The Soccer Ladder

A conversation on access, opportunity, and using soccer to change communities.

Hosts

Megan
Liam

About This Episode

In Episode 34 of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Janine Willis, former Canadian Women’s National Team player and Board of Directors member for Soccer in the Streets (@soccerstreets).

From her journey playing at Princeton and with the Canadian National Team to now helping lead one of the most impactful soccer nonprofits in the country, Janine shares how soccer can become a vehicle for access, mobility, mentorship, and community transformation.

We dive into Atlanta’s pay-to-play challenges, youth development, mental health, social-emotional learning, and how Soccer in the Streets is creating safe spaces where every child can thrive. 

In This Episode

•  Janine Willis’ journey from Canada to the collegiate and national team level 
•  Growing up playing on boys teams due to limited girls infrastructure 
•  Playing Division I soccer at Princeton University 
•  Transitioning from soccer into law school and life after sport 
•  Why identity outside of soccer matters for young athletes 
•  The realities of pay-to-play and the participation gap in youth soccer 
•  Why Atlanta ranks among the highest in income inequality 
•  How Soccer in the Streets is using soccer to create opportunity 
•  Inside the organization’s “Station Soccer” initiative near MARTA transit stations 
•  How public transportation access impacts youth participation 
•  Bringing soccer directly into underserved schools and communities 
•  The importance of social-emotional learning in youth sports 
•  Trauma-informed coaching and mentorship 
•  Opening circles, closing circles, and teaching values like grit and joy 
•  Creating pathways beyond playing through referee and coaching development 
•  Building community ecosystems through soccer programming 

Key Takeaways

✔ Soccer should be accessible to every child
 ✔ Development is about building the whole person, not just the player
 ✔ Identity outside of sport matters for long-term well-being
 ✔ Community and mentorship can change the trajectory of a child’s life
 ✔ The game can create economic and social mobility when barriers are removed

Notable Mentions:

•  Princeton University 
•  Canadian Women’s National Team 
•  MARTA transit system in Atlanta 
•  Station Soccer initiative 
•  Social-emotional learning in sports 
•  Pay-to-play barriers in youth soccer 

Connect:

Soccer in the Streets
📸 Instagram: @soccerstreets

Nonprofit organization equipping Atlanta’s youth through soccer programming, building connections, and providing safe spaces where every child can thrive.

🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
 🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

A conversation on player pathways, local talent, and building the next generation through community.

Hosts

Megan
 Liam

About This Episode

In Episode 33 of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Jose Angulo (@j_angulo), Scout and Manager of Youth Partnerships for the New York Cosmos (@nycosmos).

A North Jersey native from Paterson, Jose Angulo’s journey through the local soccer scene led him to a professional career — where he was named USL Championship MVP. Today, he’s giving back to the game by identifying talent, building pathways, and strengthening relationships between clubs and communities across New Jersey.

We also touch on the legacy of Pelé (@pele) and the lasting impact the Cosmos brand has had on the global game.

In This Episode

•  Jose Angulo’s journey from Paterson, NJ to the professional level 
•  What it takes to stand out in the New Jersey soccer landscape 
•  The transition from player to scout and youth development leader 
•  How the New York Cosmos identify and develop talent 
•  The importance of local pipelines and community relationships 
•  What scouts are actually looking for in young players 
•  Why exposure alone isn’t enough — and what really separates players 
•  The role of mindset, consistency, and coachability 
•  How youth clubs can better connect with higher-level opportunities 
•  The balance between development and competition 
•  The long-term vision for soccer growth in North Jersey 

Key Takeaways

✔ Your environment matters — but your habits matter more
 ✔ Exposure doesn’t guarantee opportunity — preparation does
 ✔ Relationships in soccer open doors
 ✔ Development pathways are not one-size-fits-all
 ✔ The best players are consistent, coachable, and disciplined

Notable Mentions

•  New York Cosmos legacy and global impact 
•  Pelé’s influence on the club and the sport 
•  Growth of soccer in North Jersey 
•  Youth-to-pro development pathways 

Connect

Jose Angulo
 📸 Instagram: @j_angulo

New York Cosmos
 📸 Instagram: @nycosmos
 🔗 https://t.mtrbio.com/nycosmos

🔗 www.nycsomos.com

Pelé
 📸 Instagram: @pele
 🔗 www.pelebrand.com

🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
 🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

A conversation on fueling youth athletes, building longevity, and mastering the fundamentals of performance.

