Chat By The Pitch

Ian Babcock
Chat By The Pitch

Chat By The Pitch is your go-to podcast for North Texas soccer parents. We connect you with local clubs, coaches, and experts to help you make informed decisions for your child’s soccer journey. Each episode features interviews with top coaches and specialists, offering tips on player development, team selection, and the latest soccer gear. Stay ahead of the game with Chat By The Pitch—where soccer families find their edge. Contact: chatbythepitch@gmail.com Links: linktr.ee/ChatByThePitch

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    The Classic League’s Senior Bowl and All Start Experience: Professional Treatment for Young Athletes

    Get an insider's look at the upcoming 2024 Senior Bowl as Dominic Schelland Abigail Tracy dive into how this beloved Dallas soccer tradition showcasestop youth players. Dominic reflects on his journey from local leagues toprofessional soccer, sharing insights into how the Senior Bowl bringsunparalleled opportunities for young athletes. Abigail, who runs the SeniorBowl’s operations, explains the event's transformative impact on players andfamilies alike. This episode unpacks how Dallas' unique soccer community supports its players and why staying local is often the best path. Key Talking Points: ​Dominic's journey and his vision for supporting Dallas youth soccer​Why the Senior Bowl treats young athletes like professionals​Abigail's role in ensuring the event's success and impact​How Dallas' soccer talent competes with national programs​The player nomination and selection process for the Senior Bowl​The challenges of keeping top players local and the benefits of doing so​Role of partnerships like Adidas in making the event possible​How the Senior Bowl aims to be a long-lasting legacy in Texas soccer​Behind-the-scenes on organizing the game-day experience​Inspiring stories of players overcoming barriers through soccer Tune in to Learn: ​Why Dallas is a powerhouse in youth soccer and what sets it apart​How the Senior Bowl has grown from a local showcase to a must-watch event​The philosophy that drives Dominic and Abigail to support young athletes​What "playing with heart" truly means for both players and coaches​How the Senior Bowl instills respect, teamwork, and resilience in playersQuotes by Dominic Schell: ​“There’s no need to look outside Dallas; our soccer talent is right here.”​“This isn’t just a game—it’s a legacy we’re building in Dallas soccer.”​“Dallas soccer has given me so much; the Senior Bowl is my way of giving back to the community that shaped me.”​“This event is about showing young players that they’re part of something bigger—a community that believes in them.”​“Playing in the Senior Bowl isn’t just about soccer; it’s about learning respect, accountability, and teamwork.”​“The event shows that even in a competitive world, giving back can make all the difference.”​“My goal is to give these players something they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.”​“The Senior Bowl is proof that Texas has a special place in the soccer world.”​“When you give back to the kids, you’re really investing in the whole community.”Quotes by Abigail Tracy: ​“Every detail of the Senior Bowl is designed to make these kids feel like pros.”​“I left teaching, but the passion for supporting kids never left. That’s what drives my work with the Senior Bowl.”​“Watching these kids realize their potential is the most rewarding part of my job.”​“Seeing these kids push their limits and grow as athletes is what keeps me committed to the Senior Bowl.”​“For many players, the Senior Bowl is more than a game—it’s a confidence builder and a stepping stone.”​“The real impact of the Senior Bowl is helping young players see their potential on and off the field.”​“We aim to create an experience these athletes will remember forever, showing them what it feels like to be supported and celebrated.” ​“The connections and friendships built here are just as important as the skills they​show on the field.”  Connect with Senior Bowl: Instagram: become10seniorbowl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/become10seniorbowl Email: clseniorbowl@become10.com   Follow Chat By The Pitch: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer.    #SeniorBowl2024 #

    1 h y 8 min
  2. 31 OCT

    Building Soccer Skills That Last: A Conversation with The Soccer Specialist Part 2

