CoachCraft explores the art and impact of coaching youth sports through in-depth conversations with renowned coaches from grassroots to professional levels, revealing how exceptional mentors use athletics to shape character, build confidence, and positively impact young lives.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to CoachCraft with Alf Gracombe, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Neil Harris - Person Before Player: 21 Years at Manchester United Academy
Season 1 · Episode 11
Friday, September 12, 2025 • Duration 01:17:07
In this conversation, Neil Harris shares his extensive coaching journey, transitioning from a player to a coach at Manchester United and eventually becoming self-employed. He discusses the importance of building trust with players and their families, the challenges faced in modern youth football, and the impact of professionalism on player development. Harris emphasizes the need for individualized coaching approaches and the significance of mentorship in shaping young players. He also reflects on the pressures of professional football and the importance of maintaining a love for the game.
Today's conversation is with Joe Cummings, a longtime leader in American soccer who knew and worked with Dean Conway going back over 40 years. Joe's career has spanned coaching, education, and executive leadership roles throughout the soccer community. He served as CEO of United Soccer Coaches from 2009 to 2015, was Technical Director at the New England Revolution, and worked as President and General Manager of the Boston Breakers. But before all of that, Joe was a 7th grade teacher who met Dean in the 1980s when they were both helping to build the foundation of coach education in Massachusetts. Their friendship and professional partnership would span decades. Joe brings a unique perspective on Dean's impact - having witnessed firsthand how Dean helped shape not just individual coaches, but the entire framework of youth soccer development in New England.
In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, host Alf Gracombe speaks with Edu Rubio, a UEFA Pro coach with nearly two decades of experience in English football. They discuss Edu's journey from youth coaching to the Premier League (Wolves and West Ham), the importance of authenticity in coaching, and the balance between player development and achieving results. Edu shares insights on creating a positive coaching environment, effective communication during games, and the critical role of halftime talks. The conversation also touches on the influence of a coach on team performance and the importance of self-awareness in coaching.
Meotis Erikson - Creating Better Journeys for Young Female Athletes
Season 1 · Episode 8
Friday, May 23, 2025 • Duration 01:25:57
In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, Alf Gracombe speaks with Meotis Erickson, a former elite player turned coach, about her journey in soccer. They discuss the evolution of the women's game, the importance of creating healthy environments for young athletes, and the challenges faced by female coaches. Meotis shares her insights on coaching philosophy, the role of parents in youth sports, and the need for more female representation in coaching roles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the impact of a supportive environment on player development.
Michael Paule-Carres - Head of F7 Methodology at RCD Espanyol
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, May 19, 2025 • Duration 01:13:09
In this conversation, Alf Gracombe speaks with Michael Paule-Carres, head of F7 methodology at RCD Espanyol, about his journey from the U.S. to coaching in Spain. They discuss the importance of values-based player development, the application of Montessori methods in coaching, and the significance of understanding player development stages. Michael emphasizes the role of methodology in coaching, the cultural values at Espanyol, and the benefits of mixed-age training. They explore constraints-based learning, adapting coaching to individual needs, and the transition from 7-a-side to 11-a-side football. The conversation concludes with insights on coaching philosophy, continuous learning, and recommended resources for coaches.
Biso Nkosi - A Coaching Journey from South Africa to Japan
Season 1 · Episode 6
Thursday, April 3, 2025 • Duration 58:18
In this engaging conversation with Biso Nkosi, we explored the journey of a coach whose football education spans multiple continents. From his childhood playing on the dusty streets of South Africa to coaching youth players across various cultures, Biso offers a unique cross-cultural perspective on youth development in football. He shares insights about the structural differences between nations like Japan, Spain, Brazil, and South Africa, explaining how early exposure to ball mastery and technical skills creates competitive advantages for young players. Biso details his possession-based coaching philosophy while emphasizing the importance of nurturing creative dribblers who can add that little something extra to help break through stubborn defenses. Our conversation also covers practical approaches to coaching diverse populations, from organizing themed training sessions to adapting communication styles for individual players, providing listeners with valuable strategies they can implement immediately with their own teams.
David Shapiro - Youth Sports, Mentorship, and Inclusive Communities
Season 1 · Episode 5
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 • Duration 01:16:46
In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, host Alf Gracombe speaks with David Shapiro, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. They discuss David's journey from youth sports to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of relationships over outcomes in coaching and mentorship. David shares insights on creating inclusive communities through sports, the dynamics of coaching diverse groups, and the significance of mentorship in youth development. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing competition with fun, the role of community in youth sports, and the lessons learned from coaching that translate into effective leadership.
Takeaways
David Shapiro emphasizes the historical significance of the YMCA as a community hub.
