Chat By The Pitch

She didn't commit to soccer until the summer before her junior year — and still earned a Division I scholarship from a small club no college coach was watching.Former NCAA Division I player Jada Davis joins Chat By The Pitch to break down youth soccer player development from both sides of the touchline. A multi-sport kid from the DFW Metroplex who bounced from karate to dance to basketball before soccer ever stuck, Jada shares how a competitive streak, ID camps, and pure hustle carried her from a small private club to Prairie View A&M — where she collected an offer from every other school in the conference first, just to prove a point.Now a youth coach in Dallas with a background in personal training and sports nutrition, Jada opens up about the injuries that cut her college career short, the unexpected path into coaching, and how she builds a player-led culture where even her eight-year-olds run their own warmups and hold each other accountable. She also digs into the psychology of coaching girls through the Girls Academy Credential of Coaching Excellence — why words land differently than we intend, and why culture has to be player-driven.If you're a soccer parent heading into tryout season, a young player wondering if your club is “big enough” for college, or a coach trying to balance development over winning, this conversation is for you. Jada's advice is simple: find a coach who cares about the person first — and never let the size of your club decide the size of your dream.Key Talking PointsA multi-sport childhood — karate, dance, basketball, volleyball, track, and cross-country — and how cross-training made her stronger and always in shape when she committed to soccerFalling in love with competing before falling in love with the sport, and why she didn't choose soccer until the summer before her junior year of high schoolPlaying for a small private club instead of a big-name academy — and how ID camps, game film, and self-advocacy got her in front of college coaches anywayChoosing Prairie View A&M: putting an HBCU at the top of her list, having no plan B, and earning an offer from every other school in the conference firstTwo season-ending foot fractures, the decision to play through the pain, and what she'd tell players facing the same choice todayThe unexpected call from TOCA that turned a personal trainer into a youth soccer coach — and why she almost said noBuilding a player-led culture with eight-year-olds: player-run warmups, accountability between teammates, and zero tolerance for negative talkThe Girls Academy Credential of Coaching Excellence: the psychology of coaching girls and why it doesn't matter what a coach means — it matters how players interpret itParent buy-in, over-communication, and the ongoing conversation about development versus winning at the youth levelHer tryout-season advice for families: find a coach who values the person before the athlete, and a club with real standards, culture, and a pathwayQuotes from Jada Davis“I just like to compete. You could put Uno in front of me, and I'm probably gonna win nine out of 10 games.”“I don't think it matters what club you play on if you wanna play in college. You just have to make the effort yourself.”“She offered me the least, and I truly believed all I need is one season, and I was absolutely correct.”“I wanted to stick with something where I could just create my own path.”“I kinda steered away from coaching 'cause I was like, 'I don't wanna turn into the coaches that I hated.'”“It doesn't matter what we mean when we say it, it matters how they interpret it.”“It's their team. It's not my team. They're playing. I'm not playing.”“I don't care if you make mistakes as long as you fix them.”“You don't have respect for people when they don't care to get to know you.”“Sydney looked at me and she said, 'We got this.' It's something I live by. I think about it every day.”Connect with Jada Davis📸 Instagram: @CoachJadaDavis📘 Facebook: CoachJadaDavisFollow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #GirlsSoccer #YouthSports #SoccerCoach #CollegeSoccer #HBCU #PrairieViewAM #NorthTexasSoccer #DFWSoccer #ClubSoccer #DevelopmentOverWinning #MultiSportAthlete #CoachingGirls #SoccerCulture #TryoutSeason #SoccerJourneyMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

What if you could capture every second of your kid's game — and actually be present to watch it? That's the promise Gabriel Roxas brings to Chat By The Pitch.Gabriel, PR manager for AI sports camera company XbotGo, joins Ian Babcock to talk about making game-day videography accessible to every soccer family — not just the ones who can afford a videographer. They dig into how autonomous, ball-tracking cameras let parents put the phone down and stay in the moment, why owning your footage with no subscription matters, and how tools like the Falcon and Chameleon are lowering the cost of capturing youth sports.Ian shares his honest, hands-on experience running the Falcon at his own kids' matches — live streaming to family who couldn't make it, marking highlights on the fly, and learning the quirks along the way. Gabriel unpacks the company's mission to democratize videography, the new TeamSnap partnership, and why watching your child's game with your own eyes beats watching it through a screen.Whether you're a soccer parent, coach, or club leader trying to share the game with more people, this conversation is about protecting the joy of youth sports — and making sure no moment goes unrecorded.Key Talking PointsMaking game-day videography accessible and affordable for every soccer family — not just the ones who can hire a videographer.Why being present at your child's game matters more than capturing it through a phone screen.The difference between the all-in-one Falcon ($699) and the phone-cradling Chameleon ($329), and who each one is for.How autonomous, ball-tracking cameras free parents from full-time filming duty on the sideline.Owning your footage outright with no subscription fee — a deciding factor for a lot of families.Live streaming games so out-of-town relatives and busy parents never miss a match.Marking highlights on the fly and auto-generating clips right after the final whistle.The 'follow me' mode that keeps an individual player as the star of the coverage.The new XbotGo–TeamSnap partnership bringing streaming, scheduling, and communication into one ecosystem.Gabriel's path from TV journalism to PR — and why storytelling is really about clearing a path for families to tell their own game-day stories.Quotes from Gabriel Roxas“We were all about democratizing the experience of videography for sports.”“It's really about allowing the people on the sidelines to actually be present in the game.”“For a sports parent, it's actually letting them be present in their child's moment.”“If you're experiencing something through the lens, you're not experiencing it with your naked eye.”“What we're doing is we're making people's lives better through technology.”“You have to learn how to play before you can learn how to win.”“At the very youngest level, you have to let children find their own joy and their own love for the game.”“This is something where the parent gets to own the camera themselves — a hundred percent control over it.”“It's finding that sweet spot: quality, usability, accessibility, and a reasonable price point for everybody.”“You can just set it and forget it — and you get to watch the game.”Connect with Gabriel Rojas & XbotGo🌐 Website: xbotgo.com🎥 YouTube: @XbotGo📸 Instagram: xbotgo_official🎵 TikTok: xbotgoofficial📘 Facebook: xbotgoFollow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccer #SoccerParents #YouthSports #AISportsCamera #XbotGo #SportsTech #GameDay #SoccerDad #SoccerMom #PlayerDevelopment #GrassrootsSoccer #SoccerFamily #YouthDevelopment #SportsParenting #LiveStreamSports #TeamSnap #NorthTexasSoccer #BeInTheMoment #ProtectTheJoyMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

Hanna Barker turned a recovering ACL into a college career that ended with Freshman of the Year — then chased the pro game across four countries.In Part 2, Hanna and Ian trace the player pathway from college to the pros and the long road of playing abroad. She breaks down roles over positions and the playmaker’s mindset, why soccer IQ comes from being allowed to make mistakes, and how a safe environment lets players “fail forward.” It’s a clear-eyed look at what the student-athlete years really teach: time management, accountability, and leadership.Then the journey goes global. A mentor, Megan Dunnigan, opens the door to Iceland — the American route to the pros when the NWSL draft was only 30 names deep. From there it’s Hungary, a Champions League run in Budapest, two hard-earned seasons in Istanbul, and finally Serie A with underdog Napoli Women.For players, parents, and coaches mapping the road from youth soccer to the professional game, this one is about patience, mentorship, and building an identity beyond the sport. Don’t give up — something always comes around. Rooted in North Texas, heard around the world.Key Talking PointsRoles over positions and embracing the playmaker mindset — don’t put yourself in a boxSoccer IQ: reading the game, overlapping runs, and learning by being allowed to make mistakesWhy a safe environment where players can “fail forward” produces real growthStarting college on a recovering ACL and rising to Freshman of the YearWhat student-athlete life teaches: time management, accountability, and leadershipThe mentor, Megan Dunnigan, who showed her the American pathway to the pros through IcelandThe reality of the NWSL draft — only 30 names — and finding an alternative route overseasA career across Iceland, Hungary, a Champions League run in Budapest, and two seasons in IstanbulTurning resentment into her biggest growth, then landing in Serie A with NapoliBuilding an identity beyond soccer — a sports & performance psychology master’s and mentoring the next generationQuotes from Hanna Barker“If you don’t give up, you can’t lose, because something will always come around to what you want.”“The bad days will not last forever. The good days are not gonna last forever either — but at least enjoy them.”“Don’t put yourself in a box.”“The most important thing as a player is being on the field.”“You tell me what position you want me to play.”“It is okay to make mistakes, and you’re gonna fail, and that’s just part of the growth.”“If they can do it, I can do it.”“Stay patient in the process and don’t give up.”“I’m just a completely different person from college to now.”“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without playing soccer.”Connect with Hanna Barker📸 Instagram: @hannabarkerrFollow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #PlayingAbroad #WomensSoccer #SerieA #NapoliWomen #PlayerPathway #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerIQ #RolesOverPositions #ProSoccer #StudentAthlete #ACLComeback #SoccerJourney #WomenInSport #SoccerOverseas #DFWSoccer #TexasSoccer #Mentorship #DontGiveUp #FemaleAthleteMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

Before she was a winger for Napoli Women in Serie A, Hanna Barker was just a kid in Farmers Branch, Texas, kicking a ball around at her dad’s games.In Part 1, Hanna and Ian go back to the beginning — the youth soccer years that built everything that came later. She shares why she stayed at one club, Defeaters, for her entire youth career, how community and friendship kept her in love with the game, and why free play and multiple sports mattered more than private lessons and a packed schedule. It’s a real look at long-term player development over short-term winning.Then comes the hard part: two ACL tears as a teenager, and the mindset that brought her back in roughly eight months each time. Hanna’s advice on recovery — focus on what you can do, not what you can’t — is gold for any player or parent facing a setback.For soccer parents, youth coaches, and players chasing the game, this one is about protecting joy, growing together, and choosing the program that truly wants you. Rooted in North Texas, heard around the world.Key Talking PointsFinding soccer early in Farmers Branch through her dad’s games and the younger-sibling advantageJoining Defeaters around age 10 and staying with the same group of girls for her entire youth careerWhy community and friendship — not private lessons — kept her in love with the gameThe value of multi-sport play and free time over early specialization and over-schedulingParents who protected her from the political side of soccer and let her be a kid“Love the game so you survive the sport” — fostering joy that lasts a lifetimeCoach Hugh’s style: discipline paired with the freedom to make mistakes and grow togetherTearing her ACL twice as a teen — freshman and junior year — and the mental reset each timeReframing injury recovery: focus on what you can do, not on what you can’tEarning a full ride to Stephen F. Austin from a program that wanted her, and the support that carried her through her second comebackQuotes from Hanna Barker“I would not be the player who I am today without my ACL tears — it taught me a crazy level of resilience and perspective at such a young age.”“If you focus on what you’re able to do rather than what you can’t, it’ll take you a lot further.”“Focus on something else that you love if you can’t have that right now.”“There will always be injuries. It’s a part of the game, but it’s really how we bounce back from them.”“I always describe a team like a puzzle, and everyone has a little piece.”“It doesn’t matter your age. If you show up and you’re good, that’s who’s gonna play, and that’s how it should be.”“Someone always wishes they were where you’re at.”“They let me be a kid, and that’s something I’m always gonna be grateful for.”“You’re just a person who knows how to kick a ball.”“If you focus on what you have versus what you don’t have, it can really form a new perspective for you.”Connect with Hanna Barker📸 Instagram: @hannabarkerrFollow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #WomensSoccer #ProtectTheJoy #DevelopmentOverWinning #ACLRecovery #FreePlay #YouthSoccerDevelopment #SoccerIQ #DFWSoccer #TexasSoccer #GrassrootsSoccer #SoccerJourney #FemaleAthlete #SoccerCoaching #LongTermDevelopment #SoccerMom #PlayUpMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

What separates good players from great players?In Part 2 of this conversation, Everton FC's John Keagan dives into the mindset, work ethic, and personal responsibility required to reach your full potential in soccer and in life. From early college commitments and the transfer portal to player development, recruiting, and parenting in youth sports, John shares lessons learned from his playing and coaching career.The conversation explores why mentality often matters more than talent, how players earn opportunities, what coaches really look for when evaluating players, and why parents should focus on helping their children enjoy the game rather than trying to control every step of the journey.Whether you're a player chasing your goals, a coach developing young athletes, or a parent navigating the youth soccer landscape, this episode is packed with practical advice and timeless lessons.Key Talking PointsWhy early college commitments can be risky for players.How player development changes between ages 16 and 18.The realities of playing time and earning opportunities.Why coaches value mentality as much as talent.The difference between talented players and successful players.What Everton FC looks for when evaluating players.The role parents play in long-term player development.Why players should focus on effort and consistency.Lessons John learned from his father and former coaches.Why enjoying the game remains the most important goal.Quotes from John Keagan"A lot can change in two years.""If you're not playing, work harder.""Nobody has a God-given right to play.""Great desire and attitude aren't an ask—they're a given.""The mentality is everything.""If you dedicate yourself and do things correctly, you'll reach your level.""It's hard being good.""Give everything you've got every day, every session, every game.""Players will always reach the level they're supposed to.""Just let them enjoy playing the game."Connect with John Keagan🌐 Website: evertonfc.ac.uk📸 Instagram: @evertonfootballcollege📧 Email: [email protected] Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts🔗 Linktree: Chat By The Pitch Links🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #JohnKeagan #EvertonFC #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParenting #SoccerCoaching #FootballDevelopment #MindsetMatters #WorkEthic #PlayerPathway #SoccerCulture #CollegeSoccer #YouthSports #Mentality #FootballEducation #SoccerPodcast #PlayerGrowth #ReachYourPotential #EvertonFootballCollegeMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