    In part 2 of our interview with Gregg Gillies, "The Soccer Specialist," Ian continues the discussion on youth soccer development, diving deeper into the cultural issues that affect how kids train today. Gregg tackles the decline of free play in American youth sports and how it’s stifling creativity and growth in soccer players. He also explores how parents and coaches can better support youth players’ development, focusing on long-term progress instead of short-term wins.   Key Talking Points: The decline of free play and its impact on soccer creativity. How American youth soccer differs from soccer cultures around the world. The balance between technical training and playing for fun. The societal challenges of getting kids to play outside. Parental pressures and their influence on coaching and development. Gregg’s views on why youth soccer leagues focus too much on winning. The importance of structured but simplified training to avoid overwhelming players. Differences in youth soccer training between the U.S. and other countries. The problem with over-scheduling games and under-prioritizing focused training. How failure and mistakes are vital for young players’ learning and growth. Tune in to Learn: Why free play is so important for developing soccer IQ and creativity. The pitfalls of over-coaching and over-scheduling games for youth players. How parents can foster better training habits and play environments for their kids. The cultural barriers preventing American kids from playing soccer for fun. Gregg’s insights into how the U.S. can build a better youth soccer culture. Why making mistakes is essential for player growth and development. How structured training programs, like Gregg’s, can complement free play. 10 Quotes from Gregg: "Kids don’t just go out and play soccer anymore—they need to be encouraged." "The U.S. has so many options for kids, but soccer culture suffers because of it." "Free play helps players develop creativity and tactical awareness naturally." "Structured leagues are fine, but they shouldn’t replace going outside and just playing." "Parents can be part of the solution—take your kid to the park with a ball." "The best training in the world won’t work if kids aren’t learning through play." "Winning at U6 or U7 doesn’t matter—what matters is development." "Youth soccer needs less pressure on winning and more on skill-building." "Mistakes are how players learn—without failure, you can’t develop fully." "In soccer, it’s the small things that make a big difference in player growth." Connect with The Soccer Specialist: Facebook: ⁠⁠Impact Soccer Performance And Training⁠⁠   Follow Chat By The Pitch: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer.    #YouthSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #FreePlayMatters #TechnicalTraining #ParentCoachTips #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #ExplosiveTraining #SoccerCreativity #TrainSmart

    1 h y 3 min
  3. 23 OCT

    Building Soccer Skills That Last: A Conversation with The Soccer Specialist Part 1

    In part 1 of Chat By The Pitch's exclusive two-part interview, Ian Babcock sits down with Gregg Gillies, aka "The Soccer Specialist." Gregg shares his 12-year journey in youth soccer coaching and athletic training, explaining his unique approach to developing young soccer players. He dives deep into his progressive training programs, offering parents and coaches new strategies to balance technical skills and explosive conditioning, without relying on outdated endurance-focused methods. If you're involved in youth soccer, this episode is a must-listen. Key Talking Points: Introduction to Gregg Gillies, his background in strength and soccer coaching. Development of Gregg's progressive soccer training programs (30, 60, and monthly plans). The problem with endurance-focused training in youth soccer. The benefits of explosive, fast-twitch muscle training for soccer. How ball skills and technical ability are crucial for success. Early coaching philosophies and how they shaped Gregg’s approach. Understanding the pressures on youth coaches to focus on winning over development. Why developing technical skills early is essential for long-term soccer IQ. Parental involvement in player development and balancing expectations. Tune in to Learn: How to structure youth soccer training around speed, agility, and strength. Why long-distance running isn’t effective for developing soccer players. The importance of giving youth players strong technical foundations. How to coach for long-term development, not just short-term wins. Insight into Gregg’s unique training approach that simplifies complex soccer concepts. The role of parents in ensuring their player’s growth and success. 10 Quotes from Gregg: "The technical foundation is everything—it’s the starting point for real development." "Endurance-focused training can hold young players back from being explosive." "My programs give players a monthly structure to build skills progressively." "Soccer isn’t about running long distances—it’s about short bursts and explosive speed." "If players don’t have ball control, no tactics in the world will help." "I’ve seen players with soccer IQ struggle because their technical foundation was weak." "You don’t want a player to just pass and move—you want them to create space with skill." "Youth soccer coaching needs to stop focusing on endurance and start building athletes." "Good first touch and confidence with the ball will set a player apart." "You can’t skip ball skills and expect a player to perform at higher levels." Connect with The Soccer Specialist: Facebook: Impact Soccer Performance And Training #YouthSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #FreePlayMatters #TechnicalTraining #ParentCoachTips #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #ExplosiveTraining #SoccerCreativity #TrainSmart

