Gordon Jago, a true pioneer of the game, sits down with Chat By The Pitch to share his journey from the English football scene to shaping the American soccer landscape. From managing QPR and Millwall to revolutionizing youth soccer through the Dallas Cup, Jago’s story is one of dedication, vision, and a deep love for the sport. In this episode, we discuss his coaching philosophy, the state of youth development, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime in the game.

Key Talking Points:

• Gordon Jago’s transition from player to coach

• Managing in England and bringing his experience to the U.S.

• The evolution of American youth soccer

• Founding and growing the Dallas Cup into a world-renowned event

• The role of international competition in youth development

• His philosophy on coaching and leadership

• The biggest challenges facing young players today

• What the U.S. can learn from other soccer nations

• His thoughts on the future of the game

• Gordon Jago’s legacy in world football

Tune in to learn:

✅ The untold history behind the Dallas Cup

✅ How international competition shapes young players

✅ Gordon Jago’s advice for aspiring coaches and players

✅ What makes a great soccer leader

Quotes from Gordon Jago:

• "If you don’t build a strong foundation in youth soccer, the entire structure collapses."

• "Football is more than just a game; it’s a platform for life lessons."

• "The Dallas Cup was born out of a desire to bring the best youth teams together on one stage."

• "Young players need exposure to different playing styles—only then do they truly develop."

• "Coaching isn’t just about tactics; it’s about building character."

• "The key to success in football? Vision, discipline, and a relentless work ethic."

• "American soccer has immense potential, but it needs the right leadership to unlock it."

• "You can’t fake passion in this game. The ones who truly love it always stand out."

• "Competition drives excellence—without it, we stagnate."

• "The future of soccer lies in the hands of those willing to challenge the status quo."

Follow Dallas Cup:

🌐 Website: DallasCup.org

📘 Facebook: @DallasCup

🐦 Twitter (X): @dallascup

📷 Instagram: @dallascup

▶️ YouTube: DallasCup

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