Hosts

Megan

Liam

About This Episode

In Episode 32 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Dr Marc Bubbs (@Drbubbs), a performance nutritionist working with professional and Olympic athletes across elite sport, including @canadabasketball, @usmnt, and @underarmour.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr Marc Bubbs breaks down what truly matters when it comes to fueling development, recovery, and long-term performance — especially for young athletes navigating today’s demanding schedules. 

From under-fueling and match day nutrition to supplements, habits, and cutting through online noise — this episode is a masterclass for players and parents alike.

In This Episode

•  Dr Marc Bubbs’ journey from athlete to elite performance nutritionist 
•  What surprised him most inside professional team environments 
•  Why nutrition and recovery weren’t always prioritized in sport 
•  The biggest fueling mistake youth athletes make today 
•  Why under-fueling is more common than people think 
•  How busy schedules impact youth athlete nutrition 
•  Smart snack strategies for pre-training and post-training 
•  The difference between fast vs slow carbohydrates (and why it matters) 
•  Simple, effective fueling ideas for tight time windows 
•  What separates athletes who last 10–15 years 
•  Why patterns and habits outperform short-term strategies 
•  How to properly fuel on match day (timeline + structure) 
•  Growth spurts and what parents need to know nutritionally 
•  The role of protein, carbs, and total energy intake 
•  Supplements: what actually matters vs what’s noise 
•  How to filter misinformation in today’s nutrition landscape 
•  The importance of sleep, recovery, and consistency 
•  Why fundamentals still drive 80–90% of performance results 
•  Inside ProBio Nutrition and how it supports athlete health 

Key Takeaways

✔ Most young athletes are under-fueling, not overeating
✔ Total daily energy intake is the foundation of performance
✔ Fast carbs are critical around training and games
✔ Consistency beats perfection — build patterns, not quick fixes
✔ You don’t need trends — you need fundamentals
✔ Sleep, nutrition, and habits drive long-term success
✔ The best athletes master the basics repeatedly

Notable Mentions

•  Canada Basketball 
•  U.S. Men’s National Team 
•  Under Armour 
•  Elite athletes across multiple sports 
•  Youth athlete development systems 

Connect

Dr Marc Bubbs
 📸 Instagram: @Drbubbs
 🌐 Website: www.drbubbs.com

ProBio Nutrition
 🌐 Website: www.drbubbs.com

(Co-Founder @probionutrition)

🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
 🎧Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

A conversation on development, pressure, longevity, and building the next generation of players.

Hosts

Megan
 Liam

About This Episode

In Episode 31 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jozy Altidore (@jozyaltidore) — a U.S. Men’s National Team veteran who signed professionally at just 16 and built a career across Europe and MLS.

Now stepping into a new chapter, Jozy Altidore is focused on developing the next generation through @Sogility and @SogilityGO, bringing technology-driven training into the modern game.

From early development and pressure, to parenting, longevity, and the future of soccer training — this episode is packed with real, honest insight for players and families navigating the game today. 

In This Episode

•  What coaches saw in Jozy Altidore at just 16 years old 
•  The reality of kids signing younger and the importance of balance 
•  How to manage intense training schedules at a young age 
•  Why letting kids still be kids is critical in development 
•  Jozy’s perspective as both a former pro and a parent 
•  What academy players misunderstand about the pro pathway 
•  Why being a good person and teammate matters just as much as talent 
•  The moment pressure first felt real in his career 
•  The difference between pressure that builds vs. breaks a player 
•  Why there are multiple pathways to success in soccer 
•  Lessons from playing in Europe and adapting to new environments 
•  What actually creates long professional careers 
•  The importance of being a well-rounded player and teammate 
•  Why sleep, recovery, and rest are essential for performance 
•  Inside @Sogility — technology-driven player development 
•  How @SogilityGO is changing at-home training 
•  The role of data and AI in modern soccer development 
•  Why unstructured play and creativity still matter 

