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The Next Level Training Soccer Podcast with host Aaron Byrd and Jeff Suffolk
The Next Level Training Soccer Podcast with host Aaron Byrd and Jeff Suffolk
Author: Jeff Suffolk
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© 2026 Jeff Suffolk
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The Next Level Training Soccer Podcast explores a world of youth sports that brings in the most exciting, outlandish and disappointing moments in youth soccer this week across the United States. Hosted by NCAA Division 1 Hall of Fame player, Aaron Byrd and High School Varsity, MLS Next and Club Coach, Jeff Suffolk.
52 Episodes
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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!




