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. Aug 19

    Dax McCarty on Leadership, Soccer IQ & Developing as a Midfielder | The Soccer Ladder

    Former MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Dax McCarty joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation filmed during MLS All-Star Week. After nearly two decades playing at the professional level, Dax shares the lessons he believes matter most for young players trying to grow in the game. We talk about leadership and why accountability may be one of the most important qualities a young captain can develop — including learning to look inward before pointing fingers at teammates. Dax also breaks down how young midfielders can improve their soccer IQ and decision-making. His advice? Watch yourself back. Study your training sessions and games, identify where you can improve, and watch great players at the highest level. Dax shares how he studied Paul Scholes growing up and incorporated pieces of his game into his own development. We also discuss what Dax wishes he had done differently as a young midfielder, why sometimes making the right decision means being a little more selfish in the right moments, and how he learned to use failures as motivation throughout his career. A conversation packed with practical insight for young players, midfielders, captains, coaches, and soccer parents navigating the development journey. Filmed during MLS All-Star Week. Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me for more conversations with professional players, coaches, broadcasters, and experts sharing what they’ve learned with the next generation. @MLS @AppleTV @daxmccarty #TheSoccerLadder #DaxMcCarty #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #MLSAllStar -

  2. Aug 19

    Kei Kamara on Giving Back & the Kei Kamara HEARTshapedhands Foundation

    MLS veteran Kei Kamara has built an incredible career in soccer, but his impact goes far beyond the field. In this special conversation for The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, Kei shares the heart behind the Kei Kamara HEARTshapedhands Foundation, his commitment to giving back, and why using his platform to help others is so important to him. From his journey in professional soccer to the work he continues to do in communities close to his heart, Kei’s story is a powerful reminder that the impact of the game can extend far beyond the pitch. Learn more about Kei Kamara & HEARTSHAPEDHANDS: ❤️ Foundation: https://heartshapedhands.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keikamara/ ⚽ The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me Conversations with players, coaches and leaders from across the soccer world — sharing their experiences, perspectives and lessons with young players and their families. 🎙️ Hosted by Megan Linke 🌐 MeganLinke.com #KeiKamara #Soccer #MLSSoccer #TheSoccerLadder #GivingBack

  3. Aug 19

    Kaylyn Kyle on Youth Soccer, Mindset & the Path to the Pros | The Soccer Ladder

    Former professional player, Olympian, and MLS on Apple TV Studio Analyst Kaylyn Kyle joins me during MLS All-Star Week for a special conversation on The Soccer Ladder. Kaylyn shares her perspective on what separates players as they move through the game, the importance of mindset and resilience, and what young athletes can learn from the challenges they face along the way. We also talk about a question nearly every soccer parent has thought about: What does it really take for a young player to reach the professional level? As a former professional player and now a soccer mom herself, Kaylyn offers a unique perspective on the role parents play—from providing love and support to knowing when a little tough love is needed. Kaylyn also shares advice for young players chasing big goals, why enjoying the journey matters, and what she’s learned from a lifetime in the game. A great conversation for young players, soccer parents, and anyone navigating the youth soccer journey. Filmed during MLS All-Star Week. Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me for more conversations with professional players, coaches, broadcasters, and experts helping the next generation navigate the game. @MLS @AppleTV #TheSoccerLadder #KaylynKyle #YouthSoccer #SoccerParents #MLSAllStar

  4. Aug 19

    Antonio Rüdiger on Giving Back & the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation | The Soccer Ladder

    Real Madrid and Germany star Antonio Rüdiger joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation from the United Nations in New York City. Antonio shares the heart behind the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, why giving back is so important to him, and his commitment to creating opportunities and making a difference beyond the football pitch. A powerful conversation about using football, influence, and opportunity to create meaningful impact beyond the game.  The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me Hosted by Megan Linke Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches, and leaders from across the world of soccer. #AntonioRudiger #RealMadrid #TheSoccerLadder #Soccer #Football

  5. Jul 7

    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. ⚽️🔥

  6. 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. ⚽️🔥

  7. 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.

  8. 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

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3.8
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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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