Our goal is to bring in-depth content to coaches with a combination of interviews, chats, and personal thoughts on the topics that really matter in the beautiful game and elite-level sport. Enjoy and thanks for listening! - Gary
…
continue reading
Gary Curneen Podcasts
Podcast by Paul Cammarata
…
continue reading
The Podcast for the Everyday Coach. Each week we interview coaches, sports industry experts, and leadership gurus to Mentor you on your quest to achieve Peak Performance in your personal life, professional career, and with the teams that you coach.
…
continue reading

1
"Don't Isolate Set-Pieces in the Game Model" with Ruben Santos
46:28
46:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:28Join MSC Insider Here:modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptionsGary is joined by Ruben Santos to discuss how to align set-piece frameworks and training into the Game Model. Ruben has worked at a number of Portuguese clubs including CD Trofense, FC Porto, and Torreesnse. His presentation for MSC is around "dividing Set-Pieces into Sub-Phase…
…
continue reading

1
What Makes a Great First Touch? Slawomir Morawski On the Art & Science of Football Decision Making
45:52
45:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:52Read Slawomir Morawski's Article FREE Below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/guest-article-the-art-of-first-touch-collecting-information-in-footballGary is joined by Analyst at Bolton Wanderers Football Club and coach Slawomir Morawski to discuss the first touch in football. Slawomir argues that first touch is not just a technical action, bu…
…
continue reading

1
A Different Approach to Data! Analytics and Flying Birds with David Sumpter
58:02
58:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:02Check Out Sportslab360 Below:https://sportslab360.com/Gary is joined by Professor, Soccermatician and co-founder of Twelve, David Sumpter. He has worked with some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Barcelona and Ajax, and his company Twelve are helping support professional clubs all around the world with data solutions. David's approach i…
…
continue reading

1
Messi Live Experience, PSG Tactical Appreciation and World Club Cup with Conor Walsh
38:34
38:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:34Join MSC Insider For Exclusive Content:https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptionsGary takes a trip to Atlanta to watch Lionel Messi live for the first time. He talks to Chicago City FC Academy Director and 1st team head coach, Conor Walsh about the impact of Messi, the tactical work of Luis Enrique and the player profile of Cole Pal…
…
continue reading

1
"Grassroots Game Today Is Worse Than Ever!" - Dean Austin (Coventry City Head of Recruitment)
54:02
54:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:02Join MSC Insider Here: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptionsGary is joined by Coventry City Head of Recruitment, Dean Austin to discuss the current landscape of player development in England. The rise of the game at the highest level is potentially impacting the youth game and Dean gives his expert opinion why. He also discusse…
…
continue reading

1
2v1 Philosophy and REALLY Coaching Attacking Football with Andre Schumacher
1:08:20
1:08:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:20Gary is joined by Andreas Schumacher to talk about his new book, 'Two Versus One' and the complexity of coaching attacking football. Andre has written the book alongside Bernhard Peters and is challenging coaches to get into more detail and context when coaching teams to score goals. Andreas has a masters degree in Sports Science and has worked at …
…
continue reading

1
Lee Grant Journey: From Man Utd Goalkeeper to Forwards Coach.... To Head Coach!
1:12:08
1:12:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:08Gary travels to Ipswich Town to speak with assistant coach Lee Grant (since then he's been appointed head coach at Huddersfield Town) to talk about his unique journey in the game, plus his insights to individual development. Lee was a pro goalkeeper at Manchester United and then joined Kieran McKenna's staff as a forwards coach, before recently tak…
…
continue reading

1
How to Develop Creative and Independent Elite Players with Dan Micciche
59:04
59:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:04Join the MSC Insider for more Exclusive Content: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptionsGary recently travelled over to England to meet Dan Micciche for a coffee and a chat about the progress they have made in the area of player development. In addition to his passion around the game, Dan has worked in some outstanding environmen…
…
continue reading

1
Rui Faria on Tactical Methodology, Working with Mourinho, and Current State of the Game!
1:05:25
1:05:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:25Gary is joined by Rui Faria this week. Rui had seventeen years working with Jose Mourinho at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United with phenomenal success during this time. He is credited with the tactical methodology that has had a dramatic impact on the world of coaching. Here he discusses:- What is the REAL starting poin…
…
continue reading

