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

On Episode 65 we bring on the founder and designer of the Youth Soccer Rankings app. Mark Lewis has changed the way we look at teams across the United States through a youth soccer lens. On today's show we talk about who the craziest parents are, where the best teams are based and how to raise your rankings!

Episode 64 Welcomes Coach Byrd back to the show! The boys tackle everything from the World Cup to Wrestlemania at the Canton Cup. Enjoy!

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.

The World Cup is ON! The boys break down the flaws in travel soccer scheduling, and a big teaser into the next episode! Enjoy!

We're less than 45 days away from the 2026 Fifa World Cup kickoff and there's so much to discuss. Check on on Episode 61 for some of our hottest takes on the current status. Let's Go!

In Episode 60, Jeff and Aaron bring on US Soccer Educator and USSF A License Coach, Jason Smith, from one of the largest grassroot programs in the Midwest United States, in Traverse City Michigan.

In Episode 58, hosts Jeff Suffolk and Aaron Byrd sit down with One Knox coach Luc Dessieux to dive into what's going on in Tennessee youth development and the future of the game through a USL program on the rise.

In Episode 57 of the Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the Country, hosts Aaron Byrd and Jeff Suffolk bring in NCAA legend, Simone Omekanda to the show. Simone was a two-time First Team Big Ten Player at Penn State, a Youth National Team Player, drafted in the MLS and now a youth coach for the Michigan Bucks.

This one is for the goal keepers (and anyone who loves a good story). Former MLS Pro goal keep and D1 NCAA Hall of Famer, Mitch Hildebrandt joins the boys on Episode 56 to talk everything from what's the pathway for goalies, to how to overcome adversity.

In Episode 50ish, Aaron gets put on the hot seat by Jeff and answers the tough questions. Plus a reflection on where the show has gone and where it's going.

San Diego FC Talent Scout, Lisa Berg joins the show from sunny California. Lisa has one of the most unique and diverse backgrounds in coaching. She brings incredible insight on talent identification from around the globe.

In the series of the Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the Country, Aaron and Jeff bring on pioneer Erin Lycan Ridley of the NWSL Bay FC and formerly San Jose Earthquakes Pro Youth Academy.

On Episode 53 of the Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the Country, Colorado Rapids Academy Director Andrew Kewley joins Aaron and Jeff to unpack how the relatively small area of Colorado is producing America's top talent.

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.

Continuing the series of the Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the Country, Oliver Slawson formerly of Real Salt Lake Pro Youth Academy and Akron University joins Jeff and Aaron to drop nuggets for parents, coaches and players. You do not want to miss this one.

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.

Continuing the series of Most Influential Youth Soccer Coaches in the United States, Aaron and Jeff bring on one of the most famous US Soccer Players of all time, Eric Wynalda. Eric scored the most important and memorable goal in the history of the US Men's National Team, he scored the first EVER goal in the new MLS in 1996, and now resides in Las Vegas, NV.

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. 

Aaron Byrd and Co-Host Jeff Suffolk talk the Power of Yet, getting cut from ODP, neuroplasticity, Super Bowl Sunday and more.

The the 2026 Series leading up to the World Cup, Aaron and Jeff are searching for the common threads amongst the most influential youth soccer coaches in America. On today's podcast, we have Cam Baker, USSF A Licensed MLS Next Academy Directory at Midwest United in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In Episode 44, Jeff and Aaron talk about the impact of the Pygmalion Effect as a coach and as a parent.

Probably the most controversial podcast questions we've encountered. Tune in for hot takes on the cost of youth sports and Aaron and Jeff's thoughts on big mistakes parents and players are making.

Happy 2026! This is a huge year for American Youth Soccer and we're here for all of it. We're kicking off the season with live questions and diving into the impact of the next 12 months on the future of American development. Buckle Up! It's going to be a wild year!

Every team has talented players. Every club boasts about their "skilled" roster. But why do so many technically gifted players never reach their potential while others with less natural ability become champions?In this episode, Aaron Byrd and Jeff Suffolk challenge the obsession with winning at all cost in American youth soccer and make the case that character - not talent - separates good players from great ones.

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. 

In this episode, we have CEO of Tosch.ai, Shawne Robinson, on the podcast to talk about the power of data when in the recruiting process. It's a brand new tool to empower players and parents along a journey that is confusing, intense and mostly decided on gut decisions.  

