Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond

KTVU Fox 2 (Bay Area)
  • 5.0 (4)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast covers everything soccer, from the grassroots level of youth soccer and recruiting to the excitement of the World Cup. Get ready for in-depth discussions and one-on-one interviews with players, coaches, and the influential figures shaping the soccer world.

  1. May 21

    Jason Sacks on Changing the Culture of Youth Sports

    In this episode of Offside in the Bay, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Jason Sacks of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to discuss youth sports culture, positive coaching, burnout, mental health, and the future of soccer development in America. Guest Jason Sacks has spent nearly 20 years helping coaches, parents, and organizations create healthier sports environments through the Positive Coaching Alliance. Episode Highlights [00:00:30] Introducing Jason Sacks [00:13:22] Emotional control for parents and coaches [00:24:35] Why kids need more free play [00:42:46] Coaching with empathy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. May 6

    From MLS to Equity — Reimagining Youth Soccer with Matt Fondy

    Former MLS striker and USL MVP Matt Fondy joins Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban to share his journey from professional soccer to community impact in Oakland. After navigating the highs and lows of a pro career—open tryouts, contracts, releases, and resilience—Matt found a new purpose off the field. Through his nonprofit, Oakland Genesis, he’s working to dismantle the pay-to-play model by providing free access to elite soccer, transportation, and academic support for underserved youth. This episode explores how soccer can be more than a game—it can be a vehicle for opportunity, education, and social change. Guest: Matt Fondy - Former MLS striker & USL MVP - Bay Area native (Foster City) - Founder of Oakland Genesis - Focused on equity and youth development through soccer Episode Highlights [00:00] From Pro Soccer to Purpose [05:00] Falling in Love with the Game [12:00] The Reality of Going Pro [20:00] Highs, Lows & Career Turning Points [26:00] Rethinking the Game [30:00] Building Oakland Genesis [33:00] The Three Pillars [38:00] Real Impact [42:00] Challenges & Growth [45:00] The Future of U.S. Soccer Why This Conversation Matters Youth soccer in the U.S. is increasingly expensive—and increasingly exclusive. Matt Fondy is proving there’s another way. By treating soccer as a public good rather than a private luxury, Oakland Genesis is opening doors for the next generation—on and off the field. Connect with Us Offside in the Bay https://www.ktvu.com/tag/podcasts/offside-in-the-bay Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Matt Fondy & Oakland Genesis Website: https://www.oaklandgenesis.org/ Instagram: @oaklandgenesis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Apr 11

    The Winding Path to the Pros with Jordan Jeslova

    In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with former professional soccer player Jordan Jeslova to explore a journey that was anything but linear. From falling in love with the game at just three years old to competing at Santa Clara University and reaching the professional level, Jordan’s story is one of passion, resilience, and determination. But it is also shaped by injuries, setbacks, and difficult decisions that ultimately led her to redefine her relationship with the game. Now, Jordan is building something new through the Neighborhood Sports Club in Oakland—creating a space centered on community, inclusivity, and bringing the joy back to soccer. Guest Jordan Jeslova - Former Division I athlete at Santa Clara University - Played professionally with OL Reign (NWSL) and Stabæk (Norway) - Youth National Team experience - Co-founder of Neighborhood Sports Club (Oakland) Episode Highlights [00:00:28] Early beginnings and growing up in a soccer family [00:05:00] The importance of watching the game and self-practice [00:08:31] Role models and early development [00:13:09] A coaching experience that nearly led her to quit [00:14:26] Finding the right environment and support system [00:19:47] Recruiting journey and choosing Santa Clara [00:24:41] ACL injury and the mental toll of recovery [00:27:20] Staying connected to the team during rehab [00:31:36] Health challenges before entering the professional level [00:33:08] Playing abroad and facing additional injuries [00:33:56] Making the decision to step away from playing [00:35:30] Why every athlete’s path is unique [00:36:50] Rediscovering love for the game [00:39:53] Founding Neighborhood Sports Club [00:43:16] Creating inclusive soccer spaces for all levels Key Takeaways - There is no single or perfect path to becoming a professional athlete - Passion and self-driven effort are essential to long-term success - Coaching and environment play a critical role in development - Injuries require both physical and mental resilience - The game can evolve into new forms beyond competition Why This Episode Matters Jordan’s story offers a real and honest look at the journey to professional sports—the highs, the setbacks, and the resilience required to navigate both. It also highlights an important truth: stepping away from playing does not mean losing the game. Soccer can continue to shape identity, community, and purpose in meaningful new way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Mar 14