1
Creating a 'Captivating' Youth Soccer Environment with Ashley Gumbrell
1:05:12
1:05:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:12Gary is joined by Ashley Gumbrell to discuss ways that coaches can create an optimal environment for young players to love and learn the game. Ashley is a Coach Developer and also a lecturer at St. Mary's University. He also discusses the role of coach education along with his work with Eamon Devlin at Minute9. The St Mary’s University Performance …
…
continue reading

1
Improving Player Engagement and Challenging Coach Behaviors at Youth Level with Jack Rolfe
57:50
57:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:50Check out Jack's Game Changer online course below - https://thecoachinglab.org/pages/game-changer-2025-online-sports-coaching-courseGary is joined by Jack Rolfe, founder of The Coaching Lab, to discuss ways that coaches can improve and challenge some traditional behaviors during training session. Jack has worked extensively with coaches around the …
…
continue reading

1
"The Current College Landscape is Terrifying!" - College Soccer Today with Jack Winter
1:05:44
1:05:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:44Gary is joined by Jack Winter, who most recently worked at Stanford University as an assistant coach, to discuss the current landscape of college soccer. In this interview, Jack gives his views on the following:- Impact on the Portal and NIL in the college game- How high transfer rates impact team culture- Why soccer programs should be compensated …
…
continue reading

1
Role of Cognitive and Neuroscience-Based Training with Dr. Konstantin Sonkin (CEO of i-BrainTech)
46:47
46:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:47On the recent Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, we spoke to Dr. Konstantin Sonkin about the role of neuro training in the world of elite player development. Dr. Sonkin is a DeepTech entrepreneur with a blend of business acumen and technical expertise in Neuroscience and AI. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of i-BrainTech, a SportsTech company that is levera…
…
continue reading

1
Development Destroyer? Does the Thirds of Play Model Impact Creativity in Football Development with Jake Pickles
55:28
55:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:28Coaches: You can read Jake's full article here: https://theraumdeuter.sport.blog/2024/12/14/boxed-in-how-the-thirds-of-play-impact-creativity-in-football-development/Gary is joined by former Premier League Academy Coach, Jake Pickles, to discuss and challenge a common approach to possession football: the thirds model. Jake believes that, rather tha…
…
continue reading

1
Technique, Risk & Player Development: Inside ACF Fiorentina Youth Methodology with Mirko Mazzantini
30:47
30:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:47In this episode we visit ACF Fiorentina in Italy to talk to Mirko Mazzantini (ACF Fiorentina Technical Director U8–U15) who discusses the youth methodology at the club. It's a fascinating insight into structure vs. freedom, development vs. winning, and even how coach compensation is structured within the academy.The St Mary’s University Performance…
…
continue reading

1
Liverpool FC's Academy Culture & Analysis Journey To Saudi Pro League with Ray Shearwood
1:12:54
1:12:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:54Gary was recently joined by former Al Ettifaq FC 1st Team Lead Analyst, Raymond Shearwood. Before his role on Steven Gerrard's staff at Al Ettifaq, Raymond spent nine years at Liverpool coaching and working from the starting age groups to the Under 21's. In this interview, Raymond shares unique insights on what made that Liverpool culture so specia…
…
continue reading

1
Training Intensity Has To Be Higher Than The Game! - Mark Briggs Interview
51:39
51:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:39Coaches: Register for MSC Set-Piece Webinar Below:https://event.webinarjam.com/register/442/k3g3rbgyGary is joined by former Sacramento Republic head coach Mark Biggs. Mark discusses the difference between the idealistic world of coaching and the realistic version. He shares insight around how he used data to drive the player profile at Sacramento,…
…
continue reading

1
What Does a Pro Level Director of Coaching REALLY Do? With Joshua Neff
52:17
52:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:17Coaches: Register for our FREE MSC Set-Piece Webinar with Michele Aragona below:https://event.webinarjam.com/register/442/k3g3rbgyThis week, Gary is joined by Head of Coaching at Wellington Phoenix, Joshua Neff, to discuss the Director of Coaching role at youth and pro clubs. Joshua shares his experience at the New Zealand club of building out a me…
…
continue reading

1
How 3v3 Can Change the Youth Game & Reaction to English FA's Decision with Peter Prickett
46:08
46:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:08Don't miss our 4-2-3-1 Webinar on March 7th. Register Below:https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/msc-webinar-coaching-the-4-2-3-1-system-principlesLast week there was a huge announcement in the world of youth soccer with the English FA confirming it as a game format next calendar year. So what does that mean for development? What will the…
…
continue reading

