Str8 From The Training Ground

What does it really take to go from youth soccer to the professional game?In this episode, we sit down with Eric Rossitch, formerly with the Seattle Reign (NWSL), to break down the reality of making it pro in soccer — from development mistakes at the youth level to the demands of the NWSL and professional environments.Eric has worked closely with elite players including Megan Rapinoe, giving him a rare perspective on what separates players who reach the highest level from those who fall short. We talk honestly about player mindset, development pathways, and why talent alone is never enough.👇 Learn more & connect below:🌐 The Soccer Neighborhood https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com⚽ Follow The Soccer Neighborhood on Instagram:👉 https://www.instagram.com/thesoccerneighborhoodUse our custom code to receive 10% off and other discounts-Salt Athletic- SFTTGhttps://saltathletic.comhttps://str8fromthetrainingground.comhttps://unozero.com/https://www.duktigbrand.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-LcVPROpTyVxiGBK6qq2m9_rkvj6jx22LVQ9xgprWfSOLHjaUSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEyEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected] our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground All music rights-Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big brother records

Discover the unbelievable rise of Jay DeMerit—from being in the back of the line in England's 9th division to playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup—and learn how he’s now using technology to transform youth athlete development. This episode dives deep into Jay DeMerit’s journey, his mindset, and the groundbreaking tech he’s building to help young players improve holistically and more confidently.🔹 In this episode with Jay DeMerit, you’ll learn:– How Jay DeMerit went from the bottom of the depth chart to the EPL & World Cup– Key lessons for youth soccer players, parents, and coaches– How technology can improve player's beyond soccer– Insights into Jay DeMerit’s new tech platform and how it supports youth athlete growth– Mental performance lessons from a world-class underdog story⚽ Perfect for:Youth soccer players, parents in youth sports, coaches, trainers, sports tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking for elite soccer motivation.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more soccer interviews, athlete development content, and youth sports insights.📲 Instagram: @rxs.apphttps://www.risexshine.com/https://www.rxsmentorship.com/*************************************************************************************************Use our custom code to receive 10% off and other discounts-Salt Athletic- SFTTGhttps://saltathletic.comhttps://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://str8fromthetrainingground.comhttps://unozero.com/https://www.duktigbrand.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-LcVPROpTyVxiGBK6qq2m9_rkvj6jx22LVQ9xgprWfSOLHjaUSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground All music rights- Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big brother records

In this episode of Straight from the Training Ground, we talk with Michael Dublis, co-founder of The UnderGRound, a groundbreaking street soccer facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a leader within The Soccer Rebellion.This conversation breaks down how street soccer, creativity, and community-driven spaces are transforming American youth soccer, challenging the pay-to-play model, and helping players develop freedom, confidence, and real game intelligence.#football #youthsoccer #podcast #streetsoccer #soccerculture #americansoccer ⚽️ We cover:Why street soccer is essential for youth player developmentHow The UnderGRound was built in Grand RapidsThe Soccer Rebellion’s mission to change U.S. soccer cultureWhy creativity and unstructured play matter more than everIf you’re interested in youth soccer development, street soccer culture, American soccer reform, or building community soccer spaces, this episode is for you.👇 Learn more & connect below:🌐 The UnderGRound https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com/the-underground🌐 The Soccer Rebellionhttps://www.thesoccerrebellion.com/📱 Follow The Soccer Rebellion:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoccerrebellion/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thesoccerrebellion/YouTube: Link via their Linktree (search The Soccer Rebellion)TikTok: Link via their Linktree (search The Soccer Rebellion)⭐ Subscribe for more soccer culture conversations!👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 💬 Comment with your thoughts*************************************************************************************************Use our custom code to receive 10% off and other discounts-Salt Athletic- SFTTGhttps://saltathletic.comhttps://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://str8fromthetrainingground.comhttps://unozero.com/https://www.duktigbrand.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-LcVPROpTyVxiGBK6qq2m9_rkvj6jx22LVQ9xgprWfSOLHjaUSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground All music rights-Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big brother records

Champions League sweet 16, league tables, start of the MLS season & more!Highlight video- https://youtu.be/U3-wt_-WQTYSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground

USL big announcement, Champions League updates, Americans abroad and more!Subscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]

- This Week in Soccer- European Tables/Standings- Coaching- Set Pieces- The Big Issue- Transfer Window- Street Soccer Highlights https://youtube.com/shorts/9wu4iFQK5Zk?si=RK4vmdheBvGW00Af- Team of the Week - Spanish Words of the WeekSubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake40:00-3:14- This week in soccer3:15-5:31- League tables around Europe5:32-9:12- Stat leaders9:13-16:25- Coaching set pieces16:26-25:06- The Big Issue- Transfer window25:07-27:45- Highlights & Team of the Week 27:46-30:39- Spanish word of the week & closingFind our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEyVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground *********************************************