In Episode 38, Aaron and Jeff dive into the concept of ranking coaches, what's the most important quality in a coach, how to rig rankings and Turkey 3v3 Dream Teams. There's a lot of nuggets to find in this episode on believing in your players and providing an environment to thrive.

The boys talk about club fees, training grounds limitations, pickleball and how to thrive through winter training.

It's more than kicking a ball into the back of the net, it's the fabric of our lives, it's our family time, our purpose. Aaron and Jeff talk Major Awards, what level of training is right for your player and the purpose of life...which is of course futbol.

Juan Carlos Morales, the first American coach to work in Spain's División de Honor, breaks down the myths about European soccer development and reveals why the "free soccer in Europe" narrative isn't reality. We dive deep into the technical training differences between Spanish academies and American youth programs, exploring why Spain produces world-class players while the US struggles to develop technical talent. Plus, Juan Carlos makes the case for why promotion and relegation in American youth soccer would revolutionize competition and player development across the country.

End-of-season soccer drama is in full swing - tensions are high, everyone is down on their team/coach/players/sidelines, and parents are already shopping for new teams. Your Individual Development Plan meetings are coming up and you better know what to say, because the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Learn how to navigate the chaos, handle the tough conversations, and wind down your season without setting the world on fire.

Aaron and Jeff dive into what's for dinner...or breakfast. Want your kids to eat a little healthier? Have them tune in. And also, Aaron talks accountability and gets a few customer service experiences off his chest. Enjoy!

In Episode 32, Aaron and Jeff focus on the mental side of the game, growth mindset and the role of the modern coach.

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?

Aaron and Jeff dive into the DM's and discuss hot topics on late developers and more.

Whether you're a parent with college soccer dreams for your child, a youth coach developing players, or a high school athlete wondering what's next - this episode provides insider knowledge from one of college soccer's most respected voices.Big 10 Legendary Coach, Chaka Daley joins the podcast to talk pathway, mental toughness, emotional IQ and the college game with Jeff and Aaron.

Check out this week's Next Level Training Soccer Podcast that's ranked 6-7 out of 10 on Spotify! Today we uncover the desire to have your kids U11 team ranked nationally and how important that is to their future.

Aaron and Jeff do a "Buy or Sell" series of questions on everything from ODP to $250 cleats! You won't want to miss this one.

This is the Summer Training Podcast to listen with your kids!

Aaron and and Jeff dig into post tryout protocol, summer burnout, and the good old days of State Cup!

Aaron and Jeff dive deep into preparation for tryout season. 

CEO of the most revolutionary technology in the soccer world, Mark Shields joins the podcast from Ireland to talk the future of player development, scouting, soccer technology and so much more!

On this episode, Aaron and Jeff field some hot questions from listeners and try to carry over their Ryan Blanck Lesson from Episode 20.

The boys break down the man, the myth the legend - Jamie Vardy - as they talk about tryouts, growth mindset, celebrating the process, and general psychological framing for parents and players. It's a big weekend of sporting events around the country in youth sports, so remember to keep that Above the Line communication with you athletes, coaches and REFS!

In this episode of the NLT Podcast, Aaron and Jeff are joined by one of the Nations leaders in performance coaching, Ryan Blanck. Ryan works with NFL, NHL, NCAA coaches on how to perform at an optimum level as a coach. For all the coaches and parents out there, grab your notebook! There are some nuggets in here that you'll never want to forget.

In Episode 19, Jeff and Aaron tackle the new Quality of Play Rankings and how it impacts player development and more!

Aaron and Jeff interview legendary NCAA Championship Coach Mark Krikorian. Mark is currently the President and General Manager of the NWSL Champions Washington Spirit. Mark is the beginning of multiple interviews of what it takes to be a great tryout player and covers the changes in college soccer recruiting and more!

NCAA Hall of Famer Aaron Byrd and Jeff Suffolk talk about the importance of technical training and the impact of great training sessions have on your development as a player.

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.

Check in with International Youth Conditioning Association President, Jim Kielbaso, as we discuss hot topics such as injury prevention, athlete burnout and social media influencers giving Jeff anxiety. Enjoy!