Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast Elite Clubs National League

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Prepare to unlock the secrets of soccer success and navigate the path to college recruitment like a pro! Ever wondered about the intricacies of recruiting in youth soccer? Our discussion is set to shed light on this complex arena, underscoring the differences between boys' and girls' recruiting landscapes and the critical role of balanced competition. Gain practical advice on choosing the right college fit and maintaining a healthy perspective o...

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Following an enormous response from our previous episode where we discussed tryouts and relative age effect, this episode takes a deeper dive into the disputed topic with Dr. Drew Watson, the ECNL Chief Medical Advisor. Dr. Watson joins Christian Lavers and Doug Bracken in discussing relative age effect lasting outcomes across the youth soccer landscape. The honest discussion is capped off with the concept of biobanding, what is it, and how could it ...

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Unlock the secrets of navigating youth soccer tryouts with the expert guidance of ECNL’s Christian Lavers and Doug Bracken, not to mention the firsthand tales from our own Ashley Willis. From the ethics of recruitment to the emotional toll on everyone involved, get ready for a candid discussion on the pressures of tryout season, the sometimes overlooked importance of loyalty, and the strategies clubs use to minimize disruptions.

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Join us as we peel back the curtain on the complexities of club promotion, where it's not just about a single age group's success but the collective performance of an entire organization. In this discussion, we shine a light on the varying regional league performances and the weight of postseason victories in the journey to ECNL elevation. We also tackle the controversial birth year versus school year registration debate, a hot-button issue that hits...

Let us know the topics of interest to you!The ECNL Podcast features ECNL President and CEO, Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President, Doug Bracken. Breaking the Line Podcast host, Dean Linke, talks with Lavers and Bracken about the new format of the podcast, and what listeners can look forward to as the podcast looks to pivot to having more candid conversations amongst themselves and other special guests as they discuss all things ECNL, as well as youth and professional soccer in here in the...

Let us know the topics of interest to you!The ECNL Podcast features Pat McStay founder of The Heritage Project, MVLA’s boys technical director Michael Renwick and NWSL’s North Carolina Courage head coach Sean Nahas. Breaking the Line Podcast host, Dean Linke, talks with McStay about how the Heritage Project helps educate and connect players playing within the ECNL to countries with whom they could qualify to play for through their lineage. Linke also speaks with Renwick on his time as a prof...