Fernando Calderon Tena joins us to share his unique journey that includes coaching at the Granada CF academy in Spain, earning his UEFA 'A' coaching license and now coaching 10-12 year olds in youth soccer in Houston, Texas for HTX. He also shares his insight and experience on the current youth soccer culture in the United States and how it compares to his days of growing up in Spain playing 'football de calle', or soccer in the street. Check out Healthy Sports Parents podcast here: https://healthysportsparents.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4 Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481 Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEy Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1 The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com Visit our website for all episodes and merchandise- https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.com Email us with questions or to be on our podcast- [email protected] ********************************************** Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com https://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/ ********************************************** Follow us on social media- https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw== Twitter- @str8trainingrnd Facebook- Str8 from the Training Ground ********************************************* All music rights- Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big Brother records

1. Champions League 2. Prototypical American Player 3. League Leaders We discuss the new Champions League format, the prototypical American player and league leaders around Europe as well as our street soccer highlights! Finally, we continue our pursuit of our New Year's resolution to improve our Spanish! Subscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4 Find our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEy Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1 The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com Visit our website for all episodes and merchandise- https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.com Email us with questions or to be on our podcast- [email protected] ********************************************** Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com https://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/ ********************************************** Follow us on social media- https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw== Twitter- @str8trainingrnd Facebook- Str8 from the Training Ground *********************************************

We discuss the announcement of a new MLS Next Pro team in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the men’s pro pathway in the U.S. and the new college football playoff format. Join the discussion! #grandrapidsmichigan #mlsnextpro #mls #community #soccer #streetsoccer #culture Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1 The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com https://www.instagram.com/thesoccerneighborhood/ https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/ *********************************************** Visit our partners- UnoZero- https://unozero.com/ Discount code- SFTTG10 ********************************************** Visit our website for all episodes and merchandise- www.str8fromthetrainingground.com Follow us on social media- Spotify- https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/... Instagram- str8fromthetrainingground Twitter- @str8trainingrnd Facebook- Str8 from the Training Ground *********************************************

This week we discuss- 1. New NWSL team- Denver 2. Club mergers 3. Street soccer highlights Join the discussion! Subscribe to our newsletter- https://str8fromthetrainingground.sub... #grandrapidsmichigan #mlsnextpro #mls #community #soccer #streetsoccer #culture Subscribe here: / @str8fromthetrainingground The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com / thesoccerneighborhood / str8fromthetrainingground *********************************************** Visit our partners- UnoZero- https://unozero.com/ Discount code- SFTTG10 ********************************************** Visit our website for all episodes and merchandise- www.str8fromthetrainingground.com Follow us on social media- Spotify- https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/... Instagram- str8fromthetrainingground Twitter- @str8trainingrnd Facebook- Str8 from the Training Ground ********************************************* https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com https://www.instagram.com/thesoccerneighborhood/ https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/ ***********************************************

We discuss what makes a championship culture, the best soccer cities in the U.S. and the NFL playoffs! Finally, we continue our pursuit of our New Year's resolution to improve our Spanish! Subscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4 Find our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEy Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1 The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com Visit our website for all episodes and merchandise- https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.com Email us with questions or to be on our podcast- [email protected] ********************************************** Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com https://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/ ********************************************** Follow us on social media- https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw== Twitter- @str8trainingrnd Facebook- Str8 from the Training Ground ********************************************* All music rights- Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big Brother records

Jonathan Carone joins us to discuss his new podcast "Healthy Sports Parents." He brings an amazing perspective for all parents who are trying to navigate the incredibly pressurized world of youth sports in our country. When is a good age to try travel sports? Should your child be in travel sports? Is it ok for your family to stay in the local recreational league even when everyone else is leaving for travel or club? Hear his educational advice on these difficult situations and more. Make sure to check out them out on social media and get his podcast at the link below! Check out Healthy Sports Parents podcast here: https://healthysportsparents.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4 Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481 Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEy Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1 The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com Visit our website for all episodes and merchandise- https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.com Email us with questions or to be on our podcast- [email protected] ********************************************** Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com https://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/ ********************************************** Follow us on social media- https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw== Twitter- @str8trainingrnd Facebook- Str8 from the Training Ground ********************************************* All music rights- Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big Brother records

LA Active Sports founder and CEO Howard Serpas explains the great work they are doing in the Los Angeles area to provide FREE soccer opportunities for kids in their community. With partners like LAFC, BMO, Adidas and the US Soccer Foundation they have helped over 6,000 kids in just a couple of years. They provide futsal leagues (Just Ball), clinics and most recently a summer tournament! Howard fills us in on their mission as an organization as well as their future plans for a tournament in El Salvador.

The Cleveland Soccer Group, founded in 2022, is making a serious push for both an MLS and an NWSL team in Cleveland. This past October (2023) they made their official bid for an NWSL team. Find out what Caitlin Clark and the NCAA Women’s Final Four have to do with their mission. Micheal and Noah share their story from the initial driving force of their group to the hurdles they have faced so far and more! Find out what you can do to help show your support for professional soccer in Cleveland right now and how you can get involved regardless of where you might be.

