The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me

Megan
  • 3.8 (4)
  • Soccer

The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you're just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.For more follow us along @liandmeinnyc on YouTube and Instagram *Don't forget to give us a review below

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 37: Lou Ruffien — From the French National Team to Harvard Soccer

    In Episode 37 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with Lou Ruffien, French Youth National Team player, Paris FC academy standout, and incoming Harvard Women's Soccer student-athlete. After representing France at the UEFA U-17 European Championship and FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Lou shares what it's really like to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer, adapt to life in Europe, and prepare for the next chapter at Harvard. She also opens up about resilience, mental performance, and the lessons she's learned through both triumphs and setbacks.  In this episode, we discuss:  ⚽ Representing France at the U-17 Euros and FIFA U-17 World Cup ⚽ Choosing Harvard over a professional contract ⚽ The differences between academy soccer and international football ⚽ The importance of versatility and adapting to new positions ⚽ How mental coaching transformed her confidence and consistency ⚽ What French coaches value most in young players ⚽ Balancing pressure, setbacks, and confidence ⚽ Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters ⚽ Advice for young girls pursuing high-level soccer ⚽ Her goals of playing professionally and representing France's senior national team  Follow:  📲 Lou Ruffien: @lou.ruffien11 📲 Paris FC Féminines: @parisfc_feminines 📲 Harvard Women's Soccer: @harvardwsoccer Follow The Soccer Ladder: 📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial 📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with elite players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game. ⚽️🔥

    19 min

  2. Jun 15

    Episode 36: Matteo Masucci — Building Better Players Through Development, Mindset & Innovation

    In Episode 36 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with Matteo Masucci, founder of Juventus Academy Los Angeles, entrepreneur, coach, and creator of innovative AI-powered coaching technology. Born and raised in Italy, Matteo shares his journey from professional soccer and sports science to building one of the premier youth development environments in the United States alongside Alessandro Del Piero. He offers valuable insight into player development, technical training, decision-making, and what today's players and parents should really be focusing on.  In this episode we discuss: ⚽ The biggest differences between European and American youth soccer ⚽ Why individual development should come before team trophies ⚽ What players ages 12–15 should focus on during key growth years ⚽ The impact of physical growth on coordination and performance ⚽ Why technical skills should be developed before soccer IQ ⚽ What defines a strong midfielder in today's game ⚽ Common mistakes ambitious soccer parents make ⚽ The importance of 1v1 play and shooting development ⚽ How neuroscience influences player decision-making ⚽ The future of AI in coaching and player development Learn more: ⚽ Juventus Academy Los Angeles 📲 Instagram: @juventusacademyla ⚽ Zone360 AI 📲 Instagram: @zone360.ai Follow: 📲 Matteo Masucci: @Matteo_masu 📲 Juventus Academy Los Angeles: @juventusacademyla 📲 Juventus Academy Phoenix: @juventusacademyphoenix 📲 Layout HM MLS Next: @layouthmlsnext 📲 Zone360 AI: @zone360.ai 📲 Alessandro Del Piero: @alessandrodelpiero 📲 N10 Los Angeles: @n10losangeles Follow The Soccer Ladder: 📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial 📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with elite players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game. ⚽️🔥

    40 min

  3. Jun 3

    Episode 35: Tab Ramos — World Cups, Youth Development, & The Future of American Soccer

