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Episode 130 - 2026 World Cup Analysis, with the awesome John Walker

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 130 – 2026 World Cup Analysis, with John Walker

In this episode Scott and Ray are joined by the awesome John Walker, UEFA A Licence Coach and Analyst, for a fascinating deep dive into the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

John talks about the incredible work he has been doing analysing all 48 teams taking part in the tournament, providing detailed insight into their tactical approaches, formations, playing styles and key trends from around the world game.

The conversation explores how the expanded format could impact the competition, which nations may surprise people, tactical trends emerging across international football, and the importance of detailed analysis in understanding the modern game.

John also shares some of the processes behind his research and how coaches and analysts can use tournament analysis to support their own learning and development.

This was a brilliant football conversation packed with insight, knowledge and tactical discussion.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Connect with John Walker

X - @johnwalker_1986

You can also find links to John’s excellent World Cup analysis work through his X account.

Podcast Information

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast

The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 129,
Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek)

Episode 129 – Match Day

In this episode Scott and Ray discuss match days in youth football and explore the role coaches, players and parents all play in creating a positive and developmental environment on game day.

They talk about preparation leading into matches, managing emotions on the touchline, supporting players through mistakes, and ensuring match days remain aligned with long-term player development rather than simply focusing on results. Scott and Ray also discuss communication with players, dealing with pressure, substitutions, post-match reflections, and how coaches can create enjoyable and meaningful experiences for young players.

The conversation also highlights the importance of perspective in youth football and why match days should be seen as an opportunity for learning, growth and enjoyment for everyone involved.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail

Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly

Episode 128 – What Actually Is Player Development?

In this episode, Scott Mowberry is joined by regular co-presenter Ray Power for an insightful discussion exploring one of the most frequently used phrases in football coaching: player development.

Together, Scott and Ray examine what player development actually means and why it involves much more than simply improving a player's technical ability. They discuss the importance of developing the whole person, including mindset, decision-making, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to transfer learning from training into match situations.

Drawing on their combined experience in coaching, coach education and youth development, Scott and Ray share practical insights into how coaches can create environments that support long-term growth and help young players fulfil their potential both on and off the pitch.

Whether you are a grassroots coach, academy practitioner, coach educator or parent, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to balance performance and development while keeping the individual needs of each player at the centre of the coaching process.

Please do leave a review, like and share the episode!

Website – Ray Power Official Website

X – The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast
The Soccer Coaching Podcast Email – thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com

This Episode Was Brought to You in Association with Our Friends at Soccer Coach Weekly

Established in 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for grassroots coaches.

Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, who save time and effort while making their coaching journey more effective, enjoyable and successful for both themselves and their players.

Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.

Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!