In this episode, Kephern Fuller and I dive deep into what it’s like being an American player trying to make it in Europe. What it takes mentally, what the struggles are, and the big differences an American player might encounter overseas.
Kephern got into the topic of culture, and he said Europe is like a pressure cooker for players. It’s demanding in ways that most American players just aren’t used to. And later on, he talks about how it’s up to you, the coach, to set the culture.
Yes, YOU set the culture!
We couldn’t agree more with that.
Kephern offers some great advice and insight throughout this episode. It’s well worth a listen, or two, or three.
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I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kephern Fuller. And if you do, let us know. Leave us a comment or a 5-star rating on iTunes.
Good information and thanks for the podcast
This was quite enlightening and beneficial to listen to in various ways. Speaking for myself:
1. Gave me an inside scoop at what goes on behind the scenes in the scouting world and the strategies in getting players scouted. As a coach it’s a gold nugget if you ever want to think bigger for your players.
2. It doesn’t have to be BPL, LIGA, ETC. Plenty of other leagues out there for players to strive for and not just settle for a college soccer career.
3. Something I’d like to share with parents/players to help give them some perspective on what it takes to make it abroad.
4. Inspires me to continue to grow as a coach to be able to have the tools to develop players who can compete abroad. Looking at soccer on the global standard.
Thanks Kephern and John.
As a Danish agent let me tell you Scandinavian clubs absolutely love American players.
In my opinion too many young talents sign agency agreements with American agencies too early on. My advise to young players dreaming about Europe:
1) Stay independent
2) Consider a gap year after highschool and spend it playing soccer overseas
3) Attend camps in Europe arranged by Europeans
4) Train more – Play less games
5) Be clever about the weight room. Too many American players are far to big
6) Train smarter not harder