    In Episode 35 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with soccer legend Tab Ramos. A three-time FIFA World Cup player, Olympian, former U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach, and MLS Head Coach, Tab shares lessons from decades at the highest levels of the game. In this episode we discuss: ⚽ Playing in three FIFA World Cups ⚽ What players ages 12–15 should focus on right now ⚽ Why technical ability and ball mastery still matter most ⚽ The realities of pay-to-play soccer ⚽ Early vs. late developers ⚽ What separates elite midfielders from everyone else ⚽ Expectations for the United States at the next World Cup ⚽ The vision behind the U.S. National Soccer School Learn more: ⚽ U.S. National Soccer School Goalkeeper Talent Identification Events https://www.usnationalsoccerschool.com/talent-identification-events ⁠U.S. National Soccer School Goalkeeper Talent Identification Events⁠ ⚽ U.S. National Soccer School Follow: ⁠U.S. National Soccer School Official Website⁠ 📲 Instagram: @tabramosofficial 📲 Inside American Soccer: @insideamericansoccer https://www.usnationalsoccerschool.com/ Follow The Soccer Ladder: 📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial 📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with elite players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game.

    21 min

  4. May 21

    Episode 34 | Janine Willis (Soccer in the Streets)

    A conversation on access, opportunity, and using soccer to change communities. Hosts Megan Liam About This Episode In Episode 34 of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Janine Willis, former Canadian Women’s National Team player and Board of Directors member for Soccer in the Streets (@soccerstreets). From her journey playing at Princeton and with the Canadian National Team to now helping lead one of the most impactful soccer nonprofits in the country, Janine shares how soccer can become a vehicle for access, mobility, mentorship, and community transformation. We dive into Atlanta’s pay-to-play challenges, youth development, mental health, social-emotional learning, and how Soccer in the Streets is creating safe spaces where every child can thrive.  In This Episode  Janine Willis’ journey from Canada to the collegiate and national team level  Growing up playing on boys teams due to limited girls infrastructure  Playing Division I soccer at Princeton University  Transitioning from soccer into law school and life after sport  Why identity outside of soccer matters for young athletes  The realities of pay-to-play and the participation gap in youth soccer  Why Atlanta ranks among the highest in income inequality  How Soccer in the Streets is using soccer to create opportunity  Inside the organization’s “Station Soccer” initiative near MARTA transit stations  How public transportation access impacts youth participation  Bringing soccer directly into underserved schools and communities  The importance of social-emotional learning in youth sports  Trauma-informed coaching and mentorship  Opening circles, closing circles, and teaching values like grit and joy  Creating pathways beyond playing through referee and coaching development  Building community ecosystems through soccer programming Key Takeaways ✔ Soccer should be accessible to every child  ✔ Development is about building the whole person, not just the player  ✔ Identity outside of sport matters for long-term well-being  ✔ Community and mentorship can change the trajectory of a child’s life  ✔ The game can create economic and social mobility when barriers are removed Notable Mentions:  Princeton University  Canadian Women’s National Team  MARTA transit system in Atlanta  Station Soccer initiative  Social-emotional learning in sports  Pay-to-play barriers in youth soccer Connect: Soccer in the Streets 📸 Instagram: @soccerstreets Nonprofit organization equipping Atlanta’s youth through soccer programming, building connections, and providing safe spaces where every child can thrive. 🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18  🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

    19 min

  5. May 7

    Episode 33 | Jose Angulo (New York Cosmos, USL MVP)

    A conversation on player pathways, local talent, and building the next generation through community. Hosts Megan  Liam About This Episode In Episode 33 of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Jose Angulo (@j_angulo), Scout and Manager of Youth Partnerships for the New York Cosmos (@nycosmos). A North Jersey native from Paterson, Jose Angulo’s journey through the local soccer scene led him to a professional career — where he was named USL Championship MVP. Today, he’s giving back to the game by identifying talent, building pathways, and strengthening relationships between clubs and communities across New Jersey. We also touch on the legacy of Pelé (@pele) and the lasting impact the Cosmos brand has had on the global game. In This Episode  Jose Angulo’s journey from Paterson, NJ to the professional level  What it takes to stand out in the New Jersey soccer landscape  The transition from player to scout and youth development leader  How the New York Cosmos identify and develop talent  The importance of local pipelines and community relationships  What scouts are actually looking for in young players  Why exposure alone isn’t enough — and what really separates players  The role of mindset, consistency, and coachability  How youth clubs can better connect with higher-level opportunities  The balance between development and competition  The long-term vision for soccer growth in North Jersey Key Takeaways ✔ Your environment matters — but your habits matter more  ✔ Exposure doesn’t guarantee opportunity — preparation does  ✔ Relationships in soccer open doors  ✔ Development pathways are not one-size-fits-all  ✔ The best players are consistent, coachable, and disciplined Notable Mentions  New York Cosmos legacy and global impact  Pelé’s influence on the club and the sport  Growth of soccer in North Jersey  Youth-to-pro development pathways Connect Jose Angulo  📸 Instagram: @j_angulo New York Cosmos  📸 Instagram: @nycosmos  🔗 https://t.mtrbio.com/nycosmos 🔗 www.nycsomos.com Pelé  📸 Instagram: @pele  🔗 www.pelebrand.com 🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18  🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

