Union FC Indy Insider

In this episode of Union FC Indy Insider, we explore the balance between player development and winning in youth soccer, and challenge the deeper question of whose goals are actually being pursued—the player’s or the adults’ around them.We discuss how coaches, parents, and clubs each influence a young athlete’s experience, and what it takes to create environments that support both growth and enjoyment.Key themes include the relationship between development and winning, the importance of intrinsic motivation, the role of parents in supporting rather than directing, and how coaches can build confidence and long-term growth while keeping the game enjoyable.This conversation is designed for coaches, parents, and players who want a clearer, healthier perspective on success in youth sports and how to help young athletes truly thrive.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on player development, coaching, leadership, and everything happening at Union FC Indy.Learn more at unionfcindy.org #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParent #SoccerCoaching #UnionFCIndy #YouthSports #SoccerDevelopment #WinningVsDevelopment #PlayerFirst #SoccerPodcast

Tryout season can bring excitement, pressure, and plenty of questions for players and families. In this episode of the Union FC Indy Insider, Brandon Faust sits down with Rob Klatte and Dan Kapsalis to unpack everything families need to know heading into June tryouts for the 2026–27 season at Union FC Indy.The conversation covers the registration and evaluation process, what players can expect during tryout sessions, how teams are formed, the competitive platforms Union FC Indy teams compete in, and the club’s overall coaching philosophy and developmental culture. Rob and Dan also share practical encouragement for families navigating the emotions, uncertainty, and expectations that often come with tryout season.Whether your child is trying out for the first time or preparing for another competitive season, this episode offers helpful insight, perspective, and encouragement for the journey ahead. ⚽️Learn more and register for tryouts at unionfcindy.org

In this episode of Union FC Indy Insider, Brandon Faust is joined by Union FC Indy Sporting Director Rob Klatte and Union FC Indy Operations Director Dan Kapsalis to tackle one of the biggest tensions in the game: winning vs. development.Every player—and every family—wants to win each match. But what happens when chasing results begins to compromise long-term development?This conversation reframes the debate and explores how clubs, coaches, and parents can create environments where players don’t have to choose between competing and improving.In this episode, we cover:• What the extremes look like—and how to avoid them• How the balance should shift across different age groups• What real development looks like beyond the scoreboardWhether you're a coach, parent, or player, this episode will give you a clearer framework for making better decisions that impact both performance and growth.2026–2027 Season Tryouts for Union FC Indy are just around the corner—register now to learn more https://www.unionfcindy.org/tryouts👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone invested in youth soccer development.#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #Coaching #SoccerParents #UnionFCIndy

For those of you who missed our recent Town Hall to discuss the age group reclassification this podcast episode highlights the main points from our Sporting Director, Rob Klatte and Operations Director, Dan Kapsalis. Starting in the summer of 2026, U.S. Soccer is making a major shift that will impact youth soccer across the country, which includes families at Union FC Indy. In this episode, we break down the move to a school-year based age group model being adopted by US Youth Soccer and Indiana Soccer, and what it means specifically for Union FC Indy families.We cover:⚽ Why U.S. Soccer is moving away from birth-year age groups📈 The goal of increasing participation through middle school and high school years🗓️ What to expect heading into Union FC Indy tryouts in June 2026As a member of US Youth Soccer and Indiana Soccer, Union FC Indy will fully adopt this new structure beginning in 2026–27. This is a significant change—but one designed with the intention to better serve players, families, and long-term development.🎧 Tune in to get clarity, context, and confidence as we navigate this transition together.👉 Have questions after listening? Visit our website page https://www.unionfcindy.org/agegroup and contact information is available to reach out to our staff team.

In today’s episode, host Brandon Faust sits down with Ian Plance, a player from our 2012 Boys Teal 1 team. Ian opens up about his soccer journey, his favorite moments from the fall season, what he loves most about the club, and how being part of Union FC Indy is shaping him both on and off the field.You’ll hear Ian share:⚽ How he started playing soccer and what brought him to Union FC Indy🏆 His favorite memories from games, training, and time with teammates🤝 What Union FC Indy means to him and how it’s helped him grow🌟 Lessons he’s learning about leadership, teamwork, and responsibility💬 Why he thinks others should consider joining the clubIf you love hearing stories from inside the club, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Thanks for listening to the Union FC Indy Insider — and stay tuned for more player spotlights, coach conversations, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the club.

