Ben is the Founder and Oakland Director of Soccer Without Borders, whose mission is to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing under-served youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success. During our conversation, we discuss how Soccer Without Borders welcomes newcomers to the country and mitigate the dropout rate of players transitioning from middle school to high school, address barriers such as accessibility, the invaluable support of the team in creating community, as well as a couple upcoming donation opportunities.Before we dive in, I want to remind everyone that you can support the podcast by heading on over to patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining to sign up as a BEST Supporter, Full 90 Insider, or BEST Premier Patron and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage and other perks for becoming a member!Email: ben@soccerwithoutborders.orgWebsite: www.soccerwithoutborders.org0:20 background in soccer and what Ben is doing now3:45 transition from middle school to high school and the drop-out rate7:30 increasing accessibility for students to supportive programming10:00 how Ben’s experience of travelling across the country supports his work of helping migrants who have traveled to the U.S.12:30 the birth of Soccer Without Borders18:30 players can opt-in to the program; they join because they WANT to be there25:00 donation opportunities; donation drive 3/20 and footgolf tournament 3/2730:30 upcoming events in 202133:30 Final three coaching points38:00 One piece of advice for any coach 

Full 90 Coaching

105 - Ben Gucciardi – Founder and Oakland Director of Soccer Without Borders

James is a Head Coach with Davis Legacy Soccer Club, located in the Sacramento area of Northern California, and is a fellow USSF C license candidate. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of building muscle memory, the lessons learned and advice for parent coaches, and how ‘soccer is life’ is more than just a saying.I want to remind everyone that you can support by podcast by heading on over to patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining to sign up as a BEST Supporter, Full 90 Insider, or BEST Premier Patron and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage and other perks for becoming a member!Email: jpierce@davislegacysoccer.org0:20 background in soccer and what Mya is doing now4:00 diving into his private soccer training sessions- skills development with a metrics-based approach8:30 having the experience of playing goalkeeper at a young age9:45 Playing beyond high school wasn’t a popular concept at that time for James’ demographic11:30 advice for coaches trying to build a love for soccer and developing that love through the culture16:15 returning to the game after playing to coach and a return off the love for the game20:15 Experience as a parent coach and phasing out of coaching your own kids23:20 advice for other parent coaches when it’s time to let someone else coach their child(ren)25:45 upcoming events in 202128:55 Final three coaching points34:45 One piece of advice for any coach

104 - James Pierce - Head Coach with Davis Legacy Soccer Club

Welcome to episode 103 of the Full 90 Coaching Podcast. I am your host, Ted Steen, and today we’re bringing you our Monday Message. This message comes from one of our first episode, a great conversation with Manny Valle.“...Be patient, trust in yourself, and love the process” 

103 - Monday Message with Manny Valle

Mya is the Creator of Sankofa Soccer Culture, LLC, a soccer brand that proudly celebrates and represents inclusivity, resilience, and black culture. During our conversation, we discuss her experience playing youth soccer as a person of color and how some tough situations early on in life prepared her for the future, the power of being vulnerable especially during difficult times, and the history and mission of Sankofa Soccer Culture.Before we dive in, I want to remind everyone that you can support by podcast by heading on over to patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining to sign up as a BEST Supporter, Full 90 Insider, or BEST Premier Patron and gain exclusive access!IG: @sankofasoccercultureFB: Sankofa Soccer Culturewww.Sankofasoccerculture.com 0:25 background in soccer and what Mya is doing now2:25 introduction to Sankofa Soccer Culture4:50 experience playing soccer as a young female person of color7:30 tough lessons learned throughout her youth15:00 transitioning to college and the changes that came with it24:15 advice for young listeners who are going through similar experiences28:45 how playing experiences have influenced her coaching 35:30 how her experience as a Licensed Social Worker supported her coaching experience39:30 partnership between Spurs FC, Sanko Soccer Culture, and their history and mission46:30 Final three coaching points49:00 One piece of advice for any coach 

F90C - ep. 102 - Mya Walsh - Creator of Sankofa Soccer Culture

Welcome to episode 101 of the Full 90 Coaching Podcast. I am your host, Ted Steen, and today is our first ever Monday Message. These will be short, sweet, and to the point as we’ll be looking at the one piece of advice our guests have left for any coach and sharing our 2 cents on the matter. The first one message we’ll be discussing comes from Coach Ugo.“If we love the game, it’ll reciprocate to the younger generation, and they’ll love it to.” 

