What does real player development actually look like—and why are so many systems missing it?In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Erin Medina, COO of Forms Residency and Forms Academy, to break down a completely different approach to youth soccer development.From her journey through the Canadian national team to building one of the largest youth clubs in the country, Erin shares what she’s learned about development, structure, and what kids actually need to succeed.They dive into the reality of today’s youth soccer environment, the pressure of competition, and why a residency-style model focused on individual growth, education, and balance may be the future of the game.This conversation is for players, parents, and coaches trying to understand how to truly develop—not just compete.Key Talking PointsErin Medina’s journey from Canada’s national team to youth soccer leadershipThe impact of early coaching and development environmentsWhy player development is not a linear pathTransitioning from player to business leader in youth soccerBuilding Sting into a national powerhouseThe importance of early technical development windowsWhy traditional training models fall shortThe role of individual development vs team trainingWhat makes Forms Academy’s methodology differentWhy residency programs require a different type of athleteQuotes from Erin Medina“Nobody’s journey is linear.”“We’re not just developing players—we’re developing people.”“There’s only so much time before that technical window closes.”“The youth game is where you can really impact kids.”“Development requires meaningful time—not just an hour and a half twice a week.”“We’re creating an environment where kids can focus on development without pressure.”“The model is not for everyone—and that’s okay.”“Kids need balance to avoid burnout.”“We’re building athletes that can move and think differently.”“It’s about preparing them for performance, not just chasing wins.”Connect with Erin Medina / FormsErin Medina📸 Instagram: @maccallummedinaFORMS RESIDENCY🌐 Website: https://www.formsresidency.org📸 Instagram: @formsresidency👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61587855025706 (Forms Residency | Melissa TX)FORMS ACADEMY🌐 Website: https://www.formsacademy.com🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FormsAcademy📸 Instagram: @formsacademy✖️ X: @FormsAcademy👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormsAcademyFORMS MADRID🌐 Website: https://www.formsmadrid.com📸 Instagram: @formsmadridRon Hogsett✍️ Substack (Writing): https://ronhogsett.substack.comFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerTraining #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #FormsAcademy #SoccerEducation #NextGenPlayers #SoccerCulture #PlayerPathway #EliteDevelopment #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #SoccerLife #AthleteDevelopment #YouthSports #SoccerCommunity #TrainToDevelop #SoccerGrowth #FutureOfSoccer