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Lazar introduces the concept of principles as a foundation for effective learning. He argues that players learn best when they grasp the underlying principles rather than memorizing specific plays or drills. This adaptability allows players to apply their skills in varying situations, ultimately leading to better on-field performance.

In conclusion, effective coaching is about simplifying methods, focusing on observation, and emphasizing principles over rigid structures. As Lazar beautifully puts it, the goal is to foster an environment where players can learn and grow autonomously, guided by the wisdom and insights of their coaches.

Reflect on your coaching practices: Are you facilitating player growth, or are you inadvertently stifling it? For more insights and to hear the full discussion, tune into the latest episode of Coaching Soccer Weekly.

Some of Lazar's Writings:

https://journals.uni-lj.si/sport/article/view/26088/21446

https://viewer.joomag.com/spring-2026/0340558001774298022/p26

https://viewer.joomag.com/winter-2025/0496102001736177307/p38

https://viewer.joomag.com/spring-2025/0119151001742938577/p38

Matt Carroll is joined by Lauren Knego, high school sports reporter for NJ.com and The Star-Ledger, for a deep dive into New Jersey high school soccer and the county tournament season.They discuss the teams and storylines to watch across tournaments including the CVC, GMC, Somerset County, the Shore Conference, and the South Jersey Coaches Cup. Lauren also shares what it takes to cover high school sports across the state—and why the stories behind the players matter as much as the results.Then, tournament talk turns into a live reaction to a dramatic penalty shootout between Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Westfield. It’s a conversation about the competition, communities, and unforgettable moments that make high school soccer special.

Julian Valerio is the founder and head trainer of Fundamental Football Academy in Wayne, New Jersey, known for developing players through technical precision, small-sided chaos, and a holistic development model that prioritizes mindset as much as skill.

This week on Coaching Soccer Weekly, we sit down with Point Pleasant Beach Head Boys' Soccer Coach John Palumbo for a wide-ranging conversation on the heart and soul of New Jersey soccer. John reflects on how the culture of the high school game in NJ has shifted since his own playing days and shares his non-traditional path into teaching and coaching—from entering education later in life to stepping up from an assistant role alongside his brother to take the helm of the Garnet Gulls. We break down his core coaching philosophy of cutting through modern tactical fluff to focus on high-intensity execution and grit, and we dive into the story behind his famous news-featured soccer jersey collection!

In this episode Coach Carroll has an extra special guest on, his wife Jordan Carroll, to talk about how to balance coaching with life, work, family, and kids and to work as a team with your wife to best wear all hats. Coach Carroll then discusses how periodization has impacted his team so far after last year's episode with Coach Shap! That episode is also included in this episode since it was accidentally taken down.

In this episode Coach Carroll sits down with his former high school coach Sam Palumbo who discusses raising a high level athlete through soccer, track, and life in general. He goes over the alphabet soup of youth soccer, what he looks for when choosing a team, and how to create a balance in your childs life to keep them healthy and motivated!

In this episode we are rejoined by Coach Shamus Matthews to talk about how the schemes and dreams of pre-season have given away to the immediate urgency of the early season. Has your planned formation fizzled out, has an injury changed the dynamic of your team, has your periodization ahead or behind. Coach Carroll and Coach Matthews break down the choices they have made so far regarding probably one of the most important parts of the season, the post-pre-season.

Jake returns to break down another season of NJ Boys Soccer Madness! Did your team make the list of Jake's favorites to make some noise this fall?

In this week's episode Northern Burlington's Volunteer Soccer Coach/Strength and Conditioning Coach meets with Coach Carroll to discuss his experience just starting out in the soccer coaching profession, as well as how he is working to integrate his strength and conditioning background into the Greyhound's daily training regimen.

In this episode former guest Ryan Morris joins us again to discuss the scrimmage between Marlboro and Burlington Township, as well as his philosophies on preseason and and its role in setting the tone for the year.

Paul Carrezola of Norfolk Academy S&C discusses ways you can keep your players fit and healthy post-preseason!

As the preseason approaches, every coach knows the importance of preparation. In this issue, we explore insights from Coach Shap, who shares his approach to maximizing the first weeks of training, ensuring that players are ready both physically and tactically.

In the realm of youth sports, coaching can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. This is especially true in girls' soccer, where dynamics can differ significantly from boys' teams. In this blog post, we'll explore insights from Sean Alfred, the head coach of Our Lady of Mercy Academy's girls soccer team, as he shares his journey, challenges, and strategies for building a successful program.

Coach Nixon shares insights on sustaining a legacy program, his defensive tactical principles, and the importance of connecting a high school program to its local youth club to create a winning culture for generations.