    Tommy O'Hare: Getting San Jose Ready for the 2026 World Cup

    Offside in the Bay goes behind the scenes of the 2026 World Cup build-up with Tommy O'Hare-1998 U.S. Olympic short track speed skater and a longtime sports-media/technology executive. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan tapped Tommy to lead the city's big-event planning-everything from fan experiences to funding to safety. Tommy breaks down what it takes to create a true ‘fan fest' environment, why community sentiment is often the biggest hurdle, and how San Jose's diversity, culture, and downtown energy can turn major sporting moments into something the whole region feels proud of. 🎙 Guest • Tommy O'Hare is a 1998 U.S. Olympic short track speed skater and a sports business executive working at the intersection of media and technology. • Experience: Built major streaming and digital platforms (including Olympic and pro sports initiatives) and brings big-event perspective to city planning. • Role: Leading San Jose's preparations for major events including the World Cup-funding, programming, fan experiences, and coordination. ⏱ Episode Highlights • [00:00:48] Meet Tommy O'Hare: Olympian turned "World Cup czar" for San Jose. • [00:01:48] The "boulder": how perception and skepticism can be the first obstacle to hosting big moments. • [00:02:13] From athlete to exec: Tommy's path through sports media, tech, and the Olympic digital world. • [00:03:55] What athletes want fans to understand: love of sport, sacrifice, and the goal behind the goal. • [00:04:33] Olympics vs. World Cup: different energy, different loyalties, same global magic. • [00:06:08] Building a playbook from the Super Bowl: concerts, sponsorships, and raising $5M+. • [00:07:18] The learning points: security, logistics, and scaling up from one weekend to a month-long event. • [00:16:34] Why watch parties matter: sport as community, connection, and culture. • [00:21:51] Safety planning at scale: 72 agencies working together inside the emergency operations center. • [00:23:39] Best part of the job: seeing residents proud of what the city can pull off. • [00:25:52] The promise: a watch party for every single World Cup game in San Jose. • [00:26:34] Practical tips: microclimates, no humidity, and how visitors can enjoy the city. ⚽ Why This Conversation Matters Episode 24 is a rare look at what it takes to ‘host the world.' Tommy O'Hare explains the real work behind the headlines-funding, planning, security, and community buy-in-while keeping the focus on what sports are supposed to do best: bring people together and leave a city better than it found it. 🔗 Connect with Us • Claudine Wong - Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU | TikTok: ClaudineKTVU | YouTube: ClaudineWong • Alex Lobban - Instagram: @thealexlobban• San Jose World Cup / City initiatives - World Cup Santa Clara: FIFA World Cup 2026 at Levi Stadium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Mar 13

    Trailblazer: John Harkes on U.S. Soccer's Growth and the Road to 2026

    Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban welcome a true pioneer of American soccer: former U.S. Men's National Team captain John Harkes-MLS champion and the first American to play in the English Premier League. John reflects on breaking barriers overseas, the early ‘Wild West' years of the U.S. game, and why patience has always been part of the American soccer story. The conversation spans 1994's lasting impact, why TV and media mattered to MLS survival, what today's players need to thrive, and how parents and coaches can protect the fun-so the love of the game lasts long after the final whistle.   🎙 Guest ·         John Harkes is a former U.S. Men's National Team captain, MLS champion, and the first American to play in the English Premier League. ·         Coaching/Leadership: Former head coach of FC Cincinnati and Greenville Triumph; currently serves as Technical Director and U.S. Youth National Team (U-15) assistant coach (as referenced in the transcript intro). ·         Legacy: A trailblazer who helped open doors for generations of American players abroad.   ⏱ Episode Highlights ·         [00:00:26] Alex introduces John's groundbreaking career-and what it meant for American soccer. ·         [00:02:11] From ODP to the 1990 World Cup: punching through ceilings in the early days. ·         [00:05:15] "Go home and play baseball": what the reception was like in England-and how it's changed. ·         [00:06:41] Why TV exposure mattered: MLS nearly folding early on, and the turning point for visibility. ·         [00:08:02] Can this generation surpass 1994? John's optimism, reality checks, and what tournaments demand. ·         [00:13:41] Pathways today vs. then: what's improved-and why development still takes time. ·         [00:22:14] The fun factor: keeping joy central in development, even at the highest levels. ·         [00:25:25] Pickup soccer and street play: what we've lost, and why it matters. ·         [00:28:33] Promotion/relegation and system talk: what could push the game forward in the U.S. ·         [00:39:37] World Cup watch list: players to watch, staying healthy, and giving coaches time. ·         [00:41:44] Handling pressure: why every game is high stakes-and what separates teams who advance. ·         [00:43:48] Iconic memories: John relives the 40-yard screamer and other career highlights.   ⚽ Why This Conversation Matters Episode 23 connects the dots between where U.S. soccer came from and where it's headed. John Harkes offers perspective only a trailblazer can-on patience, pressure, pathways, and how we build a culture that helps players (and fans) stick with the sport for the long haul.   🔗 Connect with Us ·         Claudine Wong - Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU | TikTok: ClaudineKTVU | YouTube: ClaudineWong ·         Alex Lobban - Instagram: @thealexlobban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Mar 12