1
The Player is a Product of the Environment - Life at Chelsea U21's with Mark Robinson
1:00:59
1:00:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:59Gary is joined by Mark Robinson to discuss the world of Elite Player Development and his role at Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon. Breaking into a first team at a Champions League club is no easy feat and Mark provides a unique insight into the weekly process of training and managing world class potential. He also provides ideas in coach development and d…
…
continue reading

1
What Happened to the Mavericks?! Structure vs. Freedom with Kevin Nicol
51:51
51:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:51UPCOMING WEBINAR: Coaching Principles in a 4-2-3-1 System (Register Below) https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/msc-webinar-coaching-the-4-2-3-1-system-principlesGary is joined by Head Coach at Mjøndalen (Norway and UEFA Pro Licence Coach, Kevin Nicol. Alongside his professional coaching journey, Kevin has studied the 'structure versus cr…
…
continue reading

1
The Soccer of Business: Leadership and Professional Development Lessons with Ciarán McArdle
43:03
43:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:03If you missed the latest MSC webinar on Coaching Your Back 3, watch the replay below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/shopIn this episode Gary is joined by Ciarán McArdle, to discuss his new leadership book, Soccer of Success. As a co-founder of XL Soccer World, Ciarán has built a thriving network of sports facilities that span from Florida to Ma…
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Football Actions, Interactions & References with Yiannis Tsala
43:49
43:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:49Gary is joined by FC London head coach and Director of Methodology, Yiannis Tsala, who discusses football actions, interactions and references - alongside coaching and analysis. With more research around decision-making areas in recent years, theory and practice seem to be drifting further and further apart, making it more challenging for coaches t…
…
continue reading

1
Building a Coaching Philosophy WITHOUT the Buzzwords! Dominic Casciato Interview
39:32
39:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:32Don't Miss Our MSC Coaching a Back 3 Webinar: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/live-webinar-coaching-a-back-3-system-effectivelyGary is joined by Union Omaha head coach Dominic Casciato, who discusses his coaching journey and gives insights on how coaches can adapt to the different challenges that may arrive along the way. Dominic als…
…
continue reading

1
The Potential Drawbacks of Play-Practice-Play Methodology with Ian McCall
44:52
44:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:52Coaches: Please leave a rating for the Podcast if you enjoy listening to it. Also check out our 'Coaching the Back Three' Webinar on February 3rd with Bernat Mosquera below:https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/live-webinar-coaching-a-back-3-system-effectivelyWe are joined by former Queens Park academy coach, Ian McCall to discuss the Play…
…
continue reading

1
The Art (and Science!) of Coaching Goal-Scorers with Conor Washington
1:03:17
1:03:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:17MSC Special Offer Below!!https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/2025-special-offer-coach-bundleThis week, Gary talks to current professional striker Conor Washington about the position and ways to potentially improve how it is coached from youth to senior level. With over 400 appearances at the professional level at clubs including Derby Co…
…
continue reading

1
Todd Beane on Youth Development, Decision-Making and Over-Coaching!
1:00:45
1:00:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:45COACHES: As it's approaching the end of the year, we would love you to take the time to leave a rating and a quick review on the Podcast. Thanks! Todd Beane talks with Gary on whether we are making progress in coach education, the landscape in the US, and how environments can challenge coaches as well as players!Watch FREE Todd Beane MSC Webinar He…
…
continue reading

1
From US College Soccer to Espanyol Methodologist: Michael Paule-Carres Interview
49:46
49:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:46Please coaches, if you enjoy the work can you leave a rating and a review? Thanks so much! - GaryWe are joined by Michael Paule-Carres Methodologist at RCD Espanyol de Barcelona. Michael's journey is a fascinating one. As an Honors Society student at Kalamazoo College, it looked like Michael was destined for a career in the lab as a chemist. But a …
…
continue reading

1
Implementing a Spanish Football Game Model with Bernat Mosquera
34:27
34:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:27Gary travels to Spain to talk to Bernat Mosquera again. Bernat currently works in Austria with LASK and has also worked at two Spainish tiers and in China, as well as the aspect of individual development. He discusses the complexity of Positional Play, along with ideas on how coaches can teach it more effectively in their own environments.Check out…
…
continue reading