Coach Matthews and Coach Carroll sit down to discuss the tactics that led to Spain's victory over France, what happened in the 3rd place game, and how it is too eraly to tell if the US development system is working yet.

I'm not crying... you're crying. The World Cup is over, but that does not mean that we are done talking about it! @coach_mattcarroll and @coach_shamus break down what we as coaches can learn from watching all 104 games!
In part 2 we willl discuss the final match itself!

Coaching at different levels—high school, collegiate, and pre-professional—requires a nuanced understanding of player development and game strategy. For Mendoza, each season demands a distinct focus. During the fall, he dedicates his attention to Absigami High School and Stockton University, immersing himself in the unique challenges and dynamics of each program. This seasonal approach helps him compartmentalize his responsibilities and mentally transition between the different contexts of coaching.

Group 4 State Champion and 400-win milestone coach Doug Nevins joins Coaching Soccer Weekly! The longtime West Orange Head Coach breaks down his blueprint for sustained success in the high-stakes New Jersey high school landscape. In this episode, we talk about the immense value of the summer grind, navigating a highly compressed preseason against elite competition, and how to teach young players to watch the World Cup like a coach to improve their own tactical intelligence.

Albright Women's Head Soccer Coach Shamus Matthews and Coach Matt Carroll breakdown the USMNT's World Cup, their exit, and what we can all learn from their efforts.

As a player or parent navigating the collegiate soccer recruiting process, it can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering: **What do college scouts really look for in a player?** In this episode, we’ll explore insights shared by Coach Scott Baker, a seasoned coach with a rich history in college soccer. You’ll learn how to find the perfect fit in the recruiting maze and why independent player development is crucial for success.

In the competitive landscape of soccer, coaches must navigate the evolving dynamics of player engagement and training methodologies. With over 36 years of experience, Coach Charlie Inverso shares invaluable insights into how the game has transformed since he began his coaching journey in 1986. This post explores the significant changes in player-coach relationships, the impact of technology on training, and the essential skills modern players need to succeed.

Continuing our World Cup Coverage Joe Cogan of Park-IT (NY) discusses why they came up with their competition Goals For Good, where contestants were asked to tell their stories about how the beautiful game affected their lives in a positive way for a chance to win World Cup Tickets! Luke is one of those winners and we got to hear his story of being diagnosed and living with Linear Scleroderma and how he has turned his experience into inspiration by starting the organization A Lasting Mark to help those with both the Linear and Systemic Scleroderma.

HAPPY WORLD CUP! We released this episode a day early to celebrate with a VERY special guest, Duke Lacroix of the Haitian National Soccer Team. Duke tells us about his journey from humble begins in New Egypt, NJ and how his career took him from Lawrenceville Prep, to UPenn and all the way to greatest stage in the beautiful game ... The World Cup

In this episode, Coach Carroll sits down with Nick Dodds to discuss utilizing individual training in your team sessions, creating individual development plans for your players, and his work on making "soccer homework" clearer and more accessible for parents, coaches, and players.

On this very episode, Coach Carroll interviews Tyler and Julian of the non-profit Ballers and Bookworms about how coaches can empower athletes who struggle financially on and off the field through the use of non-profits like B&B, and how to identify if your athletes may need help in keeping up with the ever increasing costs of athletics and higher education.

This week Fedd (mourning Arsenal winning the Premier League) and Carroll welcome former DI (LaSalle University) and Professional Soccer Player Michelle Verzi as she discusses her philosophies of coaching and her work with her very own Forza Girls Soccer Academy

Carroll and Fedd are super excited this week to expand into a 4 man booth to welcome two very well respected names in the soccer community to the podcast. This week, sharing their viewpoints on the game, their values on how to build winning program cultures and the lessons they have learned from a brotherhood rooted in the beautiful game is University of Denver Head Men's Soccer Coach Jamie Franks, and Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach of Shawnee High School Ryan Franks.

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Listen in as we speak with Co-Host Sean Feddema on his transition from lifetime soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and basketball assistant to working as the head of his own lacrosse program at Colts Neck HS!

Current Athletic Director at Bordentown Regional High School. A former health and physical education teacher. Who previously coached boys soccer at Pemberton, Ewing, and most recently Bordentown.  Jason has also been an assistant coach, coaching freshman & JV girls basketball, freshman & JV baseball, and a volunteer lacrosse coach. Jason joins us to talk about shifting perspectives on player develpment, and the art and science of set pieces.