    SF Glens: Deep History and a Bright Future with Mike McNeill

    Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Mike McNeill, President & GM of the San Francisco Glens' USL League Two and USL W League teams and Executive Director of the Glens Academy. Mike shares how a community club founded in 1961 evolved into one of the Bay Area's most ambitious soccer pipelines-from youth development to pre-pro opportunities. They dig into what it takes to build a true club culture in a crowded youth-soccer landscape, why field access and geography shape development in the U.S., and how projects like Treasure Island can create more space for players to fall in love with the game-especially with 2026 on the horizon. 🎙 Guest • Mike McNeill is President & General Manager of the San Francisco Glens' USL League Two and USL W League teams and Executive Director of the SF Glens Academy. • Background: Grew up playing in Modesto, transitioned from player to coach after college, and has been building the Glens since 2011. • Coaching: Holds UEFA licensing through the FA of Ireland and advanced coaching credentials; coached at University of San Francisco and San Francisco State. • Mission: Build community-first pathways in San Francisco-from grassroots soccer to college, USL, and beyond. ⏱ Episode Highlights • [00:00:31] Meet Mike McNeill and the Glens vision: a pathway from grassroots to MLS Next and USL. • [00:04:05] From the field to the goal: how Mike became a goalkeeper-and what he learned from it. • [00:08:45] How youth soccer changed: from ODP/state cups to MLS Next, ECNL, and a more fragmented (but higher-level) landscape. • [00:11:46] The transition from player to coach: injuries, opportunity, and getting pulled into the Glens project. • [00:16:11] The Glens origin story: leveraging a historic name (1961) while building a new youth club from scratch. • [00:19:55] Why Treasure Island matters: field scarcity in SF and building a home for the community. • [00:27:58] Building a pre-pro pathway: USL League Two/W League growth, pro signings, and local pride. • [00:34:02] Bay Area momentum: how nearby pro teams and facilities can raise the tide for everyone. • [00:42:54] If Mike had a magic wand: aligning leagues, funding standards, and regional development centers. • [00:47:28] What 2026 could unlock: participation growth, pro shifts, and the next wave of soccer culture. • [00:51:01] Community-first World Cup plans: free clinics and programming to welcome new players. ⚽ Why This Conversation Matters From field access to league structure to community identity, Episode 22 is a blueprint for how local clubs can shape the future of the sport. Mike McNeill breaks down the practical realities behind building a sustainable pathway-while keeping the joy and belonging that make soccer stick for life. 🔗 Connect with Us • Claudine Wong - Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU | TikTok: ClaudineKTVU | YouTube: ClaudineWong • Alex Lobban - Instagram: @thealexlobban • San Francisco Glens –www.sfglens.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Mar 11

