In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Julie Rebh’s background, introduction, and early days as an Athletes Untapped coach
(02:38) Advice for parents and athletes considering travel soccer
(05:05) Playing Division III soccer and why it’s often misunderstood
(07:16) ID camps, film, and reaching out to college coaches
(10:29) Coaches and mentors who shaped Julie’s coaching philosophy
(13:10) Transitioning from college athletics into private coaching
(16:16) Building trust and relationships with young athletes
(25:52) One must-do soccer drill for every athlete
(29:02) Julie’s experience coaching with Athletes Untapped
(34:00) Final advice for parents, athletes, and young soccer players
Episode Overview: Youth Soccer Development, Recruiting, and the Long-Term Path for Young Players
In this conversation with Athletes Untapped, former Haverford College standout and Athletes Untapped soccer coach Julie Rebh takes us through her perspective on youth soccer development, her travel soccer experience, Division III recruiting, and how to build your confidence as a young athlete. As one of Athletes Untapped’s earliest coaches and our 2023 Coach of the Year, Julie has worked with many athletes on their soccer game. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that confidence, enjoyment, and long-term growth are far more important than chasing labels. This episode explores, from a player and coach perspective, what modern youth soccer entails. Julie Rebh reflects on growing up in Southampton, PA playing travel soccer, how the pressure increased for today’s young athletes, and how parents can support their children through the process. She notes the magnitude of separating parental expectations from athlete motivation, the importance of multi-sport involvement, and how confidence can be the deciding factor for athletes who thrive. She also breaks down the realities and recruiting process of Division III soccer and how parents should approach travel soccer.
Youth Soccer Development for Kids: Why Fun Early Matters More Than Pressure
Julie’s earliest memories of soccer are rooted in enjoyment. She was drawn into the sport by playing with friends, staying active, and pushing herself in ways that felt exciting rather than overwhelming. The pressure naturally increased as she grew up, especially when recruiting came into play, but the fun aspect of the sport never disappeared for her. The balance between fun and pressure is something she actively tries to recreate for the athletes she coaches today. The current youth soccer environment in Pennsylvania has become extremely competitive, now more than ever. Without intentional effort for balance from coaches and parents, the jubilation that originally pulled kids into the sport can easily get lost.
Is Travel Soccer Worth It? How Pressure Can Support Player Development
Julie describes her travel soccer participation as both rewarding and demanding. Long weekends, cross-country tournaments, and intense competition were all a part of the experience. While she stated that high-levels of competition help accelerate growth, she cautions parents about the potential for burnout when the pressure overshadows enjoyment. While travel soccer builds discipline in young athletes, it’s essential for kids to want that path for themselves. When motivation is solely externally driven, whether from parents or peers, athletes are more likely to feel overwhelmed, disillusioned, or tired.
What Parents of Soccer Athletes Need to Hear: Separate Your Goals from Their Goals
One of Julie’s core messages for parents is to honestly assess if your child wants the path they’re on, or if it’s simply the aspiration adults have for them. She recalls the times where she coached kids whose parents ask if they are prepared to “play soccer in college,” when their kids are very young. Her response is straightforward, yet important: protect the joy of the sport first, and worry about the outcomes later. An athlete’s own interest and enthusiasm should guide their families decisions about travel teams, coaching, and year-round commitments. A lack of intrinsic motivation can cause even the most talented players to burn out before they reach high school. This perspective, paired with broad soccer skill principles that are consistent and enjoyable, are important for success.
Division III Soccer Recruiting Explained: What Parents and Players Should Expect
Julie demystifies the common belief that Division III soccer is “less serious.” She explains that many D3 programs are highly competitive, while allowing athletes to better balance athletics with academic pursuits. For athletes who want to continue playing at a high level but value strong academics, leadership opportunities, and even study abroad, D3 can be an ideal fit. Recruiting at the D3 level operates with a lower budget, and athletes don’t always need to attend every large travel tournament to get noticed. Contacting coaches directly, sending film, and attending the right camps can make a difference and oftentimes are more efficient for evaluation. Julie encourages athletes to be proactive in this process, and being intentional about exposure is critical. She also points out that different ID camps and clinics have different purposes, so families should ask coaches which events to prioritize.
Soccer Skills: Passing, First Touch, and Decision-Making
Julie believes in short, focused training routines that build soccer competence. One example she uses with her players is a condensed technical routine: fast ball touches and control moves that players can use at home or before games/practice. This type of repetition helps with muscle memory and control, which are crucial when playing in games and high-pressure situations. Soccer players should train their passing and movement in congested areas as it sharpens ball control, first touch, and quick decision-making. Practicing tight-space passing teaches players how to move the ball under pressure and stay calm when defenders close in. Pairing this team awareness with individual drills that focus on first touch, dynamic stretching, and consistent practice gives players a well-rounded skill foundation.
Why Julie Chose Private Coaching: Connection and Flexibility
Private coaching became Julie’s favorite way to stay involved with soccer after college. It offers her flexibility and the chance to build relations with young athletes. She enjoys work with players across age ranges and is skilled at tailoring training to each child’s unique needs. Unlike playing in a traditional team setting, private training lets Julie meet athletes where they are and guide them on their technical and personal development. She takes an approach that is often overlooked: becoming a better player is about quality interaction, consistent effort, and building trust with coaches and players, not just touches and drills. She is sure to create an environment where mistakes are expected as part of growth. The training ground should be the safest place to try new skills, fail, adjust, and try again. This mindset helps make players more confident and resilient. When players feel supported in making those mistakes, they are more likely to take risks and accelerate improvement.
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