The Soccer Ladder

In this high-energy episode of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the inspiring brothers behind @game_awareness, the Canadian-based trainers revolutionizing youth soccer with cutting-edge awareness training.

From scanning and shoulder checks to creating elite-level soccer IQ, these coaches are showing young players what it really takes to stand out on the pitch—not just with skill, but with vision, intelligence, and mindset.

💡 What We Cover:

• The origin story of @game_awareness and their breakthrough trip to Holland
• How their training evolved from 1:1 sessions to full team showcases
• The massive difference between Canadian and European player development
• Why awareness is the hidden skill that separates good players from great ones
• How they’re reshaping youth soccer with the Super League, international tournaments, and elite showcases
• Their take on development vs. competitiveness—and why scorekeeping matters
• Tactical mindset shifts every young player needs to succeed long-term
• The role of scanning, decision-making, and mistake-embracing in building world-class athletes
• Honest advice for parents on letting kids own their journey
• 
  

🎯 Key Takeaway:Soccer IQ isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you train.

🔥 Bonus Highlights:

• Liam reflects on beating Sporting in Portugal
• Insights on Red Bulls training & the importance of the #6 position
• Behind-the-scenes of their upcoming YouTube channel, 1v1 tournaments, and ball launcher drills

📲 Follow the Guests:

Instagram: ⁠@game_awareness⁠
YouTube:  ⁨@gameawareness8312⁩  
www.gameawarenesstraining.com



📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc
Co-host: @liamlinke93

www.liandmeinnyc.com

 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Soccer Ladder podcast! Let us know what you think in the comments. 

In this can’t-miss episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Michael Parkhurst @mikeparkhurst3—former USMNT captain, MLS Cup champion, European pro, and co-founder of @beyondgoalsmentoring—to go deep on the sacrifices, mindset, and structure required to go pro and stay pro.


Whether you’re an academy parent, a player chasing the dream, or a coach shaping the next generation, this episode is filled with gold.


🔹 From Rhode Island to Europe to founding Rhode Island FC (@rhodeislandfc), Michael shares:


His journey from IMG to Wake Forest to Europe and MLS


What it really takes to handle pressure and develop long-term


The importance of mental resilience and the three D's: Determination, Dedication, Discipline


Why not every kid should go pro at 14 or 15—and what maturity differences he’s seen in college vs. academy grads


Powerful lessons for parents about motivation, overtraining, and sideline behavior


💬 “If I want it more than my kid does—that’s a problem.”


💡 Plus:


Why youth players should play multiple positions


How small setbacks are key to long-term growth


What inspired the creation of Beyond Goals Mentoring and how it’s changing lives on and off the pitch


📲 Follow & Connect


Guest: @mikeparkhurst3


Mentorship: @beyondgoalsmentoring


Club: @rhodeislandfc

📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc

Co-host: @liamlinke93


🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we sit down with Alessio Carlone, a former professional footballer and co-founder of FPD Academy in Genk, Belgium. Alessio shares his inspiring journey from signing his first pro contract at 16, navigating international club moves, and ultimately being forced to retire early due to a genetic heart condition. But Alessio didn’t stop there—he channeled his passion into building a next-level training academy that focuses on both the technical and human development of players.

🎧 We discuss:

• Alessio’s rise through KRC Genk’s academy and professional clubs in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania
• The tough decision to retire and how that experience shaped his mission for FPD Academy
• What sets FPD Academy apart from others across Europe
• Training methods that develop not just athletes, but people—including the use of innovative tools like reflex glasses and GPS data
• Why mindset, hunger, and having the right people in your corner matters more than geography
• Alessio’s mentorship of rising talents, including his longtime connection with Dante Vanzeir, who joins this episode in a surprise appearance!

🔥 Dante Vanzeir jumps on to share his experience training with Alessio and why FPD Academy is one of the best environments for young players looking to elevate their game. Dante is a professional Belgium Football players who plays for K.A.A. Gent and the Belgium national team. Dante played for the New York Red Bulls for two seasons and was an integral part of the Red Bulls MLS Cup run.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in Europe, this is the episode for you.

📲 Be sure to follow:

• ⁠@alessiocarlone⁠
• ⁠@fpdacademy⁠
• ⁠@krcgenkofficial⁠
• ⁠@dantevanzeir31⁠
• 
  

📍Coming to Belgium? Don’t miss Alessio’s recommendations for training, food, and local culture in Genk—just two hours from Amsterdam.

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the incredible Larrys Mabiala  (⁠@mynameislarrys)⁠—former PSG Academy player and Portland Timbers pro, now author of Soccer Dreams to Reality. We dive into his journey from juggling a ball in a tiny Paris apartment to signing a professional contract at just 17.

Larrys' path is one of grit, resilience, and generational impact. He shares the raw truth of what it takes to go pro, the differences in development between Europe and the U.S., and the powerful lessons passed down from his father—both as a player and a man.

