What does it take to build a soccer development system that truly serves American players? Bob Montgomery, the architect behind Red Bull New York's academy that produced stars like Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic, reveals the blueprint on American Soccer Club Zone.

Montgomery brings decades of wisdom from coaching US National Team captains Mike Windischman and Chris Armas at Adelphi University to establishing one of America's most productive youth academies. Now, as sporting committee member for American Soccer Club New York, he's helping create new pathways for local talent.

The conversation unpacks why American youth soccer often misses talented players through exclusive club affiliations and prohibitive costs. "It's about building bridges," Montgomery explains, describing ASC's open-door approach that contrasts with typical MLS academy models. He challenges common development myths, particularly around playing up age groups, explaining players should only advance "when they're ready."

Most compelling is ASC's proof-of-concept: giving 16-year-old Dylan Lopez first-team minutes during their inaugural NPSL season. This bold move demonstrates their commitment to development over immediate results. As Montgomery reflects on his experiences grooming future stars, he emphasizes that technical ability and decision-making—not size or strength—ultimately determine which young players succeed professionally.

Ready to see American soccer development reimagined? Join the conversation about creating accessible pathways for talented players regardless of background or club affiliation. The future of American soccer depends on it.

Thank you for listening! Visit us at ASCNewYork.com

A soccer revolution is brewing on Long Island, and the American Soccer Club New York is at its center. In this revealing conversation, host Jim Kilmeade welcomes Sporting Director Brian Neumeier to reflect on the club's inaugural season and share their bold vision for rekindling Long Island's soccer heritage.

Neumeier, a Suffolk County native who witnessed firsthand the region's golden era of soccer talent, brings decades of coaching experience from his successful career in Connecticut. From building championship high school programs to managing national title-winning clubs, his journey embodies the grassroots passion that ASC hopes to cultivate.

The discussion ventures beyond typical season recaps to explore something more profound: how soccer's commercialization has created barriers to participation and development. While modern "academies" chase the elite 5% of players, smaller community clubs maintain the pure joy of the game. ASC positions itself as the bridge between these worlds, aiming to create accessible pathways without excessive cost barriers.

What truly sets this conversation apart is its authenticity. When Neumeier shares, "We stayed true to the vision and didn't chase wins... that is not going to be how this club is ever defined," it reveals an organization measuring success differently. Through community appearances, youth engagement, and genuinely accessible players, ASC is building meaningful relationships one interaction at a time.

For anyone who believes soccer should be more than just business, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what's possible when community takes center stage. As Neumeier poignantly reflects: "One goal makes that much of a difference to what we accomplished... we look at wins and losses and we're much deeper than that."

Discover how American Soccer Club is working to reclaim Long Island's soccer identity and create something that transcends the scoreboard. Follow their journey as they aim to conduct 100 community appearances this offseason and develop the next generation of local talent through authentic connection.

Thank you for listening! Visit us at ASCNewYork.com

Long before MLS dominated the American soccer landscape, grassroots clubs and passionate players were building the foundation for today's thriving soccer scene. The American Soccer Club Zone podcast takes us back to those formative days through the remarkable journey of Jim Rooney, whose career spans from Deer Park Celtic Soccer Club to Major League Soccer and coaching the U.S. National Youth Teams.

Host Jim Kilmeade and Rooney share stories from the early days of the Long Island Rough Riders, where professional contracts started at just $800 a month and players balanced construction jobs with soccer dreams. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of American soccer's evolution – from makeshift fields with "Roach Coach" concession trucks to today's professional pathways.

The conversation reveals the intense competitive culture that transformed the Rough Riders from an 0-2 start to championship contenders. "Practices were tougher than games," Rooney explains, describing daily training sessions where teammates battled for starting positions with such intensity that fistfights weren't uncommon. This fierce competitive spirit, managed by coaches like Alfonso Mandela, created a winning environment that propelled players like Rooney to MLS with the MetroStars and Miami.

Particularly compelling is Rooney's perspective on coaching the U.S. U-17 National Team, where he applied lessons from his playing days while adapting to a new generation. He shares insights on developing young talent and building the mental toughness needed for international competition, wisdom he now brings to the American Soccer Club New York's sporting committee.

For soccer fans interested in how American soccer grew from local leagues to today's professional structure, this episode offers a treasure trove of firsthand history and insights about the continuing evolution of the sport. Through Rooney's journey, we see how passion, sacrifice, and community-building created the foundation for American soccer's current success.

Thank you for listening! Visit us at ASCNewYork.com