His roots are in New Jersey and down the shore at Ocean Township, but Tom Reilly's impact on the game has been felt on both the high school and college level throughout his established career! Join Matt and Fedd this week as Tom shares his experience and some tools of the trade that he has used all the way from his High School Coaching days to his current job at Washington College as the Head Women's Soccer Coach.

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On this weeks episode Fedd meets up with fellow Freehold Boro Coach Aaron Hodges to discuss player development, building relationships, and the Toon!

It's a collab week! Coaching Soccer Weekly mashes up with the 81st Minute Podcast this week as Matt and Fedd welcome Alberico Depierro to the podcast. Alberico sits down with us as we discuss the importance of culture, setting the standard and building a program up from scratch as well as a little therapy for our World Cup Qualifier Heartbreaks.

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Matt and Fedd take a step away from the pitch this week and enter the basketball court to sit down with the Shore Conference Boys Basketball Coach of the Year, Mick Hughes! Mick lead his team on a remarkable run in the New Jersey state basketball tournament, leading his 14th seeded Warriors to a South Jersey Group I State Title in one of the greatest March Madness runs in New Jersey Basketball history. Mick shares plenty of valuable leadership and motivational tools he used to inspire his underdog team from a 14 seed all the way to state champions!

Tune in to this week's episode of Coaching Soccer Weekly as Matt and Fedd sit down with The College of New Jersey's Head Men's Soccer Coach Steve DeMatteo. Coach DeMatteo arrived and got right ot work building up TCNJ back up to prominence in the NJAC.

Make sure you tune in to Coaching Soccer Weekly every Friday on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon. Follow World Class Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok today for more exclusive content.

This week, Matt and Fedd sit down with Northern Burlington Head Coach and a good friend and competitor Justin Faust. Coach Faust has built an impressive program during his time at NBC and sits down with us today to discus his "Support and Serve" leadership values that he instills in his teams.

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Joining Matt and Fedd on this week's episode of Coaching Soccer Weekly is Princeton Soccer Academy Monmouth's Girls Director of Coaching Liam Robertson. Liam shares some world class knowledge on how getting athletes to play at the college level in his academy is just the beginning of their journey and not the end. We also talk decision making and the purpose of game models at various age levels as Liam shares his ideas when working with his coaches at this successful academy.

Don't forget to catch Coaching Soccer Weekly every Friday on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon and follow World Class Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok for more exclusive content!

Coaching Soccer Weekly is SUPER excited to welcome none other than Pedro J Portilla to this week's podcast! A good friend and mentor of Coach Fedd's while he was coaching Pedro's son at West Windsor-Plainsboro South, Pedro brings a vast amount of knowledge of the game of soccer on the international level. Pedro is the director of International Player Residency Programs for the Scholar Athlete Leadership Academy based out of Bridgewater and Pitman, New Jersey, a school that provides educational and athletic opportunities for gifted student athletes. Pedro has coached various SALA teams in international tournaments and holds his USSF National License as well as his International Coaches Diploma from Real Madrid FC. In an attempt to bring some of this methodology to the United States, Pedro founded Princeton Sports Management where he has invited collaboration at the national level with clubs such as PSG, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Estudiantes and more. Pedro shares his life story, what he has learned about the game at an international level as well as the importance of respect for the game and respect for those around you.

Make sure to follow World Class Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok for more exclusive content and catch the Coaching Soccer Weekly Podcast every Friday on Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify!

This week we are proud to welcome Dunellen High School Head Varsity Coach Fanor Arango. Head coach of a Group I school of about 500 kids in a town by Rutgers that is a square mile, Fanor has built this young program to a contender in Central New Jersey. In the world of Group I schools where fielding squads year in and year out can be a challenge within itself, Fanor shares how he gets the most of his squad that ranges from skill levels that vary from MLS NXT players to players who are stepping on the field for the first time. These strategies Fanor shares present an excellent way for your to diversify your practices to meet all skillsets that you may see in your sessions.

Join us every Friday on Apple Music, Spotify or Amazon to get the Best of your Best XI today. Don't forget to follow World Class Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to get more exclusive content.

It's a special episode for Carroll and Fedd this week as we welcome back some former players from our high school programs who are now competing at the NCAA Division III level to share their adjustment to the game at the next level and their overall experience. Tune in and listen to Lucas Sample (The College of New Jersey/New Egypt HS) and Jacob Nielsen (Southern Virginia University/West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South) as they discuss our beautiful game at the college level.

This week Matt and Fedd sit down with Dominique "Coach O" Ocello of Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey to discuss culture and program builidng! Coach O discusses the importance of taking care of your players, staff and how to inspire your players to success, regardless of your experience in coaching the game.

