Episode 2: James Brown

During this difficult time with all of us sheltering in place, respecting social distances, and soccer at all levels brought to a halt, it is perhaps the best time to talk about how youth players can continue to develop their soccer outside of the usual context. That is where my next guest, James Brown, has been developing a very exciting project that was inspired by working with his son Jack, who is a member of US Soccer’s Development Academy. Motivated to work with his son and get him more quality touches, James spent a small amount of time and money to build a kick wall that could be used right in his driveway. Jack took immediately to it and has not looked back. Nor has James, who launched kickwalls.com, inspired many in his community to build similar kickwalls, and now has inquiries pouring in from all across the United States. And, by the way, he is making all that he has learned, including the plans for the kickwall, available for free. We discuss the challenges of getting more touches for aspiring players, how a solid technical foundation contributes to success and enjoyment in the game, his ideas of a holistic approach to developing a player, and many more aspects of the growth and challenges facing youth soccer in America.