101 - First Monday Message

patreon.com/beelitesoccertrainingThis podcast journey had some Humble Beginnings back in March of 2018. At the time, I was working three jobs, coaching in Benicia, and my fellow Coach Ugo and I had this crazy idea of starting a podcast. Ugo has a background in music but neither of us had any podcasting experience aside from listening to a few on occasion. Yet, we didn’t let that deter us from starting the Full 90 Coaching Podcast, whose goal remains the same today, which is to have members of the soccer community share their experiences, insights, and tips to inspire others and become better! In addition to doing solo sessions like this and team talk Tuesdays, I’ve been blessed to have a wide array of guests on the show to date, with coaches who are new and seasoned, young and old, recreation and competitive, middle school, high school, college, head coaches, assistant coaches, parent coaches and volunteers. I’ve had referees, college counselors, mental and physical performance coaches, directors of local and international clubs and organizations, program founders, platform creators, and non-profit organizations that bring the game to those in need. Every one of these guests provided so much quality in the episode, I’ve listened to each one multiple times and keep finding hidden gems, and recommend you do the same. For those that have been following from the beginning, or those that have gone back to the earlier episodes, I’m sure you’ve heard a difference in the audio and I apologize for not knowing any better early on. I recall over the first 18 months I would be doing interviews in a car, at Starbucks, with clip-on mics with terrible quality, anything to get the recording done in time to hit the deadline. Fast forward to today, and the process is a lot smoother and the quality a lot better. Not only has the audio gotten better, but I think I’ve gotten more comfortable and confident in the interviewing process. This podcast and all the great relationships that I’ve built would have never happened if I didn’t get out of my comfort zone and make the decision to take action. Now, I’m not necessarily saying you should start your own podcast, though I’m happy to share all that I’ve learned with you. What I AM saying is that we all have such a short time to live, so make sure you live BIG. My biggest change came about 7 years ago when I drove across the country from Massachusetts to California to pursue soccer as a career, and of course the warm weather doesn’t hurt! This summer, I’ll be entering my 10th year of coaching and I am the Head Women’s Coach at Contra Costa College, the Interim Executive Director with Spurs FC, the Founder of Be Elite Soccer Training, and I host this podcast. Some people think that’s a lot, but when your work excites you, you can make a positive impact on your community, and you have work-life balance, that’s when you have something special. Now for the big news! The Full 90 Coaching podcast will be doubling our output with 2 podcast episodes coming out each week; we’ll still have on our weekly guest, and we’ll also be adding a Monday Message episode to take a deeper dive into the one piece of advice our guests have given to any coach. Now our listeners can support the podcast and Be Elite Soccer Training through our Patreon. By becoming a patron, you’ll be supporting the work on the podcast as well as the work on the field. Depending on the tier, you could also gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, live Q&A’s, our BEST swag and more! We have a special offer going RIGHT NOW, if you enroll at ANY tier level now through February 25th, you’ll receive a personal shoutout in our next Full 90 Coaching guest interview! In the meantime, check out the page at patreon.com/beelitesoccertraining and complete the poll. I’d love to make sure that I’m providing you with as much value as possible in regard to rewards. Feel free to select as many concepts as you like and message me for more!

Episode 100 of the Full 90 Coaching Podcast with Ted Steen

Seth is in his 1st year of coaching with Spurs FC. During our conversation, Seth shares his journey of growing up here in the Bay area and his experience playing for a few of the local clubs, being coached by a couple of my other podcast guests in Niall with Spurs FC and J.T. with Mavericks, having his first experience of coaching coming during the pandemic, and using moments of failures as learning moments.IG: @seth.sethh0:25 background in soccer and what Seth is doing now1:10 moving between clubs as a youth player2:15 experience playing under Niall at Spurs and J.T. at Mavericks4:30 why Seth decided to become a coach5:30 first impression of being a coach6:45 Advice for new coaches just starting out after their playing career7:45 using moments of failures as learning moments10:45 bringing the energy into practice as a coach12:45 the value of the reflection process14:15 lessons learned during his time with Spurs FC16:00 greatest challenge in coaching career18:00 where Seth sees himself moving forward in coaching20:30 Final three coaching points23:45 One piece of advice for any coach