1
Implicit vs. Explicit Coaching Styles with Ray Power
59:28
59:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:28Gary is joined by Ray Power to discuss the intricacies of coaching styles and why we should potentially be a little more deliberate in the style we choose for the way we want to play. Implicit vs. Explicit Learning Styles! You can contact Ray if you would like to follow up below: [email protected]…
…
continue reading

1
How AI & Chat GPT Is Already Changing Coaching - with Hugo Vicente
1:03:15
1:03:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:15Gary is joined by Hugo Vicente to discuss the ways that AI and Chat GPT will change football and coaching. Hugo is a UEFA PRO License coach, with over 20 years of experience in football coaching and player development across multiple countries, including Portugal, Norway, Denmark, and China. Hugo has worked with top clubs and youth academies, inclu…
…
continue reading

1
High Intensity Methodology! Inside New York Red Bulls Academy with Director Sean McCafferty
1:00:43
1:00:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:43We recently did our second MSC Club visit to New York Red Bulls to interview Academy Director, Sean McCafferty. Our last conversation with Sean was during lockdown in 2020, and we wanted to follow-up and get his insights on the evolution of the Red Bull system and the growth of US professional player development over the last 2-3 years. Sean was ex…
…
continue reading

1
A Pond or a River? Improving US Player Development with Romeo Jozak
1:01:09
1:01:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:09Gary is joined by one of the leaders in worldwide player development over the past 10-15 years. Romeo Jozak was a pioneer as Technical Director for Croatia and now works as Technical Director for Saudi Arabia. He also holds a UEFA PRO License and is author the phenomenal book,“CFF Development Curriculum.”In this interview, Romeo outlines the challe…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating High Pressure Coaching Environments with Mick McDermott
1:02:45
1:02:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:45Gary is joined by UEFA Pro Licensed Coach, Mick McDermott, to discuss his experience alongside Carlos Queiroz and Iran at the 2018 World Cup, managing Glentoran, and working in Saudi Arabia. Mick provides ideas and methods for coaches on navigating the hiring process and managing ownership, as well as elite level players.…
…
continue reading

1
Inside FC Cinicinnati MLS Academy with Richie Ryan
49:16
49:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:16Last week we took our first MSC road trip to visit Richie Ryan at FC Cincinnati Academy. Richie has a fascinating football journey, coming through Sunderland's academy system and then making his first team debut in the big derby game with bitter rivals, Newcastle United. After stops in Belgium, League of Ireland and the US, Richie recently moved on…
…
continue reading

1
The Coaching Burnout Episode! With Expert Anthony McCann
55:48
55:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:48Gary is joined by Anthony McCann, personal/professional coach who works with the Irish FA and specializes in Adult ADHD, Burnout, and Recovery. There's no secret that there is more stress and pressure in every level of coaching than ever before... but not a lot on how we can deal with it. Anthony provide's phenomenal insight on a powerful topic, an…
…
continue reading

1
Connecting GPS Data to Tactical Periodisation with Ian Coll
29:59
29:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:59How does Tactical Periodization and Sport Science connect? This week on the MSC Podcast, we are joined by Ian Coll, current Head of Performance at Las Vegas Lights (USL). Ian has extensive experience in the professional game working with distinguished clubs such as Hadjuk Split and Glasgow Celtic. He is also experience in Tactical Periodisation, le…
…
continue reading

1
MLS Youth to Pro Pathway with Philadelphia Union's Peter McDonnell
57:36
57:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:36This week we are excited to be joined by Philadelphia Union U18 head coach Peter McDonnell. He discusses what makes the MLS club so unique when it comes to player development and how the club has created alignment from first team to all youth levels. The complexity of professional development is also a key topic as Peter shares how players balance …
…
continue reading

1
Building an Effective Youth Curriculum with Temisan Williams
45:53
45:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:53This week on the MSC Podcast, Gary is joined by Temisan Williams to discuss youth curriculums and academy methodologies. Temisan has coached professionally at 3 Premier League Academies (including Arsenal FC, Tottenham FC. Fulham FC) and also is the founder of the Excellence Academy. In this interview, Temisan discusses the effectiveness of a curri…
…
continue reading

