About Transforming Soccer

Better learning.
Through the game.

We connect research and coaching practice to help coaches create more engaging learning environments for football and soccer players.

The people behind the program

Research meets
the practice field.

Meet the creators of the Game-Changing Soccer Training Program.

Nick Smallridge coaching soccer

Practice Design Lead

Nick Smallridge

A constraints-led approach to practice design, grounded in his work with varsity and junior varsity players.

Read Nick’s full bio
David Farrokh presenting research

Scientific Research Lead

David Farrokh

Connecting skill acquisition research, competitive playing experience, and coach education.

Read David’s full bio
Nick Smallridge guiding a soccer practice
Practice design with Nick Smallridge.

The approach

Bring the game
into practice.

Create more engaging sessions and practice environments that transfer to game performance.

  1. 01

    Implement better practices

    Improve how your practice activities transfer directly to match situations.

  2. 02

    Enhance player development

    Give your players a competitive edge using a constraints-led approach.

  3. 03

    Increase player engagement

    Keep players motivated and excited with small-sided soccer games.

  4. 04

    Improve decision-making

    Create realistic, game-like practices that develop smart, on-field thinking.

The training program

Better practice.
Starting today.

A clear, practical starting point for coaches who want training to transfer to the game.

Not only will you get the small-sided games to get started right away, you’ll also learn the principles used to design them, and how, when, and why to adjust them to the needs of your team.

  • 8 fully structured training sessions
  • Attacking, defending, and transitioning together
  • Clear diagrams and step-by-step explanations
  • Video demos, session design, and sequencing
Explore the full program

Game-Changing Soccer Training Program

The Soccer Training Program with activity and session previews
Digital resource · Lifetime access$49 USD
Nick Smallridge

Practice Design Lead

Nick Smallridge

Nick Smallridge is the Assistant Varsity Girls Soccer Coach and English teacher at Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he helps lead one of the state's most competitive girls soccer programs.

He works with both varsity and junior varsity players, focusing on technical skill development, tactical awareness, and mental preparation to help athletes perform at their best on the field.

Nick coaches from a Constraints-Led Approach, emphasizing game-like learning environments where players develop real decision-making skills through interaction with the task and their environment. By designing practices that mirror match conditions, he ensures skills transfer directly from training to games.

Whether on the field or in the classroom, Nick brings a learner-centered mindset that empowers students and athletes to grow and succeed.

David Farrokh

Scientific Research Lead

David Farrokh

David Farrokh leads the integration of scientific research and coaching practice at Transforming Soccer. In addition to his scientific expertise, he brings championship-winning NCAA playing experience and over a decade of coaching experience across the United States and United Kingdom.

More recently, he has led coach education initiatives and developed curricula within top NCAA athletic programs.

David holds a PhD in Sport and Human Performance and conducts empirical research on competitive coordination, anticipation, decision-making, attention, and flow states.

Game-Changing Soccer Training Program

Your next practice
starts here.

$49 USD · One-time payment

8 structured sessions, 32+ small-sided games, diagrams, video demonstrations, and principles of play.

Online purchasing will be available soon.

Contact the team