US Club Soccer’s Education & Development Department is hosting Education Week, Sept. 21-25, 2026, featuring virtual sessions each day designed to challenge traditional youth soccer thinking.
THE SESSIONS
Monday, Sept. 21
Jill Loyden
Former USWNT goalkeeper; Played professionally in the WPS & NWSL; Founder & CEO of The Keeper Institute
"Shot Prevention: Developing Well-Rounded Goalkeepers"
The goalkeeping position has evolved more than any other position in the last 10-15 years, but has our coaching? In this presentation we will discuss the various different ways to limit opponent’s opportunities using shot prevention tools and how coaches can design their sessions to meet the demands of the well-rounded goalkeeper.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
David Gerson
Director of Referee Programming & Development, SOCAL Soccer League; Referee; Host of “Refs Need Love Too” podcast
"Calm in the Chaos"
Soccer pitches are high-stress environments — bad calls, heated parents, frustrated players, and split-second decisions all collide in real time. This session explores the common stressors referees and coaches face during a match, and how leaders on the pitch can respond to them with composure rather than reaction. It focuses on practical communication techniques that de-escalate tension and keep the game on track, while modeling the kind of emotional control and respect we want players to learn from watching us. The goal: leaders who stay calm under pressure set the tone for everyone else on the field.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Dan Abrahams
Renowned sport psychologist whose work spans youth to the Premier League; author of four best-selling books; founder of Dan Abrahams Soccer
Academy & The Sport Psych Show
"Incorporating Competitive Mental Frameworks into your Coaching Practice"
This session will introduce attendees to the competitive mental framework Dan uses to help teams high perform, more consistently, under pressure. He will introduce the three mental skills (attention, intensity, intent) that are constantly influencing technical, tactical, and physical actions on the pitch, and he will discuss several mental techniques that can help players find their best mindset time and again.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Felipe Cardenas & Ian Barker
Felipe Cardenas is a senior writer of The Athletic for North & South America and a correspondent for CBS Sports Golazo. Ian Barker is Coach Educator Developer for U.S. Soccer. He’s also the former Director of Coaching Education for United Soccer Coaches and former Director of Player Development for Minnesota Youth Soccer Association.
"The 2026 World Cup and its Tactical Trends"
This session will demonstrate how youth coaches can apply World Cup trends, lessons and tactics. They will also explore U.S. Soccer youth development initiatives post-World Cup and implementation strategies for the grassroots level and above.
Friday, Sept. 25
Ross Paule & Mirelle van Rijbroek
Ross Paule is the Sr. Director of Talent ID & Player Development for US Club Soccer. He’s also a former FIFA Talent Coach. Paule had a 9-year MLS career, highlighted by two MLS All-Star Game selections. Mirelle van Rijbroek is a talent identification & educator expert for FIFA. She was also a former Director of Talent ID for U.S. Soccer and formerly with the KNVB talent development & elite performance program.
"From Observation to Impact: Using Player Examination and IDPs to Develop Talent"
Ross Paule and Mirelle van Rijbroek will share practical tools for seeing players more clearly, writing better reports, and turning those observations into living Individual Development Plans that involve coaches, clubs, parents, and players.
