The guests are Steve McAuliffe, Executive Director, and Brendan Hamilton, Academy Director, from South Shore Select. The episode delves into the club's significant transition to ECNL girls from the Girls Academy for the 2024-25 season, marking a major milestone. McAuliffe and Hamilton discuss the club's joy and competitive ambitions with this move, highlighting their long-term effort in fostering soccer talent and the club's development over the past 30 years. They share success stories, including nurturing players like number one NWSL draft pick Ally Sentnor. The conversation also touches on the club's strong community ties, the importance of maintaining a competitive yet respectful club culture, and their perspectives on future growth and challenges within the changing landscape of club soccer. The podcast concludes with a light-hearted Celebrity Soccer Fantasy Draft.

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Topics

00:00 Welcome to The Goal Podcast with South Shore Select Leadership00:41 Major Club Announcement: Transition to ECNL02:38 Reflecting on Club Success and Player Development07:50 The Competitive Spirit and Future Aspirations16:22 Navigating the Club Soccer Landscape and Focusing on Self-Improvement19:07 Exploring the Club's Unique Approach and Community Impact19:38 The Importance of Familiarity and Personalization in Club Sports20:59 Expansion Strategies and Maintaining Club Identity21:57 Transitioning to a New League: Expectations and Preparations23:14 Club and Community Excitement for the Upcoming Season23:56 Celebrity Soccer Fantasy Draft: A Fun Divergence