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

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!

On Episode 14, The NLT Guys bring on legendary high school journalist and National Gatorade Player of the Year Director, Chad Konecky. Chad covers the landscape of playing high school soccer, the decision of joining your high school team from your club team, trends in parenting high level athletes, and what it takes to win the prestigious Gatorade Player of the Year Award.

The most famous coach in the history of US Soccer joins Aaron and Jeff for a TWO HOUR conversation that covers everything from player development, coaching takeaways, advice for parents and priceless stories from his famed 47 year coaching career. Anson Dorrance covers decades of coaching stories, incredible nuggets for all ages and leaves you wanting more. Get out your pen and paper because when THE COACH is talking, you better be taking notes!

Legendary MLS Pro and US Men's National Team Player, Kellyn Acosta joins the podcast to talk about mental toughness, adversity, and other incredible takeaways for any sport you're playing. The importance of giving it your all every single day is not just a cliche, it is a way of life for this All American legend.

Happy 2025! On this episode, soccer legend Aaron Byrd discusses his goals for the New Year, the guys recap Jeff's experience at the NLT pro training session, they provide some coaching nuggets, and so much more!

On Episode 10, MLS All Star and NCAA Hermann Trophy Winner, Alecko Eskandarian joins Aaron and Jeff on the Next Level Training Soccer Podcast to talk about the Future of MLS Next, player pathway for today's athlete vs the previous generations opportunities, growing up with Pelé, getting babysat by ex-USMNT Coach Gregg Berhalter and so many great soccer stories from this legendary US Soccer Player. Buckle up for a really fun podcast!

Seventeen-year-old professional soccer sensation Chloe Ricketts joins the Next Level Training Soccer Podcast for a Thanksgiving conversation. Chloe shares her insights on 3v3 tournament strategy, what it’s like to be one of the youngest players in the NWSL, tips for maintaining confidence on and off the field, and her unique experience navigating life as a teenage pro. Don't miss this inspiring episode with one of the country's brightest young stars!

Coach Nate Kopunek from the NCAA Div 1 Mens Soccer Team, Detroit Mercy Titans, dedicates an episode to the men's high school age recruiting process. We dive into Ivy League recruiting, the Michigan soccer landscape and Aaron Byrd makes lots of good points. Enjoy!

CEO US Youth Soccer - Skip Gilbert - Joins us on the podcast to discuss the Birth Year vs School Year debate, how US Soccer is changing through the World Cup and more!