Soccer Dad Nation

US Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program (ODP) - What is ODP? Is ODP right for your child?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:31:13 +0000

In this episode, Joby Slay delves into US Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program (ODP), exploring its history, structure, costs, and relevance in today's youth soccer landscape. He discusses how ODP operates, the benefits and drawbacks of participation, and how it compares to club soccer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of player development, exposure to college coaches, and the overall experience for young athletes. Ultimately, parents need to consider their child's happiness and development when deciding on ODP participation.

Takeaways from this episode:

ODP stands for Olympic Development Program, established in 1977.

The program aims to identify and develop soccer talent for national teams.

ODP operates on a pyramid structure with state, regional, and national levels.

Costs for ODP can vary significantly based on location and progression.

ODP provides high-level training and exposure to college coaches.

Participation in ODP can complement club soccer, not replace it.

The program has evolved, with many top players now in MLS Next or ECNL.

Parents should assess their child's happiness and development in soccer.

ODP can be a legitimate pathway for youth national teams, especially for girls.

Ultimately, the focus should be on enjoying the game and player development.

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US Soccer Announces The Pathway Strategy and $250 Million Behind the Dream Fundraising Initiative Meant to Transform the Landscape of Youth Soccer

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:35:34 +0000

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, Joby Slay discusses significant developments in U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer, including the new Pathway Strategy aimed at improving youth soccer access and participation. He highlights the Behind the Dream fundraising initiative, the upcoming Arthur Blank National Training Center, and the implications of promotion and relegation in the USL. The episode also covers changes in MLS scheduling and leadership, as well as the investment in youth soccer development, emphasizing the potential for a transformative decade in American soccer.

Takeaways

U.S. Soccer is implementing a comprehensive Pathway Strategy to improve youth soccer.

The Behind the Dream initiative aims to raise $250 million for soccer development.

The Arthur Blank National Training Center will enhance training facilities in Atlanta.

Promotion and relegation in USL could reshape professional soccer dynamics.

MLS is transitioning to a global schedule starting in 2027.

Major League Soccer is investing heavily in youth development programs.

MLS Next has produced a significant percentage of youth national team players.

The soccer landscape in the U.S. is undergoing major changes and investments.

Community involvement in soccer is being encouraged through new programs.

The future of soccer in America looks promising with increased funding and focus on youth.

A Soccer Dad Abroad: Camilo Ruan on Supporting Your Child's Soccer Journey in Colombia

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:01:19 +0000

As we kickoff Season 2 of Soccer Dad Nation, we sit down with Camilo Ruan, an American father navigating the unique challenges of raising a young soccer player in a foreign country. Camilo’s 10-year-old son, Hudson, has embarked on a soccer journey in Colombia, where he’s not only adjusting to a new style of play but also learning a new language and adapting to an entirely different culture.

We dive into the struggles and triumphs of this transition—how Hudson is developing as a player in a country passionate about soccer, the challenges of language barriers, and the journey of a father supporting his child through change. Camilo shares his perspective on youth soccer in Colombia versus the U.S., the importance of resilience, and the lessons he’s learned as a soccer dad guiding his son through unfamiliar territory.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about parenting, soccer, and what it truly means to support a young athlete chasing their dreams in a new country. Don’t forget to subscribe and be part of the Soccer Dad Nation community!

Like this Episode and Subscribe to @SoccerDadNation for:

• Youth soccer coaching tips and drills

• Expert advice on player development

• Interviews with soccer pros and coaches

• Insights into balancing soccer and family life

• Entertaining soccer stories and game breakdowns

Easily listen on your favorite Podcast Platforms at the links below.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccer-dad-nation/id1772805910

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MxeVM6XlhMgTw2xVwgGLt?si=976cded9d7754dc6

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eb3afd04-612f-453e-9f63-82f4c85642e4/soccer-dad-nation

Season 2 Preview

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:56:52 +0000

Host Joby Slay provides the Soccer Dad Nation listeners with a recap of Season 1 and then a sneak preview of what is to come in Season 2 of the Soccer Dad Nation Podcast.

Part 2 - Interview with Soccer Dad John Guzman. Training Internationally, The Realities of Professional Soccer, and What's Next?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:55:00 +0000

In Part Two of our interview with John Guzman, Soccer Dad John and I discuss the international soccer experiences we shared with our kids to Argentina and Colombia where our boys were able to train with professional academies. We discuss the realities of the Professional Soccer Player journey as heard from conversations with our professional soccer friends. John opens up about his journey as a soccer dad, the challenges of not having a father present, his mistakes, what he's learned and how he has adapted his approach to mentoring and supporting his two sons. This is a fantastic conversation for all soccer parents and coaches as I heard one parent cry out recently that the, "struggle is real."

Don't forget to Like this Episode and Subscribe to @SoccerDadNation for:

• Youth soccer coaching tips and drills

• Expert advice on player development

• Interviews with soccer pros and coaches

• Insights into balancing soccer and family life

• Entertaining soccer stories and game breakdowns

Easily listen on your favorite Podcast Platforms at the links below.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccer-dad-nation/id1772805910

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MxeVM6XlhMgTw2xVwgGLt?si=976cded9d7754dc6

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eb3afd04-612f-453e-9f63-82f4c85642e4/soccer-dad-nation

Part 1 - Interview with Soccer Dad John Guzman. Becoming a Soccer Dad.