1
Adapt and Evolve! Anthony Pulis on the Coaching Journey
1:11:46
1:11:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:46We are joined by Real Salt Lake (MLS) assistant coach, Anthony Pulis. With extensive experience in the game, as well as both UEFA Pro Licence and US Soccer Pro Licence, Anthony has worked as both head coach with Miami FC and St Louis FC. He's also held assistant roles at Inter Miami and Orlando City. #coaching #soccer #football #anthonypulis #succe…
…
continue reading

1
Inside the Barca Residency Academy with Ged Quinn!
59:22
59:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:22We were recently joined by Ged Quinn, Academy Director of Barca Residency Academy in Arizona. The Barca style of play has become world renowned over the years, but how do you teach that methodology at the younger ages and, more important, what does it look like when an individual professional pathway is the ultimate goal. Ged provides outstanding i…
…
continue reading

1
Developing the Self-Managing Player with Michael Hamilton
1:12:13
1:12:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:13Gary is joined by jAFC Wimbledon Academy Manager, Michael Hamilton to discuss player development and club culture. Michael is a forward thinking leader, who is passionate about empowering players to lead and constantly finding ways to make the journey more fulfilling for the player. As you learn in the interview, ideas are not enough for Michael. H…
…
continue reading

1
Understanding REAL Tactical Periodisation with David Tenney
1:08:18
1:08:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:18Gary is joined by David Tenney, High Performance Director at Austin FC (MLS), former Master’s Student and Certified Graduate of the Official School of Tactical Periodisation. David discusses the following: - Tactical periodisation versus periodizing tactics- Linear thinking and coaching- Understanding mental load- Designing exercises to create focu…
…
continue reading

1
Are You Wasting Possession From Throw-Ins? With Jaymes Monte (StatsBomb)
46:21
46:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:21Gary is joined by Jaymes Monte from StatsBomb to discuss the role of attacking throw-ins including: - Is there a difference between a long throw and a possession throw? - How can we measure the effectiveness of throw-ins in different areas of the pitch? - Why are Arsenal better than Man City at throw-in efficiency? And much more!!You can read his a…
…
continue reading

1
Biggest Mistakes of Coaching Positional Play with Expert Bernat Mosquera
44:08
44:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:08Gary is joined by Bernat Mosquera, a coach and analyst who has worked at two Spainish tiers and in China, as well as the aspect of individual development. He discusses the complexity of Positional Play, along with ideas on how coaches can teach it more effectively in their own environments.You can follow Bernat here:www.linkedin.com/in/bernat-mosqu…
…
continue reading

1
The Dos and Don'ts of Pre-Season Training!! With Matt Willmott
48:14
48:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:14Gary is joined by Experienced Leader in Elite Performance, Matt Willmott. His experience includes Head of Physical Performance at Swansea City Football Club and consultant physical performance coach at football association of Wales (FAW). Head of Fitness and Conditioning at MK Dons and Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Leicester City Football…
…
continue reading

1
Building & Improving Club Culture at Youth Level with Nick Levett
58:35
58:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:35Gary is joined by Nick Levett to discuss building, improving and even measuring club culture and youth environment. With 14 years at the English FA and professional academy experience, Nick has outstanding insight into the complex landscape of youth and coach development.Nick is currently a director at Rivers of Thinking:riversofthinking.com…
…
continue reading

1
Teaching Tactics at High School! With Ric Wallace
51:20
51:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:20Gary is joined by Habersham Central HS head coach, Ric Wallace, to discuss teaching tactics at high school level. From game model fundamentals to leadership development, Ric discusses the unique and complex world of high school coaching and also provides tips on connecting and engaging that age group. Check out the MSC High School Coaches Special O…
…
continue reading

1
Stop Following the Crowd! Ben Bartlett on Coach Groupthink
48:01
48:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:01Gary is joined by Ben Bartlett (Director of Methodology at Houston Dynamo) to discuss the current direction of coaching development and whether we should be asking better questions around how we are learning and communicating the game. As a thought leader in the game, Ben has written two outstanding books called Constraining Football and Connected …
…
continue reading

1
Using Data to Measure Elite Coaches - Tim Keech
1:14:53
1:14:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:53Gary is joined by Tim Keech, co-founder of MRKT Insights, a data-focused football consultancy with clients in the UK and abroad. Tim works alongside clubs to help in a number of areas around data, one of which includes the impact and effectiveness of coaching.Tim shares ways that coaches can be measured, how they can help facilitate the use of data…
…
continue reading