Key Takeaways

✔ Talent gets attention — character and adaptability build careers
 ✔ Balance is everything in youth development
 ✔ Pressure should develop players, not overwhelm them
 ✔ Being a great teammate extends your career
 ✔ Recovery, sleep, and stretching are non-negotiable
 ✔ Technology is shaping the future of training — but creativity still wins

Notable Mentions

•  Jozy Altidore — USMNT Veteran 
•  Red Bulls / MetroStars development pathway 
•  U.S. Youth National Team system 
•  European club experience (Spain) 
•  Sogility training ecosystem 

Connect

Jozy Altidore
 📸 Instagram: @jozyaltidore

Sogility:
 📸 Instagram: @sogility
 ⚽ Technology-Driven Soccer Training
 #TrainDifferentGetBetter

For more on Sogility:
www.sogility.com

SogilityGO:
 📸 Instagram: @SogilityGO
 📱 Interactive app + smart rebounder
 🏠 Train at home

For more on SogilityGO: 
www.sogilitygo.com

🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
 🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

 A behind-the-scenes look at elite preparation, mindset, and what young players can learn from the highest level of the game. 

About This Episode

In Episode 30 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jesús Pérez (@jpp_71), assistant coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (@usmnt) and longtime collaborator of head coach Mauricio Pochettino (@pochettino).

With the next World Cup on the horizon, Jesús Pérez shares what elite tournament preparation truly looks like behind the scenes — and why this U.S. team genuinely believes it can compete to win it.

From passion and commitment at the highest level to youth development, parenting advice, and the importance of unstructured play, this episode delivers a powerful perspective for players and families navigating today’s game.

In This Episode

• How Jesús Pérez transitioned from aspiring player to elite coach
• The impact of sports science on his coaching philosophy
• What makes his 15-year partnership with Mauricio Pochettino work
• What fans don’t see during major tournament preparation
• Why no one truly knows the final roster until the last moment
• The two qualities Jesús Pérez values most in USMNT players: passion + commitment
• How to reduce the gap between your best version and your worst version
• The potential impact of hosting a World Cup in the U.S.
• Advice for 12–15-year-old players dreaming of the national team
• Why staying close to family matters during early development
• Honest thoughts on rushing careers and early moves abroad
• Clear advice for parents: be a parent, not the coach
• Winning vs. development — and why competitive mentality still matters
• Why young players should stop worrying about money
• Why kids need more unstructured, free play
• Rapid fire: the one word that defines a World Cup player

Key Takeaways

✔ Passion and commitment separate elite players
✔Consistency matters more than occasional brilliance
✔Stay close to family during foundational years
✔Free play builds creativity that structured training cannot
✔Parents should support — not coach from the sidelines
✔Winning and development can coexist

Connect

Jesús Pérez
 📸 Instagram: @jpp_71

U.S. Men’s National Team
 📸 Instagram: @usmnt

Mauricio Pochettino
 📸 Instagram: @pochettino

🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
 🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder

A behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s top athletes fuel performance, recovery, and longevity — and what youth players and parents can learn from elite nutrition strategies. 

About This Episode

In Episode 29 of The Soccer Ladder, we dive into one of the most overlooked pillars of performance: nutrition.

We’re joined by Dan Motchman, a private performance chef who works with some of the top athletes in the world across soccer, boxing, Formula 1, and Olympic sport. Dan shares how nutrition changes by sport, position, travel demands, and age — and how small details can make a massive difference at the highest levels.

From Premier League match prep to Formula 1 recovery and youth fueling fundamentals, this episode connects elite performance to real-world takeaways for players, parents, and coaches.

