Ep. 41: Leigh Veidman – Head Coach of Spokane Velocity FC

Tarek is joined by Leigh Veidman, head coach of Spokane Velocity FC, to discuss the growth of professional soccer in Spokane and the evolving landscape of the sport across the United States. Veidman shares his journey growing up in inner-city Liverpool, overcoming adversity, and receiving a second chance that ultimately changed the course of his life and coaching career. The conversation explores Spokane Velocity’s rapid success as a club, the structure of the U.S. soccer pyramid, and the often nonlinear pathway players take to reach the professional level. Veidman also dives into his coaching philosophy centered around “people before players,” emphasizing leadership, resilience, culture, and understanding the individual behind the athlete. Beyond the field, the episode examines the future of soccer in America, including the impact of the upcoming World Cup, the growth of the USL, and the development of the next generation of coaches and players in the United States.