Welcome to the Happy, Healthy, Strong Podcast! We aim to share insights and tips on how to lead a more fulfilling, happier, and healthier life. Creating a life you love starts with taking ownership of your health and intentionally crafting the best version of yourself.
Today’s guest is Neil Shaffer, a retired American soccer player and owner of FutbolerFit in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
Shaffer attended Beaver High School and played four years of college soccer at Robert Morris University. Following his senior season, Shaffer was named to the NSCAA Men's Division I All-North Atlantic Region Third Team and the All-Northeast Conference Second Team. He finished college with 13 goals and nine assists for 35 career points. During college, Shaffer played for Erie Admirals in the National Premier Soccer League.
Undrafted from college, Shaffer turned professional in 2011 when he signed for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Professional Division. He made his professional debut in May 2011.
After a productive 2013 season, Shaffer signed with the USL side and helped the team make it to the USL-PRO Championship Game. While in Harrisburg, Neil made strides toward helping the local humane society. He donated his entire salary to science in an effort to research k9 behaviour and cognitive abilities.
0:54 Professional soccer background and fitness approach
5:30 Fitness programming for soccer players.
11:35 Athleticism and fitness for adults
16:26 Fitness training and athlete development
24:53 Athleticism, balance, and injury prevention.
29:46 Fitness coaching and tracking progress.
36:07 Fitness program development and evolution.