    Hi Tech Training And Evaluation With Barry Mccabe

    In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban explore the intersection of technology, data, and player development with Barry McCabe, Director at the Copa Soccer Training Center. From his roots playing in Ireland to leading a state-of-the-art facility in Walnut Creek, Barry discusses how objective data is changing the way we identify talent and measure growth in youth soccer. The conversation dives deep into the "pay-to-play" model, the importance of "unstructured" play, and how to balance the high-pressure environment of elite youth sports with the ultimate goal: a lifelong love for the game. 🎙 Guest Barry McCabe is a Director at Copa Soccer Training Center. Background: He was born and raised on the west coast of Ireland and played professionally before focusing on youth development. Credentials: He holds a USSF B license and both undergraduate and master's degrees in exercise science. Mission: Barry joined Copa in 2019 to help set a global standard for objective player identification and assessment-oriented development. ⏱ Episode Highlights [00:01:12] Introduction of Barry McCabe: Barry’s journey from playing in Ireland to bringing science-based training to Northern California. [00:02:40] The Power of Core Memories: How simple moments like playing in the backyard or receiving a trophy at age eight fuel long-term passion for the sport. [00:05:37] The Decline of Pickup Culture: A discussion on the "safe space" and free time needed for kids to express themselves outside of structured practice. [00:07:30] Coaching as Teaching: Why professional playing experience is different from the skill of teaching and creating effective learning environments. [00:10:45] The Pay-to-Play Pressure: How the financial investment from parents can create an expectation for constant instruction over valuable "free play". [00:12:34] Winning vs. Development: Addressing the American "DNA" of winning and why development should be the primary measure of success. [00:15:47] Inside the "Disneyland of Soccer": Barry explains Copa's 110,000-square-foot facility and its objective assessment protocols for speed, technical scanning, and perception. [00:17:53] Creating Opportunities: How objective data removes barriers like geography and coaching bias to create pathways for all players. [00:19:48] The "Secret Sauce" of Intentional Learning: Using technology and feedback loops to ensure kids are motivated and know exactly why they are training. [00:24:20] The Lionel Messi Debate: Discussing whether elite success requires high-tech facilities or if a ball and endless opportunity to play are enough. [00:28:14] Spotting Burnout: How to handle tough conversations when a child loses their passion and why a "six-month pause" is sometimes the best solution. [00:33:45] 2026 World Cup Impact: Hopes for developing American fandom and the magical experience of seeing world-class stars in person. ⚽ Why This Conversation Matters As youth soccer becomes increasingly professionalized, the line between "development" and "winning" often gets blurred. Barry McCabe offers a refreshing take on how high-tech tools aren't just for elite pros—they can be used to give every child objective feedback, reduce "FOMO" for parents, and keep kids engaged in the sport longer by focusing on individual improvement rather than just the scoreboard. 🔗 Connect with Us Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Barry McCabe & Copa Soccer Training Center Website: CopaSTC.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Jan 29

    Mental Health and Athletes

    In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban dive into the often-overlooked mental side of youth and elite sports with Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, a licensed clinical sports psychologist, former elite endurance athlete, and author. From burnout and pressure to confidence, visualization, and mindset, this conversation explores how athletes, parents, and coaches can better support the whole person — not just performance. 🎙 Guest Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter is a licensed clinical sports psychologist who has worked with Olympic gold medalists and elite athletes across sports. She is a former San Francisco Marathon champion, a top Ironman finisher, and the author of *Your Performing Edge*. She specializes in helping athletes build confidence, focus, resilience, and mental toughness. ⏱ Episode Highlights • Dr. Dahlkoetter’s journey from elite endurance athlete to sports psychologist • Why mental training is just as important as physical preparation • The pressures young athletes face — and why so many burn out • How parents can support without adding pressure • The dangers of early specialization in youth sports • The ‘Three P’s’ of mental performance: Positive Images, Power Words, Present Focus • Practical visualization techniques athletes can use before competition • Why coaches often overlook the mental side of development • Warning signs of burnout, anxiety, and depression in young athletes • How lessons learned in sports translate to life beyond the game ⚽ Why This Conversation Matters As youth sports become increasingly competitive, conversations around mental health are more important than ever. This episode offers practical tools and honest insights for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating pressure, expectations, and long-term development. 🔗 Connect with Us Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Dr. Joann Dahlkoetter: http://sportspsychologynetwork.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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About

This podcast covers everything soccer, from the grassroots level of youth soccer and recruiting to the excitement of the World Cup. Get ready for in-depth discussions and one-on-one interviews with players, coaches, and the influential figures shaping the soccer world.

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