Podcasts about College soccer

Its just the fellas this week as they discuss a wide variety of topics across the college soccer landscape and the World Cup. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Brando Babini started a company at 16 because the thing he needed didn't exist. Five years later he's running it from a train seat between Brown and Brooklyn — 1,000 players, a Nike partnership, and 30 million views he shot and edited himself. This one's about how he actually does it.Brando is 21, still finishing his degree, and building Youth 4 Youth FC into one of the largest player-led soccer organizations in the country. He spotted the gap from his own playing career — no mentor, no one who'd walked the path ahead of him — and built the thing he wished he'd had. The 2026 World Cup is on U.S. soil right now and the whole country's suddenly paying attention to soccer. Strip the sport out, though, and you've still got the more interesting story: a Gen Z operator running a real company while most people his age are still picking a major.What We Get IntoSpotting a gap from lived experience and building the company you wished existed at 16Running an eight-state operation while taking the Amtrak back to class twice a week — the "drop-in," not the dropoutTurning 30 million organic views into 4,000 player applications — and what to do when that engine slows downLanding a Nike partnership as a young, unproven founderThe mission-vs-profit tension: building real access without building a handoutGoing need-blind by design — so the best kid plays whether his family can pay or notScaling by "mega sub-regions" instead of chasing franchise growthTeaching 13-year-olds to represent themselves — agency as the actual productChapters00:00 — The drop-in: running a company between Providence and New York01:30 — Starting at 16, and the gap he was trying to close03:45 — When the pro dream faded and the founder showed up04:30 — The question that runs everything: "what do I wish existed?"21:00 — Access without a handout: the mission-vs-profit tension26:00 — Why profit incentives aren't the enemy, and going need-blind33:00 — Teaching agency: parents, players, and an internal locus of control50:00 — 30 million views, 4,000 applications, and rebuilding the funnel52:00 — The Nike street-soccer project he's directing this week58:00 — Rapid fire: the GOAT, the Prem, and a 2026 World Cup readThis first aired on SportsEpreneur. For the full sports-business take — youth soccer pathways, college recruiting, and pay-to-play — listen to the original conversation there.More Soccer Content from SportsEpreneurHydration Breaks, Fox Ads, and the Americanization of the World Cup2026 World Cup: Groups, Schedule, and What to Watch as the Tournament Is HereTop 5 Soccer Leagues in the World (2025 Rankings: Depth, Players & Vibe)Soccer: The World's Most Popular Sport (3.5 Billion Fans, and Rising in the U.S.)Connect with BrandoInstagram: @y4yfc · brandobabini.com · y4yfc.com · LinkedIn: Brando BabiniEntrepreneur Perspectives is produced by QuietLoud Studios — a KazSource brand. Connect with Eric: X / LinkedIn

Our good friend Rich Nassif is back! Rich spent 17 years as a Division I collegiate soccer coach and was around when the idea of a two-semester college soccer schedule was first floated, so he's got a front-row perspective on how we got here. The timing couldn't be better: on June 23-24, the NCAA Division I Cabinet meets to decide the fate of men's college soccer's playing schedule. The Division I Men's Soccer Oversight Committee has already adopted legislation to split the season across fall and spring semesters starting in 2027-28, but the Cabinet still has to sign off before it becomes official. If approved, teams would play up to 18 matches in a fall window (late August through the Saturday before Thanksgiving) and up to 10 more in a spring window starting mid-February, with the College Cup moving to the spring. If it's rejected, the current compressed fall-only season stays put. Rich sits down with Brooks to discuss how college coaches really feel about the two-semester schedule, and the positives and negatives it could bring to programs across the country.If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽

The coaches are joined by professional referee Corey Rockwell for a unique perspective on the sport. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Part three of a three-part series celebrates Hollis "Doc" Powers, former Longwood College (Va.) Athletic Trainer and Associate Professor.  Former Longwood soccer player, Steve McGurl describes his deep admiration and respect for Doc.  McGurl also shares some of the infamous pranks between Doc and his team. "Doc" passed away on February 15, 2024.          

Former UNC Soccer National Champion, and current Director of Ops for Georgia Softball, joins to coaches to talk her journey from soccer to softball.   Plus the coaches talk their usual off-season "stuff".  Give a listen, tell a friend.

