Foot by the Foot

Jack Beer discusses his experiences playing soccer in New Zealand, adapting to the culture, and the impact of his coach. He also shares insights into his time in Spain, the Maccabi and Pan American Games, and his experience at Georgetown University. Additionally, he opens up about dealing with anxiety, taking time off from soccer, and exploring his identity off the field. Jack Beer discusses his journey of advocating for mental health in sports, sharing personal experiences, involvement in mental health organizations, techniques for coping with anxiety, post-game reflection, mentoring young players, parental involvement in youth sports, and resources for high-performing athletes.TakeawaysAdapting to a new culture and playing style in New ZealandThe impact of coach Ben Sipula on Jack Beer's career and personal growth Advocacy for mental health in sportsTechniques for coping with anxietyChapters00:00 Adapting to Life in New Zealand06:01 Impact of Coach Ben Sipula15:31 Maccabi and Pan American Games Experience20:48 Dealing with Anxiety and Mental Health26:44 Exploring Identity Off the Field35:08 Post-Game Reflection and Coping42:32 Mentoring and Advice for Young Players

Kevin O'Toole shares his journey from a second-round draft pick to a full international player with NYCFC. He discusses the team's motivation, culture, and the influence of the City Group. His rookie debut and mentorship experiences are highlighted, along with the evolution of his role and coaching. He also shares insights on playing against Messi and the significance of the Hudson River Derby. Kevin O'Toole discusses his journey from choosing Princeton to playing for Ireland in World Cup qualifiers. He shares his experiences playing in front of Irish fans, training with Troy Perrott, and his aspirations to crack into the starting 11. Kevin also talks about his off-the-pitch life, his involvement in Athlete Toolbox, and his post-playing career plans.TakeawaysMotivation and culture play a significant role in a team's success.Mentorship and leadership are crucial for the development of young players. Kevin's journey from college to international soccerThe impact of playing for Ireland in World Cup qualifiersChapters00:00 The Journey to NYCFC06:04 Influence of City Group12:07 Mentorship and Leadership18:01 Playing Against Messi23:12 Playing for Ireland28:38 Rapid Fire Questions33:43 Athlete Toolbox

The conversation with former Mexico YNT and San Antonio FC goalkeeper Richard Sanchez covers topics such as choosing between USL Championship and MLS Next Pro, playing style and conferences, dealing with pressure and media, and youth national team experience. The discussion provides insights into the differences between the leagues, the impact of playing style, coping with pressure, and the experience of representing a national team at a young age. The conversation covers the commitment of players to national teams and the opportunities presented, as well as the evolution of goalkeeping in the modern game. It also delves into personal and rapid-fire questions, providing insights into the player's preferences and experiences.TakeawaysUSL Championship vs. MLS Next ProPlaying Style and ConferencesTransitioning Between LeaguesDealing with Pressure and MediaYouth National Team Experience Player CommitmentTactical EvolutionChapters00:00 Choosing Between USL Championship and MLS Next Pro08:00 Playing Style and Conferences13:09 Dealing with Pressure and Media23:05 National Team Commitment and Opportunities35:27 Personal and Rapid Fire Questions

The conversation covers Andrew Swanson's journey from theater to founding a community soccer club, Edgewater Castle. It explores the club's growth, success, and transition to the USL, emphasizing the passion for soccer and community engagement. The conversation covers the inspiration for going pro, the return to Winnemac Stadium, the impact of the club on the community, rapid fire questions, challenges in the US soccer pyramid, and anticipation for the 2026 World Cup.TakeawaysPassion for soccer and community engagement drive the growth of Edgewater Castle.The transition to the USL represents a significant milestone in the club's journey. Community impact and organic growth are key drivers for the club's ambition to go pro.Access to physical space and affordable programming are critical for the growth of soccer in urban areas like Chicago.Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction and Inspiration06:27 Expansion to Youth Programs14:41 Theater and Soccer Crossover23:36 On-Field Success and Growth31:11 Technical Meetings and Style of Play40:31 Inspiration for Going Pro48:20 Return to Winamax Stadium53:27 Rapid Fire Questions01:01:28 Anticipation for 2026 World Cup