Seth Pierson - Head Coach with Spurs FC

J.T. is a Head Coach with Mavericks Soccer Club located here in the East Bay of California, and she also has her own private practice as a College Counselor. During our conversation, JT shares about being a pioneer in the game by being a member of both the 1st ODP female team and converting U. Cal Berkeley’s club soccer team to varsity status, how to develop a team culture that promotes lifelong friendships, the stark contrast as she returned to coach at Cal vs. her time as a player there, recruiting the unicorns like Alex Morgan, and helping student-athletes see the forest through the trees as they navigate the pathway to college.Email: Jt.thomas11@yahoo.comWebsite coming...0:30 background in soccer and what J.T. is doing now8:15 Being a pioneer in the game by being a part of the 1st ODP female team and converting Cal Berkeley’s club to varsity status12:30 Lessons learned from pioneering this path for current a future players16:15 Advice for coaches to develop a team culture that promotes relationship-building19:15 Returning to Cal to coach vs. her time there as a player23:45 recruiting for a top program and bringing in players like Alex Morgan28:45 finding the work-life balance in a demanding role of a D1 College Head Coach as a woman31:15 Ways to get more female coaches and leaders involved in the game38:00 Experience as a Coach at the top level that prepared JT for her work as a college counselor44:45 recommendations for student-athletes to manage their expectations and understand the pros and cons of different schools at different levels48:15 Final three coaching points53:30 One piece of advice for any coach 

Jennifer “J.T.” Thomas – College Counselor and Coach with Mavericks Soccer Club

Sam has rejoined our coaching ranks with Spurs FC and is excited to begin her new role as the club’s Mental Performance Coach. During our conversation, we discuss the role of a mental performance coach, how she became interested in mental skills and sports psychology, the benefits and misconceptions of having a mental performance coach, and our plan to integrate her work within our club structure. IG: @12coachsam 2:27 description of Mental Performance Coach (MPC)4:42 having an MPC on-hand for guidance through difficult times6:52 how Sam became interested in mental skills and sports psychology12:42 benefits and misconceptions of MPC’s20:02 Overview of upcoming month with Spurs FC working with Mental Performance Coach23:42 Final 3 coaching points from the perspective of an MPC27:02 One piece of advice for any coach 

Sam Browne - Mental Performance Coach with Spurs FC

Welcome to episode 96 of the Full 90 Coaching Podcast. I am your host, Ted Steen, and today I had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Lusson. Nick is the Director of Membership with NorCal Premier here in Northern California, he’s an instructor for U.S. Soccer and was my instructor for the D License and he’s the Athletic Director of Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League. During our conversation, we discuss different qualities of leadership, the value of good assistant coaches, the good work he’s doing with Sheriffs FC through the Alameda County DSAL and defining community capital and how to improve it.Facebook: Nick LussonEmail: nlusson@norcalpremier.com 0:15 background in soccer and current role3:05 Playing career moving to California for college and playing overseas4:40 the knowledge of leadership from Paul Holocher and the most impactful characteristics8:05 the leadership characteristics that Nick does his best to embody when he coaches16:56 first time recognizing Nick wanted to be a coach20:00 advice for players that put themselves under additional stress22:40 recommendations for coaches with busy schedules to spend enough time with each player25:30 The value of mentors to become better26:45 Nick’s role with Sheriff’s FC and reducing soccer’s economic barrier to entry40:30 Final three coaching points44:00 One piece of advice for any coach 

Nick Lusson – Director of Membership with NorCal Premier, U.S. Soccer Course Instructor, and Athletic Director of Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League

Tristin is the Director of Coaching with PS90 Soccer Camps, SoccerGrl Probs Camps, and KC Goalkeeping. She is also a fellow member of United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, Tristin shares her story of early commitment to St. Louis University as a sophomore in high school but only to find out the Head Coach left the program and the sags the followed, the value of transparency from the coaching staff, and the good work she’s doing to increase the female presence in the game of soccer.https://www.soccergrlprobscamps.com/https://www.ps90soccer.com/IG: @tristin_stuteville; @ 0:30 background in soccer and current role1:50 the experience of playing up an age group2:35 working through the transition period when the rest of her team graduated3:48 advice for parents of players who want to play up4:35 being recruited as a sophomore in high school and as a guest player since the rest of the team graduated on7:15 transferring from St. Louis University to Ball State University and realizing it was a better fit10:45 key attributes prospective student-athletes should consider when selecting a college/ university12:40 lessons learned from the coaches at BSU14:30 battling for the #1 goalie spot and recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses19:15 playing and earning a Master’s at BSU20:45 how the Master’s program might be different from a coaching education course23:20 stressing the importance of strength and conditioning 24:45 when Tristin realized she wanted to become a coach27:40 developing as a coach from KC Goalkeeping to present day30:25 the importance of having a mentor33:10 Making female coaches more prevalent in the game of soccer35:30 Partnership with Soccer Girl Probs and United Soccer Coaches38:35 looking forward to most in remainder of 202040:20 final three coaching points43:30 One piece of advice for any coach

Tristin Stuteville - Director of Coaching with PS90 Soccer Camps, SoccerGrl Probs Camps, and KC Goalkeeping