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach—this episode is packed with powerful perspective on mindset, development, and dreaming big without losing your grounding.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

⚽️ The difference between talent and mental resilience 

📚 What the French academy system does right (and how U.S. clubs can improve) 🧠 Why the “3 D’s” (Determination, Dedication, Discipline) matter more than talent alone 

📘 What inspired Larisse to write Soccer Dreams to Reality and who it’s for 

🗣️ How parents and coaches can make or break a player’s future from the sidelines 

🎯 When self-motivation should begin—and what happens if it doesn’t

A Few Standout Quotes:

“At 14, I wasn't just chasing a dream—I had a goal. I wasn’t leaving home for nothing.” “If soccer in Europe was pay-to-play like in the U.S., I never would’ve gone pro.” “Talent got me seen. Mentality got me signed.” “My father challenged me to juggle with my left foot—and that changed everything.”

📲 Stay Connected: 

Guest: @mynameislarrys 

Host: @liandmeinnyc 

Co-host: @liamlinke93

🎙️ Subscribe and don’t forget to leave a review. It helps more families, coaches, and players find us! 

👉 New episodes every Thursday

www.liandmeinnyc.com 

His Book: Soccer Dreams to Reality

Website: 

⁠https://www.larrysrecommends.com⁠

In this special milestone episode, we're joined by former pro players and now elite-level coaches, Libor Volf and Alex Jakubov, the founders of Volf Soccer Academy. With academies across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and even Uganda, these two bring a wealth of international experience to the table.

They dive deep into: 

⚽ Their personal journeys from small villages and top European academies to professional contracts 

⚽ The truth about early pro signings vs. going the college route 

⚽ Why loving the game matters more than ever in today’s social media-driven youth sports culture 

⚽ How setbacks like injuries, relocations, and mental pressure shaped their outlook and coaching philosophy 

⚽ What makes a player truly stand out—spoiler: it’s not just skill 

⚽ The importance of education, character, and having strong mentors 

⚽ Their mission to find and nurture raw talent in underserved regions around the world

Plus, we hear heartwarming stories from their work in Uganda, the incredible connections they’ve built with top European clubs, and how one player from Canada ended up training with Borussia Dortmund—all because of passion, grit, and timing.

This is more than just an episode about soccer. It’s about life, leadership, and what it really takes to make it—on and off the field.

 Whether you're a parent, player, or coach—this one is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

👉 Listen now and celebrate 10 episodes with us! 

📲 Follow us here to stay in the loop and get bonus content:

🔹 Libor Wolf: @volfsocceracademy

🔹 Alex Jakubov: @alexanderjakubov 

🔹 Megan Linke (Host): @liandmeinnyc

🔹 Liam Linke (Co-host): @liamlinke93

Websites:

www.liandmeinnyc.com 

www.volfsoccer.us

#TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerPodcast #WolfSoccerAcademy #FuturePro #SoccerTraining #MindsetMatters #SoccerParents #ProPathways #SoccerJourney #RedBullsAcademy #MLSNext #CollegeSoccer #SoccerMomLife

In this jam-packed episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Coach Juan Ocampo—founder of Pro Soccer Academy and mentor to some of the top youth players in the state. Known for cultivating what he calls the “dog mentality,” Coach Juan shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to rise through the youth soccer system and develop not just talent, but true toughness.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• Juan’s powerful journey from playing in the streets of Colombia to a professional stint with the Cosmos
• Why the years from 8–12 are the most important in player development
• The difference between being good and being dominant—and how to train like a pro
• His no-fluff philosophy on physical and mental discipline (yes, there are pushups involved!)
• The #1 trait every top player has in common (hint: it's not just talent)
• Why the support system behind a young athlete is often what makes or breaks their career
• What “quiet dog” energy is… and how Liam shows up with it
• Advice for kids who want to go pro and for parents who want to support them without hovering

Whether you're a parent, coach, or youth athlete, this episode is packed with game-changing insight that will challenge, inspire, and level you up.

🎧 Tune in now and hear how Coach Juan is helping shape the next generation of pros—one disciplined rep at a time.

📲 Follow us here: 

🔹Ig @coachjuan123

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠⁠@Liamlinke93⁠

Follow on YouTube:YouTube: ⁠@liandmeinNYC⁠

ICoach Juan OCampo

http://prosocceracademy.net/

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 9 of The Soccer Ladder — streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we're honored to be joined by the iconic Shep Messing — former U.S. Olympic goalkeeper, New York Cosmos star, broadcaster, and lifelong ambassador of the game. Known for his time alongside legends like Pelé and Beckenbauer, Shep brings not only decades of soccer experience but also unfiltered wisdom, powerful stories, and refreshing perspective on what the game is truly about.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The surprising truth: Shep didn’t start playing soccer until age 16
• How cross-training in multiple sports helped shape his unique path
• What it was really like to play with Pelé — on and off the field
• The moment that changed everything: Saving three penalty kicks to keep Pelé’s final season alive
• Why Shep believes American youth soccer is overcoached and under-inspired
• Lessons from Harvard to the Olympics — and how he learned to play with heart, not pressure
• Why goalkeepers need technique over exhaustion and the key to mastering reactions
• Shep’s powerful take on parents in youth soccer: "Drop them off and go get a coffee"
• What he really thinks about skipping college to go pro
• Locker room stories, Vaseline pranks, and a moment with Muhammad Ali

Key Takeaways:

• There’s no one-size-fits-all path in soccer — and Shep proves that sometimes the most unconventional journeys make for the best stories
• Creativity, courage, and joy are essential to growing as a player
• Mistakes are part of the game; it's how you respond that defines your character
• Let kids fall in love with the game on their terms
• Stars grow in teams, not solo. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player — it's all about the bigger picture

Quotes We’re Still Thinking About:

• "Dream big and never quit."
• "Every time someone yells what to do, it takes away your ability to think."
• "If you're good enough, they'll find you."
• "You can't let one setback define you."

