Soccer Sidelines

What should youth soccer actually prioritize—results or development?In this episode of Soccer Sidelines, host Mingo Roberts sits down with Jason Gross, co-founder of City Sporting, to talk about building a different kind of soccer club in the D.C. region. Jason shares the story behind City Sporting and the philosophy guiding its growth as one of the area’s emerging youth programs.They discuss what really matters in the early years of player development, how families should think about travel soccer pathways, and the role parents play during the intense teenage years of the game. The conversation also explores a bigger question facing youth soccer today: whether the game has become too results-driven—and what gets lost when creativity and technical development take a back seat.If you’re a soccer parent, coach, or fan navigating the youth soccer world in the DMV, this episode offers practical insight into how clubs, families, and communities can help young players grow and thrive in the game.

In this episode of Soccer Sidelines, host Mingo Roberts sits down with Denis Chekuristov, founder of DC Way Soccer, an award-winning Capitol Hill club known for making the game fun while building strong players and communities. We talk about the origins of DC Way, its unique approach to youth development, what parents should prioritize at the early stages, and how families can navigate the journey from recreation to travel soccer. Denis shares why learning soccer is like learning to crawl, walk, and then run—reminding us that growth takes time, patience, and joy at every stage.

In episode one of Soccer Sidelines, host Mingo Roberts sits down with Mike Idiokitas—Founder, COO, and VP of DC XI—to explore how one DMV club is rewriting the playbook for youth soccer. From coaching philosophy to community building, Mike shares how DC XI is prioritizing access, identity, and opportunity for players and families across the region.

Host Mingo Roberts kicks off Soccer Sidelines with special guest and longtime friend Doug Homer. They explore the evolving youth soccer scene, from rec to travel, and share tips for parents on picking the right club, understanding leagues, and supporting young players. They also reflect on the pro game—and what it can teach us about player development at every level.