What happens when a professional club creates a pathway that combines elite soccer development with education?In this episode, Ian sits down with John Keagan from Everton FC to discuss the club's Football College Program, how players transition from academy environments, and why education remains a critical piece of long-term player success. John shares how Everton has built opportunities for players to pursue professional football, university degrees, careers in sport, and scholarships around the world.The conversation also dives into the differences between youth soccer in England and the United States, the realities of pay-to-play, the importance of community-based football culture, and why parents should focus on helping their children enjoy the game rather than chasing professional contracts.Whether you're a player, parent, coach, or club leader, this episode offers a global perspective on player development, education, and building lifelong relationships with the game.Key Talking PointsJohn Keagan's journey from professional player to coach and educator.The creation of Everton FC's Football College Program.How the English education system differs from the U.S. model.What a typical day looks like for Everton student-athletes.Success rates for players moving into university, professional soccer, or careers in sport.Scholarship opportunities available through Everton's programs.International player pathways into the UK.England vs. United States youth soccer culture.The challenges and realities of the American pay-to-play model.Why enjoyment and long-term participation should be the goal for young players.Quotes from John Keagan"We want everyone to be a success story.""It's very rare that students walk away from our program with nothing.""Everything that you would get with a professional team, we try to mimic.""Football is our national sport.""The standard of soccer in the United States is really high.""I think sometimes people are too critical of U.S. soccer.""Players will always find their level.""Everybody thinks their child is going to be the one.""People forget that it's a game to enjoy with your friends.""You still want people playing football in their forties, fifties, and beyond."Connect with John Keagan🌐 Website: evertonfc.ac.uk📸 Instagram: @evertonfootballcollege📧 Email: [email protected] Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts🔗 Linktree: Chat By The Pitch Links🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.Hashtags#ChatByThePitch #EvertonFC #JohnKeagan #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParenting #FootballEducation #CollegeSoccer #SoccerPathways #YouthDevelopment #SoccerCoaching #MLSNext #ECNL #FootballCulture #Scholarships #SoccerFamilies #PlayerPathway #GrassrootsFootball #SoccerPodcast #FootballDevelopmMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer

What does good soccer parenting actually look like?In Part 2, Kristie and Mark Brooks move beyond the Spain story and share the parenting lessons they learned while helping their son Easton chase soccer at a high level.We talk about pressure, parent behavior, coach relationships, letting kids advocate for themselves, mistakes parents make in youth soccer, and why too many adults unintentionally hurt their child’s development by trying to control the journey.If you’re a soccer parent trying to support your child without taking over, this conversation will challenge how you think about youth sports, development, pressure, and long-term growth.Key Talking PointsWhy parents should stop fighting every battle for kidsLetting players advocate for themselves with coachesParent behavior and how it impacts opportunitiesWhy American soccer culture feels different from EuropeSupporting a child without controlling the processPressure, confidence, and love of the gameThe emotional challenge of parenting elite athletesWhy joy matters more than pressureAdvocating for overlooked players and teammatesWhat soccer parenting should really look likeQuotes From Kristie & Mark Brooks“Don’t make the coach hate your kid because you’re a jerk.”“We make him advocate for himself.”“Your kid should go out there and have fun.”“He puts more pressure on himself than we do.”“We all support each other as a family.”“You’re doing your child a disservice by dictating everything.”“If a kid wants something and works for it, we’ll help remove roadblocks.”“Parents should celebrate other kids’ success too.”“We let coaches coach unless something truly matters.”“Joy matters in development.”Follow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts🔗 Linktree: Chat By The Pitch Links🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSoccer #SoccerParenting #SoccerParents #PlayerDevelopment #YouthAthlete #SoccerDevelopment #YouthSports #ParentingAthletes #FootballDevelopment #SoccerJourney #SoccerCoach #SoccerCulture #YouthSoccerParents #SoccerMindset #EliteAthlete #SoccerFamily #ChatByThePitch #PlayerPathway #RaisingAthletes #YouthFootballMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

What does it really take for a teenager to move to Spain and chase a soccer dream?In Part 1, Kristie and Mark Brooks share the real story behind helping their son Easton move overseas at 14 to pursue soccer in Spain. From visas, FIFA cards, training environments, and team culture to the emotional side of letting your child leave home, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a process most families never truly understand.We also dig into the differences between American youth soccer and the Spanish system, how Easton earned trust through work ethic, and why family support matters when big opportunities appear.If you're a soccer parent, player, or coach trying to better understand player development, overseas pathways, or how to support a young athlete chasing something big — this episode matters.Key Talking PointsWhy Easton wanted to pursue soccer in Spain at 14How work ethic helped Easton earn opportunities overseasDifferences between American and Spanish soccer cultureThe truth about FIFA cards, visas, and eligibilityWhy parents in Spain behave differently around youth soccerLetting kids advocate for themselves with coachesThe emotional reality of sending your child overseasWhy joy and love of the game matter in developmentThe role coaches played in Easton’s growthWhat families should know before chasing an overseas opportunityQuotes From Kristie & Mark Brooks“If our kid wants something and is willing to put the work in, then we’ll do the work on our end to make that dream happen.”“He puts more pressure on himself than we ever could.”“Go out there and have fun. When you overthink everything, you don’t play your best.”“We don’t fight those battles for him — he has to advocate for himself.”“Parents over there aren’t dictating everything like they do here.”“The stars have to align — talent, timing, coaches, belief, opportunity.”“He was the kid running every corner while everybody else cut the laps.”“He earned respect through work ethic.”“We aren’t helicopter parents — we help remove the roadblocks.”“Sometimes you just have to let them go figure it out.”Follow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts🔗 Linktree: Chat By The Pitch Links🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSoccer #SoccerParenting #SpainSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccerDevelopment #SoccerJourney #SoccerParents #InternationalSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #FutureFootballer #FootballDevelopment #YouthAthlete #PlayerPathway #SoccerFamily #YouthFootball #AmericanSoccer #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #EastonBrooks #SoccerInSpainMentioned in this episode:***Cursing Warning*** Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

What does it really look like for a 14-year-old American player to move to Spain and chase the dream of professional soccer?In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Easton Brooks to discuss his journey from local soccer in Texas to training and competing in Spain against academy-level opposition. Easton shares what it was like leaving home at 14, adapting to a completely different soccer culture, learning a new language, handling pressure without family nearby, and discovering how much the joy of the game matters.Easton also opens up about the mental side of development, learning the speed and intelligence of the Spanish game, balancing school and soccer overseas, and what young American players can learn from the European pathway.This episode is a must-listen for soccer families, players, and coaches trying to better understand player development, international football culture, and the realities of chasing the professional game overseas.Key Talking PointsEaston’s first experience with soccer through “The Frogs”Realizing Spain could become a legitimate pathwayMoving overseas at 14 years oldDifferences between American and Spanish soccer cultureTechnical ability vs soccer IQLiving independently in SpainTraining intensity and film study overseasHandling pressure and adversity away from familyWhy joy and freedom matter in developmentThe importance of family support during the processQuotes From Easton“As long as you’re having fun, that’s all that really matters.”“I knew I had put in the work.”“The game over there is a hundred times more intense.”“They already know what they’re doing before they receive the ball.”“The more fun you’re having, the better you’re going to play.”“I really learned to appreciate every moment with my family.”“I just tried my best and did what I knew.”“I wanted them to want me.”“I learned how to perform even without my family there.”“Playing the sport is a blessing.”Connect with Easton Brooks📸 Instagram: EastonBrooks88Follow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #EastonBrooks #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #DallasCup #SpainSoccer #SoccerPodcast #USYouthSoccer #FootballDevelopment #SoccerParents #InternationalSoccer #MLSNext #ECNL #SpanishFootball #PlayerPathway #TexasSoccer #YouthFootball #SoccerJourney #FootballCulture #SoccerDevelopmentMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

In Part 2, Ray Power and Ian Babcock continue the conversation by diving into coaching methodology, player development systems, training environments, and the importance of continuing coach education.Ray breaks down why static drills and long lines hurt player development, why game-like environments matter, and how the best coaches constantly evolve their understanding of the game.The conversation also explores curriculum building inside clubs, balancing development with winning, and why coaches must continue learning if they truly want to help players grow long term.Key Talking PointsWhy dynamic training environments matterThe problem with line drills and stagnant sessionsTeaching players through game-like situationsWhy youth coaches must continue their educationBalancing club curriculum with coaching autonomyWinning versus long-term player developmentHow professional environments shape player mentalityWhy coaching styles must evolve over timeCreating environments that maximize touches and decision-makingThe importance of development-focused coaching cultureQuotes from Ray Power“Winning should never come at the expense of development.”“There is no room for set plays at the younger ages.”“If kids are standing in lines, they’re not learning the game.”“Development happens in dynamic environments.”“You can wrap fitness, technique, and decision-making all into the game itself.”“The best coaches are constantly evolving.”“Coaching should never become cookie cutter.”“If you’re not changing as a coach, you’re falling behind.”“Players need a toolbox of experiences by the time they reach adulthood.”“The game itself should be the teacher whenever possible.”Connect with Ray Power🌐 Stan Store / Courses: https://stan.store/CoachPower💼 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/coachpowerpro✖️ X / Twitter: @power_rayFollow Chat By The Pitch🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts🔗 Linktree: Chat By The Pitch Links🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #RayPower #YouthSoccer #SoccerCoaching #CoachEducation #FootballDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #GrassrootsFootball #FootballCoaching #SoccerCulture #SoccerTraining #DevelopmentOverWinning #CoachingEducation #FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #DynamicTraining #YouthSports #PlayerGrowth #ModernCoachingMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer***Cursing Warning***

In Part 1 of this conversation, Ray Power joins Chat By The Pitch to talk about youth soccer development, coaching philosophy, parent education, and why keeping kids in love with the game matters more than early results.Ray shares his journey from teacher to professional coach educator, how writing Making the Ball Roll shaped his philosophy, and why modern coaching environments should focus on development, trust, communication, and long-term player growth.This episode dives deep into what parents misunderstand about coaching, why match day behavior matters, and how coaches can create environments where players actually learn and thrive.Key Talking PointsRay Power’s journey into coaching and coach educationWhy youth soccer should prioritize development over outcomesThe importance of keeping kids in love with the gameWhy match day should not become joystick coachingThe role parents play in youth player developmentCoaching environments built on trust and communicationWhy players need different coaching experiences growing upHow coaches develop their own philosophy over timeThe difference between learning and simply chasing resultsWhy parents need to better understand the development processQuotes from Ray Power“If we could just get out of the way of kids falling out of love with the game, everything after that will run its course.”“Do your coaching in training. Match day should mostly be reminders.”“The game evolves. Coaches have to evolve too.”“You can’t ruin the love of the game for kids.”“Good coaches will come, bad coaches will come — that’s part of development too.”“Kids grow from praise. They want to repeat what gets recognized.”“If you surround something with negativity all the time, that’s what it becomes.”“Parents often arrive without the motivation to learn, but with plenty to say.”“Winning at the expense of development is where youth soccer gets lost.”“The most important thing is making sure kids want to come back tomorrow.”Connect with Ray Power🌐 Store & Courses: Stan Store – Coach Power💼 LinkedIn: Ray Power on LinkedIn✖️ X: @power_rayFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.Hashtags#ChatByThePitch #RayPower #YouthSoccer #FootballDevelopment #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #CoachEducation #SoccerParents #GrassrootsFootball #YouthDevelopment #FootballCoaching #SoccerCulture #SoccerTraining #ParentEducation #PlayerGrowth #SoccerPodcast #FootballPodcast #YouthSports #DevelopmentOverWinning #MakingTheBallRollMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

Part 2 is where everything connects.After hearing the journey, Anja Koehler breaks down how leadership is actually built—not assumed. Through Captains University, she’s created a system around something most players are expected to figure out on their own.Confidence. Communication. Decision-making.This isn’t about naming captains—it’s about developing leaders at every level of the game.Key Talking PointsThe mission behind Captains University Leadership as a learned skill—not a trait The three pillars: clarity, communication, confidence Why leadership should start earlier Real player-to-player communication challenges Handling conflict the right way Working alongside coaches and team culture Parents’ role in development Guided decision-making vs giving answers The 40–70 decision-making frameworkQuotes from Anja“Leadership isn’t just about the armband.” “The earlier you learn these tools, the better.” “Confidence comes from understanding who you are.” “You don’t need perfect information to make a decision.” “Your next decision doesn’t have to be your final decision.” “A team of leaders is more powerful than one leader.” “We should stop giving answers and start asking better questions.” “Leadership is something you learn over time.” “Communication changes everything.” “These tools go beyond soccer.”Connect with Anja Koehler & Captains University🌐 Website: https://captainsuniversity.com/ 📸 Instagram: @captainsuniversity @anja_koehler💼 LinkedIn: Captains University Anja Koehler🎵 TikTok: @captainsuniversity🎧 Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps grow the game and these conversations.#SoccerLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCulture #CommunicationSkills #ConfidenceBuilding #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #DecisionMaking #AthleteGrowth #LeadershipSkills #NextGenLeaders #CoachEducation #ParentEducation #SportsLeadership #CaptainsUniversity #AnjaKoehler #ChatByThePitch #SoccerPodcastMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

This one starts with the story—but it’s not the clean version.Anja Koehler walks through what it actually looked like to become a leader—being overlooked, losing confidence, earning it back, and figuring it out in real time. From youth soccer to becoming a Division I captain, this is the part most players never hear about.Before Captains University became a framework, it was lived experience.This is where it started.Key Talking PointsGrowing up in a soccer-driven environmentEarly development and competitive mindsetTransition to high-level club soccerNot being the best player—and why that matteredBuilding habits outside structured trainingHigh school vs club leadership experiencesCollege transition and injury setbacksLosing confidence and earning it backTurning point moments that changed everythingBecoming a captain through consistencyQuotes from Anja“I wasn’t the best player—but I knew I could work to become better.”“You have to keep going even when it’s not working.”“Your spot isn’t permanent—you earn it every day.”“Confidence came from the work I was putting in.”“That moment didn’t define me—it pushed me.”“It wasn’t a straight path, and that’s what made it real.”“You don’t just arrive—you build into it.”“Every setback forced me to grow.”“I just kept trying to get better every dayConnect with Anja Koehler & Captains University🌐 Website: https://captainsuniversity.com/ 📸 Instagram: @captainsuniversity @anja_koehler💼 LinkedIn: Captains University Anja Koehler🎵 TikTok: @captainsuniversityFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps grow the game and these conversations.#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerJourney #Resilience #AthleteMindset #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #TeamCulture #GrowthMindset #NextGenAthletes #CollegeSoccer #ECNL #WorkEthic #Confidence #SoccerLife #LeadershipJourney #SportsDevelopment #ChatByThePitch #CaptainsUniversity #AnjaKoehlerMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

