Ep. 8 - “From Sheffield to San Diego: A Journey in Soccer Performance”
with Luke Jenkinson - San Diego FC
Summary
In this episode, Michael Pruchniewski interviews Luke Jenkinson, the performance director at San Diego FC, discussing the development of soccer players in America compared to England. They explore the role of data in player evaluation and performance, the importance of education in sports science, and the cultural differences in soccer between the two countries. Luke shares insights from his background, his approach to data utilization, and offers advice for young soccer players on how to track their development and understand the importance of foundational habits like sleep and nutrition.
Top Insights
Balance in Data Usage - Both Michael and Luke emphasize the importance of balance in using data for evaluating soccer players, suggesting that while data is crucial, it should not overshadow human intuition and relationships.
Cultural Differences in Soccer - Luke highlights the cultural differences between soccer in England and the U.S., noting that soccer is the number one sport in England, whereas it's less popular in the U.S., affecting resources and development programs.
Educational Pathways - Luke shares his journey of not going straight to university, emphasizing the value of practical experience and how it shaped his career in sports science and coaching.
Standardized Testing Across Clubs - San Diego FC, part of the Right to Dream network, uses standardized testing across all age groups to ensure consistency and meaningful performance evaluations.
Communication and Data - The importance of communicating the purpose of data collection to players is stressed, ensuring they understand it's for their benefit and development.
Developmental Focus for Young Players - Luke advises against treating young players like mini-professionals, emphasizing enjoyment, experimentation, and understanding their unique strengths and roles.
Practical Application of Data - The conversation underscores the need for practical application of data, ensuring interventions are meaningful and based on reliable data.
Sleep and Recovery - Both speakers discuss the importance of sleep hygiene and recovery for athletes, highlighting it as a foundational aspect of performance.
Adapting to New Environments - Luke shares insights from his book recommendations, "The First 90 Days" and "Good to Great," which helped him transition and create a strong departmental identity at San Diego FC.
Human Element in Sports - Despite the data-driven approach, the human element, including building relationships and understanding individual player needs, remains central to effective coaching and development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Soccer Development in America
02:13 Luke's Background and Early Influences
04:57 Educational Journey and Practical Experience
10:49 Cultural Differences in Soccer: England vs. America
14:18 The Role of Data in Soccer Today
20:45 Standardized Testing Across Player Levels
23:15 Communication and Data Utilization with Players
27:52 Advice for Young Soccer Players
32:29 “Behind the Data”