LB is currently the Marketing Manager and fellow Coach with Spurs FC. We discuss the value of building a strong club culture for the enrichment of player experience, the blessing of becoming a coach, dealing with adversity, and finding your identity.IG: @lbattung160:20 background in soccer and current role2:10 playing youth soccer for the Camarillo Eagles3:08 ability to play up an age group, especially at the 12-14 age group in terms of development4:40 advice for parents about having their player play up an age group6:00 making the jump to the State Team8:15 how to build a strong team culture11:20 making the jump from the state team to the regional team18:55 advice for someone who identifies as a soccer player to expand their identity22:25 realization that LB wanted to become a coach26:45 juggling her main job and her coaching roles28:50 what key values are being fulfilled through coaching vs. another career31:10 the importance of having a mentor35:30 final three coaching points39:09 One piece of advice for any coach 

LB - Marketing Manager and Head Coach with Spurs FC

Rob is the Girls’ Varsity Head Coach with Melrose High School in my home state of Massachusetts, and he is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, Rob and I reflect on our time as roommates during this year’s United Soccer Coaches’ Convention, we discuss his work as a teacher and how it parallels coaching, and the importance of goal setting and reflection.Twitter: @CoachMahoney90; @MelroseGSoccerIG: @mhs_ladiessoccer  0:30 background in soccer and current role1:45 decision to stick with coaching girls3:30 realization to become a coach5:22 how coaching different age groups mirrors teaching7:33 knowledge from teaching that translates well to coaching9:25 the value of Goal setting and reflection13:30 notes from the 30 Under 30 experience16:26 former coach/teacher as a mentor18:15 current experience in COVID with HS soccer23:45 wife is a fellow coach; discussing relationship25:00 preparing the team to play in COVID29:20 developing captains/ leaders within the team33:15 discussing issues with captains35:10 plans for remainder of 202039:00 Final three coaching points44:22 One piece of advice for any coach

Rob Mahoney – Girls’ Varsity Head Coach with Melrose High School

Micah is the Youth Program Director with the Philadelphia Union, and he is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, we discuss Micah’s playing experience of transferring from Villanova to Penn State and his coaching journey, how Goalkeeper Coaches need to put themselves out there to avoid limiting themselves to one role, and the importance of being your authentic self to build trust with your players.IG: @micahcollins280:30 background in soccer and current role1:51 juggling multiple roles as a soccer coach2:55 cognitively challenging sessions for more advanced players4:20 growing up playing for FC Delco6:52Advice for younger players with the dream of playing at a higher level, whether D-1 or professional8:26 difference between playing at Villanova and Penn State10:45 lessons learned from both colleges13:00 graduate assistant position and realizing he wants to be a coach15:15 making the jump from graduate assistant position to coaching at Belmont University in Nashville18:55 first paid coaching job with a Middle School Girls’ team22:00 being your authentic self to build trust with the players24:40 coaching journey continues to Michigan State27:31 coaching goalkeepers vs. coaching the whole team29:00 advice to Goalkeeper Coaches on how to not be pigeon-holed in the role and have the ability to be an Assistant Coach and Head Coach31:00 Thoughts on the 30 Under 30 program35:00 plans for the rest of 202037:50 final three coaching points41:55 One piece of advice for any coach--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/full90coaching/support

Micah Collins – Youth Program Director with the Philadelphia Union

Nick is the Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach with Principia College, located in Elsah, Illinois, and he is a fellow member of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class of 2019-2020. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of watching soccer as a kid to have a role model to emulate or learn about opposing positions, a key fundamental of goalkeeping aside from using your hands, and his experience working with Grassroots Soccer in South Africa.https://principiaathletics.com/sports/mens-soccernick.barron@principia.eduTwitter: @foot_thoughts0:25 background in soccer and current role3:35 the importance of watching soccer as a kid5:40 how watching a forward like Ronaldo (Brazilian) is helpful as a goalkeeper8:50 benefit of playing multiple positions to better understand both sides of the ball9:50 point of realization to become a goalkeeper coach and dealing with the mental side of the game13:05 top fundamentals for the goalkeeper position16:15 example of positioning work19:40 United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 free coaching course25:05 coaching Grassroots Soccer in South Africa28:45 balancing the Assistant Coach role with Director of Operations role with the college and getting through some challenging times32:30 greatest challenge through Nick’s time with Principia College37:00 final three coaching points--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/full90coaching/support

Nick Barron – Assistant Coach/ Goalkeeper Coach with Principia College

The goal of Full 90 Coaching is to have members of the soccer community share their experiences, insights, and tips to inspire others and become better! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/full90coaching/support