HOW PROPER PREPARATION LEADS TO ELITE PERFORMANCE
With Joey Harty
In Episode 4 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Joey Harty, Director of Sports Performance and Science at Sporting Kansas City. With over a decade of experience helping athletes, from academy prospects to MLS professionals, Joey specializes in optimizing performance.
In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Joey explains how smart, age-appropriate training and recovery strategies can dramatically shape a player’s long-term development. He shares practical insights on movement, strength, nutrition, sleep, and how to build performance—even without access to a gym.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
⚽ The difference between chronological, biological, and training age—and why it matters in youth development.
⚽ How young players can build strength and speed at home or on the field with minimal equipment.
⚽ A step-by-step look at warm-up routines used in MLS—and how to adapt them for younger athletes.
⚽ The essential role of recovery, hydration, and sleep in staying healthy and consistently improving.
Whether you’re a young player chasing big goals or a parent or coach supporting the journey, this episode offers the blueprint to train smarter, recover better, and build long-term success.