Send us Fan MailCollege soccer is about to change in ways that will hit everyone on match day: referees, coaches, players, and the people in the stands wondering why the game has stopped again. After sharing a personal weekend at the brand-new U.S. Soccer National Training Center, including the eye-opening mechanics of officiating deaf and power wheelchair matches, we bring on one of the best voices to explain what's coming next for the NCAA.John Collins, the NCAA national coordinator of soccer officials and a professional assessor across MLS, NWSL, and USL, walks us through the biggest NCAA soccer rules changes. We dig into the move to a coach-initiated video review challenge system, what incidents are actually reviewable, and why replay in college can be painfully slow without a full VAR team, dedicated replay operators, and a deep set of camera angles. John also breaks down why the fourth official becomes even more important now, how substitution opportunities shift when the clock is stopped, and what the optional Video Match Official role could mean for the future.We also tackle the men's Division I fall-spring calendar proposal, the student-athlete wellness case behind it, and the ripple effects on referee scheduling, development, and opportunity across all divisions. We wrap with the cultural hold of the countdown clock, plus discipline updates like simplifying violent behavior categories and new bench decorum accountability that puts staff cautions onto the head coach's accumulation. If you care about NCAA soccer officiating, video review, coach challenges, and the direction of the college game, this is the roadmap. Subscribe, share with your referee crew, and leave a review with your take on coach challenges and replay time.Support the show

Head Coach Jen Larrick joined Vineeta for a season preview on The WCCO Morning News.

Head Coach Jen Larrick joined Vineeta for a season preview on The WCCO Morning News.

Brando Babini started Youth 4 Youth FC when he was 16 after realizing his own soccer path was changing. Instead of walking away from the game, he built something for the players coming next.Eric Kasimov talks with Brando about player-led development, college soccer recruiting, pay-to-play, MLS, the World Cup, parents, leadership, and why young players need mentorship from people who have lived the journey.Topics covered:Why Brando started Youth 4 Youth FCWhat player-led mentorship looks like in youth soccerHow college soccer recruiting is changingWhy goalkeepers face a difficult pathThe impact of international players on domestic recruitingWhy pay-to-play remains a major problemHow players can take ownership of their journeyWhy street soccer and culture still matterChapters00:00 — Brando Babini, Youth 4 Youth FC, and building while at Brown00:50 — Starting Youth 4 Youth at 1602:15 — A winding recruiting journey and choosing a different soccer path03:23 — When the pro dream shifts into something else04:13 — What Brando wished existed when he was younger05:05 — Street soccer, Nike, and expression beyond exposure05:45 — College soccer recruiting and the transfer portal07:00 — International players and eligibility questions08:00 — Protecting the domestic player pathway08:36 — The goalkeeper recruiting problem11:26 — Building a better domestic soccer system12:00 — MLS, USL, and the future of soccer in the U.S.14:13 — Charlotte FC, accessibility, and the live soccer experience16:20 — Where MLS fits compared to global leagues19:13 — How the World Cup can change U.S. soccer20:00 — Breaking pay-to-play barriers23:08 — Showcases, costs, and why talent should be free to show24:00 — Profit incentives, player development, and investment27:00 — Subsidizing players and creating access28:00 — Game time, competition, and player development31:20 — Parents, pressure, and letting players own the journey34:05 — Scaling Youth 4 Youth through regions36:10 — Brown University, professors, and entrepreneurial flexibility38:00 — Why college can still matter40:30 — Leadership, teammates, and mental toughness43:00 — Internal control and handling adversity47:00 — Content, visibility, and Youth 4 Youth's growth49:00 — Nike Toma, street soccer, and culture51:00 — Messi, Ronaldo, the Premier League, and global soccer52:50 — Best players in the world today54:38 — World Cup predictions and the U.S. path57:00 — How to find Youth 4 Youth FCConnect with Brando Babini | Youth 4 Youth FC Brando Babini on LinkedIn | InstagramYouth 4 Youth FCConnect with Eric & SportsEpreneurSportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated SportsEpreneur ContentWhen Merit Gets Messy: College Recruiting in Soccer, Hockey, and LacrosseThe State of Youth SportsCollege Recruiting Tips For International Student-AthletesThe Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026: What Families Actually SpendSoccer Content by SportsEpreneurThe Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth SportsNIL Rules in 2026: What Athletes, Families, and Coaches Need to KnowHigh School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth SportsMake Youth Sports Fun Again

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews from this week on SDH AM. Watch every Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels. This week, hear about Orlando City from Mike Gramajo ahead of tonight's match, UGA hosting a soccer match at Sanford Stadium from head coach Keidane McAlpine, and FIFA's grant to Atlanta non-profit Field of Dreams Academy.

Apparently, the NCAA adopting a 2-semester season for College Soccer. What a great idea, NCAA!