Ty Phillips from the Columbus Crew joins us to discuss the soccer culture in Columbus, Ohio and the excitement around town of hosting the upcoming MLS All-Star game! The Soccer Rebellion and Michael Dublis will also be in town as part of the build up to the All-Star game as they bring their summer street soccer tour to Dick's Sporting Goods at Easton Town Center. Learn more about the Columbus soccer culture as well as information regarding The Soccer Rebellion's street soccer tournament and youth clinic, registration is only &10 and includes a t-shirt and discount at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Adelaide Gay, professional goalkeeper with DC Power & co-founder of Duktig Brand FC joins us to discuss the new USL Super League, national championships at the University of North Carolina and more. Hear about her typical day as a professional player, her recent visit back to Chapel Hill for Anson Dorrance and the moment she and fellow co-founder Tiffany Weimer realized their company was onto something big! Use the link below to find great coaching products at Duktig Brand FC.

Unozero CEO & founder Sam Garzon joins us to discuss the motivation for leaving his career and starting his own company, as well as the many challenges he faced along the way. Hear about his childhood growing up in Venezuela and how it created his passion for the beautiful game from an early age. He shares the future goals for Unozero as well as a huge promotional event for Unozero called 'Unozero Day' (10/10.) Learn more about their great sales during Unozero Day as well as the free giveaways they will be providing to their customers with every purchase. Each year a portion of these sales are donated to an important cause and Sam announces that this year Unozero will be donating to The Soccer Neighborhood!

Niall McCabe joins us from USL Championship side Louisville City FC to discuss their excellence on and off the pitch. Lou City, currently top of the table in the Eastern Conference of the USL Championship (second division of professional soccer in the U.S.) are trendsetters as an organization. They not only field a full men's professional team, but also Racing Louisville their women's professional team, in addition to a full youth academy on both sides. Lou City also has built their own state-of-the-art soccer specific stadium as well as world-class training facilities. As if that was not enough, Lou City sets the standard as an active member in their community with their foundation, scholarship programs for youth players and a transportation partnership with Toyota to help assist youth players and families with the travel required for academy teams, training and tournaments.

U.S. soccer legend Brian Maisonneuve has won the Hermann Trophy at Indiana University, played in the 1996 Olympics, was an inaugural member of MLS with the Columbus Crew and represented the USMNT in the 1998 World Cup! He joins us to discuss everything from falling in love with soccer at an early age in Detroit, Michigan to the honor of representing your country at a World Cup and everything in between. As a player he enjoyed a successful career that included leading Indiana University to a College Cup Final and winning the Hermann Trophy (collegiate soccer's highest individual award.) He then went on to play in the 1996 Olympics while also becoming a member of one of the original MLS clubs, Columbus Crew. While making 172 appearances for the Crew he helped them win a Supporter's Shield and a U.S. Open Cup. Following his playing career he joined the USMNT U17 staff as an assistant coach. He then went on to be an assistant at the University of Louisville and then returned to Indiana where he helped the Hoosiers win a national championship. Following his time at Indiana he is currently the men's head coach at The Ohio State University and led OSU to the 2024 College Cup final four as their coaching staff earned National Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

David Copeland Smith, world-renowned soccer trainer to international soccer stars like Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Rachel Daly, Ali Riley, Kelly O'Hara and more shares his story of being an entrepreneur in a new country and starting Beast Mode Soccer. Hear his story of how he developed Beast Mode Soccer into a global success while house-sitting for Robbie Williams!

Todd Beane, founder & CEO of TOVO academy joins us to share the TOVO philosophy and the influence Johan Cruyff had on its development. Todd played collegiately at Dartmouth, has served on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, has an ‘A’ coaching license as well as a M.Ed. in education. His TOVO academy has worked with FC Barcelona, Ajax, LAFC, US Soccer and numerous college and club programs. Learn more about their coaching and training philosophy, what makes it unique and how fourteen years with the great Johann Cruyff helped shaped and guide their philosophy.

Former Big East coach of the year, American East coach of the year and United Soccer Coaches national staff coach, Paul Marco has been around DI college soccer for over 25 years. Coach Marco was also recently inducted into the West Virginia youth soccer hall of fame. Hear about his unique introduction to the game, his early struggles, who he has been inspired by, his thoughts on the latest changes in the NCAA and what he would like to see change in youth soccer!

Taking the Nigerian women's team to the 2023 World Cup while rebuilding the Univ. of Pittsburgh women's soccer program, two-time national coach of the year Randy Waldrum tells us how he managed to balance all of this and more. Coach Waldrum previously led the Notre Dame women's program to two national championships, twelve Big East reg. season titles and five Final Four appearances. He has also coached the Trinidad & Tobago women's team, as well as the Houston Dash in the NWSL before taking his current position at Pitt.

Meet Robby Smukler, creator and founder of Icarus FC. He took a childhood hobby of drawing and doodling sports logos for imaginary teams and turned it into a company that since it's inception in 2017 has now sold jerseys to over 2000 clubs in 25 countries! Here about their unique culture, their Icarus Cup tournament and more!