Part 2 of this reissued conversation shifts into the details that matter when making a decision.We break down pricing, how different systems are built, and where things like AI and analytics actually stand today.There’s a lot of noise in this space — and this episode helps cut through it by focusing on what’s real, what’s not fully ready yet, and what families should actually expect.If you’re evaluating a camera system or trying to understand the value behind it, this is the conversation you need.Key Talking Points Pricing models across camera systemsSubscription vs hardware-based modelsWhy AI in sports analytics isn’t fully accurate yetThe difference between marketing and realityModular camera systems vs full replacementsLive streaming capabilities and limitationsRemote connectivity and real-time accessThe role of video in player developmentPositive vs negative reinforcement through filmThe future of sports media in youth soccerQuotes from Orhan (Part 2)“I’m not a big believer in AI doing stats yet.”“We won’t focus on analytics — we’ll focus on the footage.”“We’re not a camera company — we’re a media company.”“Parents shouldn’t feel like they’re stuck.”“Access to footage has to come first.”“We want to be shoulder to shoulder with our users.”“This is about young athletes, not just technology.”Connect with Reeplayer🌐 Website: https://reeplayer.com📸 Instagram: @reeplayer✖️ X: @ReeplayerHQ👍 Facebook: ReeplayerFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch▶️ YouTube: @ChatByThePitchPod🎵 TikTok: Chat.by.the.pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations that matter.#YouthSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #GameFilm #SoccerCoaching #SportsTech #Reeplayer #LiveStreamingSports #SoccerTraining #SoccerLife #NextGenAthletes #SoccerCommunity #AthleteDevelopment #SportsInnovation #CoachingEducation #SoccerCulture #FootballDevelopment #YouthSports #GameFootageMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

This is a reissue of Part 1 of my conversation with Orhan from Reeplayer — brought back because the questions around camera systems are picking up again with the new season starting.In this episode, we focus on the foundation — why youth soccer still struggles to consistently capture games, what families are dealing with, and how access to footage impacts development.We also get into Orhan’s journey and what led to building Reeplayer, along with the bigger issue most people don’t realize exists.If you’re a parent, coach, or club looking at camera systems, this is where you should start.Key Talking PointsThe lack of recorded footage in youth soccerWhy capturing games is still difficult for familiesOrhan’s journey from player to founderThe original problem Reeplayer set out to solveCost barriers in current camera systemsWhy parents don’t want to film games themselvesThe importance of access to game footageInstant processing vs traditional workflowsStorage limitations with current systemsHow video impacts player developmentQuotes from Orhan“There’s over a billion hours of youth sports footage not being recorded.”“Parents just don’t want to hold their phones for an entire game.”“We wanted to make game footage accessible to all.”Connect with Reeplayer🌐 Website: https://reeplayer.com📸 Instagram: @reeplayer✖️ X: @ReeplayerHQ👍 Facebook: ReeplayerFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch▶️ YouTube: @ChatByThePitchPod🎵 TikTok: Chat.by.the.pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations that matter.#YouthSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #GameFilm #SoccerCoaching #SportsTech #Reeplayer #LiveStreamingSports #SoccerTraining #SoccerLife #NextGenAthletes #SoccerCommunity #AthleteDevelopment #SportsInnovation #CoachingEducation #SoccerCulture #FootballDevelopment #YouthSports #GameFootageMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

In Part 2, the focus shifts to how players are actually developed with futsal.Pablo Da Silva breaks down futsal—what it really is, why it matters, and how it translates directly to the outdoor game.From faster decision-making to total field awareness, this is where development becomes real.If you want to understand why some players just see the game differently, this episode explains it.⚽ Key Talking PointsWhy futsal is critical for developmentDifferences between real futsal and “fake futsal”Speed of play and decision-makingPlaying in tight spaces under pressurePositionless development and movementHow futsal builds soccer IQGlobal success tied to futsal systemsIdentifying futsal-trained playersCreativity and discipline balancePatience in long-term development💬 Quotes from Guest“The more futsal kids play, the better they become.”“The game is faster—you must think faster.”“You play under pressure all the time.”“There are no fixed positions.”“Most futsal in the U.S. isn’t real futsal.”“Futsal players transition easily to soccer.”“You can tell who has played futsal.”“Let kids choose what they love.”“Be patient with development.”“Success is different for everyone.”🔗 Connect with ULETE Sports & John Davis🌐 Website: https://uletesports.com/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ULETEsports/videos📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uletesports/✖️ X: https://x.com/ULETESports👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ULETEsports🔗 Connect with Pablo Da Silva & PFA🌐 Website: https://pablofutsalacademy.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pablodasilvafutsal/🎧 Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations that matter.#uletesports #TheAthleteInU #ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #FutsalDevelopment #SoccerParents #CoachingMatters #PlayerFirst #SoccerCommunity #NextGenPlayers #SoccerJourney #TrainDevelopCompete #GameDevelopment #FutsalMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

What does real player development actually look like?In Part 1, Ian sits down with John Davis and Pablo Da Silva from Ulete Sports to break down what they’re building—and why it’s different.This conversation dives into culture, community, and creating an environment where players can actually grow. Not just win games—but develop long-term.From multi-sport training to setting boundaries with parents, this is a real look at what youth soccer should start becoming.⚽ Key Talking PointsThe vision behind Ulete Sports Why multi-sport development matters Culture vs results in youth soccer Growth of Ulete FC from the ground up Building a true community within a club Setting expectations with parents Why kids lose passion for the game Development over winning mentality Creating a player-first environment Accessibility and opportunity in youth sports 💬 Quotes from Guest“We’re focused on development—not just winning.” “If parents trust us, they need to let us do our job.” “It’s quality over quantity.” “Kids should enjoy the game and fall in love with it.” “We’ve seen players get their joy back.” “We’re building a community, not just a club.” “Parents don’t know how to lose anymore.” “Development takes time.” “We want players ready for the long term.” “Every kid should feel cared for here.” 🔗 Connect with ULETE Sports & John Davis🌐 Website: https://uletesports.com/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ULETEsports/videos 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uletesports/ ✖️ X: https://x.com/ULETESports 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ULETEsports🔗 Connect with Pablo Da Silva & PFA🌐 Website: https://pablofutsalacademy.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pablodasilvafutsal/🎧 Follow Chat By The Pitch🎥 YouTube: ChatByThePitch 🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe, follow, and stay connected for more conversations around youth soccer, player development, and the people shaping the game.#uletesports #TheAthleteInU #pablodasilvafutsal #PFA #ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #FutsalDevelopment #SoccerParents #CoachingMatters #PlayerFirst #SoccerCommunity #NextGenPlayers #SoccerJourney #TrainDevelopCompete #GameDevelopment #EliteFC Mentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsZone 14 CoachingThis episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘Zone 14 CoachingReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

What does a full day in a soccer residency program actually look like—and how is it different from the traditional youth soccer model?In Part 2 of this conversation, Ian Babcock and Erin Medina go deeper into Alpha Forms Residency, breaking down the daily schedule, training structure, and how education is integrated into player development.They cover everything from strength and conditioning, recovery, and individualized learning, to how families should evaluate if this type of environment is the right fit for their child.This episode is about understanding the details—what really happens behind the scenes, and what it takes to build a complete player.Key Talking PointsA full breakdown of a typical residency day (training + school + training)Why many players reduce evening team trainingThe role of strength and conditioning in youth developmentImportance of recovery (cold tubs, compression, load management)Weekly training structure and load management for playersScience-based training methods and cognitive developmentHow individualized learning works in the classroomSupporting players with different academic needsBuilding culture: family environment, accountability, and standardsWhy parents must choose what’s right for their child—not the systemQuotes from Erin Medina“We’re focusing on all the pieces—not just soccer.”“There’s so much science behind how the kids move and train.”“Fridays are all about recovery—getting ready for the weekend.”“The model is about balance.”“It’s not for every kid—and that’s okay.”“You have to choose what’s right for your child.”“We evaluate every player individually—academically and athletically.”“Smaller environments allow kids to thrive.”“The goal is a full-circle development environment.”“It’s our job to show you why you should choose us.”Connect with Alpha Forms / Erin MedinaFORMS RESIDENCY🌐 Website: https://www.formsresidency.org📸 Instagram: @formsresidency👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61587855025706 (Forms Residency | Melissa TX)FORMS ACADEMY🌐 Website: https://www.formsacademy.com🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FormsAcademy📸 Instagram: @formsacademy✖️ X: @FormsAcademy👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormsAcademyFORMS MADRID🌐 Website: https://www.formsmadrid.com📸 Instagram: @formsmadridRon Hogsett✍️ Substack (Writing): https://ronhogsett.substack.comFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.Hashtags#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerTraining #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #AlphaForms #SoccerEducation #TrainSmart #AthleteDevelopment #SoccerCulture #NextGenPlayers #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #StrengthAndConditioning #RecoveryMatters #SoccerLife #YouthSports #PlayerPathway #SoccerGrowth #FutureOfSoccer #FormsResidencyMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.ReeplayerZone 14 CoachingThis episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘Zone 14 Coaching Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

What does real player development actually look like—and why are so many systems missing it?In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Erin Medina, COO of Forms Residency and Forms Academy, to break down a completely different approach to youth soccer development.From her journey through the Canadian national team to building one of the largest youth clubs in the country, Erin shares what she’s learned about development, structure, and what kids actually need to succeed.They dive into the reality of today’s youth soccer environment, the pressure of competition, and why a residency-style model focused on individual growth, education, and balance may be the future of the game.This conversation is for players, parents, and coaches trying to understand how to truly develop—not just compete.Key Talking PointsErin Medina’s journey from Canada’s national team to youth soccer leadershipThe impact of early coaching and development environmentsWhy player development is not a linear pathTransitioning from player to business leader in youth soccerBuilding Sting into a national powerhouseThe importance of early technical development windowsWhy traditional training models fall shortThe role of individual development vs team trainingWhat makes Forms Academy’s methodology differentWhy residency programs require a different type of athleteQuotes from Erin Medina“Nobody’s journey is linear.”“We’re not just developing players—we’re developing people.”“There’s only so much time before that technical window closes.”“The youth game is where you can really impact kids.”“Development requires meaningful time—not just an hour and a half twice a week.”“We’re creating an environment where kids can focus on development without pressure.”“The model is not for everyone—and that’s okay.”“Kids need balance to avoid burnout.”“We’re building athletes that can move and think differently.”“It’s about preparing them for performance, not just chasing wins.”Connect with Erin Medina / FormsErin Medina📸 Instagram: @maccallummedinaFORMS RESIDENCY🌐 Website: https://www.formsresidency.org📸 Instagram: @formsresidency👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61587855025706 (Forms Residency | Melissa TX)FORMS ACADEMY🌐 Website: https://www.formsacademy.com🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FormsAcademy📸 Instagram: @formsacademy✖️ X: @FormsAcademy👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormsAcademyFORMS MADRID🌐 Website: https://www.formsmadrid.com📸 Instagram: @formsmadridRon Hogsett✍️ Substack (Writing): https://ronhogsett.substack.comFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerTraining #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #FormsAcademy #SoccerEducation #NextGenPlayers #SoccerCulture #PlayerPathway #EliteDevelopment #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #SoccerLife #AthleteDevelopment #YouthSports #SoccerCommunity #TrainToDevelop #SoccerGrowth #FutureOfSoccerMentioned in this episode:Zone 14 CoachingThis episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘Zone 14 CoachingReeplayer:Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

With the Dallas Cup just weeks away, this episode hits a little different.This is a tribute to Gordon Jago—a true pioneer of the game and one of the key figures behind what the Dallas Cup has become today.From his journey as a player and coach to helping build one of the most respected youth tournaments in the world, Gordon shares what the game is really about—community, standards, and bringing people together.If you’ve ever been part of Dallas Cup—or you’re about to experience it—this conversation gives you a deeper understanding of why it matters.This is more than a tournament—it’s a legacy.Key Talking PointsGordon Jago’s journey from England to the United StatesHis role in building and shaping the Dallas CupWhat makes Dallas Cup different from other tournamentsThe importance of international competition in youth soccerHow Dallas Cup creates lifelong friendships and connectionsThe impact of 9/11 and rebuilding the tournamentWhy standards (fields, refs, teams) matter at the highest levelThe role of volunteers and community in making it all workStories of players who went on to global successWhat the game should really be about beyond the fieldQuotes from Gordon Jago“It’s not just a soccer tournament… it does so many other things.”“We want every team to have a competitive experience.”“Soccer brings people together from all over the world.”“We are known throughout the world because of our standards.”“You don’t want a team to come and not be challenged.”“It’s an old boys reunion every year at Easter.”“Get a job that you enjoy.”“There’s a lot more in life than finance.”“The friendships formed here last a lifetime.”“We are very fortunate to be known around the world.”Connect with Dallas Cup🌐 Website: https://www.dallascup.org📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallascup/✖️ X: https://x.com/dallascup👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasCup/Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #GordonJago #DallasCup #YouthSoccer #SoccerCommunity #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaches #GlobalGame #SoccerCulture #GrowTheGame #SoccerLegacy #FootballCommunity #RespectTheGame #SoccerJourney #CoachingMatters #SoccerStories #GameImpact #YouthDevelopment #SoccerLifeMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.ReeplayerZone 14 CoachingThis episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘Zone 14 Coaching Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In Part 2 of Soccer for Success, we go deeper.This conversation moves beyond curriculum and into implementation — how Dallas ISD built a no-cost, district-wide pathway from elementary Spark programs to middle school leagues and high school UIL competition.We break down how Spark works (grades 2–6), how competitive soccer is introduced the right way, and how over 50 elementary schools are now participating in structured play.If you’re a parent wondering how to advocate for better sports access…If you’re a school leader looking for a scalable youth development model…If you care about keeping kids active and engaged…This episode gives you the blueprint.Key Talking PointsHow Spark functions as a foundational after-school programWhy grades 3–6 are critical for long-term sports retentionThe creation of a competitive elementary soccer league51 elementary schools currently participating31 middle schools running interdistrict leaguesNo-cost participation for families (equipment included)How healthy competition is introduced graduallyThe importance of PE and Athletics working togetherHow other school districts can partner with US Soccer FoundationWhy foundational skills reduce dropout rates after sixth gradeQuotes from the Guests“You don’t have to be a soccer star to teach soccer.” – Lisa Perry“Ask what your child is learning in physical education and how you can support that.” – Lisa Perry“We want kids to fall in love with fitness — with moving.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker“Spark says we are going to build your skill over time in a safe place.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker“We are fully committed to these programs across these two departments.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker“My goal was always to give opportunities to kids who can’t afford to play.” – Marisela Lopez“At this point in my career, I’m more about coaching coaches than coaching players.” – Warren Coddle“After sixth grade, kids start dropping out.” – Lisa Perry“We want to provide the opportunity.” – Lisa Perry“At the end of the day, I want kids active. I want them to play sports.” – Lisa PerryConnect with the GuestsWarren Cottle🌐 Website: https://www.ntxsoccer.org/odp/olympic-developm📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @NTXODP👍 Facebook: @NTXODPLisa Perry🌐 Website: https://ussoccerfoundation.org✖️ X: @pe4_u📸 Instagram: lisakperry23Dr. Lisa Whitaker✖️ X: @DrlisaWhitaker✖️ X: @HPEDallasISDMarisela Lopez✖️ X: @MariselaLopez91Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch#ChatByThePitch #SoccerForSuccess #DallasISD #SparkProgram #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #ParentEducation #SchoolSports #USSOCcerFoundation #HealthyCompetition #CoachingEducation #AccessToSport #YouthAthletics #PhysicalEducation #UILSoccer #CommunitySports #TitleIX #CoachingCoaches #SoccerInSchoolsMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsZone 14 CoachingThis episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘Zone 14 CoachingReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