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:47:49 +0000

In this interview I sit down to interview one of my favorite soccer dad's, John Guzman. Over the past few years our sons have spent a lot of time in the backyard playing soccer together and John and I have spent a lot of time talking soccer. John shares the beginnings of his soccer dad journey with us as well as his own background in the game.

Don't forget to Like this Episode and Subscribe to @SoccerDadNation for:

• Youth soccer coaching tips and drills

• Expert advice on player development

• Interviews with soccer pros and coaches

• Insights into balancing soccer and family life

• Entertaining soccer stories and game breakdowns

Easily listen on your favorite Podcast Platforms at the links below.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccer-dad-nation/id1772805910

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MxeVM6XlhMgTw2xVwgGLt?si=976cded9d7754dc6

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eb3afd04-612f-453e-9f63-82f4c85642e4/soccer-dad-nation

Interview with Aaron Deloach, Founder and President of Impact City, FC.

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:55:06 +0000

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, we visit the South Florida Headquarters of Impact City, FC to have a conversation with Impact City, FC President and Founder, Aaron Deloach. Aaron shares with us how he got started in the game of soccer, the role his parents played and his journey from the youth ranks of US Soccer's ODP program and up through the college and professional ranks. We talk about how he got started as a coach, the creation of Impact City, FC and the vision and mission of the organization. Aaron also shares what it is like to be a Soccer Dad to three kids and his advice for parents.

Impact City FC is a global soccer ministry that offers youth teams, pro chaplains, and international experiences that will develop leaders who will change the world.

Learn More at https://www.impactcityfc.com/

Don't forget to Like this Episode and Subscribe to @SoccerDadNation for:

• Youth soccer coaching tips and drills

• Expert advice on player development

• Interviews with soccer pros and coaches

• Insights into balancing soccer and family life

• Entertaining soccer stories and game breakdowns

This Soccer Parent said WHAT?!

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:47:28 +0000

Soccer parents can say some crazy stuff. I never expected a soccer dad to interrupt a training session and say what he said. It's not the typical coach and parent interaction we hear about these days. Listen in to hear what this dad said to me. I think you'll be surprised. I know I was.

Parent's have you ever approached a coach to say something like this? Coaches, have you ever been approached by a parent with a comment like this?

Become part of the Soccer Dad Nation community—where soccer, fatherhood, and passion for the beautiful game come together!

Subscribe to @SoccerDadNation for:

• Youth soccer coaching tips and drills

• Expert advice on player development

• Interviews with soccer pros and coaches

• Insights into balancing soccer and family life

• Entertaining soccer stories and game breakdowns

Watch all the Soccer Dad Nation episodes on YouTube @soccerdadnation

Breaking Down the MLS Playoff Structure & Current Playoff Picture

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:06:03 +0000

We dive into the MLS Playoff picture as we break down the unique structure of the MLS playoff format and take a look at which teams are fighting to get their hands on the highly coveted MLS Cup.

Building a Love for US Soccer: Preparing for the 2026 World Cup

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:53:29 +0000

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, host Joby Slay provides an instant reaction to the start of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as the new USMNT head coach following the first two matches and why the results don’t matter for you. This episode dives into why getting your kids involved in supporting the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams is key for their growth both on and off the field. Join us as we explore how the upcoming 2026 World Cup can create lifelong memories for your family and boost your kids’ passion for soccer!

The Messi Effect: How Lionel Messi is Changing Soccer in the United States

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 01:26:59 +0000

What is "The Messi Effect"? In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, host Joby Slay dives into the massive impact Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer is having across the U.S. From skyrocketing attendance and TV ratings to inspiring the next generation of youth players, the “Messi Effect” is changing the soccer landscape like never before.

We discuss how Messi’s presence is boosting MLS standards, influencing youth development, and igniting a renewed passion for soccer in Latino communities. You’ll also hear how Messi’s move is driving economic growth, transforming clubs like Inter Miami, and bringing a new wave of excitement to soccer parents, coaches, and fans alike.

Whether your child dreams of being the next Messi or you’re just a passionate soccer parent, this episode explores what Messi’s legacy means for the future of the sport in the U.S. Join us as we explore how to make the most of this exciting moment in soccer history!

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi win the Major League Soccer Supporter's Shield

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 01:53:30 +0000

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, we dive into Inter Miami’s incredible journey to winning the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield! A key part of the discussion is the massive impact Lionel Messi had on the team’s success. From the moment he arrived, Messi elevated Inter Miami’s level of play, turning them into a dominant force in MLS.

Host Joby Slay discusses Messi’s pivotal moments during the season, his key goals and assists, and how his presence helped transform the club’s fortunes. We also explore what this historic achievement means for Inter Miami’s future, its fans, and the broader MLS and US Soccer landscape. Whether you’re an Inter Miami supporter, a Messi fan, or just love great soccer stories, this episode is packed with insights and analysis you won’t want to miss!

Follow Soccer Dad Nation on Instagram or YouTube for:

• Youth soccer coaching tips and drills

• Expert advice on player development

• Interviews with soccer pros and coaches

• Insights into balancing soccer and family life

• Entertaining soccer stories and game breakdowns

Subscribe to the podcast and become part of the Soccer Dad Nation community—where soccer, fatherhood, and passion for the beautiful game come together!