Foot by the Foot short for Footballer by the Footballer is a podcast that dives into real life stories of football (soccer) players about their journey through the game. David digs into their story to highlight their impact on the game.

David Abidor is a former pro soccer player and DI athlete. Born and raised in Chicago, he has always wanted to find a way to ensure players of all levels have had a voice to share their story.

The conversation covers Patrick Hickey of Bohemians FC and his journey to Ireland, his transition to professional football, the training and development in Ireland, the growth of football in Ireland, the impact of infrastructure on football growth, television coverage and European games, and player representation and career navigation. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the agent-player relationship, highlighting the importance of trust and the role of desperation in seizing opportunities. It also explores the mental resilience required to battle adversity, the expectations and challenges of playing abroad, life outside of playing, and the excitement for the upcoming World Cup and its potential impact on the game.

Takeaways

• Professional Football Training
• Career Transition
• Impact of European Football Trust in the agent-player relationship
• Mental resilience and determination in the face of adversity

Chapters

• 00:00 Player Representation and Career Navigation
• 23:10 Agent-Player Relationship and Trust
• 29:54 Mental Resilience and Battling Adversity
• 39:04 Life Outside of Playing and Staying Sane
• 46:08 Excitement for the World Cup and Impact on the Game

The conversation covers Ena Sabanagic's experience in World Cup qualifiers, playing in high-stakes games, and the challenges and experiences as a professional player. It also delves into the importance of the head coach and team dynamics, national team selection, scouting and development in women's soccer, and success in Turkey and cultural adaptation. Ena Sabanagic shares her experiences of adapting to life in a foreign country and the growth of women's soccer in the US. She discusses the challenges of living in a foreign country, language barriers, and the welcoming nature of the countries she has lived in. Additionally, she highlights the growth of women's soccer in the US, the opportunities available, and the impact of the Gainesbridge USL league.

Takeaways

• World Cup Qualifiers
• International Soccer Experience Adapting to life in a foreign country
• Growth of women's soccer in the US

Chapters

• 00:00 World Cup Qualifiers and National Team Experience
• 05:47 Playing in Different Leagues and Cultures
• 11:54 Challenges and Experiences as a Professional Player
• 18:05 National Team Selection and International Experience
• 24:07 Success in Turkey and Cultural Adaptation
• 29:31 Adapting to Life in a Foreign Country

The conversation covers Ena Sabanagic of the Bosnian Women's National Team and Panathinaikos FC and her international soccer experience, the challenges of women's soccer, and her cultural adaptation in different countries. Ena shares her journey playing for the national team, the struggles and successes of women's soccer, and her experiences in various countries. The discussion provides insights into the world of women's soccer and the cultural dynamics of playing in different countries. The conversation covers Ena's experience adapting to a new country and the growth of women's soccer in the US. Ena discusses the challenges of moving to a foreign country and the welcoming nature of the people she encountered. She also highlights the growth of women's soccer in the US and the opportunities it provides for players.

The conversation covers Julia Roddar's journey in women's football, from playing for London City Lioness to her international success and career moves. It also delves into the growth of women's football and the impact of international experiences on players. The conversation covers Julia's transition to the US, challenges of college transfer, physical demands of professional soccer, American culture outside of soccer, post-soccer career planning, and excitement for the upcoming World Cup.

Takeaways

• Success in women's football
• Adapting to different leagues
• Navigating career decisions International Soccer Experience
• Transitioning to the US
• Challenges of College Transfer
• Physical Demands of Professional Soccer
• Post-Soccer Career Planning
• World Cup Excitement

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and London City Lioness
• 05:51 Club Support and Community Outreach
• 15:00 Team Role and Success Mindset
• 19:55 Olympic Experience and International Connections
• 24:59 Career Moves and Future Plans
• 29:55 Growth of Women's Football
• 51:15 World Cup Excitement

The conversation covers Stefan's journey from college soccer to professional play, highlighting his experiences at St. Louis and Georgetown, the differences in play style, coaching staff, and the impact on his performance. It also delves into his transition to the USL Championship side, FC Tulsa, and the changes in the team's culture and performance. The move to Las Vegas Lights FC and the challenges faced in a changing environment are also discussed. Stefan discusses his experiences living in Vegas, training with the Brooklyn expansion team, and his involvement with Fair Whistle. He also shares his thoughts on the upcoming World Cup and his favorite players to watch.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including international football, player management, preseason, team bonding, and the World Cup. Matt Poland, current Sporting Director and Head Coach of USL League 1 side FC Naples shares insights on coaching, player communication, and the development of the club. David Abidor reflects on his experiences and the growth of soccer in the U.S. The conversation covers a range of topics including the diversity in soccer, the impact of the club on the city, the World Cup campaign, and the importance of analysis and individual development plans for players. It also delves into the experience of working with Chicago House and the lessons learned from that experience. The conversation covers Matt Poland's journey from player to coach, his experiences with Chicago House, the Open Cup run, and the impact of Brett Hall on Chicago's soccer culture. It also delves into Matt's coaching philosophy and approach to working with players as well as a sneak preview into thoughts about the upcoming World Cup

The conversation covers SoSo's journey from youth soccer to professional soccer, highlighting the impact of mentorship, the importance of trustworthy agents, and the challenges of transitioning between different soccer environments. SoSo shares insights on the role of agents and the value of mentorship in a player's career, providing valuable advice for young players entering the world of professional soccer. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the speaker's experiences in soccer, the impact of branding and creativity, the challenges and opportunities in Asian soccer, and the significance of the World Cup. Key takeaways include the importance of betting on oneself and the value of authenticity in personal branding.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Traveling to Cambodia
• 05:57 College Soccer Experience at Duke and UCSB
• 10:55 Transition to Professional Soccer and Experience in Malta
• 15:56 Experience in Czech Republic and Importance of Agents
• 21:03 Meeting Drew Connor and Mentorship in Soccer
• 25:54 The Role of Agents and Open Trials for Young Players
• 35:41 Opportunities in Soccer
• 43:05 Memorable Moments in Chicago
• 49:21 Move to Asia
• 55:44 Professional Soccer in Asia
• 01:08:15 SoSoSeries Brand
• 01:15:11 Navigating Social Media
• 01:23:51 World Cup Expectations

The conversation covers the journey of a professional soccer player, Lucas Stauffer, which highlights career transitions, the influence of mentors, college experience, and professional challenges. It provides insights into the impact of mentors and coaches on the player's development, as well as the challenges and reflections on the professional journey. The conversation covers the player's experience in different clubs, challenges faced in the soccer industry, personal struggles, guidance from coaches, impact and performance at Red Bulls, transition to Europe, persistence, challenges in Europe, experience in Germany, comparison of soccer culture in the US vs. Europe, future plans, and excitement for the World Cup. The player reflects on personal growth, challenges with agents, and the impact of soccer culture on players.

Takeaways

• Career transitions
• Influence of mentors Player's Experience in Different Clubs
• Challenges Faced in the Soccer Industry

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Pre-Season
• 11:02 Influence of Mentors and Coaches
• 21:05 College Experience and Draft
• 29:03 Professional Challenges and Reflection
• 59:06 Excitement for the World Cup and Player Predictions