Hometown FC Podcast

Eric
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCCER

Unlocking soccer success from grassroots to elite. Expert insights and stories.

  1. 9H AGO

    Hometown FC Podcast EP #21- Pa-Modou Ka

    This episode isn’t about hype.  It’s about standards. Pa-Modou Ka is a former professional footballer who came through the European system, played at the highest levels of the game, and now operates on the front lines of real player development in the U.S. In this conversation, we go past the highlight reels and get into: What elite environments actually demandWhy most players are training hard but developing wrongThe difference between exposure and preparationWhat separates players who survive pro environments from those who fade outPa-Modou speaks from lived experience — not theory. From European academies to the American system, from player to coach, from talent to longevity. This is a raw, honest breakdown of what it really takes to make it — and why so many don’t. If you care about development, not just branding…  If you care about truth, not comfort…  This episode is for you. 🎧 Hometown FC Podcast Real conversations. Real standards. No shortcuts.

    1h 22m

  2. 12/31/2025

    Hometown FC EP #20: Steve Sallis (Solutions Mindset)

    Steve Sallis — best-selling author, mindset coach, and founder of SolutionsMindset — joins Hometown FC for a powerful conversation on leadership, ego, and development in modern football. From working with world-class players like Jude Bellingham and Ebere Eze, to mentoring coaches and national team athletes, Steve has seen every side of the game. In this episode, he drops one of the realest coaching analogies you’ll ever hear — “4+4, 5+3, 6+2… there’s loads of ways to get to 8.” We talk about why there’s no single way to develop a player, how ego blocks progress, and why understanding people matters more than tactics. This is a masterclass in mindset, coaching, and human connection — straight from one of the game’s top thinkers. From local streets to global stages, this episode will change how you think about development forever.

    58 min

  3. 12/29/2025

    Hometown FC EP #19: Jose Campos

    José Campos, Director of the Orlando City SC Academy, joins Hometown FC to share what it takes to build one of the most respected player development programs in the country. With years of experience shaping elite youth environments, Campos offers a deep look into how Orlando City identifies, develops, and elevates top talent to the professional level. In this episode, we dive into how MLS academies are redefining player pathways in the U.S., what true development looks like behind the scenes, and how culture, standards, and opportunity intersect to shape the modern footballer. José also discusses how Orlando City balances competitive excellence with player welfare — and what the next generation of American talent needs most. It’s an inside look at the philosophy, structure, and purpose that drives one of MLS’s top academies. From local streets to global stages, this episode shows what it really takes to build the future of American soccer.

    1h 13m

  4. 12/03/2025

    Hometown FC Podcast EP #18- Chong Xei (Secret of Athleticism)

    Chong Xei, known online as @SecretofAthleticism, is one of the most forward-thinking voices in human performance today. His approach challenges mainstream strength and conditioning by shifting the focus away from muscles — and toward the body’s true performance system: the fascia. In this episode, Chong breaks down how training the fascia can unlock natural speed, power, elasticity, and flow — the qualities that define elite athleticism. He explains why most traditional programs fail to produce truly fluid, explosive movers, and how understanding the body’s connective network changes everything about how we train. We go deep into biomechanics, rhythm, posture, and the importance of rewiring movement from the ground up. Whether you’re a coach, player, or athlete looking to move differently, this conversation will reshape how you think about performance forever. From local streets to global stages, this episode explores the real secret of athleticism: it’s not just strength — it’s connection.

    1h 20m

  5. 11/20/2025

    Hometown FC Podcast EP #17- Christian Hernandez

    Christian Hernandez returns to Hometown FC to share his experiences inside one of the most prestigious youth environments in the country — Barca Residency Academy in Arizona. In this conversation, Christian opens up about what life is really like training under the Barca model, how it’s shaped his development, and what he’s learned since joining one of the top academies in North America. We dig into the differences between club soccer and elite academies, the daily standards that separate the best from the rest, and why understanding culture, structure, and purpose is key to becoming a complete player. Christian also breaks down what most clubs are still getting wrong — and what the world’s top programs consistently get right. For players, parents, and coaches who want a window into the real developmental environment of a top academy, this episode is full of truth, perspective, and inspiration. From local streets to global stages, this one reminds us what it really takes to build professionals — the right way.

    1h 9m

  6. 11/07/2025

    Hometown FC EP #16- Dave Meadows

    Dave Meadows is one of Arizona’s most respected coaches, known for his work at Phoenix Rising and Phoenix Premier FC and his passion for player development that goes far beyond the field. With years of experience shaping young athletes into high-level competitors, Dave brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, emotional intelligence, and mentorship to his craft. In this episode, we dive deep into what it truly means to develop a player — not just a skillset. Dave breaks down his approach to building confidence, teaching creativity, and developing the mindset needed to win 1v1 battles, overcome setbacks, and sustain success. We also explore how youth coaches can balance structure with freedom, and how culture and environment shape long-term growth. For any player, parent, or coach who cares about real development, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration. From local streets to global stages, this episode captures the essence of what Hometown FC stands for — purpose, passion, and player-first development.

    52 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    Hometown FC EP #15- Mario Ornelas

    Mario Ornelas is the founder of the Playmaker Development Program, one of Southern California’s most respected training systems, known for producing intelligent, technical, and creative players. Beyond the training ground, Mario also works as a scout, connecting top young talent with MLS and Liga MX academies, giving players real access to professional pathways on both sides of the border. In this episode, Mario shares how he’s built a program that blends elite training with real opportunity. We dive into how scouting works behind the scenes, what qualities truly separate players who get noticed, and how coaches can create environments that prepare players for the demands of the next level. It’s a powerful conversation about purpose-driven development, cultural identity, and the bridge between grassroots soccer and professional football. From local streets to global stages, this episode captures what it means to build pathways that last.

    51 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    Hometown FC Podcast EP #14- Jeff Addai

    Jeff Addai is a former professional soccer player turned CEO of OPSM (Optimal Performance Soccer Management), one of the premier player agencies in North America. With experience competing in Europe, Canada, and the U.S., Jeff has transitioned his on-field passion into a mission of guiding the next generation of players toward professional success. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to make it in today’s soccer world — from mindset and mentorship to building professional pathways that extend beyond raw talent. Jeff shares how OPSM helps players navigate the modern game, the importance of representation rooted in development, and why transparency and character are key in building trust between players and agents. This is a must-listen for any aspiring pro, coach, or parent who wants to understand the realities behind the journey — and the blueprint to turn potential into a career. From local streets to global stages, this episode dives into what it means to chase the dream the right way.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Unlocking soccer success from grassroots to elite. Expert insights and stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hometown FC Podcast
  • Show Website
    Hometown FC Podcast

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