The YMCA has evolved to serve diverse community needs beyond its original mission.
David's early exposure to sports was influenced by his family, particularly his older brother and father.
Coaching for David began as a passion for teaching and mentoring young athletes.
Balancing competition and fun is crucial in youth sports to foster a positive environment.
Understanding the end game in youth sports helps guide coaching decisions.
Diversity in youth sports presents unique challenges and opportunities for coaches.
Winning is defined by teamwork and support among players, not just by scores.
Mentorship is about building relationships and supporting individuals in their journeys.
Shared power dynamics in mentorship create a more effective and supportive environment. Mentoring should start with understanding the mentee's interests.
The relationship dynamics change as mentees grow older.
Community is essential for youth sports and development.
Inclusivity in sports programs is crucial for building community.
Sports can serve as a vehicle for community engagement.
Listening and learning are key components of effective leadership.
Building trust takes time and is essential for mentoring.
Youth sports should focus on the experience, not just winning.
Collaboration among community organizations can enhance access to sports.
Leave a positive impact on the community through sports.
Temisan Williams - Premier League Youth Academy Coach
Season 1 · Episode 4
Saturday, February 8, 2025 • Duration 49:59
In this episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, Temisan Williams shares his journey from a young football enthusiast to a dedicated coach. He discusses the importance of grassroots football, the differences between coaching at grassroots and academy levels, and the significance of effective communication and structured training. Temisan emphasizes the need for patience and the power of silence in coaching, advocating for a coaching philosophy that allows players to learn and develop through experience. In this conversation, Temisan Williams shares insights on coaching youth football, emphasizing the importance of understanding players' emotional states, the role of competition in development, and the necessity of community and networking for coaches. He discusses how empathy can enhance coaching effectiveness and the need for coaches to focus on player development over mere winning. Temisan also introduces his Coach Accelerator Masterclass, aimed at helping coaches navigate their careers in the professional game.
Rick Fenoglio - Sports Science, Neurological Development, and Youth Sports
Season 1 · Episode 3
Sunday, January 12, 2025 • Duration 01:04:49
This episode features Rick Fenoglio, an American-born sports scientist and soccer development expert with over three decades of experience working with top clubs in the UK, including Manchester United and Manchester City. The conversation explores Fenoglio's journey from playing multiple sports in Illinois to becoming a leading advocate for small-sided games and science-based youth development approaches in soccer.
Fenoglio explains how the human body's 30 trillion cells adapt specifically to training environments, offering insights into why certain training methods are more effective than others. He discusses his groundbreaking research at Manchester United that helped transform youth academy training methods, moving away from traditional 8v8 formats to 4v4 games that increase player engagement and skill development.
Drawing from his extensive experience in sports science and current role as a worldwide senior scout for Manchester City, Fenoglio shares valuable perspectives on player development, training methodology, and creating effective learning environments for young players.
Mike Smith - Developing Young Athletes Across Different Cultures
Season 1 · Episode 2
Thursday, December 19, 2024 • Duration 01:26:07
In this conversation, Mike Smith shares his journey from a young sports enthusiast in England to a college soccer player at Harvard and later a coach in the U.S. He reflects on the emotional impact of the 1966 World Cup, his experiences in organized football, and the vibrant community of the Portuguese league in Massachusetts. Mike discusses the evolution of youth soccer in America and his passion for coaching, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding in developing young players. In this conversation, Mike Smith shares his journey through the world of youth sports coaching, emphasizing the importance of patience and inclusivity in development. He discusses his transition to Special Olympics, where he focused on creating programs that integrate individuals with and without disabilities. Mike reflects on his leadership roles in various organizations, including his time in Europe and his current work with Coerver Coaching, which promotes a unique methodology centered on ball mastery. The conversation also touches on the need for innovation in youth sports and the importance of creating a positive environment for young athletes. In this conversation, Alf Gracombe and Mike Smith delve into the intricacies of coaching in youth sports, emphasizing the importance of a supportive coaching philosophy, the role of technology, and the significance of personal expression in sports. They discuss the challenges faced by coaches, the need for effective communication, and the impact of technology on youth sports. Mike shares insights on how new coaches can start their journey and recommends valuable resources for further learning.
Takeaways
Mike's passion for sports began at a very young age.
The 1966 World Cup had a profound impact on his love for football.
College soccer in the U.S. was a different experience compared to England.
The Portuguese league in Massachusetts provided a strong community connection.
Coaching youth soccer was a natural progression for Mike.
Patience is crucial when coaching young players.
The importance of creating a fun environment for kids in sports.
Mike's coaching philosophy emphasizes understanding each child's needs.
The growth of soccer in the U.S. has been influenced by immigrant communities. Development is a non-linear process, especially for young athletes.