The coaches are joined by Iowa HC Dean Ward to discuss a variety of off-season items, primarily the portal. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Former Louisville HC Karen Ferguson joins the coaches to talk her career arc, the NCAA soccer environment and a little pickleball. The coaches then discuss current portal news and the five year eligibility situation. Give a listen, tell a friend.

The recruiting process can flip from quiet to overwhelming in a single weekend, and that is exactly what happens after MLS Next Fest. I sit down again with Wyatt, Mateo, and Brandon from Ozark United FC U19 to get honest about the calls, the emails, the pressure, and the decisions that come fast once coaches start reaching out. We talk about what “finding the right fit” actually means when you are balancing college soccer, academics, location, and the bigger question of who you want to become off the field.They break down the real filters they used to choose a program: building a list of what you do not want, defining a few non negotiables, and digging into the details that actually shape your experience. We get specific about soccer development and program culture, roster size, international players, positional depth, and the questions recruits should ask coaches when no one can promise playing time. We also talk about recruiting timelines, NCAA contact rules, highlight reels, and why starting early can matter more than people realize.Money is part of the story too. We discuss financial calculators, avoiding painful surprises, and why the “dream school” has to make sense on paper as well as on the pitch. We also zoom out to the changing pathway to pro soccer, including the growing academy route, what trials can teach you, and how to turn setbacks into confidence. If you are a player, parent, or coach navigating youth soccer recruiting, this conversation offers practical steps and a grounded mindset.Subscribe for more Ozark United stories, share this with a family in the recruiting grind, and leave a review if it helps. What is the number one factor you think matters most when choosing a college soccer program?

The coaches are joined by Florida Gulf Coast University HC Jim Blankenship in this week's episode. Give a listen, tell a friend.

The coaches welcome Michigan State Head Coach Jeff Hosler to the pod to discuss his coaching journey and his program.    The coaches then have a spirited debate on college soccer blue bloods.   Give a listen, tell a friend.

After the recent round of research Extra Points released on college soccer and their budgets, Matt Brown visits SDH AM to discuss how the research is put together.Matt also looks at the men's and women's game, finds surprises in budgets, and offers a possible future for revenue sources for the game.A wide-ranging discussion...

The coaches are joined in the episode by University of Illinois Head Coach Katie Hultin. Give a listen, tell a friend.

2025 Division 2 National Champion Coach Katy Freels joins the coaches for this week's pod. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Two-time Division 3 national champion coach Jim Conlon of Washington University in Saint Louis joins the coaches as we speed towards the start of the Spring exhibition season.  Give a listen, tell a friend.

Rich Nasiff played at Northwestern University and coached men's college soccer for 17 years. Brooks and Rich discuss the topic of recruiting and player identification at the youth and college levels. The two discuss that just because you play in MLS Next, ECNL, Girls Academy, etc. that you are not entitled to a division 1 scholarship offer. They also discuss the Domestic vs. International topic in college soccer as well as how college coaching staffs prepare players for the pro level.

The coaches are joined by Kansas City Current player development coach Erwin Van Bennekom to discuss the strategies for the mentoring and the developing of players and they are also joined by Nick Petrucelli for a USL update.   Plus they discuss the ongoing Spring 2026 training across the NCAA. Give a listen, tell a friend.

The ALL ME® Podcast Major League Mental Health – Brad Ring Summary In this episode of the ALL ME Podcast, host Don Hooton interviews professional soccer player Brad Ring, who shares his journey from youth sports to the professional level. They discuss the importance of mental health in athletics, the evolution of mental health resources, and the work being done at OnRise to support athletes. Brad emphasizes the significance of setting smaller goals, the challenges faced during the transition to college and professional sports, and the need for a strong support system. He also provides valuable insights for aspiring athletes and parents on navigating the sports landscape and prioritizing mental well-being. Takeaways Brad Ring's journey from youth sports to professional soccer is inspiring. The importance of setting smaller goals to achieve larger dreams. Mental health resources for athletes have significantly improved over the years. OnRise provides accessible mental health support for athletes. The transition from college to professional sports can be challenging. Athletes often face pressure and anxiety that can impact performance. Having a support system is crucial for mental well-being in sports. The stigma around mental health is decreasing in the sports community. Athletes are more than just their sport; identity is important. Engaging with mental health resources early can prevent larger issues. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Youth Sports to Professional Soccer 02:49 Realizing Potential: The Path to College Soccer 05:40 Transitioning to College: The Freshman Experience 08:30 The Draft Process: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges 11:31 First Steps in the MLS: The Rookie Experience 14:17 Mental Resilience: The Importance of Mental Health in Sports 22:43 The Evolution of Mental Health Resources in Sports 27:26 Innovative Approaches to Athlete Mental Health 30:21 OnRise: Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Support 34:00 Accessing Mental Health Resources for Young Athletes 40:40 Empowering Young Athletes Beyond Sports Follow Us: Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Contact Us: Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Email: info@taylorhooton.org Phone: 214-449-1990 ALL ME Assembly Programs: http://taylorhooton.org/education-resources/face-to-face-programs/

The coaches are joined by LSU head coach Sian Hudson to discuss the start of the 2026 Spring Season.  Give a listen, tell a friend.