Soccer for Success is reshaping how youth soccer development happens inside school systems.In this episode, leaders from Dallas ISD and the US Soccer Foundation break down how a 10-lesson, standards-aligned curriculum is equipping PE teachers, training coaches, and reaching nearly 50,000 students across Dallas.We talk about why small-sided games matter, how physical activity impacts academic performance, and how this partnership is extending beyond the classroom into after-school programs, recess, and even World Cup-themed initiatives.If you’re a parent, coach, or school leader wondering how to build real development environments inside education systems — this conversation matters.Key Talking PointsWhat Soccer for Success is and how it supports underserved communitiesThe 10-lesson curriculum aligned with national PE standardsTraining 114 Dallas ISD teachers in two sessionsReaching nearly 50,000 students through PE and athleticsWhy small-sided games replace 11v11 in development settingsThe REST principle: modifying rules, equipment, space, and timeHow the Spark after-school program extends soccer beyond classThe financial investment: $56,000 into Dallas ISDWorld Cup-based resources launching for recess, field day, and classroomsHow sports participation supports academic performance and focusQuotes from the Guests“We provide underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs.” – Lisa Perry“If you don’t touch the ball, you’re not going to improve your skills or your confidence.” – Lisa Perry“Soccer is such a universal sport and a universal language.” – Lisa Perry“There’s no way you’re going to leave the same way you came in.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker“We want our students to have the foundational skills to go in and be competitive.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker“It gives a powerful way to ingrain each kid within a community.” – Warren Coddle“You could come in with zero knowledge of soccer and put together a program in 10 weeks.” – Warren Coddle“Our goal is to expose kids to soccer and develop fundamental skills so they have confidence.” – Lisa Perry“We were all in.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker“We just want to make it easier for teachers to access what we have.” – Lisa PerryConnect with the GuestsWarren Cottle🌐 Website: https://www.ntxsoccer.org/odp/olympic-developm📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @NTXODP👍 Facebook: @NTXODPLisa Perry🌐 Website: https://ussoccerfoundation.org✖️ X: @pe4_u📸 Instagram: lisakperry23Dr. Lisa Whitaker✖️ X: @DrlisaWhitaker✖️ X: @HPEDallasISDMarisela Lopez✖️ X: @MariselaLopez91Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #SoccerForSuccess #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingEducation #DallasISD #USSoccerFoundation #SchoolSports #YouthDevelopment #SoccerCoaching #ParentEducation #SoccerInSchools #PhysicalEducation #YouthAthletics #CommunityThroughSport #SoccerLeadership #SmallSidedGames #CoachingCoachesMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, I sit down with Gregg Megaw, founder of Ballers ID, to talk about investing in the full player — not the hype.We break down individual development, 1v1 training, decision-making, culture, confidence, and why true growth takes time. Gregg explains why small group training often beats early private sessions, why standards matter more than shortcuts, and how parents should think about development as a long-term investment.If you’re a soccer parent navigating the noise, a coach building culture, or a player serious about improving — this conversation will reset your perspective.This is about building the complete player.Key Talking Points1. The meaning behind Ballers ID and individual development2. Why “invest in the player, not the hype” matters in youth soccer3. Coaching the 1v1 moment — attacking and defending4. The role of decision-making in real player development5. Why cone choreography doesn’t translate to games6. Small group training vs private sessions under 147. Building elite habits without negative coaching8. Creating competitive culture while protecting confidence9. Honest parent communication and not selling dreams10. Why development requires consistency, not quick fixesQuotes from Gregg Megaw1. “Everything I do is for that player’s individual development.”2. “I want elite standards from the start.”3. “Development doesn’t come from one session — it’s an investment.”4. “There has to be a decision being made, or it’s not real training.”5. “I don’t want kids leaving my session feeling negative.”6. “Winning the moment matters more than winning the game.”7. “I want to create mavericks, not robots.”8. “If your energy is high, my energy will be.”9. “Confidence without decision-making is false confidence.”10. “Love the game enough to work for it.”Connect with Gregg Megaw and Ballers ID📸 Instagram: @ballersid.soccer🎵 TikTok: @ballersid.soccer👍 Facebook: @BallersIDSoccerAcademy💼 LinkedIn: BallersIDSoccerAcademyFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#BallersID #InvestInThePlayer #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #IndividualDevelopment #SoccerIQ #1v1Training #DFWSoccer #CompetitiveCulture #LongTermDevelopment #EliteStandards #SoccerGrowth #ChatByThePitchMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

Seeing the Next Level Changes EverythingIn Part 2 of this conversation, Ian and Jonathan dig deeper into exposure, access, and perspective in youth sports.Jonathan explains why seeing the next level in person — middle school, college, or professional — can motivate kids without pressure, while also giving parents a clearer understanding of what elite performance actually looks like. They unpack the financial realities of club sports, travel, and training, and why “free” programs still come with hidden costs that many families can’t afford.The episode closes with powerful reflections on the coaches and mentors who shaped Jonathan’s life — reminders that long-term impact rarely comes from wins, rankings, or trophies.🧠 Key Talking PointsWhy seeing the next level up motivates kids naturallyThe importance of watching sports live — not just on TVHow context changes our perception of talentThe physical and mental gap between youth and college athletesFinancial barriers that limit access to elite pathwaysWhy “free” youth sports still aren’t truly freeHow geography impacts opportunity in the U.S.The hidden costs of national leagues and travelWhy winning isn’t a fair measure of developmentThe lifelong influence of coaches who invest beyond results💬 Quotes from Jonathan Corone“Until we see it up close, we don’t realize how big the gap really is.”“Context changes everything.”“Even if club fees are free, someone still has to get the kid there.”“Is winning really a fair way to judge success?”“Opportunity depends more on access than talent.”“There are more good people in sports than toxic ones — they’re just quieter.”“Gratitude is the thing I’ve learned the most from great leaders.”“The people who show up matter more than the results.”🔗 Connect with Jonathan Corone🌐 Website: healthysportsparents.com🎙️ Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/1dpgJQoownxZfnliaiqIJv📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/HealthySportsParents/⚽ Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #HealthySportsParents #YouthSportsAccess #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #SportsParenting #CollegePathway #SportsCulture #EquityInSports #LongTermDevelopment #CoachingImpactMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

In Part 1 of this conversation, Ian sits down with Jonathan Corone, creator of Healthy Sports Parents, to unpack the emotional, cultural, and behavioral challenges parents face in youth sports.Jonathan shares how his own daughter’s experience — and a moment on the sidelines watching a parent lose control — sparked a platform focused on helping parents do better without shame or blame. Together, they explore why parents react the way they do, how outcome obsession sneaks in early, and why most kids don’t need more pressure — they need perspective.This episode is for parents, coaches, and anyone trying to protect joy, growth, and long-term development in youth sports.🧠 Key Talking PointsWhy most parents don’t intend to become “that parent” on the sidelinesHow outcome obsession sneaks into youth sports earlyThe emotional fatigue parents carry into gamesWhy growth matters more than wins at young agesThe difference between reacting and responding as a parentHow kids mirror adult behavior on the fieldWhy intrinsic motivation matters more than talentThe dangers of projecting adult goals onto childrenHow environment and resources shape developmentWhat kids actually remember long after the games end💬 Quotes from Jonathan Corone“Most parents want to do better — they just haven’t been taught how.”“Youth sports are not about winning. They’re about teaching kids tools for life.”“If you’re having to motivate your kid, they’re probably not going to make it.”“Methods change. Principles don’t.”“Kids don’t fall out of love with sports overnight — they drift.”“Growth is what matters, not the scoreboard.”“Parents are reacting from exhaustion, not intention.”“You can’t make your kid want it — they have to want it themselves.”🔗 Connect with Jonathan Corone🌐 Website: healthysportsparents.com🎙️ Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/1dpgJQoownxZfnliaiqIJv📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/HealthySportsParents/⚽ Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #HealthySportsParents #YouthSportsCulture #SportsParenting #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #LongTermDevelopment #SidelineBehavior #SportsPsychology #ParentEducation #CoachingCulture #LetKidsPlayMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In this solo episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock reflects on years of learning as a soccer parent, coach, and constant student of the game. This episode challenges the obsession with early results and reframes success around development, environment, communication, and joy.Ian explores what youth soccer is getting right, where it’s falling short, and what parents, coaches, and clubs can do—starting today—to create healthier, more sustainable experiences for young athletes. This conversation is for families who care about long-term growth, not just the scoreboard.Key Talking Points1. Why development matters more than early wins2. The danger of overscheduling and athlete burnout3. Creating safe environments for learning and failure4. Why kids need space to be kids—not mini professionals5. The importance of emotional connection between coaches and players6. How communication breakdowns damage player development7. Culture as the foundation of healthy teams and clubs8. The realities and consequences of pay-to-play youth sports9. How sideline behavior shapes athlete confidence and creativity10. Redefining success as lifelong love of the game, not outcomesQuotes from Ian Babcock1. “Our job isn’t to push kids toward greatness. It’s to walk beside them so they can define what greatness means for themselves.”2. “Winning early doesn’t create better players. It usually creates burned-out ones.”3. “Kids don’t fall out of love with sports all at once. They drift—from joy to obligation, from play to performance.”4. “If a child feels safe enough to fail, they’ll be brave enough to grow.”5. “We’re raising humans first. Athletes second. When we get that order right, everything else gets easier.”6. “Development isn’t about today’s score. It’s about who the athlete becomes over time.”7. “Overscheduling doesn’t build commitment—it slowly erodes joy.”8. “Culture isn’t about winning at all costs. It’s about creating an environment kids want to stay in.”9. “When parents, players, and coaches aren’t aligned, development breaks down fast.”10. “If a kid still loves the game at 25—or 80—we’ve done our job.”Connect with Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #HumanFirstAthleteSecond #LongTermDevelopment #YouthSportsCulture #ParentEducation #CoachingPhilosophy #LoveTheGame #DevelopmentOverResultsMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

In Part 2 of this conversation, John O’Sullivan dives deeper into the realities of pressure, anxiety, early specialization, and the myths that continue to shape youth sports in unhealthy ways.We unpack why the so-called 10,000-hour rule doesn’t hold up, why development is never linear, and why mentality, enjoyment, and resilience matter more than chasing outcomes at young ages. John also shares powerful insights for parents on how to support their kids without adding pressure — and why nervousness isn’t a problem, but a sign that kids care.This episode challenges parents, coaches, and organizations to redefine success, strip away interference, and help kids fall in love with movement so sports remain a positive part of their lives long after the final whistle.Key Talking Points Why the 10,000-hour rule is a myth — and what matters insteadThe dangers of early specialization and outcome obsessionWhy development is different for every athlete and every sportHow pressure shifts from excitement to anxietyTeaching kids to handle nerves instead of eliminating themPerformance as potential minus interferenceWhy parents must separate their identity from their child’s sportLetting the journey belong to the athlete, not the adultsHow joy fuels resilience and long-term commitmentRedefining success beyond wins, trophies, and rankingsQuotes From Guest“There’s no such thing as a 10,000-hour rule.”“Kids are not computers — you don’t just program hours into them.”“Nervous means that you care.”“Performance is potential minus interference.”“The same drive that helps some kids succeed can also destroy them.”“You can do everything right and still get hurt.”“Sport is something kids do — it’s not who they are.”“Our job as parents is to strip away interference, not add to it.”“Success isn’t winning every game — it’s kids wanting to come back.”“The goal is raising athletes for life.”Connect With John O’Sullivan🌐 Website: https://changingthegameproject.com🎙️ Podcast: https://wayofchampionspodcast.com📚 Book: Changing the Game📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changingthegameproject✖️ X: https://x.com/CTGProject👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChangingTheGameProjectFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSports #SportsParenting #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingCulture #YouthSoccer #AthleteMentalHealth #LongTermDevelopment #PositiveCoaching #SportsPsychology #RaisingAthletes #JoyInSport #ParentEducation #ChatByThePitchMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In Part 1 of this conversation, John O’Sullivan joins Chat By The Pitch to break down what truly drives healthy development in youth sports.John shares his journey from long-time soccer coach to founder of Change the Game Project, explaining why burnout, fear-based coaching, and adult agendas continue to derail young athletes. We dive into culture, joy, intrinsic motivation, and why relationships — not tactics — are the foundation of sustainable success.This episode is essential listening for parents, coaches, and anyone invested in helping kids stay in the game longer, love the process, and grow as people — not just players.Key Talking Points Why fear-based coaching can create short-term results but long-term damageThe difference between transactional and transformational coachingHow burnout often starts with adults, not athletesWhy coaching is fundamentally a relationship businessWhat research says kids actually want from sportsThe myth that fun and competitiveness don’t coexistHow joy fuels intrinsic motivation and long-term growthTeaching athletes to compete, not just “win”The role of autonomy in athlete developmentWhy culture matters more than systems, tactics, or drillsQuotes From John O’Sullivan“You can compel people through fear in the short term, but it’s not sustainable.”“If kids quit next year, who cares how many games you won?”“Coaching is a relationship business — not an X’s and O’s business.”“You can’t teach winning. You can teach competing.”“Joy and competitiveness absolutely coexist.”“Fun doesn’t mean sloppy — it means organized, challenging, and meaningful.”“Intrinsic motivation is the path to mastery.”“If you remove joy or ownership, motivation fades.”“Sport teaches kids how to do hard things.”“Development isn’t just performance — it’s moral character.”Connect with John O’Sullivan🌐 Website: https://changingthegameproject.com🎙️ Podcast: https://wayofchampionspodcast.com📚 Book: Changing the Game📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changingthegameproject✖️ X: https://x.com/CTGProject👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChangingTheGameProjectFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSports #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingCulture #SportsParenting #AthleteDevelopment #IntrinsicMotivation #YouthSoccer #CoachingEducation #PositiveCoaching #SportsPsychology #LongTermDevelopment #JoyInSport #ChangeTheGame #ChatByThePitchMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

