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 soccer

Tune In to Learn

Discover 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 Cuevas

Connect with Guests

🌐 Website: atleticodallasyouth.com

Follow 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 #InspirePlayers

Mentioned in this episode:

Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

Soccer Innovations

TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

TeamPlayr

Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach Weekly

Soccer Coach Weekly

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

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 culture

Tune In to Learn

Learn 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.com

Follow 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 #IronSharpensIron

Mentioned in this episode:

Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

Soccer Innovations

Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach Weekly

Soccer Coach Weekly

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

TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

TeamPlayr

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 Learn

How 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 Bio

Follow 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 #WomensSoccer

Mentioned 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

Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach Weekly

Soccer 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 Learn

How 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 #AnsonDorrance

Mentioned 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 Weekly

Soccer Coach Weekly

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

Join Chat By The Pitch for an inspiring conversation with Kean Barclay, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Columbia State Community College and Director of Coaching at Clarksville Soccer Club. From playing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to coaching internationally in Ireland, Bolivia, and Scotland, Kean’s journey has shaped a coaching philosophy built on resilience, culture, and player growth. We explore building strong team culture, the unique role of junior colleges in player development, and balancing coaching with parenting. Kean also reflects on lessons from his podcast, Down the Tunnel. Packed with insights for coaches, parents, and players alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the game.

Key Talking Points

• How Kean’s global soccer experiences shaped his coaching philosophy

• The role of junior colleges in recruiting and preparing players for four-year schools

• Strategies for building a positive team culture and managing parent influence in youth sports

• Balancing the demands of coaching with parenting while fostering player accountability

Tune In to Learn

How Kean mentors players to grow as athletes and people, with a focus on resilience and strong team culture.

Quotes from Kean Barclay

• “I love the connections, I like the relationships. Whether I’m coaching at the number one Division I school or a Division III community college, it’s about helping players grow.”

• “Failure shouldn’t be a word you feel uncomfortable hearing—it’s about what you do after.”

• “Every individual’s role is crucial in pushing, evolving, and maintaining team culture.”

• “Dissension loves company. Negative influences can spread quickly, especially in youth soccer.”

• “I ask my kids, ‘Did you have fun?’ That’s the main question after a game.”

• “It’s about building accountability in players, whether in college or club soccer.”

• “The familial influence is different in club versus college—it’s more direct in youth sports.”

• “I want players to find a school that fits their personality, not just their soccer goals.”

• “Coaching at a junior college means recruiting players in and recruiting them out.”

• “Your attitude affects your emotions, and your emotions affect your results.”

Connect with Kean Barclay

• 🎧 Podcast: Down The Tunnel

• 📧 Email: DownTheTunnel@gmail.com

• 🌐 Website: www.columbiastate.edu/athletics

Follow Chat By The Pitch

• 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch

• 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch

• 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch

• 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review: Subscribe to Chat By The Pitch on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help us bring more conversations with players, coaches, and industry leaders.

#ChatByThePitch #KeanBarclay #SoccerPodcast #SoccerCoachLife #YouthSoccer #CoachingTips #TeamCulture #JuniorCollegeSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #SportsLeadership #SoccerMindset #ClarksvilleSoccer #ColumbiaStateSoccer

Mentioned 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

Thanks to Soccer Coach Weekly for supporting the podcast. Plan - Fast - Coach - Smart (GET YOUR 50% OFF WITH CODE IAN50) at Soccer Coach Weekly

Soccer Coach Weekly

Join Chat By The Pitch for an inspiring chat with Akeem Gordon, founder of VMR Academy (Vision Meets Reality) and a former football player turned elite speed and agility trainer. From his journey playing college football and pro stints in the NFL and CFL, Akeem pivoted to training athletes in Texas, specializing in soccer players' mechanics, acceleration, and mindset. We dive into assessing young athletes, building proper running form, the role of high-energy coaching, and advice for parents on fostering athletic development. Packed with real-talk insights on turning vision into reality! Subscribe on Spotify, follow @ChatByThePitch on X.

Key Talking Points

• Akeem's athletic journey from Chicago to pro football and founding VMR Academy.

• Transitioning from training football to soccer players, focusing on mechanics like arm movement and foot placement.

• Assessing athletes through drills, emphasizing safety, results, and family-like environment.

• Importance of high energy in coaching to match and elevate kids' performance.

• Common issues in youth athletes: improper running, tablet dependency, and lack of problem-solving skills.

Tune In to Learn

Tune in to learn how Akeem Gordon transforms athletes by building proper mechanics, mindset, and speed for game-changing performance on the pitch.

Quotes from Akeem Gordon

• “Proper repetition equals efficiency.”

• “It's not the drill that people are paying for. It's the person behind it.”

• “My energy is way higher than theirs because I want them to know that most trainers are putting people through drills that they can't do.”

• “In order to make crazy plays, we gotta train crazy.”

• “You're paying for the experience.”

• “Your speed is different than mine. So you're gonna think you're right until you meet someone like me.”

• “I guarantee within the first three sessions, you'll see what you're looking for.”

• “This is the place to make a mistake. Once you start playing in the game, mistakes have to be very limited.”

• “I see potential that you don't see nor feel.”

• “The same way you do anything is how you should do everything.”