In This Episode

• How nutrition differs across soccer, boxing, motorsport, and Olympic sport
• What a typical match-week fueling plan looks like for elite footballers
• The role of carbohydrates, fats, and protein before, during, and after competition
• Why sleep, hydration, and recovery nutrition are just as important as training
• How travel, late kickoffs, and quick turnarounds impact fueling strategies
• Youth nutrition basics: what young players actually need during growth years
• Simple swaps parents can make to support performance without overcomplicating meals
• Plant-based nutrition, recovery, and inflammation reduction
• Why elite performance often comes down to the final 1–2%

Notable Clients & Experience

Dan has worked with athletes and organizations at the very highest level, including:

Current Clients

• Anthony Joshua (Boxing)
• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace / USMNT)
• Marc Guéhi (Manchester City)
• Joachim Andersen (Fulham FC)
• Freddie Bernal (Chelsea FC)
• Alex Yee (Olympian – Paris Gold Medalist)

Previous Clients

• Chelsea FC
• Williams Racing Formula 1 Team
• Romeo Lavia
• Ruben Loftus-Cheek
• Armando Broja
• Carney Chukwuemeka
• David Adeleye (Boxing)
• Lewis Capaldi
• Sophie Turner

Connect

Dan Motchman
📸 Instagram: @chef_danmotchman

Megan Linke
📸 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial

Liam Linke: 

📸 Instagram: @liamlinke18

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, hosts Megan Linke (@meganlinkeofficial) and Liam Linke (@liamlinke18) sit down with Amir Lowery — former professional player, D.C. native, and founder of Open Goal Project.

Amir shares his powerful journey from playing professionally in MLS and USL to returning home to Washington, D.C., where he’s now working to dismantle barriers in youth soccer and create access for players from underserved communities.

Episode Highlights

• Amir’s path from D.C. public schools to Wake Forest University and a 9-year professional career
• Playing professionally with Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes, Montreal Impact, and more
• Why pay-to-play is one of the biggest obstacles in U.S. youth soccer
• How Open Goal Project was built to close gaps in access, resources, and opportunity
• The importance of transportation, academics, strength training, injury rehab, and family support
• Why character development and mental training are just as important as technical skill
• The creation of District of Columbia FC and its impact on the local soccer ecosystem
• What Amir believes is missing from traditional youth development models
• Advice for parents and players navigating elite pathways and academy systems
• What gives Amir hope for the future of soccer in the United States
• World Cup predictions and the growing momentum around the game in the U.S.

Key Takeaway

True player development goes beyond talent. Access, mentorship, mental resilience, and community support are essential to helping young players reach their full potential — on and off the field.

Connect with Amir & Learn More

• Amir Lowery: @princelowery
• Open Goal Project: @opengoalproject
•  🌐 www.opengoalproject.org
• District of Columbia FC: @districtofcolumbiafc

🎧 Listen to Episode 28 of The Soccer Ladder now — available on all major podcast platforms.

In Episode 27 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Jeroen Chantrain, a Belgian youth coach who has worked at two of the most iconic clubs in European football — RSC Anderlecht, Belgium’s most successful club, and Royal Antwerp FC, the oldest club in the country.

Jeroen brings a rare inside look at elite European player development, sharing how top academies think about technical skill, mentality, patience, and the long-term pathway from grassroots football to the first team.

This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches who want to understand how Europe develops talent — and what truly matters beyond the badge.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it means to coach at Royal Antwerp, known as “The Great Old”, and why club identity matters
• Key similarities and differences between Anderlecht and Antwerp’s youth development models
• Why individual player development always comes before team results
• How Belgian academies prepare players from U10 all the way to the first team
• Why technical ability stands out immediately — and why coaches love “the king of the ball”
• The role of school, discipline, and sacrifices in elite player pathways
• When nutrition, recovery, and education should begin (earlier than most think)
• How coaches handle talented players with difficult personalities
• Why patience is the most underrated trait for young players and parents
• Why going “too fast” to a big-name club can hurt long-term development
• How Belgian clubs scout and develop talent from the United States
• Thoughts on young American players transitioning to Europe
• World Cup insights and why Belgium remains a dangerous outsider

Key Takeaway

Guest & Club Handles

• Jeroen Chantrain: @jeroenchantrain
• Royal Antwerp FC: @royal_antwerp_fc
• RSC Anderlecht: @rscanderlecht
• Anderlecht Academy (Neerpede): @rscaneerpede

Hosts

🎙️ Megan Linke – @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam Linke – @liamlinke18

🎧 Listen to Episode 27 now on all major podcast platforms
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thesoccerladder

Local Football, Access, and the Future of the American Player Pathway

In Episode 26 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan sits down for a solo-hosted conversation with the voice behind  ⁨@TheExchangeFc⁩   a platform deeply rooted in local football culture and grassroots storytelling.

