Larry Sunderland is the Director of Player Development at FC Cincinnati. Having worked previously within US youth national team set ups alongside the academies of Chicago Fire & Portland Timbers, Larry knows exactly what it takes to make it as a professional footballer. During our wide ranging conversation we discussed all the internal and external factors which go into shaping young talents. Listen to this episode to learn more about;- The importance of self-regulation in youth development?- How he narrows the gap between what someone is and what they can become?- What it is like to build an academy from the ground up?- Why it is important to look past the low hanging fruits of success?- The psycho-social components of establishing an identity?- Which soft skill must all player's possess if they are to become professional?Timestamps;00:00 - 05:00 - Early beginnings05:01 - 08:58 - Self-Regulation08:59 - 12:55 - “Working in the gap”12:56 - 17:42 - Environment17:43 - 29:37 - Philosophy29:38 - 33:10 - Identity33:11 - 40:26 - Embracing Adversity40:27 - 47:14 - Coach Development47:15 - 49:36 - Legacy