coach, the successful habits of a strong team culture, the pathway for youth players looking to make it to the top and some fantastic takeaways for parents, coaches and players.