Will Orben - Setting a New Standard for Player Development in North America at San Diego FC (S2 E13)

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with Will Orben, Head of Academy Development at San Diego FC, to explore how he is revolutionizing player development in North America. Will shares his inspiring journey from his early days in hockey to becoming a leader in youth soccer, reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, including his time playing and coaching in Europe and his influential work with Right to Dream.

We dive into what Right to Dream seeks in aspiring players and how its innovative philosophy has influenced Will’s approach to developing talent. Will unpacks what defines success in player development, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, education, and family involvement in shaping well-rounded athletes. He also explains why focusing solely on outcomes can be misleading and discusses the groundbreaking strategies being implemented at San Diego FC’s academy to create meaningful pathways for young players.

With a focus on character development, opportunity, and the power of great teaching, this episode provides a deep dive into how Will Orben and San Diego FC are setting a new standard for youth soccer in North America.

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:28 From Hockey to Soccer: Will’s Journey in Sports
11:40 The Motivation and Influences Behind Will’s Success
17:44 Expectations & Surprises of Playing Soccer in Europe
22:06 Life After Soccer: Preparing for the Next Chapter
25:23 Key Lessons Will Learned as a Teacher
30:00 Why Focusing on Outcomes Can Be Misleading
33:27 How Will Continues to Learn and Grow Professionally
35:37 What Is Right To Dream?
40:07 What to Expect From San Diego FC’s Academy
48:17 What Right To Dream Seeks in Aspiring Players
52:33 Insights from Working with San Diego FC
54:28 How Will Defines Success
59:14 Educating Players’ Families
1:01:34 Quick-Fire Questions
1:06:06 Outro