In Part 2, Ian Babcock continues the conversation with Dominique Molina and Antonio Perez, founders of Salient Touch Football Academy, diving deep into how real development is executed day to day.This episode breaks down session design, open enrollment, punch cards vs. consistency, defending development, and Salient Touch’s ability-based leveling system. Dominique and Antonio explain why age alone is a poor indicator of readiness, how players are evaluated during trial sessions, and why holding firm on levels actually protects player confidence and growth.For parents navigating busy schedules—and coaches trying to maintain standards—this conversation provides rare transparency into what thoughtful development looks like behind the scenes.🔑 Key Talking Points How Salient Touch designs sessions around player readinessWhy cones vs. game-based sessions change day to dayOpen enrollment without sacrificing training qualityPunch cards vs. monthly commitment — what actually worksWhy defending is one of the fastest transferable skillsLeveling players by ability, not birth yearHow trial sessions evaluate the full player profileManaging plateaus without rushing promotionsParent communication as a core development pillarBuilding long-term pathways instead of short-term wins💬 Quotes from the Guests“Development is best seen with consistency — there’s no way around that.” — Dominique Molina“It’s not one size fits all. It’s one size fits one at a time.” — Antonio Perez“If we water down our levels, we water down what we offer.” — Dominique Molina“Defending is the only way you ever get the ball back.” — Antonio Perez“Progress doesn’t always show on the field right away.” — Dominique Molina“We evaluate the emotional and social side just as much as the technical.” — Antonio Perez“Some players need time, not pressure.” — Antonio Perez“Parents deserve clarity, not confusion.” — Dominique Molina🔗 Connect with Salient Touch Football Academy🌐 Website: https://salienttouch.com/contact📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/salienttouchfutbolacademy👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/SalientTouchEmail: [email protected]/Text : 940.268.3392🎧 Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #SalientTouchFA #YouthSoccerDevelopment #DefendingSkills #PlayerPathway #SoccerTraining #ParentEducation #CoachingCulture #TechnicalTrainingMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer***Cursing Warning***

From Park Sessions to Facilities: The Salient Touch Origin StoryIn Part 1 of this conversation, Ian Babcock sits down with Salient Touch Football Academy founders Dominique Molina and Antonio Perez to unpack how Salient Touch was built—from a bumpy public field to a multi-location technical training program serving hundreds of players each week.This episode dives into identity, first touch, emotional intelligence in coaching, and why individual development is often misunderstood in modern youth soccer. Dominique and Antonio share personal journeys from elite athletics, professional playing ambitions, and hard transition moments that ultimately shaped their coaching philosophy.If you’re a parent, coach, or player trying to understand what real development looks like—and why progress isn’t linear—this conversation sets the foundation.🔑 Key Talking Points1. Why first touch is foundational at every age2. Letting go of the professional dream to build something bigger3. Coaching without mentors — learning through lived experience4. Adapting training to emotional and psychological player needs5. Why technical repetition alone doesn’t work for every child6. The difference between team development and individual growth7. Building a business while protecting coaching culture8. Why progress feels invisible during development plateaus9. The challenge of parent communication at scale10. Creating environments where discipline and joy coexist💬 Quotes from the Guests1. “If you don’t have a good first touch, it’s impossible to be a good player.” — Antonio Perez2. “Each player needs something different emotionally from the game.” — Dominique Molina3. “Our goal isn’t to make everyone pro — it’s to educate them through the sport.” — Antonio Perez4. “Nothing worth doing in sports is easy, and we shouldn’t pretend it is.” — Dominique Molina5. “Some players need repetition. Others need sensation.” — Antonio Perez6. “Culture starts with who you allow on your staff.” — Dominique Molina7. “Progress isn’t linear — it’s chaotic.” — Antonio Perez8. “Parents deserve clarity, not silence.” — Dominique Molina🔗 Connect with Salient Touch Football Academy🌐 Website: https://salienttouch.com/contact📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/salienttouchfutbolacademy👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/SalientTouchEmail: [email protected]/Text : 940.268.3392🎧 Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps keep these conversations going.#ChatByThePitch #SalientTouchFA #YouthSoccerDevelopment #FirstTouch #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #TechnicalTraining #YouthSportsParent #CoachingEducation #SoccerPodcastMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

In Part 2, Ted Kroeten goes deeper into the mechanics of free play, why traditional training misreads how kids actually learn, and how small-sided chaos builds problem-solvers, communicators, and creators. From one-v-one misconceptions to futsal culture, mixed-age environments, and why American kids rarely get “underload” time, Ted explains what the U.S. must rethink to compete globally.He also breaks down what parents can actually do to bring joy and development back into their child’s soccer life — even without a Joy of the People program nearby.This conversation is a blueprint for the next 10–15 years of American soccer… if we’re willing to go “down the mountain” before climbing higher.Key Talking Points• Why 1v1 isn’t the holy grail — and why 2v2 teaches the real language of soccer• What small-sided games unlock: communication, deception, decision-making• The concept of overload vs underload and how it shapes development• Why futsal, SALs, barefoot play, and alternate balls accelerate creativity• The danger of top-down coaching and why talk-heavy models block learning• How kids self-regulate, self-officiate, and learn conflict resolution in real play• Why U.S. kids lack free play opportunities — especially girls• The global shift toward small-sided formats and why the U.S. is behind• How parents can build play cultures at home, in neighborhoods, and in friend groups• Ted’s vision for the U.S. over the next 10–15 years — and why a “Play Revolution” is comingQuotes from Ted Kroeten• “Kids don’t want to learn soccer — they want to be with their friends. The learning is a byproduct.”• “One-v-one doesn’t really exist. Two-v-two teaches the real communication of the game.”• “If a kid knows how they learned it, it can be hacked. If they learned it unconsciously, it can’t.”• “Small-sided, uncoached play is where the language of the game is spoken.”• “Friends must come before skills. Trust must come before competition.”• “We don’t need more performance — we need more joy.”Episode Chapters00:00 — Why 1v1 Is Misunderstood in Player Development03:45 — 2v2 and 3v3: Where the Language of Soccer Lives07:30 — Small-Sided Chaos and Real Decision-Making11:15 — Overload vs Underload: Reading Kids, Not Results15:30 — Why Futsal Changes How Players Think19:30 — Mixed-Age Play and Learning From Older Kids23:30 — When Performance Kills Joy and Creativity27:45 — Kids Who Love Winning vs Kids Who Love Playing31:45 — Parents, Pressure, and the Loss of Free Play36:00 — Why U.S. Soccer Develops Too Early, Too Fast40:30 — Self-Regulation, Conflict, and Social Learning in Play44:30 — Building Play Environments Without a Club48:45 — What Coaches Talk Too Much About52:45 — Peak Height Velocity and Developmental Timing57:00 — Why Free-Play Kids Struggle Early but Thrive Later1:01:15 — Failing First to Build Better Players1:05:30 — The Next 10–15 Years of American Soccer1:09:30 — A Call to Trust Kids and Protect PlayConnect with Ted / Joy of the People🌐 Website: https://www.joyofthepeople.org/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_o_t_p/✖️ X: https://x.com/JOYofthePEOPLE👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyofthepeople/Follow Chat By The Pitch✖️ X: @ChatByThePitch📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review — your support helps bring important conversations to families and coaches.#ChatByThePitch #JoyOfThePeople #FreePlay #LetThemPlay #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #StreetSoccer #Futsal #SoccerAsALanguage #PlayBasedLearning #UnstructuredPlay #SmallSidedGames #CreativityInSports #YouthSportsReform #SoccerIQ #TrustTheProcess #LongTermDevelopment #MixedAgePlay #LetKidsBeKidsMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

Joy of the People founder and longtime coach Ted Kroeten joins Chat By The Pitch to break down what truly develops creative, intelligent players — and why most of the U.S. youth soccer system gets it upside down. Ted’s “soccer as a language” philosophy reframes how kids learn, why free play must come before instruction, and how mixed-age, low-pressure environments cultivate game intelligence no coach can teach.From the failures of super clubs and the youth sports industrial complex to Joy of the People’s bold commitment to no tryouts, no cuts, and no overcoaching, Ted delivers one of the clearest visions of what American development could be if we trusted kids to play again.If you care about player development, coaching, or burnout in youth sports — this episode will challenge everything you think you know.Key Talking Points• Ted’s journey from late-start player to coaching leader and founder of Joy of the People• Why he walked away from the elite club model and the youth sports industrial complex• “Soccer as a language” — acquisition vs learning, Chomsky, Krashen, and immersion• What kids learn in free play that coaches cannot teach• Why Joy of the People operates with no tryouts, no cuts, no pressure• How mixed-age play, different surfaces, and alternate balls accelerate creativity• Overload vs underload: reading effort, joy, and false intensity in players• Why early free-play kids lag at first—but surpass others by U16–U19• The danger of over-rewarding performance and creating kids who only love winning• Building a true community model where every kid matters and development lastsQuotes from Ted Kroeten• "When I saw kids in play learning things I could not teach them, I knew there was something in play."• "Unstructured play, street play, free play has developed the top players in the world."• "We’ve been teaching soccer only with rules and techniques, not allowing acquisition to occur."• "The best way to learn a complex language is not a teacher — it's immersion."• "Kids who fall in love with explicit training programs are in danger of burning out."• "We don’t have tryouts. We have a mix of everyone — and they bloom on their own timeline."Episode Chapters00:00 — Ted Kroeten’s Late Start and Multi-Sport Roots03:10 — Coaching at the Highest Levels and Seeing the Cracks06:00 — Walking Away from the Youth Soccer Industrial Complex08:30 — Founding Joy of the People and the Decision to Prioritize Play11:45 — Watching Kids Learn What Coaches Can’t Teach14:30 — Poverty of the Stimulus and Why Play Accelerates Learning18:00 — Soccer as a Language: Acquisition vs Instruction22:45 — Chomsky, Krashen, and Immersion on the Field27:30 — The Panenka Penalty and Non-Verbal Soccer Communication31:30 — Why Cone Work Fails Under Real Pressure35:00 — What Parents Miss When They Watch Training38:30 — Early Attempts at Free Play — and Why They Failed42:45 — Building a Community Hub with the City of St. Paul46:30 — Kids “Not Knowing How to Play” and What That Revealed50:45 — Removing Tryouts, Cuts, and External Pressure55:30 — What Joy of the People Looks Like Day to Day59:30 — Losing Games Early to Win Long Term1:03:30 — Why Joy and Belonging Come Before ResultsConnect with Ted / Joy of the People🌐 Website: https://www.joyofthepeople.org/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_o_t_p/✖️ X: https://x.com/JOYofthePEOPLE👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyofthepeople/Follow Chat By The Pitch✖️ X: @ChatByThePitch📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review — it helps us keep conversations like this coming.#ChatByThePitch #JoyOfThePeople #FreePlay #LetThemPlay #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #StreetSoccer #Futsal #SoccerAsALanguage #PlayBasedLearning #CreativityInSports #SoccerDevelopment #YouthSportsReform #SoccerIQ #TrustTheProcess #LongTermDevelopment #MixedAgePlay #UnstructuredPlayMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In Part 2, Kassandra Ruelas takes us deeper into her journey — from rediscovering her love for the game under Coach Temas, to the fate-driven path that led her to Vial/Villarreal, to leaving home for Spain as a teenager. She shares what life, training, and tempo looked like overseas, how Spanish clubs develop players through structure and intelligence, and what it felt like to finally find her rhythm abroad.This episode also uncovers the hardest chapter of her career: tearing her ACL overseas, navigating the injury alone during a national blackout, and learning her younger sister tore her ACL the same week. Kassandra opens up about her recovery, her mindset, and what she hopes players and parents take away from her story.Key Talking Points• Finding joy again at Sting and the season that rebuilt her confidence.• Earning the first-ever North Texas Player Training Week invite in Spain.• How fate connected her to Vial after a controversial point error.• The Spanish development model: daily structure, zones, rondos, and tempo.• What life looked like: gym, training, Spanish class, film, late-night sessions.• Being “the foreigner” and the pressure of integrating into a new culture.• Highest levels she reached in Spain and how licensing works for minors.• The game where her ACL tore on a routine change of direction.• No trainer onsite, calling Christian at 4 a.m. Texas time for support.• The national blackout that blocked access to her MRI results.• Learning her sister tore her ACL days later.• Returning home for surgery and beginning the long recovery.• Rebuilding mentally while rediscovering who she is beyond soccer.• Leaving the door open for Spain but embracing uncertainty.• Message to parents: support but let players own conversations.• Message to players: attitude and curiosity separate you.Quotes from Kassandra• “Coach Temas brought the love back for the game.”• “Being the first North Texas player selected — I knew I had to go back.”• “I was jumping the entire night when they announced I was going to Spain.”• “In Spain, the ball does the work. The tempo is smarter, not just faster.”• “I spoke Spanish, but I was still the foreigner. That pressure stays with you.”• “I knew the moment it happened — something was wrong with my knee.”• “I was alone in the locker room with no trainer. I just wanted my mom.”• “The blackout hit the day my MRI came in. I couldn’t talk to anyone.”• “Two days later, my sister tore her ACL too. It didn’t feel real.”• “Right now I’m learning who I am outside of soccer.”• “Curiosity and attitude — those two things take you farther than talent.”Connect with Kassandra📸 Instagram: Kass_1123Follow Chat By The Pitch 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch#ChatByThePitch #NorthTexasSoccer #DFWSoccer #GirlsSoccer #ACLRecovery #PlayerJourney #WomensSoccer #YouthSoccerStories #SoccerMentality #PlayerDevelopment #TexasSoccer #SoccerCommunityMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian sits down with North Texas player and administrator Kassandra Ruelas to unpack what it really looks like to grow up inside one of the most competitive girls’ soccer markets in the country. From yelling “goal” as her first word to playing with the boys and eventually earning a chance to play in Spain, Kassandra’s story is a masterclass in soccer IQ, resilience, and family support. Kassandra talks about the pressure of DFW girls’ soccer, the unspoken politics of youth sports, and what it feels like to be overlooked and benched after being named captain—and why she refused to let that season define her. She shares how her mom’s sacrifices, her cousins’ professional careers (including stints in Mexico and with the Dallas Sidekicks), and training with the boys gave her the tools to navigate setbacks without losing her love for the game. For players, this conversation shows how to use the field as your therapy, build your game around intelligence instead of just being bigger, faster, stronger, and survive the hard seasons. For parents, it’s a real look at travel, pressure, and why the right coach matters more than any alphabet-soup league. For coaches, Kassandra offers a player’s-eye view on communication, favoritism, and how one honest conversation can change a career.Key Talking Points• How soccer has always been part of Kassandra’s life — her first word was “goal,” and the living room was a mini-pitch growing up. • The moment in middle school when soccer shifted from “fun with friends” to serious training, four-year plans, and future dreams on the pitch. • Growing up in a North Texas soccer family — cousins who played pro in Mexico and indoors with the Dallas Sidekicks — and the self-imposed pressure to honor their investment in her. • The Texas girls’ soccer environment: extremely competitive, with teammates and opponents now playing in the NWSL—and how that can mess with your head if you compare timelines. • How her mom’s support and sacrifices (driving 1.5 hours in traffic, always backing her choices) helped balance the pressure. • Soccer as therapy and creative outlet: using the game to disconnect from stress, reset emotionally, and express herself without overthinking. • Learning to separate “family” from “coach” with her three cousins: flipping the switch from joking in the car to professionalism on the field. • Kassandra’s club journey: Odyssey → Liverpool → Solar → FC Dallas → Texans → Sting → Al Nord Texas boys → heading to Spain to play with Villarreal. • Why DFW competition at U13+ felt tougher than most out-of-state tournaments (except maybe California) and how playing the same high-level players for years sharpened her game. • The hardest season: being told she’d be captain, then getting five minutes of game time, feeling overlooked, and wanting to quit—but choosing to control her work rate and attitude instead. • Esteban’s advice on politics and the rollercoaster of soccer—you can’t want the highs without accepting the lows. • How the DFW soccer community is a small world—one name can spark a 30-person chain of connections, from FC Dallas games to Starbucks encounters. • The difference between Texas-style “athlete building” and Spanish tactical football, and why playing with boys forced her to lean on IQ instead of brute force. • Why she turned down a DA opportunity because the coaching style didn’t fit her, even though the letters looked good.• A player’s perspective on alphabet-soup leagues, constant travel, and chasing logos vs. staying local, dominating your backyard, and finding the right environment. Quotes from Kassandra• “My first word was ‘goal’ during a game. Soccer has literally always been there—I can’t remember life without it.” • “If I’m not playing on the field, I’m not happy. It’s when I miss the game that I realize how much I love it.” • “I could never picture a future where I wasn’t on the field. That’s when I knew soccer wasn’t just a hobby—it was my path.” • “Texas girls’ soccer is extremely competitive. I’ve grown up with teammates who are now in the NWSL, and it’s easy to compare your timeline to theirs.” • “My mom always said, ‘The day you don’t want to do this, I’m here for you. If you do want it, I’m with you 100%.’” • “On the field, it’s my therapy. I’m not playing to prove something—I’m playing because I love the game and I know what I’m doing.” • “Playing with the boys forced me to be smarter. I wasn’t going to outmuscle them, so I had to use my brain or I’d lose.” • “That season I got five minutes of playing time was the first time I ever thought, ‘Maybe I don’t want to do this anymore.’ And it had nothing to do with my performance.” • “Soccer is a rollercoaster. As great as the high feels, it will just as quickly bring you to the lowest low you’ve ever felt.” • “You can’t want the good times and not want the bad times. If you don’t want the lows, this might not be the game for you.” • “It doesn’t matter what letters are next to your team’s name. If the coaching style isn’t right for you, you’re not going to grow there.”Connect with Kassandra📸 Instagram: kass_1123Follow Chat By The Pitch 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #SoccerMentality #SoccerIQ #SoccerIsFamily #SoccerPolitics #PlayLocalGrowGlobal #TexasSoccer #FootballCultureMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

