In Episode 397, we unpack the Luis Suarez spitting controversy post-Leagues Cup final, diving into the hypocrisy of public outrage and what it reveals about soccer culture.

We also provide actionable strategies for coaches conducting tryouts, sharing tips on identifying players suited for a possession-based system, drawing from our experiences at 3four3.

Finally, we passionately discuss promotion and relegation, debunking myths about its relevance in the U.S. and highlighting its role in fostering freedom, opportunity, and merit.

00:00 Intro

04:52 Luis Suarez Spitting Fiasco after Leagues Cup Final

19:01 Sub: Strategies on How Authorities Handle These Issues

24:41 Sub: What if it Was an American Player who Spit?

29:39 Selecting Players Using Trials / Tryouts

34:44 Sub: How Quickly Can Players be Identified?

35:30 Sub: What Activities to Use for Player ID?

42:41 Sub: Personal Anecdote on Selecting “Athletic Players”

44:02 Sub: Misunderstanding of 3four3’s view on Athleticism

49:14 Sub: The “Eye Test”

52:10 Audience Question: Leaving local Club to MLS Next?

58:50 Pro/Rel

59:24 Sub: Is Pro/Rel Overrated?

01:00:53 Sub: Does “Pro/Rel Only Work in Deep Soccer Cultures?”

01:03:05 Sub: Is There Not Enough Money for Soccer in the US?

01:05:03 Sub: Do the Same Clubs Go Up And Down?

Premium Education for either Coaches or Parents

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

For Coaches

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

If you’re coaching 7v7, we’ve got you covered at 7v7coaching.com.

For Parents

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

Learn to properly guide and develop your kid through the maze and pitfalls that is American soccer (from the folks who have actually done it).

Gain access at 343masterclass.com.

Never miss new episodes:

• Subscribe to 3four3 FM on iTunes


• Subscribe to 3four3 FM on Stitcher


• Subscribe to 3four3 FM on Spotify

Parent Education Program