S2 Episode 12 - The Route to Division One Soccer ft. Jaymee Highcock

Join us as we dive into the unique football cultures around the world with Groundhopper Soccer Guides’ Paul Gerald and Michael Bermudez. We explore how football brings people and communities together, from the chants that fill stadiums to the traditions fans hold dear. Hear incredible stories from our guests' experiences visiting games across the globe, including the electric atmosphere at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera and the old school traditions of teams such as Rayo Vallecano. Discover the matchday moments that make each country’s game special and how the love of football unites fans everywhere. Don’t miss this journey into the heart of the beautiful game!Check out https://groundhopperguides.com/pitchside/ to learn more about Groundhopper Soccer GuidesAs always please like, subscribe and follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by a pioneer in football, Thomas Grønnemark. Thomas is known as the worlds leading expert in Throw-Ins who has redefined the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of the game. Thomas talks on his philosphy of "The Long, The Fast & The Clever" Throw-in and how the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Frank have found value in his coaching. Having worked around the world at clubs like Liverpool, Dortmund and Ajax plus many more, Thomas speaks on how he has developed this area of coaching and what a throw-in session might look like. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomas.throwin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gr%C3%B8nnemark/Website: https://thomasgronnemark.com/As always please like, subscribe & follow Jack, Stu & Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the boys dive into the debate over who deserves the title of the greatest center-back partnership in Premier League history. From iconic duos like Ferdinand and Vidic at Manchester United, whose dominance brought multiple titles, to the legendary pairing of Terry and Carvalho at Chelsea, they explore the stats, chemistry, and legacy left on the pitch. They’ll also discuss partnerships like Morgan and Huth at Leicester during their title winning season and Kompany and Laporte at Manchester City, breaking down what made these defenses so hard to beat and which partnership stands above the rest.As always please like, subscribe and follow. Jack & Stu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the boys are joined by NCAA Division One, FDU Knights Soccer Coach, Jaymee Highcock, who shares his journey from the UK to the top of the college game. Currently the Head Coach at Farleigh Dickinson University, Jaymee shares his journey from his playing days in the UK to testing out the waters across the pond before making the US his home. Jaymee speaks on what it takes to progress on the coaching ladder and the challenges he has had to face as well as some top tips for both players and coaches looking to get into the College Game. FDU Knights: https://www.instagram.com/fduknightsmsoc/As always please like, subscribe, follow. Jack, Stu & Jaymee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Erik Ten Hag getting sacked and turbulent times at Manchester United, this episode looks at what is going wrong and what lies ahead for United. This week the boys are joined by two die-hard United Fans, Devin Walker from the Official Manchester United USA Supporters Club and returning guest, Paul Cocks who knows Old Trafford inside out. The boys look to break down the changes happening at Man United and discuss what they feel is causing the problems that surround the club. With news of Rúben Amorim supposedly the next in line, the boys look ahead at what might be a glimpse of light at the end of the Old Trafford tunnel. As always please like, subscribe & follow. Jack, Stu, Devin & Cocksy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the boys are joined by Head of Partnerships at Nottingham Forrest FC, Marcus Mellor. Marcus brings a wealth of knowledge in the commercial and business side of the game and shares how building relationships and being open in his communication has lead him to developing some great partners for the club. Marcus also speaks on his time at Burnley FC under the American ownership and how the sport has become a commercial global phenomenon.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusmellor/?originalSubdomain=ukAs always please like, subscribe and follow.Jack, Stu & Marcus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re thrilled to be joined by Matt Brewer, an experienced and highly respected figure in the world of soccer development. Matt’s journey in the game has seen him rise through the ranks, starting at the grassroots level to coaching in some of the best MLS Academies in the US. Throughout his career, Matt has held pivotal roles across all aspects of the game. From working as a Coach Educator with the US Soccer Federation to coaching positions at the Seattle Sounders, his influence in player and coach development is undeniable. He has also held coaching roles in the UK with clubs like Swansea City and Cardiff City, further broadening his expertise. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into his journey, insights on developing talent, and the lessons learned along the way.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-brewer-ab03427b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmattbrewer/?hl=enAs always please like, subscribe & follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week its now co-host Stuart Sharples turn in the hot seat as the boys sit down and reflect on Stuart's journey from his childhood memories and love of the game through to his journey to America and the challenges he faced. From severe illness as a child which nearly stopped him from playing to being one of the youngest coaches in the UK with a UEFA B license, Stuart takes a trip down memory lane and explores what drove him to be who he is today. As always please like, subscribe & follow. Jack & Stu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode this week, as the boys are together for the first time in podcast history. As its the first time together in person, there was no better way to kick off than by talking to Jack on his journey from his youth playing days at Huddersfield Academy to his current role within Coach Education at Steel Sports. Jack reflects on his journey, his ups and downs and the challenges faced from transitioning from a player to a coach and what he had to do to push himself to be the best he could be. Lots of fantastic takeaways from this episode. As always please like, subscribe and follow.Jack & Stu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by season one guest Jake Tillet for a fun and unique challenge. Together, the three of us attempt to build the ultimate Premier League XI—but there’s a twist! We can only choose one player per club and one player per country. So, if you pick Phil Foden, he’s your only English and Manchester City pick.Join us as we tackle the toughest decisions and piece together what might just be the most balanced—or chaotic—XI you've ever heard!As always please like, subscribe & follow. Jack, Stu & Jake Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.