    16 min

  6. Apr 23

    Episode 32 | Dr Marc Bubbs (Performance Nutritionist, ProBio Nutrition)

    A conversation on fueling youth athletes, building longevity, and mastering the fundamentals of performance. Hosts Megan Liam About This Episode In Episode 32 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Dr Marc Bubbs (@Drbubbs), a performance nutritionist working with professional and Olympic athletes across elite sport, including @canadabasketball, @usmnt, and @underarmour. With over 20 years of experience, Dr Marc Bubbs breaks down what truly matters when it comes to fueling development, recovery, and long-term performance — especially for young athletes navigating today’s demanding schedules.  From under-fueling and match day nutrition to supplements, habits, and cutting through online noise — this episode is a masterclass for players and parents alike. In This Episode  Dr Marc Bubbs’ journey from athlete to elite performance nutritionist  What surprised him most inside professional team environments  Why nutrition and recovery weren’t always prioritized in sport  The biggest fueling mistake youth athletes make today  Why under-fueling is more common than people think  How busy schedules impact youth athlete nutrition  Smart snack strategies for pre-training and post-training  The difference between fast vs slow carbohydrates (and why it matters)  Simple, effective fueling ideas for tight time windows  What separates athletes who last 10–15 years  Why patterns and habits outperform short-term strategies  How to properly fuel on match day (timeline + structure)  Growth spurts and what parents need to know nutritionally  The role of protein, carbs, and total energy intake  Supplements: what actually matters vs what’s noise  How to filter misinformation in today’s nutrition landscape  The importance of sleep, recovery, and consistency  Why fundamentals still drive 80–90% of performance results  Inside ProBio Nutrition and how it supports athlete health Key Takeaways ✔ Most young athletes are under-fueling, not overeating ✔ Total daily energy intake is the foundation of performance ✔ Fast carbs are critical around training and games ✔ Consistency beats perfection — build patterns, not quick fixes ✔ You don’t need trends — you need fundamentals ✔ Sleep, nutrition, and habits drive long-term success ✔ The best athletes master the basics repeatedly Notable Mentions  Canada Basketball  U.S. Men’s National Team  Under Armour  Elite athletes across multiple sports  Youth athlete development systems Connect Dr Marc Bubbs  📸 Instagram: @Drbubbs  🌐 Website: www.drbubbs.com ProBio Nutrition  🌐 Website: www.drbubbs.com (Co-Founder @probionutrition) 🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18  🎧Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

    33 min

  7. Apr 2

    Episode 31 | Jozy Altidore (USMNT Veteran, Sogility)