World-renowned development leader Tom Byer joins the show to break down where real soccer development truly begins — inside the home. Tom explains how early touches, simple routines, and parent involvement build confidence, coordination, and long-term potential. We explore culture, neuroscience, at-home training, and why the U.S. continues to struggle with building a true development identity.This episode gives parents, coaches, and clubs practical steps to build a stronger foundation for young players from the very beginning.Key Talking PointsTom’s Story & Global Impact• NY → Japan: How Tom built one of the world’s most successful technical programs• The beginnings of Soccer Starts at Home• Why Japan embraced ball mastery at massive scaleEarly Development Insights• Real development starts before organized soccer• Kids fall in love with the ball first, not the sport• Importance of repetition: one child + one ball• Early comfort becomes confidence and leadershipCulture & Science• What Latin and Asian cultures do differently• Neuroscience behind early learning• Why games don’t teach foundational skills• Why parent involvement shapes long-term potentialPractical Application• Simple at-home routines for ages 2–6• How to support older kids who start later• What clubs can do to reinforce early development• Building better collaboration between parents and coaches💬 Quotes from Tom Byer“Parents are the most important link in the development chain.”“Kids fall in love with the ball first — not soccer.”“If you want to push the ceiling, you have to raise the floor.”“The best coach in the world can’t fix a weak foundation.”“Culture develops players long before coaching ever does.”“Most of what we call development is really just selection.”“For young players, one child and one ball is more valuable than any game.”“Ball mastery is the great equalizer — it gives every child a chance.”“We keep trying to build superstructures on top of shaky foundations.”“Real development starts years before a kid ever joins a team.”🔗 Connect with Tom ByerWebsite: soccerstartsathome.thinkific.comBook: Soccer Starts at HomeInstagram: tom.byerX: @TomSan106📣 Follow Chat By The PitchInstagram: @ChatByThePitchX: @ChatByThePitchFacebook: Chat By The PitchEmail: [email protected]: linktr.ee/ChatByThePitch#ChatByThePitch #TomByer #SoccerStartsAtHome#BallMastery #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment#TechnicalTraining #SoccerParents #GrassrootsSoccer#YouthSports #SoccerDevelopment #FootballEducationMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In Part 2 of our two-part series with Juan Martinez — founder of JMS Soccer and president of DKSC — we move beyond the academy structure and dig into the deeper layers of development that parents rarely see. Juan opens up about the realities of North Texas soccer culture, the misconceptions around “connections,” and how he uses his network not as a selling point, but as a responsibility to serve disciplined players who put in the work.Juan explains what it really takes for an athlete to earn his recommendation, why truth and accountability matter more than hype, and how he keeps kids grounded while helping them chase college, national team, or professional opportunities. We also explore character development, moral skills, parental influence, pathways beyond club soccer, and why the dream must belong to the player — not the parent.If you’re a soccer parent trying to understand the real pathway from ages 12–14 to college or pro, Part 2 delivers the unfiltered truth.📌 Key Talking Points• The misconception around “connections” and what they actually mean• North Texas as a cutthroat, highly competitive soccer market• Parents fearing their child won’t be recruited if they’re not at the “right” club• How Juan uses his network to help players — quietly, without promoting it• Why Juan will not recommend a player who lacks work ethic or attitude• Examples of Juan contacting major programs on players’ behalf• “Real talk”: asking players if they want honest feedback• Keeping kids humble — correcting body language, temper, effort• Why character skills and moral skills matter as much as soccer skills• Teaching athletes to write letters to themselves about who they want to be• How attitude directly affects how teammates experience you• The pathway funnel: dual citizenship, national teams, international scouts• Why discipline and daily habits determine whether a pathway even exists• Educating parents on timing, contracts, rights, and player value• Helping players navigate college offers strategically• Why most pathways depend on player drive, not parental desire• Homeschool vs. private school comparison for elite training• Why JMS Academy will not become a full school• JMS Fit/Futuro as expansion for players not ready for full academy• How success is defined: players going pro, earning scholarships, leadership qualities💬 Guest Quotes • “It’s very cutthroat. North Texas soccer is cutthroat.”• “Most of the time people don’t even know that I’m doing that.”• “I’m not sticking my neck out for just anybody.”• “If you’re not technically sound… if you don’t use both feet… I can’t recommend you.”• “I want to serve as many kids as possible, but in the right way.”• “I don’t have a plan to grow the wrong way — I want to grow the right way with the right people.”• “Everyone has a shelf life. Once I stop coaching, I want to use all my resources to honor God.”• “Kids aren’t being creative anymore because we make every decision for them.”• “Always count on change — we’re always reinventing and trying to get better.”• “You keep everybody humble — you never let them get bigheaded.”• “If it’s not their dream, you’re wasting your time.”• “Know your child. If it’s their dream, it’s worth it. If it’s yours, it’s not.”• “If your child isn’t touching a ball every day, they’re not falling in love with the sport yet.”• “I’ve seen so many parents running the race for their kids — and it never works.”• “Being part of a player reaching their goal… that’s the most fulfilling thing.”• “They do all the work, all the sacrifice. I’m just part of their journey.”Connect with JMS Soccer / JMS Academy📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jms_academy_official?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14SapicW9hP/?mibextid=wwXIfr📩 Email: [email protected] Connect with Chat By The Pitch🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch📧 Email: [email protected]🔗 linktr.ee/ChatByThePitch#JMSAcademy #JMSSoccer #JuanMartinez #NorthTexasSoccer#YouthSoccerDevelopment #PlayerPathways #CollegeSoccerRecruiting#ProSoccerDreams #SoccerParents #SoccerMindset #CharacterDevelopment#YouthSoccerTraining #SoccerCulture #HomeschoolAthletes#EliteSoccerTraining #ChatByThePitch #DFWSoccer #DecisionMaking#SoccerJourney #NextLevelSoccerMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Juan Martinez — founder of JMS Soccer and President of DKSC — opens up about the journey behind JMS Academy, his daytime elite training environment built for disciplined, goal-driven young athletes. Juan walks through how JMS started in 2018, why it shut down during COVID, and how it returned in 2023 with a renewed mission: character, mental toughness, individualized development, and a one-stop shop of services for players chasing big goals.Juan breaks down the full structure of the academy day: early drop-offs, morning training, strength and conditioning with Juan Robles, nutrition habits, multiple school blocks, afternoon sessions, tactical work, recovery routines, and the mental side of the game. He shares how he intentionally builds an environment focused on quality over quantity, creativity over rigid systems, and long-term growth over short-term results.For any parent curious about homeschool-based soccer development, elite training routines, or what it really takes for a player to chase a college or professional pathway — this conversation gives a raw, detailed look inside JMS Academy’s first year.📌 Key Talking Points• Juan’s origins: Classic League player in the late 80s/early 90s; coaching since 2005• Why JMS was originally created in 2018• The impact of COVID shutting JMS down and the decision to relaunch• “Empty the Bucket”: the philosophy behind JMS• Why JMS is a one-stop shop for character, mental toughness, and recruiting• How “Seleção” inspired Juan’s approach to identifying elite players• The launch of JMS Academy in August• JMS Academy is not a school — it is a training program with academic support• How homeschool programs fit into the model (Texas Tech K-12, iPrep, etc.)• The structure of the daily schedule (7 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday)• Morning technical sessions and strength/conditioning with Juan Robles• Nutrition routines inspired by Brazil: daily fruit/snack breaks• Classroom blocks, supervision, and the expectation of discipline• Why school comes first and how academic accountability works• Weekly training themes: Mental Monday, tactical Wednesdays, competitive Fridays• How JMS avoids overtraining and emphasizes recovery• The five facets of development: mental, technical, tactical, physical, social• The role creativity and pickup play in player growth• Why Juan keeps the program focused on individual development over team structure• Current group size (12 players) and commitment to quality• The goal of eventually growing to ~20 athletes• Balancing self-motivation, discipline, and personal goals• How Juan’s network (college, Mexico youth national team, agents, international scouts) supports players• How JMS educates families on sacrifice, commitment, and realistic pathways• Why Juan intentionally avoids selling himself as a “gatekeeper”💬 Guest Quotes• “J-M-S stands for Juan Martinez Soccer, but it's more than just soccer.”• “I realized I had built a good network of college recruiting and international scouts and didn’t want that to go in vain.”• “One of the sayings for JMS that I use is ‘empty the bucket.’”• “Every program we have started from a simple idea.”• “We are not a school — we’re more of a training program trying to create a professional environment.”• “School is very, very important… if you don’t take care of your school, you’re not going to be able to come and do academy training.”• “We check continuously on their work. We’re not a school, but we provide the environment.”• “We didn’t want to put a standard GPA… players learn differently.”• “It’s not that everybody’s going to be a professional, but if you chase that dream and get college paid for, that’s a good investment.”• “Decision-making is the number one skill.”• “We want to make sure we’re holistically developing all players in all five faces.”• “We don’t want to kill the creativity.”• “They’re not robots — there are different ways to solve pressure and situations.”• “We try to switch it up… so it doesn’t become the same routine.”• “Our goal is to keep it as individual-based as much as possible.”• “Quality versus quantity — we felt that would produce a lot more fruit.”• “Everything we do is for the players that are aspiring to become pro or get college paid for.”• “I’m not the gatekeeper — I have a network.”• “It's not me… it's the Lord opening doors for me, and I’m going to use those to help as many players as I can.”Connect with JMS Soccer / JMS Academy📷 Instagram: jms_academy_official📘 Facebook: JMS2📩 Email: [email protected] Connect with Chat By The Pitch🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch📧 Email: [email protected]🔗 linktr.ee/ChatByThePitch#JMSAcademy #JMSSoccer #JuanMartinez #EliteSoccerTraining #HomeschoolAthletes#DFWSoccer #NorthTexasSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccerTraining#SoccerParents #SoccerMindset #DecisionMaking #CreativePlayers#SoccerAcademy #TrainLikeAPro #MentalMonday #SoccerEducation#ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccerPodcastMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In Part 2 of The Return on Investment Myth — Rethinking Youth Sports, Dr. Travis Dorsch returns to Chat By The Pitch to go even deeper into the real work of parenting athletes. From accountability and culture to failure and social media, Dr. Dorsch shares how parents can reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with the reason they signed their kids up in the first place.We talk about how good intentions can cross the line, why “culture is king,” and what clubs can do to build a healthier ecosystem for players and families alike. From letting kids fail to redefining success after COVID, this conversation is a master class in perspective, patience, and purpose for every parent, coach, and club leader.💬 Key Talking Points• Treating kids as kids — not miniature adults• Setting boundaries between good intentions and over-involvement• The power of an accountability partner for parents• How culture outweighs budget in building winning teams• Reflection as a missing habit for most sports parents• Why parents must allow failure to build resilience• Social media and the “Gucci parent” era• Bringing back discipline and the value of the name on the back of the jersey• Inclusion, respect, and cheering for the competition• Helping parents feel unstuck and regain balance• Volunteering and being a helper in club culture• Three keys to supporting your athlete: show up, be present, celebrate both wins and losses• Parent education that works vs. programs that don’t• Defining success for communities and clubs• How COVID reshaped youth sports and perspective• Coaches as the “missing piece” for family balance• The importance of humility and apology as a parent• What today’s generation of athletes is teaching us about resilience Quotes from Dr. Travis Dorsch• “Our kids aren’t miniature adults — we have to stop treating them that way.”• “Accountability partners on the sideline can save you and your kid a lot of pain.”• “Culture is king — and it’s free if you do it right.”• “Parents have the potential to be incredibly reflective, but most of us choose not to be.”• “Failure is a safe space for learning if we let it be.”• “Social media shows the best five percent of every season and hides the 95 percent of growth.”• “Let’s cheer for our kid’s competitors the same way we cheer for our own.”• “Show up. Be present. Celebrate success and failure alike.”• “Competitive outcomes and character development aren’t mutually exclusive — you can have both.”• “Be humble enough to apologize when things go sideways. We only get one shot at this as parents.”Connect with Chat By The Pitch🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Listen: Chat By The Pitch on Apple PodcastsConnect with Dr. Travis Dorsch🌐 Families in Sport Lab — Utah State University▶️ TEDx Talk: “Should Parents Expect a Return on Investment?”#YouthSports #ParentingInSports #SportsCulture #SportsParenting #DrTravisDorsch #ChatByThePitch #CultureIsKing #PlayerDevelopment #FamilyInSport #ResilientAthletes #ParentEducation #YouthAthletes #SportsEcosystem #FailureIsLearning #ParentCoachPlayer #SportsPsychology #CommunityCulture #AthleteMindset #PodcastDFW #YouthDevelopmentMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

