Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond: Youth Soccer in the U.S. — What’s Working, What’s Broken, and What Comes Next

In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Andrew Donnery, CEO of Elk Grove Soccer to break down the realities of youth soccer in the United States. From pay-to-play pressure and coaching quality to access, affordability, and the impact of the 2026 World Cup, Andrew offers candid insight into what’s working, what’s broken, and how the system could evolve. Key Topics: - Is the U.S. youth soccer system working? - Why keeping the game fun matters - Development gaps between the U.S. and Europe - Training hours, quality coaching, and player pathways - ECNL, MLS Next, and league fragmentation - Financial access and sustainability in youth soccer - The potential impact of the 2026 World Cup About the Guest: Andrew Donnery is the CEO of Elk Grove Soccer and a globally recognized coach, educator, and soccer leader. Originally from England, he has dedicated his career to developing players, educating coaches, and building sustainable soccer programs. Connect with Us: Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong   Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices