On December 8th, I had the privilege of conducting an onstage conversation for the French and American Chambers of Commerce with Tom Byer—Japan-based author, entrepreneur, former professional athlete, and one of the world’s foremost experts in soccer and early childhood education.
Described by The New York Times as “arguably the most influential football coach on Earth,” Tom ignited a grassroots revolution that transformed how Japan develops young players. His approach goes far beyond coaching. It launched a cultural shift that introduced soccer to children at the earliest ages, creating a talent pipeline that has helped make Japan a global soccer powerhouse. His methods are backed by years of scientific research conducted by leading neuroscientists. Today, he advises governments in Japan and around the world on sports education and policy.
Tom’s influence extends well beyond the pitch. He has forged partnerships with global brands including Canon, Adidas, Nestlé, Volkswagen Group, AIA Insurance, Domino’s Pizza, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s—seamlessly integrating sports, education, and corporate engagement. Through these initiatives, he embedded soccer into the daily lives of families across Japan. He now advises ministries of education, FIFA, and organizations worldwide.
Over the past 30 years, Tom has built a network of more than 150 soccer schools, employed hundreds of coaches and staff, and inspired an entire generation of players and fans. His book Soccer Starts at Home is currently a best-seller in France. He was also a long-running fixture on a popular Japanese children’s television program, leading the show’s “soccer corner.”
Tom’s company is T3—Tom’s Technical Training.
Key Takeaways
- Early ball control boosts cognitive development. Learning to control a miniature soccer ball as a toddler—especially through bonding with parents—has been shown to enhance reading and mathematical abilities, with indications that additional cognitive capabilities are strengthened as well.
- Elite players start early. Pro-level talent is best cultivated beginning in early childhood, not later through intensive camps or advanced coaching.
- Parents create champions. What happens at home in the toddler years cannot be “fixed” later by professional coaching. Parents are the primary architects of future excellence.
- Active toddlers become active adults. A child who engages in physical activity from a young age is far more likely to remain active throughout life, with dramatically reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health issues.
- Sports are intracurricular, not extracurricular. Childhood sports do not detract from academic performance—they enhance it. Evidence shows early physical skill development improves language, mathematics, scientific reasoning, decision-making, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
- Technique is everything. The world’s best soccer players share one trait: exceptional technique. And exceptional technique is created through thousands of early-childhood repetitions.
- Japan’s advantage is accessibility. Soccer is popular and widely played in Japan because it is low-cost and supported by abundant free public infrastructure, such as school fields. In contrast, soccer in the United States often requires thousands of dollars per year—making it, like rugby, lacrosse, or polo, effectively a sport for the wealthy.
- Japan produces world-class players. Many European championship teams now include Japanese players—numerous graduates of Tom’s academies.
- The principle extends beyond soccer. The relationship between early-childhood practice and cognitive development applies to all sports. All sports start at home.
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