In this episode of the Union FC Indy Insider, host Brandon Faust talks with Chris Pettit, Board President of Union FC Indy. Chris shares how he got involved with the club, the exciting progress made this year, and what sets Union FC Indy apart in the local soccer community.🔗 Learn more about Union FC Indy: ⁠https://www.unionfcindy.org⁠👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more stories and resources from inside the club!

In this episode of Union FC Indy Insider, we sit down with Rob Klatte and Dan Kapsalis to recap an exciting summer of growth and change for the club. We cover:* The story behind Union FC Indy's rebrand & fresh new look* Exciting facility updates that will elevate the player and family experience* New competition levels that expand opportunities for our athletes* Reflections on the summer season and what’s ahead this fallWhether you’re a player, parent, or supporter, this conversation will give you an inside look at where Union FC Indy is headed and how we’re building for the future.

🎙️ Coach Spotlight: Evan Krupa In this episode of the Union FC Indy Insider, we sit down with Evan Krupa, Director of Coaching for the Girls Junior and Senior Academy and Co-Administrator for the club. Evan shares insights into his approach to long-term player development, the importance of putting the spotlight on the players, and how Union FC Indy is creating a culture where young athletes can thrive on and off the field.We talk about what it means to build a consistent developmental pathway, and why investing in the person behind the player is key to sustained growth. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to elevate youth soccer the right way.🔗 Tune in and hear from Coach Evan Krupa and the exciting things continuing to unfold at Union FC Indy. 🔗 Learn more about Union FC Indy: https://www.unionfcindy.org👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more stories and resources from inside the club!#UnionFCIndy #CoachSpotlight #YouthSoccerDevelopment #GirlsAcademy #SoccerLeadership #PlayerFirst #LongTermDevelopment #zysa #centralindianasoccer #indy #indyyouthsoccer #indianapolissoccer #indianapolis #ClubSoccer #travelsoccer #soccertryouts #soccercoach #soccerparents #brownsburgsoccer #carmelsoccer #zionsvillesoccer #lebanonsoccer 

In this Coach Spotlight episode, we sit down with Coach Matt Whicker, who serves as Director of Coaching – Futures (U5/U6), Boys Pathways (U7/U8), Jr Travel (U13-U14), and Club Co-Administrator at Union FC Indy.Matt played collegiately at IU Indy and has contributed to player development at a high level through his work with the Indiana ODP program. His heart for the game and dedication to guiding players through every stage of their journey makes him a vital part of the Union FC family.🎧 Tune in to hear Matt’s coaching philosophy, leadership insights, and how he’s helping shape the future of youth soccer in Central Indiana.🔗 Learn more about Union FC Indy: https://www.zysa.org👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more stories and resources from inside the club!#UnionFCIndy #CoachMattWhicker #YouthSoccer #ClubSpotlight #SoccerDevelopment #ODP #IndianaSoccer #indianapolis #centralindianasoccer #Zysa #UnionFamily #CoachingJourney #ClubSoccer #travelsoccer #carmel #zionsville #brownsburg #avon #lebanon #whitestown

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Coach Josh Weinberg, Girls Pathway Director at Union FC Indy. With a career spanning collegiate coaching, club leadership, and youth development from coast to coast, Josh brings incredible experience and vision to our club’s girls program.Josh oversees Pathway program for our U-7 & U-8 for female players at Union FC Indy, Josh works with our Senior Travel program and serves as the ZYSA Recreational Liaison. His full soccer resume includes:⚽ Assistant coaching roles at Bowling Green State University, University of Cincinnati, and University of New Mexico.⚽ Director roles at Metro FC Toledo and Yavapai Soccer Club⚽ Recreational Program Director at Liverpool FC So Cal International Academy, where he led innovative grassroots programming.⚽ Olympic Development Program (ODP) staff experience with Ohio North, New Mexico, and Utah.Coach Josh’s passion for player development and his leadership in building strong soccer cultures are helping elevate the next generation of girls at Union FC Indy.🎧 Tune in to hear Josh’s inspiring journey, coaching insights, and his heart for the game.🔗 Learn more about Union FC Indy: https://www.zysa.org👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more stories from inside the club!#UnionFCIndy #GirlsSoccer #CoachSpotlight #YouthSoccer #JoshWeinberg #ZYSA #SoccerDevelopment #LiverpoolFC #ODP #ClubSoccer #indianapolis #indianapolisoccer #centralindianasoccer