    1 h
  4. 17 OCT

    From Rec to Competitive: The Lions Futbol Club Journey

    In this episode of Chat by the Pitch, we dive into the inspiring journey of Lions Futbol Club with special guests Mario, Rick, and Mike. They share how this small club from Corinth, Texas, transitioned from recreational soccer to competing at the select level, creating a tight-knit soccer community with an influential culture. The episode explores their passion for the sport, their coaching philosophy, and how they’ve built a successful club while maintaining a focus on player development and family involvement. Key Talking Points: The founding of Lions FC and its transition to competitive soccer The importance of building a strong club culture How player discipline and respect shape success The role of parents and families in supporting player development The philosophy behind keeping costs low while delivering quality training The importance of teamwork, fun, and learning both on and off the field How Lions FC plans to grow and help players reach high school, college, and beyond The integration of technology for coaching and player development How external coaches and summer camps enhance player skills Tune in to Learn: How a love for soccer can shape a club and its players The power of community and family in youth sports Why maintaining focus on the player is crucial to success Key insights on coaching youth soccer from a passionate and experienced team How small clubs like Lions FC can make a big impact Quotes from Mario: "I started playing since I could walk; soccer was always a part of me." "We didn’t know what to expect going from rec to competitive, but the success we’ve had has been amazing." "Every practice, every game, is to prepare them for their next step, whether it’s high school or beyond." "We’ve created something special here—a family more than just a soccer team." Quotes from Rick: "For me, it's not just about soccer, it’s about teaching these kids to be respectful, disciplined, and good people." "Our parents are a big part of why this team works—they believe in what Mario is doing." "The boys want to stay because of the culture. They know they’re growing here." "Developing trust and respect with the players is key to what we do." Quotes from Mike: "We might be a small club, but our focus is huge—hard work and passion drive us." "Our journey from a rec team to competitive is a testament to the kids’ effort and the parents' support." "We take pride in being the classiest team out there, on and off the field." "The technology we use to improve our players is about creating a culture of continuous improvement."   Connect with Lions Futbol Club: TikTok @lionsfutbolclubtx Instagram: @lionsfutbolclubtx Facebook: Facebook.com/LionsFutbolClub   Follow Chat By The Pitch: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer.   # LionsFutbolClub #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #TeamCulture #CompetitiveSoccer #NorthTexasSoccer #SoccerJourney #SoccerCommunity #CoachingLife #SoccerFamily

    1 h y 12 min
  5. 10 OCT

    Soccer Post With Brandon Hess

    In this episode of "Chat by the Pitch", we sit down with Brandon Hess, owner of Soccer Post Keller, to discuss his journey from a lifelong soccer fan to a community leader in soccer retail. Brandon dives into the challenges and joys of owning a soccer specialty store, coaching his son's team, and the value of creating a supportive, fun environment for young athletes. We explore the ins and outs of uniform production, community outreach, and how Brandon is making strides to simplify and elevate the local soccer experience. Key Talking Points: ·  Brandon's background in soccer and how he fell in love with the game. ·  Owning Soccer Post Keller and the transition into the business of soccer. ·  The struggle with uniform production and Soccer Post's solutions for local clubs. ·  How Soccer Post is helping local clubs, from gear to community support. ·  Creating a personalized, community-focused experience at Soccer Post. ·  Balancing life as a parent, coach, and business owner in the soccer world. ·  The future of Soccer Post Keller and expansion in the DFW soccer community. ·  The difference between specialty soccer stores and big box retailers. ·  Soccer Post’s cutting-edge technology and strategies for fast, high-quality uniform production. ·  Coaching philosophies and building a love for the game in young players. Tune in to learn: ·  How Brandon went from playing rec soccer to owning a soccer store. ·  The business strategies behind running a successful soccer store. ·  Why personalized service and high-quality products matter in the soccer world. ·  How Soccer Post is transforming uniform production for local teams. ·  The importance of fostering love for the game in young players and maintaining a positive, supportive environment. Quotes from Brandon Hess: ·  "I want the kids to learn the game and I want the kids to love the game." ·  "We decided to buy a soccer store. Just the next logical step, right?" ·  "Soccer is one of the few sports where you can pick it up and play for the rest of your life." · "We are putting in machinery that can turn around uniforms in a matter of weeks." · "We want to be involved in every aspect of the local soccer community." · "We focus on giving customers a different experience with personalized service and quality gear." · "You realize, if a kid doesn’t love this game, they’re not going to stick around." · "Our goal is to become the largest provider of uniforms in the area." · "When you come into a soccer specialty store, you get expertise you can’t find in big box stores." · "We’re building young men, not just soccer players." Connect with Soccer Post: Website: https://soccerpostkeller.com/ Instagram: @soccerpostkeller Facebook: @soccerpostkeller Store location: 790 S Main St, Suite 413  Keller, TX 76248   Follow Chat By The Pitch: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer.   #SoccerCommunity #DFWSoccer #SoccerPostKeller #YouthSoccer #SoccerParents #BuildingPlayers #UniformSolutions #LoveForTheGame #SmallBusinessSuccess #SoccerJourney