In Part 1 of The Return on Investment Myth — Rethinking Youth Sports, Dr. Travis Dorsch joins Chat By The Pitch to explore what families are truly getting from youth sports. As a professor at Utah State University and founding director of the Families in Sport Lab, Dr. Dorsch shares how his research — and his own parenting journey — reveal the tension between performance, pressure, and purpose.We unpack why so many parents chase the wrong outcomes, how goal misalignment drives kids out of the game, and what it really means to “invest” in your child’s sport journey. From NIL deals to the cost of club soccer, Travis challenges families to define success differently — not in scholarships or stats, but in the lessons that last a lifetime.💬 Key Talking Points• Why parents should expect a return on investment — but not the kind they think• The dangers of chasing scholarships and pro dreams too early• Goal alignment: how parents, coaches, and players get out of sync• What keeps kids in the game past age 13• The problem with commodifying young athletes• Systems thinking: placing the child at the center of the sport ecosystem• Communication tips for the car ride home• What questions parents should ask after every game• Modeling behavior and emotional control on the sidelines• How family dynamics shape athlete development• “Snowplow” vs. “scaffolding” parents• Defining success beyond wins and goals• Building lifelong movers instead of short-term stars🗣 Quotes from Dr. Travis Dorsch• “Parents should expect some form of return on their investment — but the real question is how we define that return.”• “When parents define success as scholarships or contracts, the pressure skyrockets for everyone.”• “Goal alignment is everything. If parents and kids aren’t chasing the same thing, conflict is inevitable.”• “The child needs to remain at the center. When parents or coaches make it about themselves, that’s when problems start.”• “If we can just get kids to come back next season, we’re winning.”• “You can’t name Christian Pulisic’s U12 record — because it doesn’t matter. What mattered is that he kept playing.”• “Parents are role models first. Kids don’t just hear us — they watch how we act.”• “Ask better questions on the ride home. Not ‘Did you win?’ but ‘What was the most exciting thing you did today?’”• “Work hard, listen to the coach, and have fun — that’s our family mantra.”• “Youth sport is a vehicle to raise better humans, not just better athletes.”Connect with Chat By The Pitch🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Listen: Chat By The Pitch on Apple PodcastsConnect with Dr. Travis Dorsch🌐 Families in Sport Lab — Utah State University▶️ TEDx Talk: “Should Parents Expect a Return on Investment?”#YouthSports #ParentingInSports #SportsCulture #PlayerDevelopment #SportPsychology #YouthAthletes #TravisDorsch #FamiliesInSport #SportsParenting #ChatByThePitch #SoccerCulture #SportsEcosystem #PlayerCenteredDevelopment #NIL #ReturnOnInvestment #ParentCoachPlayer #YouthDevelopment #SportsEducation #AthleteMindset #PodcastDFWMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach Weekly Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer

In this episode, Tom Boyce, co-owner of Crossbar and London Calling TX, shares how these two soccer spaces are redefining culture in North Texas.From weekday pickup and late-night leagues to homeschool sessions and family-friendly weekends, Crossbar has created a space where adults can play, relax, and connect while their kids grow up around the game.Tom and Ian dive into:• How the adult-first, kid-friendly model changes the soccer experience.• The “winner-stays-on” pickup system that keeps games competitive and fun.• Why Denton’s cash-rollover challenge became a local legend.• The crossover between Crossbar and London Calling in growing community culture.• How partnerships with leagues, gyms, and coaches expand opportunity across DFW.This episode is a reminder that soccer isn’t just a sport — it’s a community heartbeat.⚽ Key Talking Points• Crossbar’s mission: create adult-first soccer community centers where parents can play too.• Locations: Dallas (formerly Richardson) and Denton, both with full-service bars and turf.• League nights: Open, Co-Ed, and Over-30 divisions.• Pickup culture: 5v5, first to two goals, winner stays — no cleats allowed.• GoodRec and FieldSpace apps for sign-ups and scheduling.• The cash-rollover pickup pot that’s become part of Denton soccer lore.• Daytime blocks for homeschoolers, youth training, and open play.• Community partnerships with gyms, coaches, and local soccer groups.• Expansion plans: new outdoor turf and long-term franchise potential.• “Happy parents = better players.” The ripple effect of Crossbar’s culture.💬 Quotes from Tom Boyce“We’re adult-first, but kids are always welcome. It’s a soccer community center.”“If parents are comfortable, coaches can coach and kids can just play.”“Pickup should be fun — 5v5, winner stays, no pressure, no cleats.”“That cash pot in Denton? It started small, now it’s legendary.”“We’re not here to nickel-and-dime. We’re here to belong.”“Think the Cheers bar — but for soccer.”📲 Connect with Tom Boyce📷 Instagram: @crossbar.dallas📷 Instagram: @londoncallingtx🌐 Websites:🔗 www.crossbardallas.com🔗 www.londoncallingtx.com⚽ Follow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch#ChatByThePitch #Crossbar #LondonCallingTX #DallasSoccer #DFWSoccer #AdultSoccer #PickupSoccer #IndoorSoccer #DentonTX #RichardsonTX #SoccerCommunity #SoccerParents #YouthSoccerParents #TexasSoccer #NorthTexasSoccer #SoccerCulture #FiveASide #CommunitySoccerMentioned in this episode:***Cursing Warning*** TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach WeeklyReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations

In Part 2 of our conversation with Brenden Lee, founder of Project 214, we go deeper into how futsal connects people, purpose, and personal growth. Brenden shares the next phase of his vision — from partnering with Vanta Athletics to bring rooftop futsal to downtown Dallas, to shaping a mentorship culture built on empathy and expression. He opens up about the challenges that shaped him, the role of mental health in coaching, and how Project 214 is evolving into a creative hub where players, parents, and mentors come together through the love of the game. This episode is equal parts inspiration, vulnerability, and vision — a reminder that sport is just the beginning. (138 words)Key Talking Points• Partnering with Vanta Athletics to launch rooftop futsal at Plaza of the Americas• How futsal becomes a platform for mentorship and community impact• Creating safe spaces for kids and families to connect beyond the game• Blending art, culture, and sport into a creative ecosystem• Building confidence and self-expression through the game• The importance of mental health and self-awareness for coaches and players• Lessons from personal struggles and rediscovering purpose through service• Bridging generations and cultures through pickup play and shared experiences• The rise of futsal facilities and grassroots energy across North Texas• How Project 214 is inspiring the next generation to play, create, and belongTune In to LearnHow Brenden Lee is redefining what futsal means for Dallas — as a game, a community, and a space for healing, growth, and connection.Quotes from Brenden Lee• “Project 214 feels like servitude — a way to give purpose and connection to something bigger than me.”• “I want kids to feel seen, heard, and safe — that’s what this project is about.”• “Futsal is just the bridge; what we’re really building is community.”• “Vanta Athletics shares the same ethos — it’s about people coming together through the game.”• “Sometimes you have to shed old versions of yourself to find the authentic you.”• “Sports culture rarely talks about mental health — but it’s okay to say you’re down and seek help.”• “Project 214 was born from pain but built on love — that’s what makes it real.”• “The World Cup will bring energy, but our goal is to sustain that culture long after.”• “Every kid deserves a place to belong, to create, to express who they are.”• “My greatest inspiration is the little kid version of me who just needed a hug and a chance to be seen.”📲 Connect with Brenden Lee📷 Instagram (Personal): @brendenlee17📷 Instagram (Project 214): @project_2.1.4🌐 Website: theproject214.comFollow Chat By The Pitch:🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review:Please subscribe to Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your support helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with players, coaches, and creators driving the game forward.#ChatByThePitch #BrendenLee #Project214 #DallasFutsal #VantaAthletics #RooftopSoccer #FutsalCulture #FutsalTraining #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCommunity #SportsMentorship #CreativeCoaching #YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #TexasSoccer #MentalHealthInSports #GrowTheGame #StreetSoccer #DallasSoccer #PlayWithPurposeMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach Weekly Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

Join Chat By The Pitch for an inspiring and creative conversation with Brenden Lee, founder of Project 214 and a driving force in Dallas’s futsal community. Brenden shares how Project 214 evolved from a simple idea into a cultural movement — blending futsal, art, music, and mentorship into one collective. He dives deep into the roots of street culture, the influence of skateboarding, and why creating safe, expressive spaces for players to grow matters more than ever. From local training sessions to community impact, this episode explores how futsal can reconnect people, creativity, and purpose — both on and off the court. (128 words)Key Talking Points• The origin and inspiration behind Project 214• Bridging futsal, skateboarding, and creative expression• Building a community-first, culture-driven environment• Creating safe spaces for players and families• Balancing structure with freedom in player development• The role of parents in aligning with their athletes’ goals• Mentorship through futsal and creativity• Finding joy and authenticity in the process• How futsal becomes a bridge for art, music, and life• Why Project 214 is always evolving — never finished, always growingTune In to LearnHow Brenden Lee is using futsal as a platform for culture, creativity, and connection — building an ecosystem where athletes, artists, and dreamers can grow together.Quotes from Brenden Lee• “Project 214 is about creating a safe place — safe to train, safe to play, safe to just be creative.”• “Futsal is the bridge between structure and street — it’s raw, expressive, and human.”• “Community is culture. It’s about breaking bread, not breaking each other.”• “We’re all weird in some form or fashion — and that’s what makes us special.”• “I skateboarded growing up, and that freedom of being yourself is what I want players to feel in futsal.”• “If I can help one kid find joy in the game again, that’s success.”• “I’m not trying to own the culture — I’m just trying to add to it.”• “When players and parents align their goals, real growth happens.”• “This project feels like the most authentic version of me.”• “It’s called Project 214 for a reason — it’s always evolving.”📲 Connect with Brenden Lee📷 Instagram (Personal): @brendenlee17📷 Instagram (Project 214): @project_2.1.4🌐 Website: theproject214.comFollow Chat By The Pitch:🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review:Please subscribe to Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your support helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with players, coaches, and creators driving the game forward.Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach Weeklyhttps://soccercoachweekly.net/scw-usa...#ChatByThePitch #BrendenLee #Project214 #DallasFutsal #FutsalTraining #FutsalCommunity #SoccerCulture #YouthSoccerDevelopment #CreativeCoaching #StreetSoccer #DallasSoccer #FutsalLife #PlayerDevelopment #SportsCulture #GrowTheGame #SoccerPodcast #TexasSoccer #SoccerMentorship #CommunityThroughSport #PlayWithPurposeMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach Weekly Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sam Junqua, we dive deeper into his MLS journey with FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake. Sam reflects on the realities of trades, adapting across multiple positions, and how mindfulness and journaling keep him grounded in high-pressure moments. He shares the differences in club culture, the value of versatility, and his advice for young players chasing the dream. From resilience to family support, Sam’s story is one of growth, grit, and perspective—with an eye still set on the World Cup stage.Key Talking Points• Transitioning from FC Dallas to Real Salt Lake• Experiencing the shock of MLS trades• Evolving into a consistent, versatile player• Club culture: Houston vs Dallas vs Salt Lake• Mindfulness, journaling, and reframing nerves as privilege• Advice for kids: enjoy the game and embrace pressure• The dream of playing in a World Cup still aliveTune In to LearnHow Sam Junqua built resilience through change, embraced mindfulness, and found consistency across his MLS career.Quotes from Sam“At Dallas, I matured into a player who could perform consistently across 90 minutes.”“In MLS, you can be traded without even knowing—it happened to me on vacation.”“Salt Lake emphasizes grit, and that’s become our identity as a team.”“Versatility is both a blessing and a curse, but it’s shaped who I am as a player.”“Mindfulness and journaling have been game-changers for me.”“Nerves mean the moment matters—you just have to embrace it.”“Pressure is a privilege—it means you’re playing in something that counts.”“You don’t have to be great at everything; you need to master your strengths.”“My parents have been the greatest influence on my career.”“Playing in a World Cup still remains a dream of mine.”Hashtags#ChatByThePitch #SamJunqua #RealSaltLake #FCDallas #SoccerMindset #SoccerJourney #SoccerAdvice #SoccerParents #MLSTrades #SoccerPodcast📲 Connect with Sam Junqua📷 Instagram: @sjunqua Instagram+1🐦 X (Twitter): @SJunqua X (formerly Twitter)🌐 Website / Player Profile: RSL.com – Sam JunquaFollow Chat By The Pitch:🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your support helps us grow and bring more in-depth conversations with players, coaches, and industry leaders.#ChatByThePitch #SamJunqua #MLS #SoccerJourney #CollegeSoccer #HoustonDynamo #SoccerDevelopment #USSoccer #SoccerLife #SoccerPodcastMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.ReeplayerThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach Weekly Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