The conversation with Florian Valot, French midfielder who currently plays for Oakland Roots covers the soccer culture in France, the transition from French soccer to US soccer, coaching and player development in France and the US, the experience of playing for New York Red Bulls and other USL teams, and the transition to Oakland Roots. The discussion provides insights into the differences in soccer culture, coaching methodologies, and player experiences between France and the US, as well as the unique journey of the speaker through various soccer teams and locations. The conversation covers topics related to coaching and playing style at Oakland Roots, recovery from injuries, navigating emotions and self-talk as a player, future aspirations and career transition, off-field activities and scouting experience, transition to coaching and challenges faced, and expectations for the World Cup and player excitement.TakeawaysSoccer culture in FranceTransition from French soccer to US soccerCoaching and player development in France and the USExperience playing for New York Red Bulls and other USL teamsTransition to Oakland Roots Coaching and playing style at Oakland RootsInjuries and recovery in professional soccerChapters00:00 Transition to Oakland Roots33:05 Coaching and Playing Style at Oakland Roots39:04 Recovery from Injuries and Adaptation in Game Play44:55 Future Aspirations and Career Transition52:04 Expectations for the World Cup and Player Excitement

The conversation covers topics such as player development, creating a plan for players, comprehensive player support, player evaluation, communication and support systems, building the RicFit brand, the future of RicFit, a day in the life of RicFit, remote jobs and player endurance, market success and connections, transfer market and player value, finding clubs and player assets, and motivation for club takeover. The conversation covers topics such as resilience and personal growth, challenges of business deals in Eastern Europe, revenue generation strategies, financial sustainability, transition challenges, event planning, opportunities for young players abroad, youth development challenges, and MLS growth prospects. The discussion also explores the importance of fan culture and engagement in the context of cultural differences between the US and Europe.

The conversation covers the journey of Kacey Anderson, a content creator and host in the soccer and gaming space, from her entry into content creation and eSports to the growth and future of FIFA and eSports. It also explores the influence of women in the gaming industry and the involvement of brands in the upcoming World Cup. Kacey shares insights into the competitive ecosystem, content creation, and the evolution of EA Sports FC, providing a comprehensive overview of the gaming and soccer landscape. The conversation covers topics such as gaming preferences, the growth of female gamers in video games, coaching and mentorship in video games, insights into Kacey's EA FC Sports experience, Kacey's background in soccer and transition to working with the Fire, favorite memories of working with the Fire, and the impact of the new stadium on the game and the city. The conversation also highlights the influence of gaming experience on preferences and the representation of female gamers in esports.

Foot by the Foot short for Footballer by the Footballer is a podcast that dives into real life stories of football (soccer) players about their journey through the game. David digs into their story to highlight their impact on the game.David Abidor is a former pro soccer player and DI athlete. Born and raised in Chicago, he has always wanted to find a way to ensure players of all levels have had a voice to share their story.

The conversation covers Patrick Hickey of Bohemians FC and his journey to Ireland, his transition to professional football, the training and development in Ireland, the growth of football in Ireland, the impact of infrastructure on football growth, television coverage and European games, and player representation and career navigation. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the agent-player relationship, highlighting the importance of trust and the role of desperation in seizing opportunities. It also explores the mental resilience required to battle adversity, the expectations and challenges of playing abroad, life outside of playing, and the excitement for the upcoming World Cup and its potential impact on the game.TakeawaysProfessional Football TrainingCareer TransitionImpact of European Football Trust in the agent-player relationshipMental resilience and determination in the face of adversityChapters00:00 Player Representation and Career Navigation23:10 Agent-Player Relationship and Trust29:54 Mental Resilience and Battling Adversity39:04 Life Outside of Playing and Staying Sane46:08 Excitement for the World Cup and Impact on the Game

The conversation covers Ena Sabanagic's experience in World Cup qualifiers, playing in high-stakes games, and the challenges and experiences as a professional player. It also delves into the importance of the head coach and team dynamics, national team selection, scouting and development in women's soccer, and success in Turkey and cultural adaptation. Ena Sabanagic shares her experiences of adapting to life in a foreign country and the growth of women's soccer in the US. She discusses the challenges of living in a foreign country, language barriers, and the welcoming nature of the countries she has lived in. Additionally, she highlights the growth of women's soccer in the US, the opportunities available, and the impact of the Gainesbridge USL league.TakeawaysWorld Cup QualifiersInternational Soccer Experience Adapting to life in a foreign countryGrowth of women's soccer in the USChapters00:00 World Cup Qualifiers and National Team Experience05:47 Playing in Different Leagues and Cultures11:54 Challenges and Experiences as a Professional Player18:05 National Team Selection and International Experience24:07 Success in Turkey and Cultural Adaptation29:31 Adapting to Life in a Foreign Country