    A conversation on development, pressure, longevity, and building the next generation of players. Hosts Megan  Liam About This Episode In Episode 31 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jozy Altidore (@jozyaltidore) — a U.S. Men’s National Team veteran who signed professionally at just 16 and built a career across Europe and MLS. Now stepping into a new chapter, Jozy Altidore is focused on developing the next generation through @Sogility and @SogilityGO, bringing technology-driven training into the modern game. From early development and pressure, to parenting, longevity, and the future of soccer training — this episode is packed with real, honest insight for players and families navigating the game today.  In This Episode  What coaches saw in Jozy Altidore at just 16 years old  The reality of kids signing younger and the importance of balance  How to manage intense training schedules at a young age  Why letting kids still be kids is critical in development  Jozy’s perspective as both a former pro and a parent  What academy players misunderstand about the pro pathway  Why being a good person and teammate matters just as much as talent  The moment pressure first felt real in his career  The difference between pressure that builds vs. breaks a player  Why there are multiple pathways to success in soccer  Lessons from playing in Europe and adapting to new environments  What actually creates long professional careers  The importance of being a well-rounded player and teammate  Why sleep, recovery, and rest are essential for performance  Inside @Sogility — technology-driven player development  How @SogilityGO is changing at-home training  The role of data and AI in modern soccer development  Why unstructured play and creativity still matter Key Takeaways ✔ Talent gets attention — character and adaptability build careers  ✔ Balance is everything in youth development  ✔ Pressure should develop players, not overwhelm them  ✔ Being a great teammate extends your career  ✔ Recovery, sleep, and stretching are non-negotiable  ✔ Technology is shaping the future of training — but creativity still wins Notable Mentions  Jozy Altidore — USMNT Veteran  Red Bulls / MetroStars development pathway  U.S. Youth National Team system  European club experience (Spain)  Sogility training ecosystem Connect Jozy Altidore  📸 Instagram: @jozyaltidore Sogility:  📸 Instagram: @sogility  ⚽ Technology-Driven Soccer Training  #TrainDifferentGetBetter For more on Sogility: www.sogility.com SogilityGO:  📸 Instagram: @SogilityGO  📱 Interactive app + smart rebounder  🏠 Train at home For more on SogilityGO:  www.sogilitygo.com 🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18  🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

    25 min

  8. Mar 4

    Episode 30 | Jesús Pérez (USMNT Assistant Coach)

    A behind-the-scenes look at elite preparation, mindset, and what young players can learn from the highest level of the game.  About This Episode In Episode 30 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jesús Pérez (@jpp_71), assistant coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (@usmnt) and longtime collaborator of head coach Mauricio Pochettino (@pochettino). With the next World Cup on the horizon, Jesús Pérez shares what elite tournament preparation truly looks like behind the scenes — and why this U.S. team genuinely believes it can compete to win it. From passion and commitment at the highest level to youth development, parenting advice, and the importance of unstructured play, this episode delivers a powerful perspective for players and families navigating today’s game. In This Episode How Jesús Pérez transitioned from aspiring player to elite coachThe impact of sports science on his coaching philosophyWhat makes his 15-year partnership with Mauricio Pochettino workWhat fans don’t see during major tournament preparationWhy no one truly knows the final roster until the last momentThe two qualities Jesús Pérez values most in USMNT players: passion + commitmentHow to reduce the gap between your best version and your worst versionThe potential impact of hosting a World Cup in the U.S.Advice for 12–15-year-old players dreaming of the national teamWhy staying close to family matters during early developmentHonest thoughts on rushing careers and early moves abroadClear advice for parents: be a parent, not the coachWinning vs. development — and why competitive mentality still mattersWhy young players should stop worrying about moneyWhy kids need more unstructured, free playRapid fire: the one word that defines a World Cup playerKey Takeaways ✔ Passion and commitment separate elite players ✔Consistency matters more than occasional brilliance ✔Stay close to family during foundational years ✔Free play builds creativity that structured training cannot ✔Parents should support — not coach from the sidelines ✔Winning and development can coexist Connect Jesús Pérez  📸 Instagram: @jpp_71 U.S. Men’s National Team  📸 Instagram: @usmnt Mauricio Pochettino  📸 Instagram: @pochettino 🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18  🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you're just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.For more follow us along @liandmeinnyc on YouTube and Instagram *Don't forget to give us a review below

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