Connect with Akeem Gordon

📲 Instagram: @vmracademy

📘 Facebook: VMR Academy

🐦 X: @vmracademy

🎥 TikTok: @vmracademy

📍 Facility: 5034 Hopkins Rd, Krum, TX 76249

Follow Chat By The Pitch

🐦 X: @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 #AkeemGordonInspires #SportsPodcast #YouthSoccer #SpeedTraining #AgilityDrills #SoccerMechanics #AthleteDevelopment #Motivation #SportsTalk #TrainerLife #VisionMeetsReality #TeamBuilding #Leadership #SoccerCoach

Mentioned 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

Join Chat by the Pitch for an inspiring conversation with Warren Cottle, Director of Coaching and Player Development at North Texas State Soccer Association, and Christine Ellis, social media manager for Soccer Innovations. In this episode, Warren and Christine share their passion for youth soccer development, focusing on fostering a player-centric culture. They discuss the transformative Soccer for Success program, the importance of ball mastery at young ages, and the pitfalls of prioritizing winning over development. Tune in for actionable insights on creating environments where kids can learn, make decisions, and grow through soccer, packed with practical tips for coaches and parents alike! (134 words)

Key Talking Points

• Soccer for Success: Providing soccer education and equipment to schools in underserved communities.
• Ball mastery: Building technical foundations at home to boost confidence and control.
• Player-centric coaching: Creating environments for kids to make decisions and learn through play.
• Small-sided games: Why 4v4 and futsal are critical for maximizing touches and development.
• Parent education: Shifting focus from winning to long-term player growth.

Tune In to Learn

Tune in to learn how Warren Cottle and Christine Ellis transform youth soccer by prioritizing skill development, decision-making, and inclusive access to the game.

Quotes from Warren Cottle and Christine Ellis

• "The goal is to get soccer education out… it’s unbelievably user-friendly for the elementary perspective as well as the high school PE teacher perspective." – Warren Cottle
• "If you could take that and tie grades to it… use that as a platform to develop not just soccer players, but also people." – Warren Cottle
• "I saw it with my oldest… it took about six months, and all of a sudden it transformed the way that he played." – Christine Ellis
• "It’s so fun to watch and see… it sets them off on the right foot because now they start to feel confident." – Christine Ellis
• "As a coach, you don’t look at the ball. You look at the players off the ball, what they’re looking at, and what they’re thinking." – Warren Cottle
• "I’m big on ownership because they gotta feel like it’s their journey, and they will put more into it if it’s theirs." – Christine Ellis
• "Sometimes your best coaches… put ‘em on the field and let the kids figure it out." – Warren Cottle
• "I wish everybody knew… there’s something about they’re comfortable, they’re at home, they can have a ball at their foot." – Christine Ellis
• "Tournaments end up being more about money than they’re actually about development." – Warren Cottle
• "If they can’t control the ball, how will they be able to play on the field?" – Christine Ellis

Connect with Warren Cottle

📲 Instagram: @NTXODP

📘 Facebook: @NTXODP

📧 Email: warren@ntxsoccer.org

🌐 Website: https://www.ntxsoccer.org/odp/olympic-development-program/

Connect with Christine Ellis

📲 Instagram: @soccerinnovations

📘 Facebook: @SoccerInnovationsUSA

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/soccerinnovations

Follow Chat By The Pitch

🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch

📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch

📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChatByThePitchPod

🎧 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 #YouthSoccer #SoccerForSuccess #BallMastery #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingTips #Futsal #SoccerEducation #Leadership #Motivation #SoccerInnovations #NorthTexasSoccer...

In Part 2 of Chat by the Pitch with Nate Baker, founder of The Developer’s Way, we dive deeper into the broken U.S. youth soccer system and how to fix it. Nate discusses the dehumanization of players, treated as “slabs of meat” with expiration dates rather than “slabs of clay” to be molded into masterpieces. Through personal stories, like his daughter’s resilience on stage, Nate illustrates how coaches and parents can champion small wins to build lasting values. He shares insights on creating player-centric environments that prioritize potential over short-term results. Tune in for a powerful discussion on fostering resilience, joy, and growth in youth soccer!

Key Talking Points

• Broken Soccer System: Despite infrastructure growth, U.S. soccer produces fewer top-level American players due to a focus on talent accumulation over development.

• Humanizing Players: Nate advocates for seeing players as individuals with endless potential, fostering environments that prioritize growth and resilience.

• Celebrating Small Wins: Nate’s story of his daughter overcoming stage fright highlights how celebrating resilience over results builds lifelong values.

• Aligning Parents and Coaches: Educating parents and coaches to align with a club’s vision ensures players stay engaged, reducing dropout rates and sustaining development.

Tune In to Learn

Tune in to learn how Nate Baker’s player-centric approach at The Developer’s Way transforms youth soccer by championing resilience, values, and potential, offering practical steps for parents and coaches.

Quotes from Nate Baker

• “The game is no longer for the players. It’s been flipped, serving coaches, administrators, and egos instead.”

• “Winning is just taking that next step and staying in the game.”

• “We’re not developing players; we’re giving the impression they’re being developed.”

• “Kids need environments where someone believes in their potential and pushes them to keep going.”

• “My daughter froze on stage, came back, and finished. That’s the greatest win I’ve ever seen.”

Connect with Nate Baker

• 📲 Instagram: @thedevelopersway

• 🌐 Website: The Developer’s Way

• 🐦 X: @NateBakerCoach

Follow Chat by the Pitch

• 🐦 X: @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 #NateBakerInspires #YouthSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #CoachingCulture #PlayerPotential #Resilience #SoccerParents #Leadership #TeamBuilding

Mentioned 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