The Champions League is back for Matchday 7 with automatic qualification on the line and no margin for error across Europe. Jason Longshore breaks down the key races, the pressure facing Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City, and the American storylines shaping the round.Then, a potential generational shift in men's college soccer moves closer to reality as the NCAA reviews a split-season model that could reshape calendars, development pathways, and the future role of the college game.Plus, Around the Corner from the SDH Network, the latest from Inter Miami and the NWSL, AFCON fallout, transfer news, and a full Refill of global headlines in today's Morning Espresso.

The season 7 premiere of College Soccer Nation is here, as the beginning of the Spring Season marks the beginning of 2026. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Talking all things about the US college soccer pathway with Hiro! Hiro plays for PLU in Washington State but he hails all the way from New Zealand! How did he get to the US? Lets chat about it! If you're interested in the US soccer pathway, this stream is for you!

Kacey White drops by SDH AM to look back at the year in the leagues and schools she called...A look back at NWSL- with changes coming in Kansas CityThe college game that wrapped in cold, KC andMLS with some of the teams she and Jess Charman witnessed in person

It's a stacked Tuesday Thoughts on SDH AMKacey White bats leadoff to look at NWSL, college soccer, and MLS from 2025 and what she's thinking about 2026We look at the Premier League festive fixturesThe USL Show's Kaylor Hodges breaks down the last 30 days in USL-C and League One- looking at both 2025 and 2026Jason joins with the breakdown of the Tomas Jacob signing for ATLUTD- with updates on GK Lucas Hoyos as well. We also look at AFCON and the John Textor situation at Botafogo... 

The coaches close out the 2025 season with the College Soccer Nation season awards and they welcome in National Champion Head Coach Brian Penske of Florida State to discuss his team's 2025 run.  Give a listen, tell a friend.

The EC Show Florida State Soccer Are National Champions

The coaches break down the 2025 Final Four and discuss Florida State raising another banner. Give a listen, tell a friend.

It's a busy Tuesday Thoughts on SDH AMChris Doran, play-by-play voice for Columbus Crew, talks the Wilfried Nancy exit, possible replacements, and roster decisions to be made for 2026We go over your UCL matches for TuesdayCollege champs are decided in the NAIA and NCAA on the women's side... we have highlights and analysis from Kacey White... as she joins from the concourse at LaGuardia...We also look at the AM news to get you started on your day 

Inclusive acceptance is the practice of actively embracingand welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring they feel respected,valued, and a sense of belonging. It goes beyond mere tolerance, aiming toprovide equal opportunities for everyone to fully participate, regardless ofdifferences such as race, gender, disability, or other identities. Thiscommitment involves understanding diverse perspectives, removing barriers, andaccommodating various needs. Scott Martin is an award-winning soccer coach, educator, andadvocate for the disability community. He holds an advanced national coachinglicense and has over 30 years of experience coaching at the select youth, highschool, and college levels. He has received the Coach of the Year honors fourtimes and has led multiple teams to state championships. His expertise hasconnected him with top coaches both in the U.S. and internationally. Beyond the soccer field, Martin is a dedicated educator inWisconsin and the host of the "Life's a Road Trip" podcast, where heshares stories of resilience and disability advocacy. After surviving alife-threatening illness that resulted in the loss of his hands and feet, hehas become a powerful voice for amputee abilities and advancements inprosthetics. His contributions to research at the University of Washington andJohns Hopkins University have helped shape innovations in this field. Recognized for his advocacy work, Martin serves as a GlobalAdvisor for Billion Strong, a worldwide disability organization. His inspiringjourney has been featured in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power ofPositive," and he is the author of "Play From Your Heart"(Library Tales Publishing), a memoir that chronicles his remarkable journey ofperseverance, reinvention, and the unwavering spirit that has guided himforward. For more information, visit: https://librarytalespublishing.com/collections/scott-martin 

