Cincinnati Development Academy director David Robertson talks about how he’s giving his players work that doesn’t feel like work, and how he uses data and video in player development.

0:45 — Born to coach.

Robertson got his first coaching license when he was still in high school. He talks about his journey in soccer coaching, and the role video and data have played.

3:30 — Impacting your community during a crisis

CDA is taking this time to make a difference around Cincinnati by writing letters to senior citizens in nursing homes, who can’t have any visitors due to COVID-19 restrictions.

4:45 — “I didn’t want it to feel like homework to them”

Robertson talked about all the ways he’s kept his players dialed in, from trickshot challenges to Beastmode app workouts to homework assignments on vintage games between legendary European clubs.

8:50 — Making the grade

CDA has its own video analyst, Simon Wigley, who uses Google Forms to challenges players to analyze themselves, their teammates and their opponents.

11:20 — Building the model

Robertson discussed the roles data and video play in how he develops his game model, and his coaching philosophy.

16:20 — More than just athletes

CDA emphasizes a more holistic approach to player development. Robertson talked about how they look at players not just on the pitch, but in the classroom and in leadership roles too.

17:10 — Start with these basics.

Looking to embrace more tech in your program? Robertson gives you the lowdown on the essentials you need.

19:20 — CDA’s most important data point.

The first place Robertson’s eyes wander when he gets the game report? Percentage of passes completed forward. He explains why, and how it’s leveraged in their style of play.

22:00 — The cauldron of “Soccer-nati”

Cincinnati is one of the nation’s most important markets for homegrown soccer talent. Robertson tells us just how fierce the competition really is, and to look for a few CDA players who can “absolutely” follow in USWNT star Rose Lavelle’s footsteps.