CoachCraft
Authors
Alf Gracombe

Alf Gracombe

I'm a lover of the beautiful game and focused on coach/mentorship education and improving access to the sport. As a youth soccer coach for 14 years, I've been involved in running grassroots soccer programs in Boston. I served as president of Jamaica Plain Youth Soccer for four years and continue to serve on the board and coach, contributing to youth development through sports.

Podcast EpisodePodcast Episode

Mike Smith of Coerver Coaching

Experiences across continents and levels of the game, the power of football to bring people together, and how to put players first in youth coaching

Coaches Need Feedback Too (Part 1)

Why seeking input from players (and parents) is critical to your growth as a coach

Winning Isn't Everything. But It's Something.

Seeing beyond the scoreline through a developmental lens

Podcast EpisodePodcast Episode

Introducing the CoachCraft Podcast: Jon Rudzinski

For the first episode of the CoachCraft podcast, I'm joined by Coach Jon Rudzinski

Receive First: Rethinking Football's Fundamental Skill

Training players to scan and improve their first touch

Sharing Thoughts and Reflections

Pausing to share thoughts and resources from my first few months of CoachCraft

Connected Learning: How Skills From One Sport Enhance Another

How futsal and other off-season sports help develop better soccer players

How Small-Sided Game Formats Can Shape Player Behavior

Design the game, shape the play: changing field conditions to guide player development

The Power of Quiet Observation

How silently tuning in to your players can make you a better coach

Let the Players Play

Maximizing active time in your practices