With Liam at school for the day, this episode becomes a deep dive into the local soccer ecosystem, access to the game, and how untapped talent across the U.S. could change the future of American soccer if given the right opportunities.

This conversation challenges the traditional pay-to-play model and explores what real inclusion, early access, and community-based development could look like.   

🎙 Episode Highlights

Why some of the most gifted players grow up playing with no lines, no shoes, and no formal fields — yet possess elite instincts

How access, not talent, is often the biggest barrier in U.S. youth soccer

The importance of lower-level entry points connected to elite academies

Why free, local training programs in parks and city spaces matter

How clubs like New York Red Bulls and New York City FC can identify talent earlier through community presence

What makes the Red Bull system so unique — structure, consistency, and a unified philosophy

Thoughts on MLS teams, player development, and who’s standing out locally right now

A candid look at who has the brighter future: Red Bulls or NYCFC?

🔍 Topics We Explore

Grassroots soccer vs. elite academy environments

Inner-city programs as scouting pipelines

Creating sustainable access without sacrificing standards

European development influence on American systems

Why structure and identity matter at every level of a club

The long-term impact of investing in community football

👥 Hosts & Guest

Host:
🎙 Megan Linke – @meganlinkeofficial
Co-hosted normally with her son Liam (Red Bulls Academy), who was at school for this episode

Guest:
⚽️ Exchange FC – @theexchangefc
Local football media voice covering the culture, players, and stories shaping the game from the ground up

🎧 Listen Now

Available on all major podcast platforms.
Follow along for more conversations focused on development, mindset, access, and the real path to the top of the game.

This one really is legendary — we’re welcoming our first-ever NWSL player to The Soccer Ladder! In this episode, we’re joined by Haley McCutcheon of the Orlando Pride, and she brings such real, grounded insight into what it takes to develop, stay mentally strong, and build a career that lasts.

Also… quick behind-the-scenes moment: I usually record with Liam, but I accidentally scheduled studio time on a school day (mom fail 😅) — so Liam pops in with a few questions and we keep it moving.

🎙️ Guest

Haley McCutcheon
Instagram: @hayhanson
Orlando Pride: @orlpride
NWSL: @nwsl

⚽ What We Talk About

• Haley’s early years in ECNL and how intense travel + year-round soccer shaped her discipline
• The role her parents played in helping her manage the demands of youth soccer
• Why her biggest early habit was focusing on the process and keeping the game fun
• What drew her to Nebraska (Midwest girls 🫶) and how the environment helped her max out her potential
• The truth about the mental game: adapting to coaches, pressure, and competition for minutes
• “Control what you can”: Haley’s core focus on attitude + effort
• Her experience having three coaches in one year and how she stayed grounded through change
• Why young players should embrace playing different positions (and how it makes you smarter on the field)
• Her “welcome to the league” moments: playing against legends like Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, Julie Ertz — and having Marta as a teammate
• What Orlando Pride taught her about leadership, balance, and enjoying the full experience again
• Locker room culture, unity, and why being a great teammate can elevate performance
• Winning both the Shield + Championship — and why it felt like relief + joy
• The difference between players who think they want to go pro vs. players who actually make it
• Patience for kids who aren’t starters yet — and why progress isn’t always tied to accolades
• The mindset shift: focusing on who you’re being, not just what you’re achieving
• What Haley’s most excited for in the women’s game: more access, more visibility, more fans in seats
• The responsibility pro players feel as role models for the next generation (boys AND girls)

🔑 Key Takeaways

• If you want longevity, you have to love the process — not just the outcome.
• You can’t control coaches, minutes, or preferences — but you can control effort and attitude.
• Sleep and nutrition are not optional. Recovery is performance.
• Versatility isn’t a setback — it’s a superpower.
• Team culture matters: unity + buy-in can change everything.

📲 Connect + Follow

Guest: @hayhanson
Team: @orlpride
League: @nwsl

Podcast: @thesoccerladder

⚽ Hosts

Meg Linke
Instagram: @meglinkeofficial

Liam Linke
Instagram: @liamlinke18