In this jam-packed episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Coach Juan Ocampo—founder of Pro Soccer Academy and mentor to some of the top youth players in the state. Known for cultivating what he calls the “dog mentality,” Coach Juan shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to rise through the youth soccer system and develop not just talent, but true toughness.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• Juan’s powerful journey from playing in the streets of Colombia to a professional stint with the Cosmos
• Why the years from 8–12 are the most important in player development
• The difference between being good and being dominant—and how to train like a pro
• His no-fluff philosophy on physical and mental discipline (yes, there are pushups involved!)
• The #1 trait every top player has in common (hint: it's not just talent)
• Why the support system behind a young athlete is often what makes or breaks their career
• What “quiet dog” energy is… and how Liam shows up with it
• Advice for kids who want to go pro and for parents who want to support them without hovering

Whether you're a parent, coach, or youth athlete, this episode is packed with game-changing insight that will challenge, inspire, and level you up.

🎧 Tune in now and hear how Coach Juan is helping shape the next generation of pros—one disciplined rep at a time.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹Ig @coachjuan123

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠⁠@Liamlinke93⁠

Follow on YouTube:YouTube: ⁠@liandmeinNYC⁠

ICoach Juan OCampo

http://prosocceracademy.net/

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 9 of The Soccer Ladder — streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we're honored to be joined by the iconic Shep Messing — former U.S. Olympic goalkeeper, New York Cosmos star, broadcaster, and lifelong ambassador of the game. Known for his time alongside legends like Pelé and Beckenbauer, Shep brings not only decades of soccer experience but also unfiltered wisdom, powerful stories, and refreshing perspective on what the game is truly about.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The surprising truth: Shep didn’t start playing soccer until age 16
• How cross-training in multiple sports helped shape his unique path
• What it was really like to play with Pelé — on and off the field
• The moment that changed everything: Saving three penalty kicks to keep Pelé’s final season alive
• Why Shep believes American youth soccer is overcoached and under-inspired
• Lessons from Harvard to the Olympics — and how he learned to play with heart, not pressure
• Why goalkeepers need technique over exhaustion and the key to mastering reactions
• Shep’s powerful take on parents in youth soccer: "Drop them off and go get a coffee"
• What he really thinks about skipping college to go pro
• Locker room stories, Vaseline pranks, and a moment with Muhammad Ali

Key Takeaways:

• There’s no one-size-fits-all path in soccer — and Shep proves that sometimes the most unconventional journeys make for the best stories
• Creativity, courage, and joy are essential to growing as a player
• Mistakes are part of the game; it's how you respond that defines your character
• Let kids fall in love with the game on their terms
• Stars grow in teams, not solo. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player — it's all about the bigger picture

Quotes We’re Still Thinking About:

• "Dream big and never quit."
• "Every time someone yells what to do, it takes away your ability to think."
• "If you're good enough, they'll find you."
• "You can't let one setback define you."

This episode is filled with inspiration, honesty, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're a player, parent, coach, or fan — this one's for you.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Instagram: @shepmessing

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 8 of The Soccer Ladder — streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

#TheSoccerLadder #ShepMessing #Pele #RedBullAcademy #SoccerStories #YouthSoccer #MLS #GoalkeeperTips #SoccerPodcast #ParentingAthletes

In this week’s episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Heath Pearce—a seasoned pro who’s played in the MLS, Germany’s Bundesliga, and earned 35 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Heath unpacks his journey from breaking his leg at age 16 to turning pro, what he’s learned from being cut, benched, and doubted—and how those moments shaped his mentality and career.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, real talk about the emotional ups and downs of soccer, and tactical advice for navigating the complex journey from youth soccer to the pro level.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Heath’s journey through MLS, Bundesliga, and the U.S. National Team
• How to mentally handle setbacks like injury, being benched, or being cut from a team
• The importance of having short-, mid-, and long-term goals
• Why working backwards from your dream (and staying flexible) is the key to longevity
• Turning frustration with coaches into motivation and leadership
• The Red Bull System, club culture, and how it shapes the modern game
• Creating space for youth to stay in love with the game—even if they don’t go pro
• What parents can do to cultivate a soccer culture that supports long-term development
• Why curiosity is your competitive edge as a player—and how to develop it daily
• Advice for young athletes: being uncomfortable, setting micro-goals, and staying curious

Key Quote:
"A coach can make a player’s career—but they should never break it. Unless you let them." – Heath Pearce

Don’t Miss This If:
You’re navigating the pressures of competitive youth soccer, trying to go pro, or supporting a young athlete and want honest, experienced insight on what it really takes.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Instagram: @heathpearce
For Soccer: www.forsoccer.com

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

👇 Tune in now and learn what it really takes to climb the soccer ladder.

#TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #MLS #SoccerParenting #HeathPearce #SoccerPodcast #RedBullAcademy #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #SoccerJourney #SoccerGoals