BUILDING BETTER PLAYERSS
With Eric Quill
In Episode 7 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Eric Quill—Head Coach of FC Dallas and one of the most respected talent developers in American soccer. From his early days coaching youth national teams to leading pros in MLS and USL, Eric has built a reputation for turning potential into performance.
In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Eric breaks down what’s missing in American player development today—and how coaches, players, and parents can build more complete athletes. He shares powerful insights from years on the field: from why we need to reclaim athleticism and direct play, to how clubs can better support individual growth in a team setting.
Eric also discusses the value of multisport backgrounds, how to train players to be resilient, and the importance of creating technical and tactical freedom without sacrificing structure or identity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
⚽ Why U.S. soccer must bring back athleticism, speed, and verticality.
⚽ The role of individual development plans in unlocking elite potential.
⚽ How late bloomers can thrive—and what coaches need to recognize early.
⚽ Why technical mastery leads to creative freedom on the field.
⚽ How clubs and coaches can better use analytics and video to teach.
⚽ The mental traits that separate consistent pros from short-lived talents.
Whether you’re a coach working with teams, a parent guiding the process, or a player chasing the next level, this episode delivers timeless advice from someone who’s seen—and shaped—it all.
