Blueprint Soccer Conversations with Clint

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by John Toher - we discuss player development, focusing on an inner city environment, and how to continue to create opportunities for young players. We talk about John's involvement with Success Academy Charter School in New York City. John is a student of the game, eager to continue to grow the game at the grassroots level. Find out how he's growing the game and how Success Academy is providing a free program in NYC.

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Matt Mahoney - we discuss how Matt took an unconventional route to the pros, to captaining USL Championship winning side Colorado Switchbacks in 2024. We dive in the relationships within the team and how likeminded players and staff have come together to find success. Matt was not a highly sought after recruit, nor did he attend a top 25 NCAA program, he also was undrafted. Find out how he caught his break to sign his first professional contract.

On this episode we are joined by Juan Agudelo, a professional soccer player with a 15-year career. We discuss Juan's journey from a young player in New Jersey to a pro with opportunities in Europe, touching on the influences that shaped his development, the importance of a competitive environment, and the challenges faced in transitioning to professional soccer. Agudelo shares insights on navigating the professional landscape, his experiences with Stoke City, and offers valuable advice for young players looking to make their mark in the sport. Juan reflects on his soccer career, discussing the challenges he faced with work permits, injuries, and the impact of family on his decisions. He shares insights into the frustrations of being a young player navigating the complexities of professional soccer, particularly in relation to his experiences with Stoke City and Werder Bremen. Juan shares insights from his soccer career, discussing the challenges and opportunities he faced in MLS, the business aspects of player contracts, and the evolving landscape of soccer in the U.S. He reflects on the potential for leagues like USL to adopt promotion and relegation models, and emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for athletes, particularly in relation to investments like Bitcoin.

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Brad Cole | Associate Head Coach at The University of Vermont | NCAA National Championship | What it took to get the program to where it is today | Soccer Culture in Vermont | What they look for in players

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Aodhan Quinn - we discuss the intricacies of professional soccer, focusing on Aodhan's impressive longevity in the USL, the evolution of the league, and the importance of nutrition and self-care for athletes. We discuss the growing standards of the USL, the quality of players, and the opportunities available for young talents in the league compared to Europe. Aodhan shares insights on the cultural differences faced by international players and emphasizes the significance of maintaining high standards and effective communication within teams. Aodhan talks about the importance of building trust and effective communication in coaching, the evolution of young soccer players, and the key elements in assembling a competitive team. He reflects on coaching philosophies, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability. The discussion also touches on the significance of possession in soccer and the necessity for promotion and relegation in the US soccer landscape.

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On this episode of the podcast we are joined by former Columbus Crew, Nyköpongs BIS, and GIF Sundsvall winger, currently signed with Malmö FF the biggest club in Sweden and on loan with Örebro SK - Romain Gall. We discuss some early highs and lows in his career from signing a professional contract at 19 and being released a year later and then signing in the 3rd Tier in Sweden and what life is like in a foreign country. Enjoy!

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by former, US Youth National Team player who competed in the 2009 U-17 World Cup, A top 5 recruit in the High School class of 2011, he was a student-athlete at the University of Maryland and captained the team his senior year winning the BIG 10 tournament, drafted by Chicago Fire and played for Arizona United in the USL, former assistant coach at Army and current assistant coach at Temple University - Alex Shinsky. We discuss the opportunities he had after the U17 World Cup and why he chose the University of Maryland. Some misconceptions about the college recruitment process and what a team of the combined military academies (Army, Navy & Air Force) would look like. Enjoy!

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by - 2005 All-American at the University of Akron, former professional soccer player for Rennes in France, Winner of the French Cup, current professor at Northern Kentucky University, has earned his Ph.d in Organizational Behavior and is founder of Hive Skills IQ - Dr. Yohann Mauger. We discuss communication, his player and coach assessment and how to aid in player/ coach relations. Enjoy!

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by - one of the youngest players to ever sign a professional contract in Major League Soccer with D.C. United at 16 years old, former player with the LA Galaxy, New York Red Bull and the United States National team - 2004 MLS Cup Champion and 2005 Gold Cup Champion current Founder and Technial Director of Pipeline Soccer Club - Santino Quaranta We discuss Santino growing up in Maryland and some of his early experiences in the game. Signing a professional contract at 16 years old, and his transition as a professional. We also discuss player development and challenging players.