    44 min
  6. 3 OCT

    From Czech Republic to North America: The Global Growth of Volf Soccer Academy Part 2

    In part 2 of Chat by the Pitch, we continue our conversation with Alexander Jakubov and Libor Volf, founders of Volf Soccer Academy. From competing at top European clubs to mentoring young talent in North America, they reveal their unique approach to player development. Learn how they're connecting Europe, North America, and Africa through soccer, helping young players achieve their full potential. This episode dives deeper into how they guide players through critical stages of their soccer journey, preparing them for the professional world. Key Talking Points: ​The foundation of Volf Soccer Academy’s philosophy: balance between technical training and love for the game.​The challenges of transitioning players from youth soccer to professional opportunities in Europe and MLS.​Differences in training styles between North America and Europe.​Encouraging player confidence and technical mastery through free play and competitive environments.​Connecting young players to opportunities in Europe and beyond through global networks. Tune in to learn: ​Why body language and confidence are key in player development.​How Volf Soccer Academy helps young players build strong technical foundations.​How soccer is used as a tool to connect different cultures across continents.​Why it’s important for parents to understand their child’s soccer journey and training phase. Quotes from Alexander: ​"We believe in building players through repetition and touches on the ball, not just focusing on results."​"Confidence comes from mastering the basics, knowing you can perform when it matters most."​"At 14 or 15, you should behave as a professional to become one."​"The goal isn’t just to develop soccer players, but to develop confident individuals."​"In soccer, you have to be two levels better as a foreign player to earn a spot in Europe." Quotes from Libor: ​"If a player loves the game, no one has to push them—they’ll push themselves."​"You can’t build professional players by focusing solely on athleticism; technique is the core."​"Our goal isn’t to just create skilled players, but to help them enjoy the game while building life skills."​"We’re not just coaching soccer; we’re creating global connections and fostering cultural exchange."​"In the end, it’s about putting the ball in the goal—but how you get there matters just as much." Connect with Volf Soccer Academy: Website: https://www.volfsoccer.us/ Instagram: volfsocceracademy Alexanderjakubov Volfino13 Facebook: Volf Soccer Academy Alexander Jakubov Libor Volf TikTok: Volfsocceracademy Training location: Ulete in Southlake SWAT(Sports World Athletics of Texas) in Rockwall Follow Us: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer. #YouthSoccer #SoccerAcademy #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCoaching #GlobalSoccer #VolfSoccer #SoccerJourney #FootballPhilosophy #ConfidenceBuilding #SoccerSkills

    47 min
  7. 26 SEPT

    From Czech Republic to North America: The Global Growth of Volf Soccer Academy Part 1