It's a Wall Pass Wednesday on SDH AMWe look at the new John Textor reportsScarves N Spikes Tyler Pilgrim looks at MLS Cup, how we got there, and Friday in Atlanta with the World Cup DrawMLSSoccer.com's Dylan Butler looks at the multiple storylines with Vancouver and Inter Miami for Saturday afternoonSounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno looks at roster moves out west, Seattle's future, and the last game of the year as wellEmory University head women's soccer coach Sue Patberg previews their Division III National Semifinal from Virginia

The coaches are joined by former FSU National Championship coach Mark Krikorian to preview final four weekend in women's college soccer and they also discuss other items floating around the women's soccer universe. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Tuesday Thoughts start your morning on SDH AMKacey White drops by to talk MLS Cup and roll through the NCAA brackets- and we ask if anyone can stop Stanford...Georgia Gwinnett MSOC HC Steve DeCou visits from the Gulf and walks through the win in the NAIA Round of 16We look at the last match of the USWNT for 2025 from last night in South Florida where a chip and a charge got shutout win for the US against Italy We look at the news of the AM- including when owners in interesting positions in table swap talent 

Wall Pass Wednesday covers it all on SDH AMWe look at the day's results in Champions League and preview the day's 9 matchesLife University's mens coach Alex Pama looks at the NAIA bracket and what Life has done so far in the tourneySounder at Heart/PulsoSports Niko Moreno drops by for the review of the round of 8 and the conference finals preview- plus some teams make roster moves- Seattle, DC, and Red Bulls... 

The coaches are joined by Dan Helfrich, the COO of US soccer, and they review the Round of 32 and Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Women's tournament and look ahead to this weekend's quarterfinals. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Kacey White joins SDH AM to look at all the upsets in the NCAA Division I tournament and all the top seeds that have fallen...Plus, we look at the MLS playoffs and the job Javier Mascherano is doing in Fort Lauderdale...

Andy Fleming joined to chat all things "College Soccer Showcase 101" in preparation for the upcoming winter events. What should your email communications look like? What should your on/off the field actions look like (beyond soccer)? What do you do next after you head home? Check out Andy Fleming Soccer for more, and be sure to subscribe to our channel! #soccer #collegesoccer #recruiting #mlsnext #ecnl #gasoccer #NCAAD1 #NCAAD2 #NCAAD3 #NAIA #NJCAA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a full Thursday Thoughts on SDH AMWe look at the World Cup playoff paths drawn Thursday morning and who has to go where to make it to the tournamentWe check the college brackets for round two of the post-season in men's and women's soccer in NCAA and NAIAGOLTV's Nino Torres drops by talking World Cup qualifying, South America, and TV rightsSounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno talks MLS roster moves and the round of 8 in the playoffs

The coaches discuss the first round of the NCAA Tournament and look ahead to this week's slate of games. Give a listen, tell a friend.

College Soccer's SoCon had a golden goal and USL League One has a champ in Knoxville...Gabe Schray drops by to break down how Furman advanced to the NCAA tourney and One Knox runs from the beginning to the end of the League One schedule...We look at those matches and the year-end awards in USLL1

It's a big Reaction Monday on SDH AMWe look at voodoo in World Cup Qualifying929TheGame's Abe Gordon drops by to talk about the new MLS schedule adjustment and the TV impactsWe examine owner investment in the future in MLS plus player movementGabe Schray looks at SoCon's golden goal and the season in USL League One- with a champ in Knoxville

The coaches are joined by TCU Head Coach and NCAA Selection Committee member Ryan Higginbothham to discuss the 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament bracket. The hits, the misses, and the disappointments. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Kacey White drops by after her tour of the ACC Women's Championship to break down the ACC and the Division I bracket plus looking at the NWSL first round- surprises included...

It was a wild weekend across Europe! AC Milan climb back to the top of Serie A as Rafael Leão breaks his drought against Fiorentina — but all eyes are on the club vs. country debate after news that Christian Pulisic will miss action until after the next international break with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Como stunned Juventus 2-0, with Weston McKennie coming off of the bench. We ask Stu Holden: Is McKennie really the best midfielder in USMNT history? In the Eredivisie, Ricardo Pepi makes his return for PSV, Folarin Balogun keeps scoring in Ligue 1, and Harry Kane puts on another masterclass in Germany — sparking the question: should he be in the “best in the world” conversation? Back home, the MLS Cup Playoff field is set! Wild Card Wednesday looms, and every matchup is dripping with drama. Plus, Stu and Mosse dive into U.S. Soccer's push to modernize college soccer and revive its role in player development.