Training Ground Talks
Episode 4: College recruiting
"Training Ground Talks: College Recruiting" with Greg Irwin brings focus to one of the most important aspects of athletic progression: understanding and navigating the college recruiting process. In this episode, Coaches Mike and Alex sit down with recruiting expert Greg Irwin to break down how athletes can approach recruiting with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Together they guide listeners through key steps in the recruiting journey — from what coaches are really looking for, to how athletes and families can take proactive control of the process. The conversation is full of real-world insight and practical advice that demystifies recruiting and empowers players to make informed decisions at every stage.
You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for communicating with college coaches, creating a recruiting timeline, avoiding common pitfalls, and positioning yourself for success both on and off the field.
Whether you’re an aspiring collegiate athlete, a parent navigating recruiting for the first time, or a coach helping players take the next step — this episode delivers valuable guidance to help you approach recruiting with confidence and purpose.
Training Ground Talks
Episode 3: TRAINING WITH PURPOSE
"Training Ground Talks: Episode 3 – Training With Purpose" brings focus to the foundation of athletic success: intentional training and mindset. In this episode, Coach Mike and Coach Alex walk you through how to build a training routine that’s efficient, purposeful, and progress-driven — not just random workouts.
They share practical tips for structuring sessions, maximizing effort, and developing consistency. The conversation explores why training with intention matters more than volume, how athletes can track progress, and ways to stay mentally engaged and motivated during both practices and matches.
Whether you’re a youth player, a parent, or a coach — this episode gives you actionable strategies to train smarter, improve steadily, and build habits that set you up for long-term growth and performance.
Training Ground Talks
Episode 2: Youth Development
"Training Ground Talks: Episode 2 – Youth Development" is the second installment in the series focused on unlocking the principles behind long-term athletic growth. In this episode, Coach Mike and Coach Alex explore the foundational elements of youth soccer development, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate training, technical skill-building, and cultivating a positive mindset.
The conversation dives into how coaches and parents can work together to support young athletes, the value of game minutes, and why focusing on development over short-term results leads to more complete players. Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode provides actionable insights into fostering growth, confidence, and love for the game at every stage of a player's journey.
Training Ground Talks
Episode 1: The Importance of Training
"Training Ground Talks: Episode 1 – The Importance of Training" is the inaugural episode of a series dedicated to exploring various aspects of athletic development. In this episode, Coach Mike and Coach Alex delve into the critical role that consistent and focused training plays in an athlete's performance and overall growth. The discussion covers topics such as setting training goals, maintaining motivation, and the benefits of structured practice routines. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your soccer journey, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing your training regimen.