82. Matt Lawrey, Atlanta United Academy Director and Chris Norris, William & Mary, Men's Soccer Head Coach

In this episode I welcome Matt Lawrey, the academy director of Atlanta United and Chris Norris, the head coach of men’s soccer at the College of William & Mary. This is a wide ranging conversation that explores the MLS Academy process, the development of a professional mindset whether headed to the pros or to play for a college program. All of the aspects discussed are the same at the MLS academy level onto any aspiring athlete.

Summary

The conversation explores the role of an Academy Director at an MLS club, the collaboration among MLS Academy Directors, the recruitment process for MLS Next teams, and the identification of talent at a young age. It also discusses the evolution of youth soccer in the US, the opportunities for players outside of MLS Next, and the pathways out of MLS academies. The conversation highlights the importance of developing a professional mindset and the strategies used to ingrain discipline and professionalism in players. It concludes with a discussion on player interaction and improvement. The conversation explores various aspects of identifying and nurturing young athletes, including their internal drive, the importance of the U15 year, preparing for playing in front of crowds, and the college angle.

Takeaways

MLS Academy Directors collaborate and share ideas to improve youth soccer development in the US.

Identifying talent at a young age requires assessing a player's impact on the game and their ability to stop goals, start attacks, create goals, or score goals.

The college pathway is an important option for players who may not make it to the professional level at a young age.

Developing a professional mindset involves being ambitious, driven, self-motivated, resilient, and having a passion for the game.

Creating a culture of discipline and professionalism is essential for player development and success. Identifying internal drive in young athletes is crucial for their development as athletes and individuals.

The U15 year is a critical period for young athletes, as it tests their resilience and determination.

Preparing young athletes for playing in front of crowds involves exposing them to high-pressure situations and international tournaments.

The college angle is an important consideration for young athletes, as it offers opportunities for further development and exposure.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:36 Role of an Academy Director at an MLS Club

06:52 Collaboration Among MLS Academy Directors

08:33 Recruiting Players for MLS Next Teams

09:03 Identifying Talent at a Young Age

10:54 Developing Players Mentally

13:22 Evolution of Youth Soccer in the US

15:23 Opportunities for Players Outside of MLS Next

18:06 Transitioning to College Soccer

20:41 Pathways Out of MLS Academies

23:02 Comparison Between College Soccer and Pro Academies

25:46 Developing a Professional Mindset

28:05 Caleb Wiley's Work Ethic and Success

29:17 Players Who Haven't Reached Their Potential

33:43 U-19 Team and College Pathway

37:14 Recruiting Players from MLS Next

39:15 Professional Mindset and Identifying Players

42:10 Developing Discipline and Professionalism

45:27 Player Interaction and Improvement

46:47 Identifying Internal Drive in Young Athletes

50:20 The Importance of U15 Year

51:20 Preparing for Playing in Front of Crowds

53:47 College Angle