This episode is filled with inspiration, honesty, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're a player, parent, coach, or fan — this one's for you.

📲 Follow us here: 

🔹 Instagram: @shepmessing

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 8 of The Soccer Ladder — streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

#TheSoccerLadder #ShepMessing #Pele #RedBullAcademy #SoccerStories #YouthSoccer #MLS #GoalkeeperTips #SoccerPodcast #ParentingAthletes

In this week’s episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Heath Pearce—a seasoned pro who’s played in the MLS, Germany’s Bundesliga, and earned 35 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Heath unpacks his journey from breaking his leg at age 16 to turning pro, what he’s learned from being cut, benched, and doubted—and how those moments shaped his mentality and career.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, real talk about the emotional ups and downs of soccer, and tactical advice for navigating the complex journey from youth soccer to the pro level.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Heath’s journey through MLS, Bundesliga, and the U.S. National Team
• How to mentally handle setbacks like injury, being benched, or being cut from a team
• The importance of having short-, mid-, and long-term goals
• Why working backwards from your dream (and staying flexible) is the key to longevity
• Turning frustration with coaches into motivation and leadership
• The Red Bull System, club culture, and how it shapes the modern game
• Creating space for youth to stay in love with the game—even if they don’t go pro
• What parents can do to cultivate a soccer culture that supports long-term development
• Why curiosity is your competitive edge as a player—and how to develop it daily
• Advice for young athletes: being uncomfortable, setting micro-goals, and staying curious

Key Quote:
"A coach can make a player’s career—but they should never break it. Unless you let them." – Heath Pearce

Don’t Miss This If:
You’re navigating the pressures of competitive youth soccer, trying to go pro, or supporting a young athlete and want honest, experienced insight on what it really takes. 

📲 Follow us here: 

🔹 Instagram: @heathpearce
      For Soccer: www.forsoccer.com

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

👇 Tune in now and learn what it really takes to climb the soccer ladder.

 #TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #MLS #SoccerParenting #HeathPearce #SoccerPodcast #RedBullAcademy #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #SoccerJourney #SoccerGoals

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by former LA Galaxy striker Charlie Rugg—a standout athlete turned artist who shares his incredible soccer journey from small-town sports to winning an MLS Cup and beyond. ⚽🎨

Charlie opens up about:

• Growing up playing multiple sports and why that made him a better soccer player
• His early success as an All-American and first-round MLS draft pick
• The harsh transition from college to professional soccer—and what he wishes he had done differently
• Honest reflections on setbacks, self-belief, and the importance of being more than just an athlete
• Why watching the game is the most underrated tool for young players
• How life outside of soccer can actually make you better on the pitch

Plus, Charlie gives practical, real-talk advice to youth players (and parents!) about pressure, passion, and pursuing big dreams without losing your identity.

Whether you’re an aspiring pro or navigating the youth soccer world with your family, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

🎧 Listen now to hear why Charlie says, “Don’t set your sights too low. Dream big—on AND off the field.”

🎧 Available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

📲 Follow us here: 

🔹 Charlie Rugg: ⁠@goodgamecharles⁠

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠⁠@Liamlinke93⁠⁠

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with John Velasco, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Temple University, to explore the journey from youth soccer to college — and even the pro level. From growing up in Plainfield to coaching at every level of the game, John's insight is invaluable for players and parents alike navigating the modern soccer landscape.

We talk about: 

• John’s journey as a player and how an early injury changed his path
• The evolution of U.S. Soccer and the opportunities in today’s academy system
• How the college recruiting process really works (and what coaches are looking for)
• The traits every D1 athlete needs: time management, coachability, and mental resilience
• Why development isn’t linear — and how to thrive through setbacks
• The truth about highlight reels, TikTok, and getting noticed
• Why your GPA can be a game-changer when it comes to scholarships
• The role of mentorship, holistic development, and being more than just a player

Whether you’re a parent trying to support your child’s dream, or a young athlete chasing the next level, this episode is packed with the kind of advice you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

📲 Follow us here: 

🔹 John Velasco: @Johnsebastian_

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93⁠

Temple Men's Soccer: https://owlsports.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/coaches/john-velasco/5182

#TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #CollegeRecruiting #SoccerPodcast #JohnVelasco #TempleUniversity #D1Soccer #SoccerParents #SoccerJourney #AthleteMindset