Chat By The Pitch

Soccer, Family, and Growth: The Texas Spurs Story with Ed Puskarich Part 1


Listen Later

In this compelling episode of "Chat By The Pitch", Ed Puskarich, Director of Coaching for the Texas Spurs Football Club, shares his fascinating journey through the world of soccer. From his early playing days to a lengthy coaching career, Ed explains how he built the Texas Spurs into a powerhouse, focusing on family-first values and personal attention. Whether you're looking to grow as a coach or player or just love a good soccer story, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartwarming anecdotes from Ed's years in the game.


Key Talking Points:

- The evolution of Ed's coaching career and founding of the Texas Spurs

- Balancing family life and coaching-how Ed's personal story shaped his approach

- The philosophy behind coaching younger players: fun, development, and personal growth

- Managing parent expectations and creating a positive environment for kids

- The transition from player to coach and the value of mentorship

- How the Texas Spurs stand out as a family-first club in a competitive landscape

- Building confidence in young players while balancing the pressure to win

- The role of discipline, accountability, and respect within the club

- Addressing the issue of parental involvement and sideline behavior

- Encouraging multi-sport athletes in a competitive soccer environment


Tune in to Learn:

- Ed's thoughts on youth development and why having fun is critical for young players

- How Ed manages team expectations while keeping personal development a top priority

- The importance of parent education and their role in supporting their child's soccer journey

- Practical advice on managing multiple sports and commitments for young athletes

- How the Texas Spurs encourage a long-term, family-focused approach to soccer development


Quotes from Ed:

- "Winning is a byproduct. We teach to be successful, not just to win."

- "At a young age, it's all about fun. If Tommy doesn't want to go to practice, something's wrong."

- "We try to build a pyramid, so young kids can see what they can become by watching older players."

- "The word 'development' is thrown around a lot, but it must include patience."

- "When kids have fun, they don't think about the scoreboard. They think about the juice box afterward."

- "Coaching helped me overcome my stutter. It's as much about personal growth as it is about soccer."

- "We emphasize accountability, but punishment? Not at the younger ages. That's not what soccer should be about."

- "At the Texas Spurs, we're a family-first club. The kids and parents know we care about more than just the results."

- "No kid should be pigeonholed into one position too young. Let them explore the game."

- "If you're playing soccer because you love it, not because someone's dragging you there, that's when

real development happens."


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 #Coaching #YouthSoccer #TexasSpurs #PlayerDevelopment #FamilyFirst #SoccerCommunity #FootballLife #CoachingJourney #NextGenPlayers


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Chat By The PitchBy Ian Babcock

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

7 ratings


More shows like Chat By The Pitch

View all
Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast by FOX Sports

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

1,102 Listeners

3four3 FM by 3four3

3four3 FM

209 Listeners

Youth Soccer Coaching Player Development Podcast by MyFootballCoach

Youth Soccer Coaching Player Development Podcast

79 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,917 Listeners

Modern Soccer Coach Podcast by Gary Curneen

Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

264 Listeners

Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America by Adam Belz and Greg Velasquez

Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America

916 Listeners

The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World by Neil Crawford

The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World

20 Listeners

Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast by Elite Clubs National League

Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast

34 Listeners

THE Soccer Dad-Pod by Gaslight Studio STL

THE Soccer Dad-Pod

69 Listeners