Matt and Fedd are REALLY excited to sit down and interview the ORIGINAL founder of the World Class Coaching Podcast (Soccer Coaching Weekly) Tom Mura! Tom's podcast and various other content inspired both Matt and Fedd as young coaches in the game and his wide expertise on the game and the play, practice, play model will be sure to give you some great new ideas to bring to your club as well.

After sitting down with Tom, he has been kind enough to allow us to take up the title of Coaching Soccer Weekly! From now on the WCC Podcast will now merge with, and become, The Coaching Soccer Weekly Podcast with Matt and Fedd

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This week, Matt and Sean had a special opportunity to sit down with NJ.com's Coach of the Year Dan Riverso! After a successful playing and coaching career at Rider University and various other schools, Dan took over the Middletown South Boys Soccer Team and lead them to their first ever Shore Conference Title and NJSIAA Central Group III title in school history! Dan discusses how sometimes less is more and the importance of how his team's culture starts in school before the pitch.

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Matt and Fedd are super excited to welcome Freehold Township (NJ) Athletic Director Joshua Mehl to today's podcast. After winning multiple sectional and Shore Conference titles as the Head Coach of Freehold Township, Josh shares his vast knowledge of the game that he brings as an Athletic Director, the Director of the NJSIAA Boys Soccer State Tournament and the Director of the Shore Conference Tournament which recently adapted a "World Cup" format that is now being tried out in various conferences across the country!

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After a long 2025 Soccer Season, Matt and Fedd take some time to sit down and have a discussion to reflect upon their 2025 seasons with their respective programs and goals that they have as they enter a new year!

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On today's episode, Matt and Fedd welcome the first New Egypt HS Professional Soccer Player, Travis Ward. After playing for various clubs in the USL, Travis joins us to discuss the lessons he has learned in his journey to the top levels that the game can be played at in the United States and shares how he uses those lessons with club teams that he coaches.

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On today's episode we are VERY excited to welcome the Head Coach of Notre Dame Boys Varsity Soccer (Lawrenceville, NJ) Bryan Fisher! Coach Fish has amassed an incredible resume in his 15 Years of Coaching Boys Soccer at West Windsor Plainsboro High School South and now the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

On today's episode, Bryan discusses a topic that he has been passionate about since his Head Coaching career began after the loss of his High School Varsity Coach and Beloved Mentor, Coach Welsh, Mental Health. Bryan discusses the importance of Mental Health to what we do as coaches and shares advice on how to look after yourself and your athletes during a long soccer season. Bryan also discusses why High School Soccer matters so much to our kids and why playing for your school and community means so much more than just the school name on the front of the shirt.

F.I.S.H. Clothing Company has donated over $10,000 to various Mental Health organizations such as Morgan's Message and Only 7 Seconds. To support, please visit the link here. https://www.fishclothingco.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopGJHIH_qWi1hsMNN8HhgvMb-661rpVg75uhTOmytFw9Ll1Qol3

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In this episode, we run it back with NJ.com's Jake Aferiat to analyze his initial picks for the NJSIAA Boys Soccer Sectional Tournament, what elements the teams that have shone in the tournament have exhibited, and finally, who he has winning the Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 NJSIAA State Finals!! Check it out now before the games kick off on Friday!

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It is unfortunately that time of year where if you are like Coach Matt and Coach Fedd, you have been eliminated from the state playoffs and your fall season has come to an end. The end of the season always brings a lot of questions, and one of the biggest ones is figuring out what to do with your offseason strength and conditioning program. Matt and Fedd sit down with Norfolk Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach Paul Carrezola who brings a wealth of knowledge on how to get your athletes bigger and stronger this offseason (or if you listen carefully enough, DURING the season as well!)

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Check out our episode with Jake Aferiat of NJ.com who covers Boys Soccer, Wresting, and Softball for NJ Advanced Media. Hailing from Bergen County and an alumni of Penn State, Jake scours the great state of New Jersey as part of a 2 person team covering the hundreds of programs that participate in NJSIAA Athletics. In the first half of the episode we will discuss a drill that Coach Carroll has been using to prep his team for the NJSIAA State Tournament and Jake will discuss the characteristics of teams and coaches that he has seen find success in that same Tournament. In the second half we will denote when Jake begins talking about his early predictions for every Sectional Group in NJ, from South Group 1 to North 2 Group 4, so if you are an NJ Soccer Fan you won't receive a more indepth look at the 2025 playoff picture anywhere else. If you're not you can still enjoy Jake's in-depth look at High School Coaches from the other side of the pitch.