Join Chat By The Pitch for Part 1 of our conversation with Sam Junqua, defender for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer. Sam takes us through his journey from playing AYSO in Santa Barbara to competing in Japan, rising through Bay Area clubs, and becoming a standout at UC Berkeley. He opens up about the challenges of balancing academics with soccer, navigating the MLS draft, and breaking into the league with Houston Dynamo. Sam also reflects on the unique experience of playing through the COVID-19 bubble and shares how pickup soccer and adaptability shaped his game. Packed with insights for parents, players, and fans, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of chasing a professional soccer dream.Key Talking Points• Growing up in Santa Barbara and discovering soccer through family• Playing in Japan and the discipline of youth soccer abroad• The role of pickup play and guesting with teams in development• Journey through De Anza Force, San Jose Earthquakes, and academy soccer• College years at UC Berkeley, balancing economics and athletics• The whirlwind of MLS combines and draft day with Houston Dynamo• Adapting to the unique challenges of MLS contracts and rights• Surviving the COVID-19 bubble and its impact on his careerTune In to LearnHow Sam Junqua turned backyard ball, discipline, and resilience into an MLS career while navigating the challenges of contracts, transitions, and the grind of professional soccer.Quotes from Sam Junqua• “I knew I wanted to play professionally when I was 11 or 12 years old—I just didn’t know the path yet.”• “I was always kicking the ball in the backyard, even when my parents got mad at me for breaking things.”• “Watching Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo on YouTube made me fall in love with the game.”• “Guest playing and adapting to new teams helped me learn how to adjust in any environment.”• “Academics never came before soccer, but I made sure they never got in the way of soccer.”• “Going through the MLS Combine felt like an open tryout—you had to adapt fast.”• “Being the last player invited to the MLS Combine changed the trajectory of my career.”• “The draft was a whirlwind; I didn’t even know I’d be picked until the morning of.”• “The bubble during COVID was strange but gave me the mental reset I needed.”• “Structure is important, but kids still need freedom to just play the game.”📲 Connect with Sam Junqua📷 Instagram: @sjunqua Instagram+1🐦 X (Twitter): @SJunqua X (formerly Twitter)🌐 Website / Player Profile: RSL.com – Sam JunquaFollow Chat By The Pitch:🐦 X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your support helps us grow and bring more in-depth conversations with players, coaches, and industry leaders.#ChatByThePitch #SamJunqua #MLS #SoccerJourney #CollegeSoccer #HoustonDynamo #SoccerDevelopment #USSoccer #SoccerLife #SoccerPodcastMentioned in this episode: TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach Weekly Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsReeplayer:Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Dr. Hillary Cauthen — licensed clinical sport psychologist, author, and President-Elect of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology — we dive deeper into the culture of youth sports, the pressures athletes face, and the role coaches and parents play in creating safe, healthy environments. From the hidden costs of monetized youth sports, to the importance of leadership, to the fine line between resilience and burnout, Dr. Cauthen shares hard truths and practical strategies for building a culture of care in athletics. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode will leave you rethinking how we measure success on and off the field.🔑 Key Talking PointsHow parents can evaluate clubs and coaches for athlete safety and development.The importance of SafeSport training, background checks, and coach education.Why 70% of athletes quit sports by 13 — and how to fight the dropout crisis.Toxic cultures, sideline fights, and referee shortages: the dark side of youth sports.The impact of monetization and NIL trickling down to youth levels.Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Kevin Love, and Naomi Osaka — lessons from elite athletes on mental health.The dangers of “mental health days” becoming a crutch vs. being used for recovery.How parents can celebrate small wins and build resilience at home.The power of player-driven culture and empowering athletes as leaders.Dr. Cauthen’s vision for trauma-informed practices in youth sports and her upcoming mastermind projects.Quotes“Culture builds development — and development builds everything else.”“Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports by 13. That’s not just a stat, that’s a crisis.”“We wouldn’t accept certain behaviors in a classroom — why do we allow them on the sidelines?”“It’s never okay to not be okay. If you’re not okay, we need to intervene.”“Simone Biles didn’t quit — she protected her health and came back stronger.”“Every athlete wants to be seen as more than the number on their back.”“The monetization of youth sports is changing culture, and not always for the better.”“As parents, our job isn’t to remove failure. It’s to teach our kids how to respond to it.”“Leadership isn’t about captains — it’s about every player taking ownership.”“Sport should be about fighting with care and empathy, not just competition.”Connect with Dr. Hilary Cauthen🌐 Website: www.txopps.com🎥 YouTube: Watch Here🎙️ Podcast: Highs & Lows of X’s & O’s📚 Book: Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate📸 Instagram: @drcmindset | @toppstalks✖️ X: @TOPPSTIP👍 Facebook: @TXOPPSFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#YouthSports #MentalHealthInSports #CultureOfCare #SportsPsychology #CoachingMatters #PlayerDevelopment #ParentingInSports #SimoneBiles #MichaelPhelps #AthleteWellbeing #ChatByThePitch #DrHillaryCauthenMentioned in this episode:Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach WeeklyReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we sit down with Dr. Hilary Cauthen — clinical sports psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and author of Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate. Dr. Cauthen opens up about her journey as a competitive runner, her TEDx talk on the toxic culture of sport, and how trauma shows up in ways athletes, coaches, and parents often overlook.We dive into the invisible pressures athletes face — from injuries to fear of evaluation, from peer criticism to the weight of coach expectations. Dr. Cauthen shares how coaches can be emotional role models, why free play matters, and how clubs need to normalize mental performance coaching as a proactive tool instead of a last resort.If you’re a parent, coach, or player, this conversation will change how you view resilience, identity, and wellbeing in sports.Key Talking Points• Why trauma is the “invisible teammate” athletes carry• Lessons from Dr. Cauthen’s running career and early challenges• How coaches shape athletes as emotional role models, not just tacticians• Fear of evaluation and fear of failure: the biggest barriers young athletes face• Free play as a tool for risk-taking, growth, and creativity• Parents’ role in supporting players post-game (car ride conversations that build confidence)• Why professional clubs and youth programs must invest in mental performance coachingQuotes from Dr. Hilary Cauthen• “Trauma is your teammate now. It can be your best teammate that helps you thrive or a detrimental one that keeps you on the bench.”• “Mental health is not mental illness. We all have mental health; it’s about how we manage our thoughts and feelings.”• “Connection is essential. Coaches need to be present, make eye contact, and assess how athletes show up to practice.”• “Free play allows athletes to make mistakes, take risks, and grow without fear of punishment.”• “The two biggest fears athletes carry are fear of evaluation and fear of failure.”• “Coaches are emotional role models. Their feedback can shape an athlete more than a parent’s words.”Connect with Dr. Hilary Cauthen🌐 Website: www.txopps.com🎥 YouTube: Watch Here🎙️ Podcast: Highs & Lows of X’s & O’s📚 Book: Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate📸 Instagram: @drcmindset | @toppstalks✖️ X: @TOPPSTIP👍 Facebook: @TXOPPSFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.#ChatByThePitch #DrHilaryCauthen #SportsPsychology #YouthSports #MentalHealth #TraumaInSports #Coaching #SoccerParenting #MentalPerformance #Resilience #AthleteWellbeingMentioned in this episode:Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach WeeklyReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

Join Chat By The Pitch for an engaging conversation with Lana Van Deusen, Angel Cuevas, and Sebastian Östergren from Atlético Dallas Youth. These experienced leaders share their journeys, from military service to international coaching influences, and discuss what it takes to build a positive club culture in North Texas. They break down player development, retaining talent, fostering love for the game, and creating pathways for every level. Tune in for inspiring insights on mentoring young athletes, balancing ambition with life skills, and growing soccer communities. Subscribe on Spotify and follow @ChatByThePitch on X!Key Talking Points• Building a positive club culture and breaking from traditional North Texas norms• Player retention through communication, mentorship, and support systems• Game models, coaching frameworks, and adapting styles for growth• Handling late bloomers, growth spurts, and emotional development• College pathways, alumni involvement, and preparing players for life beyond soccerTune In to LearnDiscover how Lana, Angel, and Sebastian transform teams, inspire players, and navigate the challenges of U.S. youth soccer.Quotes from Guests• “I've never had a player stop playing soccer.” – Sebastian Östergren• “We want to help our players and our families be leaders within our communities.” – Sebastian Östergren• “Soccer isn't gonna be there for most of these people beyond high school.” – Lana Van Deusen• “It's about building those people for the next generation of soccer players.” – Angel Cuevas• “We have to find different ways to cater to everyone.” – Sebastian Östergren• “Creating a culture where they wanna come back to.” – Lana Van Deusen• “We think that soccer should be for everyone.” – Sebastian Östergren• “Over communicate... parents are our customer.” – Angel CuevasConnect with Guests🌐 Website: atleticodallasyouth.comFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Support Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform!#ChatByThePitch #AtleticoDallasYouth #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #CoachingJourney #CollegePathway #NorthTexasSoccer #SoccerForAll #Mentorship #CommunityLeaders #GameModel #InspirePlayersMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayrThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach WeeklyReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer

Join Chat By The Pitch for an in-depth conversation with Brian Corcoran, Sporting Director of Atlético Dallas. Brian shares his journey from college and professional soccer to building a brand-new USL club in Dallas. He discusses the pivotal partnership with Renegades, creating youth-to-pro pathways, and laying the foundation for long-term community ties. From the vision of free academies to designing world-class facilities, Brian explains what it takes to grow the game in North Texas.Key Talking Points• Forming Atlético Dallas and partnering with Renegades for youth growth• Building pathways from youth to pro with community-first focus• Challenges in U.S. youth soccer and the push toward free academies• World-class facility plans, education support, and merit-based opportunities• Shifting from league-centric thinking to true club cultureTune In to LearnLearn how Brian Corcoran is shaping the future of Dallas soccer, building opportunities for players, coaches, and families to thrive.Quotes from Brian Corcoran• “We wanna be competitors on the field, but cooperative off the field.”• “Soccer should be free... that’s where we're headed.”• “We want to grow the game and there's plenty of room for everybody.”• “Our ultimate prize is when a local kid can step onto the field.”• “We do not want to be a destination club. We wanna be a stepping stone.”• “Football’s nothing without the community.”• “Iron sharpens iron — the better everyone is, the better we’ll become.”Connect with Brian Corcoran🌐 Website: atleticodallas.comFollow Chat By The Pitch🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch🎧 Subscribe & Review: Please leave us a review to help the show grow!#ChatByThePitch #BrianCorcoran #AtleticoDallas #YouthPathways #ProSoccer #USL #SoccerForAll #CommunityGrowth #AcademyDevelopment #DallasSoccer #SteppingStone #FreeFootball #ClubCulture #IronSharpensIronMentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer InnovationsThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach WeeklyReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer teamTeamPlayr

In Part Two of our Chat By The Pitch conversation with Tracey Leone—assistant coach for the University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer program, former U.S. Women’s National Team player, and 1991 World Cup champion—we dig deeper into her coaching philosophy, her experiences at the highest levels of the game, and the lessons she’s passing on to the next generation. Tracey shares stories from her time with the national team, the evolution of the women’s game, and why character and joy are just as important as skill. This episode is filled with insight for coaches, parents, and players chasing both success and fulfillment.🧠 Key Talking Points• Transition from player to coach and the challenges that came with it• Coaching at the collegiate, national, and professional levels• Lessons learned from the U.S. Women’s National Team experience• The growth of women’s soccer over the last three decades• Building a competitive yet joyful environment for players• How UNC maintains its winning culture year after year• The role of character and leadership in building successful teams• Advice for young players and their parents in today’s soccer landscape🎧 Tune In to LearnHow Tracey Leone blends competitive drive with a deep love for the game—and why that balance is the key to long-term success on and off the field.💬 Quotes from Tracey Leone• "Coaching is about developing people, not just players."• "The best environments challenge you while making you feel valued."• "You can’t fake passion—players know if you love what you’re doing."• "Character is the foundation for everything we do."• "The game has grown in incredible ways since my playing days."• "We keep the UNC culture alive by focusing on relationships."• "Every generation of players brings new energy and ideas."• "Joy in the game is not a luxury—it’s essential."• "Pressure is part of sports, but so is the love that keeps you playing."• "Winning matters, but so does who you become in the process." Connect with Tracey Leone• Website: UNC BioFollow Chat By The Pitch• X: @ChatByThePitch• Instagram: @ChatByThePitch• Facebook: Chat By The Pitch• 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform & leave a review—your support helps us grow!#ChatByThePitch #TraceyLeone #SoccerPodcast #YouthSoccer #WomenInSports #Leadership #SoccerCulture #Motivation #UNCSoccer #Coaching #SoccerJourney #TeamBuilding #PassionForSoccer #AnsonDorrance #WomensSoccerMentioned in this episode:Reeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.ReeplayerThanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach Weekly

Join Chat By The Pitch for Part One of an in-depth conversation with Tracey Leone—assistant coach for the University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer program, former U.S. Women’s National Team player, and 1991 World Cup champion. Tracey shares her journey from pickup soccer in Dallas to becoming one of UNC’s standout players. We explore how neighborhood games shaped her love for the sport, the influence of her family and legendary coach Anson Dorrance, and her perspective on today’s youth soccer culture. Packed with wisdom for coaches, parents, and players, this episode dives into passion, player development, and finding the balance between competition and joy.🧠 Key Talking Points• Growing up in Dallas and discovering soccer through neighborhood pickup games• The role of her single mother and sisters in shaping her love for sports• Transition from unstructured play to organized soccer at age eight• The importance of passion and intrinsic motivation for long-term success• Evolution of youth soccer culture: past vs. present pressures• Early ODP experiences and the rise of girls’ soccer in North Texas• The impact of Anson Dorrance’s coaching style and competitive environment• Balancing growth of the game with preserving its joy and creativity🎧 Tune In to LearnHow Tracey Leone turned backyard pickup soccer into a pathway to the national team—and why she believes passion and free play are still the most powerful drivers of success in today’s game.💬 Quotes from Tracey Leone• "My love for soccer began organically by playing with neighborhood kids."• "The game was the best teacher for me."• "You have to love what you’re doing, from rec to the national team."• "We combined old-school pickup with new-age opportunities—that’s the sweet spot."• "Anson Dorrance’s ability to motivate is off the charts."• "North Texas was the greatest place to grow up as a soccer player."• "Development happens every single day, no matter your level."• "Kids should play because they want to, not because they’re forced."• "With the growth of the game comes opportunity—but also pressure."• "You have to want to be there to get the most out of sports."📲 Connect with Tracey Leone• Website: UNC Bio📢 Follow Chat By The Pitch• X: @ChatByThePitch• Instagram: @ChatByThePitch• Facebook: Chat By The Pitch• 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your reviews help us grow and bring more inspiring soccer stories to the mic!#ChatByThePitch #TraceyLeone #SoccerPodcast #YouthSoccer #WomenInSports #Leadership #SoccerCulture #Motivation #UNCSoccer #NorthTexasSoccer #Coaching #SoccerJourney #TeamBuilding #PassionForSoccer #AnsonDorranceMentioned in this episode:Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach WeeklySoccer Coach WeeklyReeplayer:If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into.Reeplayer