    In this episode of Chat by the Pitch, we dive deep into the journeys of Alexander Jakubov and Libor Volf, co-owners of Volf Soccer Academy. From growing up in a small town and a major city with a passion for street soccer to building an international academy that spans multiple countries, these two former professional players discuss their philosophies, challenges, and the joy of helping the next generation of players. Learn how they’ve transformed the development of young soccer talent, focusing on skillbuilding, Discipline, and creating a positive and fun environment for growth. Key Talking Points: Alexander and Libor's early soccer experiences in Europe. Differences in soccer culture between Europe and North America. Building Volf Soccer Academy: philosophy, challenges, and growth. Balancing competitiveness with fun in youth soccer training. Importance of parent involvement and setting expectations for young players. Tune in to learn: How street soccer influences the foundational skills of young players. Why creating a positive environment in training is essential for longterm success. The role of parents in supporting, but not overstepping, their children's soccer journey. Libor and Alexander's personal experiences, from playing in top clubs to running an academy. Quotes from Alexander: "We want to create players who are confident with the ball, ready to take risks, and not afraid of mistakes." "Every training session needs balance between fun and strictness. Without one, you lose the effectiveness of the other." "In professional soccer, you need to know when to switch between having fun and getting serious." "Skills training needs a foundation—master the basics first, then build on that." "Parents must trust us; once their kids are on the field, it's our time to coach." Quotes from Libor: "When I started Volf Soccer, I didn’t expect it to grow into five academies, but it was always about love for the game." "If a child doesn't enjoy soccer, we tell the parents. There's no point in forcing it." "We’re not just coaching skills; we’re coaching life lessons—discipline, commitment, and joy." "The game has changed. Kids don’t play freely on the streets anymore, so we recreate that experience." "You can’t build great soccer players by yelling at them. They need guidance, structure, and room to grow." Connect with Volf Soccer Academy: Website: www.volfsoccer.us Instagram: volfsocceracademy Alexanderjakubov Volfino13 Facebook: Volf Soccer Academy Alexander Jakubov Libor Volf TikTok: Volfsocceracademy Training location: Ulete in Southlake SWAT(Sports World Athletics of Texas) in Rockwall Follow Us: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer. #YouthSoccer #SoccerTraining #VolfSoccerAcademy #StreetSoccer #SoccerPhilosophy #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #PositiveCoaching #SoccerLove #FootballJourney

    43 min
  8. 19 SEPT

    Soccer, Family, and Growth: The Texas Spurs Story with Ed Puskarich Part 2

    In this engaging episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ed Puskarich, Director of Coaching for Texas Spurs FC, shares his insights on youth development, the balance between high school and club soccer, and the lessons he's learned from decades in the game. From navigating the challenges of coaching teenage players to fostering a family-first club culture, Ed dives deep into what it takes to create an environment where players can thrive both on and off the pitch. Perfect for coaches, parents, and soccer lovers looking for a fresh perspective on youth soccer. Key Talking Points: • The unique balance between high school and club soccer • The importance of direct communication between players and coaches • Building confidence in young players through accountability, not punishment • Developing life skills like independence and responsibility in young athletes • Managing parent expectations and creating a family-oriented soccer culture • Ed’s thoughts on the physical and mental demands of soccer at the high school level • The role of video analysis and technology in modern soccer development • Preparing young players for college soccer through a structured development pathway • Encouraging a multi-sport approach while maintaining focus on soccer • How Texas Spurs FC stands out with its family-first, player-centered philosophy Tune in to Learn: • How Ed helps players balance the demands of club and high school soccer • Why direct communication between players and coaches is key to development • Ed’s perspective on building discipline and self-reliance in young athletes • How Texas Spurs integrates life lessons into soccer training for long-term growth • Practical advice on navigating the challenges of competitive soccer and player development Quotes from Ed: • "Winning is a byproduct. We teach to be successful, not just to win." • "It’s a life lesson: You pack your own bag, and if you forget your jersey, that’s on you." • "At Texas Spurs, it’s all about family. You don’t have to love all the rules, but you’ll follow them." • "We’re preparing every player for college soccer, whether they choose to play or not." • "The real skill we teach is accountability, not punishment." • "As a coach, it’s about saying the right thing to the right person at the right time." • "The day kids start driving is the day parents stop coming to practice—communication becomes crucial." • "Every rule we have is designed to improve the overall experience, even if it seems small." • "In a team sport like soccer, individual recognition is earned through team success." • "I owe my soccer career to the lessons I learned as a wrestler—discipline, work ethic, and mental toughness." Connect with Texas Spurs: Website: www.texasspursfc.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/texasspursfc/ Follow Us: Twitter: @ChatByThePitch Instagram: @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Subscribe & Leave a Review: Please subscribe to "Chat By The Pitch" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who are passionate about soccer. #SoccerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #CoachingLife #TexasSpurs #SoccerCommunity #PlayerDevelopment #FamilyFirst #NextGenPlayers #SoccerParents #HighSchoolSoccer

    52 min
4.8
de 5
4 calificaciones

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Chat By The Pitch is your go-to podcast for North Texas soccer parents. We connect you with local clubs, coaches, and experts to help you make informed decisions for your child’s soccer journey. Each episode features interviews with top coaches and specialists, offering tips on player development, team selection, and the latest soccer gear. Stay ahead of the game with Chat By The Pitch—where soccer families find their edge. Contact: chatbythepitch@gmail.com Links: linktr.ee/ChatByThePitch

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