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PODCAST

Chat By The Pitch

Chat By The Pitch is the go-to podcast for North Texas soccer families and anyone passionate about the culture of the game. Hosted by Ian Babcock, each episode connects parents, coaches, and club leaders with local and global voices shaping youth soccer today. From player development and team selection to mental performance, coaching culture, and gear that gives you an edge—Chat By The Pitch helps families make informed, confident decisions throughout every stage of their player’s journey. Stay

sports soccer

All Episodes

00:38:03

Part 1: Dan Abrahams on Youth Soccer Culture

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/07/03

In Part 1 of our powerful two-part conversation, we welcome renowned sports psychologist Dan Abrahams to Chat By The Pitch. With over 30 years in high-performance sport and clients ranging from Premier League stars to F1 drivers, Dan breaks down how our culture around youth soccer is failing young athletes. From misguided sideline behavior to a broken obsession with early winning, Dan gives us a blueprint for healthier environments focused on joy, development, and lifelong participation.🔑 Key

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00:50:55

Small Club, Big Vision: PAYD and Rey Torres in Focus

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/06/26

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Rey Torres, founder of PAYD FC (Professional Academy of Youth Development), to unpack the heart behind one of Mesquite’s most intentional independent clubs. From his own journey as a player to his philosophy as a coach, Rey explains how he’s building PAYD not just to win, but to shape lives through culture, consistency, and a commitment to development.We dive deep into what makes PAYD different—from how they blend personal training

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00:42:08

SportXplore Travel: Fixing Youth Soccer Travel One...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/06/19

In this powerful episode of Chat By The Pitch, we welcome Victor Jaramillo of SportXplore Travel to peel back the curtain on one of the most frustrating parts of youth sports: the "stay to play" tournament model. Victor breaks down how families are being squeezed by hotel schemes, what really goes on behind those “official travel partner” links, and how clubs, coaches, and parents can push back without risking their players' spots. Whether you're new to the travel game or a

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00:44:26

SportXplore Travel: Fixing Youth Soccer Travel One...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/06/12

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we sit down with Victor Jaramillo, founder of SportXplore Travel, whose journey from soccer-loving kid in Mexico City to Texas entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. After a layoff pushed him out of the corporate world, Victor turned his lifelong passion for sports and community into a mission: to simplify, humanize, and save families money on youth soccer travel. We talk pay-to-play pitfalls, hotel nightmares, and how Victor is changing the

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00:41:42

The Foundation of Dallas Surf: Culture, Coaches &...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/05/29

In Part 2 of our conversation with Gavin Mole and Tony Cavalle from Dallas Surf, we dig into the strategy behind their mission to build a nationally respected soccer club. From their investment in academy coaches to setting clear college pathways for players, this episode is a blueprint on how to grow a club with purpose.Learn how Dallas Surf is using Surf Select, affordable access to training, professional-level video analysis, and structured progression to support both players and coaches in

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00:35:27

The Foundation of Dallas Surf: Culture, Coaches &...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/05/22

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we connect with Tony Cavalle and Gavin Mole of Dallas Surf — a club that’s rapidly redefining youth soccer in DFW. Tony shares the origin story of Dallas Surf, while Gavin breaks down how the club is building its player DNA from the ground up. We talk structure, coaching education, technology, and the long-term vision that includes a unified coaching style and a full developmental pathway. Whether you're a parent, coach, or club leader — this is a blueprint

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00:44:20

DFW United SC: Leadership, Culture, and the Cost of...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/05/15

In Part 2 of our deep-dive with CJ Sutherland, founder of DFW United SC, we unpack the tough decisions facing independent clubs, including his partnership to bring ECNL-RL NTX to his players. CJ shares candid insights about the pressures of youth soccer today—from managing parent expectations to building a positive team culture while navigating an increasingly status-driven system.We explore why connection with players matters, how coaches influence kids beyond the field, and what it really takes to

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00:42:25

DFW United: Leadership, Culture, and the Cost of...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/05/09

🎧 Episode Description:What happens when a club decides to stop accepting mediocrity? CJ Sutherland, Director of Coaching at DFW United, joins us for a powerful, no-filter conversation about resetting standards, rebuilding culture, and facing the uncomfortable truths about youth soccer leadership. From confronting coach behavior to setting non-negotiables with parents, CJ breaks down what it takes to lead with purpose—and why anything less is unacceptable.🧠 Key Talking Points:• How CJ is

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00:59:11

“More Than a Club, It’s a Culture” — Jason Carney on...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/05/01

In Part 2 of our brutally honest series, Jason Carney returns to tackle what youth soccer should be built on: culture, character, and purpose. We dive deep into the concept of servant leadership, the myth of league labels, and how most clubs miss the mark on development by faking culture instead of building it.Jason shares how he’s implemented real accountability and authenticity at FC Portland—and how it's resonating with players, parents, and coaches. If you’ve ever asked “What’s the point of

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01:03:01

“More Than a Club, It’s a Culture” — Jason Carney on...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/04/24