The conversation covers Julia Roddar's journey in women's football, from playing for London City Lioness to her international success and career moves. It also delves into the growth of women's football and the impact of international experiences on players. The conversation covers Julia's transition to the US, challenges of college transfer, physical demands of professional soccer, American culture outside of soccer, post-soccer career planning, and excitement for the upcoming World Cup.TakeawaysSuccess in women's footballAdapting to different leaguesNavigating career decisions International Soccer ExperienceTransitioning to the USChallenges of College TransferPhysical Demands of Professional SoccerPost-Soccer Career PlanningWorld Cup ExcitementChapters00:00 Introduction and London City Lioness05:51 Club Support and Community Outreach15:00 Team Role and Success Mindset19:55 Olympic Experience and International Connections24:59 Career Moves and Future Plans29:55 Growth of Women's Football51:15 World Cup Excitement

The conversation covers Stefan's journey from college soccer to professional play, highlighting his experiences at St. Louis and Georgetown, the differences in play style, coaching staff, and the impact on his performance. It also delves into his transition to the USL Championship side, FC Tulsa, and the changes in the team's culture and performance. The move to Las Vegas Lights FC and the challenges faced in a changing environment are also discussed. Stefan discusses his experiences living in Vegas, training with the Brooklyn expansion team, and his involvement with Fair Whistle. He also shares his thoughts on the upcoming World Cup and his favorite players to watch.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including international football, player management, preseason, team bonding, and the World Cup. Matt Poland, current Sporting Director and Head Coach of USL League 1 side FC Naples shares insights on coaching, player communication, and the development of the club. David Abidor reflects on his experiences and the growth of soccer in the U.S. The conversation covers a range of topics including the diversity in soccer, the impact of the club on the city, the World Cup campaign, and the importance of analysis and individual development plans for players. It also delves into the experience of working with Chicago House and the lessons learned from that experience. The conversation covers Matt Poland's journey from player to coach, his experiences with Chicago House, the Open Cup run, and the impact of Brett Hall on Chicago's soccer culture. It also delves into Matt's coaching philosophy and approach to working with players as well as a sneak preview into thoughts about the upcoming World Cup

The conversation covers SoSo's journey from youth soccer to professional soccer, highlighting the impact of mentorship, the importance of trustworthy agents, and the challenges of transitioning between different soccer environments. SoSo shares insights on the role of agents and the value of mentorship in a player's career, providing valuable advice for young players entering the world of professional soccer. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the speaker's experiences in soccer, the impact of branding and creativity, the challenges and opportunities in Asian soccer, and the significance of the World Cup. Key takeaways include the importance of betting on oneself and the value of authenticity in personal branding.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Traveling to Cambodia05:57 College Soccer Experience at Duke and UCSB10:55 Transition to Professional Soccer and Experience in Malta15:56 Experience in Czech Republic and Importance of Agents21:03 Meeting Drew Connor and Mentorship in Soccer25:54 The Role of Agents and Open Trials for Young Players35:41 Opportunities in Soccer43:05 Memorable Moments in Chicago49:21 Move to Asia55:44 Professional Soccer in Asia01:08:15 SoSoSeries Brand01:15:11 Navigating Social Media01:23:51 World Cup Expectations

The conversation covers the journey of a professional soccer player, Lucas Stauffer, which highlights career transitions, the influence of mentors, college experience, and professional challenges. It provides insights into the impact of mentors and coaches on the player's development, as well as the challenges and reflections on the professional journey. The conversation covers the player's experience in different clubs, challenges faced in the soccer industry, personal struggles, guidance from coaches, impact and performance at Red Bulls, transition to Europe, persistence, challenges in Europe, experience in Germany, comparison of soccer culture in the US vs. Europe, future plans, and excitement for the World Cup. The player reflects on personal growth, challenges with agents, and the impact of soccer culture on players.TakeawaysCareer transitionsInfluence of mentors Player's Experience in Different ClubsChallenges Faced in the Soccer IndustryChapters00:00 Introduction and Pre-Season11:02 Influence of Mentors and Coaches21:05 College Experience and Draft29:03 Professional Challenges and Reflection59:06 Excitement for the World Cup and Player Predictions