What does it really take to go from youth soccer to the professional game?In this episode, we sit down with Eric Rossitch, formerly with the Seattle Reign (NWSL), to break down the reality of making it pro in soccer — from development mistakes at the youth level to the demands of the NWSL and professional environments.Eric has worked closely with elite players including Megan Rapinoe, giving him a rare perspective on what separates players who reach the highest level from those who fall short. We talk honestly about player mindset, development pathways, and why talent alone is never enough.👇 Learn more & connect below:🌐 The Soccer Neighborhood https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.com⚽ Follow The Soccer Neighborhood on Instagram:👉 https://www.instagram.com/thesoccerneighborhoodUse our custom code to receive 10% off and other discounts-Salt Athletic- SFTTGhttps://saltathletic.comhttps://str8fromthetrainingground.comhttps://unozero.com/https://www.duktigbrand.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-LcVPROpTyVxiGBK6qq2m9_rkvj6jx22LVQ9xgprWfSOLHjaUSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground All music rights-Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big brother records

Discover the unbelievable rise of Jay DeMerit—from being in the back of the line in England's 9th division to playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup—and learn how he’s now using technology to transform youth athlete development. This episode dives deep into Jay DeMerit’s journey, his mindset, and the groundbreaking tech he’s building to help young players improve holistically and more confidently.🔹 In this episode with Jay DeMerit, you’ll learn:– How Jay DeMerit went from the bottom of the depth chart to the EPL & World Cup– Key lessons for youth soccer players, parents, and coaches– How technology can improve player's beyond soccer– Insights into Jay DeMerit’s new tech platform and how it supports youth athlete growth– Mental performance lessons from a world-class underdog story⚽ Perfect for:Youth soccer players, parents in youth sports, coaches, trainers, sports tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking for elite soccer motivation.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more soccer interviews, athlete development content, and youth sports insights.📲 Instagram: @rxs.apphttps://www.risexshine.com/https://www.rxsmentorship.com/*************************************************************************************************Use our custom code to receive 10% off and other discounts-Salt Athletic- SFTTGhttps://saltathletic.comhttps://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://str8fromthetrainingground.comhttps://unozero.com/https://www.duktigbrand.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-LcVPROpTyVxiGBK6qq2m9_rkvj6jx22LVQ9xgprWfSOLHjaUSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground All music rights- Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big brother records

In this episode of Straight from the Training Ground, we talk with Michael Dublis, co-founder of The UnderGRound, a groundbreaking street soccer facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a leader within The Soccer Rebellion.This conversation breaks down how street soccer, creativity, and community-driven spaces are transforming American youth soccer, challenging the pay-to-play model, and helping players develop freedom, confidence, and real game intelligence.#football #youthsoccer #podcast #streetsoccer #soccerculture #americansoccer ⚽️ We cover:Why street soccer is essential for youth player developmentHow The UnderGRound was built in Grand RapidsThe Soccer Rebellion’s mission to change U.S. soccer cultureWhy creativity and unstructured play matter more than everIf you’re interested in youth soccer development, street soccer culture, American soccer reform, or building community soccer spaces, this episode is for you.👇 Learn more & connect below:🌐 The UnderGRound https://www.thesoccerrebellion.com/the-underground🌐 The Soccer Rebellionhttps://www.thesoccerrebellion.com/📱 Follow The Soccer Rebellion:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoccerrebellion/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thesoccerrebellion/YouTube: Link via their Linktree (search The Soccer Rebellion)TikTok: Link via their Linktree (search The Soccer Rebellion)⭐ Subscribe for more soccer culture conversations!👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 💬 Comment with your thoughts*************************************************************************************************Use our custom code to receive 10% off and other discounts-Salt Athletic- SFTTGhttps://saltathletic.comhttps://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://str8fromthetrainingground.comhttps://unozero.com/https://www.duktigbrand.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-LcVPROpTyVxiGBK6qq2m9_rkvj6jx22LVQ9xgprWfSOLHjaUSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcast on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str8-from-the-training-ground/id1665481481Find our podcasts on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground All music rights-Liam Gallagher Noel Gallagher Big brother records

Champions League sweet 16, league tables, start of the MLS season & more!Highlight video- https://youtu.be/U3-wt_-WQTYSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground

USL big announcement, Champions League updates, Americans abroad and more!Subscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake4Find our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEySubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]

- This Week in Soccer- European Tables/Standings- Coaching- Set Pieces- The Big Issue- Transfer Window- Street Soccer Highlights https://youtube.com/shorts/9wu4iFQK5Zk?si=RK4vmdheBvGW00Af- Team of the Week - Spanish Words of the WeekSubscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@str8fromthetrainingground?sub_confirmation=1The Soccer Rebellion: https://www.thesoccerrebellion.comSubscribe to our Newsletter here- https://str8fromthetrainingground.substack.com/p/what-drives-your-winning?r=4bake40:00-3:14- This week in soccer3:15-5:31- League tables around Europe5:32-9:12- Stat leaders9:13-16:25- Coaching set pieces16:26-25:06- The Big Issue- Transfer window25:07-27:45- Highlights & Team of the Week 27:46-30:39- Spanish word of the week & closingFind our podcasts on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PpMiEmxEWdd1IZNMj9sEyVisit our website for all episodes and merchandise-https://www.str8fromthetrainingground.comEmail us with questions or to be on our [email protected]**********************************************Join our movement to provide soccer opportunities for ALL kids regardless of their socioeconomic background or environment- https://www.thesoccerneighborhood.comhttps://www.instagram/str8fromthetrainingground/**********************************************Follow us on social media-https://www.instagram.com/str8fromthetrainingground/profilecard/?igsh=MTI4OXNmdzIzYjhidw==Twitter- @str8trainingrndFacebook- Str8 from the Training Ground *********************************************

Fernando Calderon Tena joins us to share his unique journey that includes coaching at the Granada CF academy in Spain, earning his UEFA 'A' coaching license and now coaching 10-12 year olds in youth soccer in Houston, Texas for HTX. He also shares his insight and experience on the current youth soccer culture in the United States and how it compares to his days of growing up in Spain playing 'football de calle', or soccer in the street.

1. Champions League

We discuss the announcement of a new MLS Next Pro team in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the men’s pro pathway in the U.S. and the new college football playoff format.

This week we discuss-