In this eye-opening episode, Jason Carney—former pro coach and current Director of Coaching at FC Portland—breaks down what's really wrong with youth soccer in the U.S. We dig into his brutally honest book, US Grassroots Soccer: Great on Paper S**t on Grass, and explore how the adult obsession with results is crushing kids’ development.From game models and coaching culture to what parents should actually be asking clubs before joining, Jason delivers truth bombs every minute. If you’re a soccer

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00:49:32

The Game Didn’t End — It Evolved: How Losing The Ball...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/04/17

What happens when a former pro player builds a tech company to fix youth soccer’s biggest blind spot? In Part 2 of our convo with Orhan from Reeplayer, we dive deep into the why behind their mission, the flaws in AI-powered analytics, and the human-first approach shaping their future.This isn’t just tech—it’s heart, hustle, and a whole new way to watch the game.Key Talking Points• The real cost of “free” cameras and feeling stuck• Why Reeplayer refuses to do analytics—and what they do

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00:45:05

The Game Didn’t End — It Evolved: How Losing The Ball...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/04/10

As the producer of Chat By The Pitch, I’m thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with Orhan Basak Ajredinovski founder of Reeplayer. In this episode, Orhan dives into his personal journey—from playing youth soccer in Turkey and the U.S. to creating a groundbreaking camera system that autonomously records and live streams youth soccer games. We explore how Reeplayer is tackling the challenges of cost, accessibility, and tech complexity in youth sports, offering unlimited recordings for just

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01:07:31

The North Texas Edge: Why Classic League Stands Out...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/04/03

On this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian sits down with Suma, Joe, and Robb to unpack the inner workings of Classic League. From the psychology of refereeing to the evolution of player pool policies, we examine how this North Texas institution strikes a balance between tradition and innovation. Expect candid stories—like Robb’s $100 bet to become a ref—and insights into keeping soccer competitive, safe, and fun for kids. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or referee, this episode has something for

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01:01:15

The North Texas Edge: Why Classic League Stands Out...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/03/27

On this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we take you inside the vibrant world of Classic League with Suma, Joe, and Robb. From the league’s humble beginnings as the Mr. Pibb Invitational to its current home at Richland College, we uncover the history, passion, and competition that define this North Texas staple. Expect deep dives into key moments, personal anecdotes from the pitch, and a look at how Classic League continues to shape young athletes. Whether you’re a parent, player, or fan, this episode

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01:05:34

Behind the Scenes of the Dallas Cup with Gordon Jago

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/03/20

Gordon Jago, a true pioneer of the game, sits down with Chat By The Pitch to share his journey from the English football scene to shaping the American soccer landscape. From managing QPR and Millwall to revolutionizing youth soccer through the Dallas Cup, Jago’s story is one of dedication, vision, and a deep love for the sport. In this episode, we discuss his coaching philosophy, the state of youth development, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime in the game.Key Talking Points:• Gordon

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00:50:19

The Goalkeeper’s Parents: Behind the Gloves with Mike...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/03/13

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Mike & Stacey Collodi give a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to raise a professional goalkeeper. From Michael’s first steps into goal at six years old to winning the MLS Next Pro Championship with North Texas SC, they share the realities of youth soccer, the academy experience, and the transition to professional play.They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of watching their son go through setbacks, navigate college soccer, and finally break through

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01:01:18

The Goalkeeper’s Parents: Behind the Gloves with Mike...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/03/06

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we dive into the Collodi family's journey through youth soccer, academy programs, and professional development.Mike & Stacey Collodi, parents of Michael Collodi, share how their son fell in love with goalkeeping at age six, how they navigated the competitive North Texas soccer scene, and the sacrifices that come with raising an elite player. They discuss everything from mental toughness and player motivation to choosing the right team and preparing for a

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01:10:52

From Indoor Soccer to the MLS Next Pro Cup: Michael...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/02/27

Michael Collodi, goalkeeper for FC Dallas, takes us through his soccer journey—from playing in the backyard as a kid to making crucial saves in the MLS Next Pro Cup. He shares the highs and lows of the position, the importance of mental resilience, and how learning from mistakes has shaped his game. On February 22, 2024, Michael earned his first roster spot with FC Dallas, marking another milestone in his professional career. Whether you’re a young player looking for guidance or a fan of goalkeeping

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01:02:16

Gregg & Meagan: The Evolution of PD1 Soccer Training...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/02/20

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we sit down with Gregg Megaw & Meagan Prewitt, the dynamic team behind PD1 Soccer Training, to discuss everything from player development and training structure to the business side of running a premier training academy.Gregg shares how he designs sessions that blend skill work with real-game application, while Meagan explains the importance of branding, structure, and keeping training organized and efficient. They also break down the mental side of the

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00:59:45

Gregg & Meagan: The Story Behind PD1 Soccer Training...

Chat By The Pitch ·

2025/02/13

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, we go behind the scenes of PD1 Soccer Training with Gregg Megaw & Meagan Prewitt, the duo who have built one of Texas’ premier skill training programs.Gregg, with his deep coaching experience from Northern Ireland to the U.S., shares his philosophy on technical training, player development, and the importance of structured training environments. Meagan, the mastermind behind PD1’s business operations, discusses the strategy behind growing a successful brand,

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148 results

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