The Bear and the Ball: Recent Episodes
Nick Webster
Soccer, for both youth and adult players, is the fastest growing sport in Southern California. With the World Cup and Olympics coming to the region in the next few years, https://calsouth.com/ is poised to lead the charge. Join soccer celebrity, broadcaster, coach and author, Nick Webster as he keeps you close to the ball, action, and latest news.
Filmmaker, producer, director, and lover of "the Beautiful Game," George Valencia has been making a difference for decades providing opportunities for kids that didn't previously exist. As the founder of the Sound of Gol Foundation, George has created the animated character, La Golda, that has opened up conversations in areas that were once untouched.
Now he embarks on his most ambitious project ever: sending young Latinas to England and Watford FC to further their coaching careers. For many of these young, brave women, it is their first trip to Europe, and what they bring back to their club is nothing short of life changing.
Juan Guzman Jr. is one of the most respected referee educators in the country. His Referee Education program with Cal South is considered by many to be the best.
In this episode, we talk about how and why to become a referee, and we also delve into the new Cal South program designed around RESPECT for officials as incidents of referee abuse continue to grow. (We can't forget VAR either!)
"The Bear and the Ball" is back from its summer hiatus to begin Season 4 with more stories, features, and opinions on "the beautiful game" from Southern California to the world.
In this episode, Michael Chin, the new Technical Director of Cal South, talks about his predecessor, the legendary Steve Hoffman, and how Hoffy helped develop Chin into the coach he is today. We also talk about the Olympic Development Program and Cal South's Coaching Education efforts.
Our podcast, "The Bear & the Ball," is hitting the road this summer taking in the magic of the UEFA European Championships.
Henry Winter is one of the most esteemed soccer writers in the world and his insights into the game are second-to-none. Our host Nick Webster sat down with Henry outside the media hub in Gelsenkirchen prior to England taking on Serbia.
Buford Mobley is your typical soccer dad. He didn't know too much about the game but he knew his son loved soccer and so he jumped in with both feet.
The journey he and his son went on was fascinating and involved many lessons, good and bad, that he now shares on his monthly magazine, "The Soccer Parent Lifestyle".
On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," learn from Buford as he highlights some of the mistakes that parents often make without even realizing it.
Imagine watching Ronaldinho versus Kaka and you're only a few feet away from these two legends of the game. This is the dream and now reality from the visionary mind of Yuri Moreira.
On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, Nick and Yuri talk about the dramatic growth of the game and how the next decade may look.
Toni Owens is the CEO and founder of Evolve1 and has a passion for the mental side of sports.
Elite athletes see, understand, and react to the game in a way that sets them apart. Evolve1 trains athletes to develop these "invisible skills" using an intuitive, personalized E1 mental training delivered on a daily basis.
On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Toni and host Nick Webster look at the science and business of mental health in the soccer environment.
From the rugby fields to paving the way to college and playing the sport of your dreams, CaptainU's Danny Carlton has seen it all. A Manchester native who was part of the Manchester United Academy program while being a Liverpool supporter, Danny excels in high performance and development environments.
On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Danny and host Nick Webster talk about how challenging it is for parents and scholars to find the right college at the right time.
About CaptainU:
CaptainU is the new Official College Recruiting Software to Cal South and its youth soccer community. CaptainU, a self-managed recruiting software tool within the Stack Sports ecosystem, provides athletes with the best way to contact college coaches and find high-quality college camps.
CaptainU empowers athletes to take their game to the next level through recruiting and discovery tools to connect with clubs, events, and colleges. More than 3.5 million high school athletes, college coaches, club coaches, and tournament directors have used CaptainU tools to network, build relationships, and build championship teams. CaptainU was founded in 2008 and continues to power the recruiting journey for all levels – including National Champion college programs, national governing bodies, and state-level partners –across all college sports. To learn more about CaptainU, visitCaptainU.com.
Michael Erush is the Men's Head Coach for the Cal State LA Golden Eagles and the Boys' Varsity Head Coach at Harvard-Westlake School. He has also played for the Colorado Rapids, Chivas USA, and Miami FC, as well as stints with clubs overseas during his career.
His journey to becoming a Head Coach at the collegiate level is a fascinating story and showcases the commitment and patience needed to reach the elite levels. Michael joins host Nick Webster on this episode of "The Bear & the Ball" to discuss his journey and what it takes to succeed in coaching college soccer.
Dave Simeone is the Director of Education Programming for the United Soccer Coaches, the largest coaching organization in the world. Over many decades Dave has seen the game of soccer continue to grow and his insights, wisdom and knowledge are second to none.
On this episode of Cal South's "The Bear & the Ball" podcast, Dave talks with host Nick Webster about game models, data, and how the game of football continues to evolve.
Judged by his football peers, the local and international media, and the countless number of young Japanese over the space of 24 years, Tom Byer has forever changed the way soccer is taught and played throughout Japan. Now his name and reputation are attracting great interest from other parts of Asia.
On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Tom and host Nick Webster discuss the foundations of playing the sport, and... it all starts at home!
As commissioner of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), Yan Skwara has overseen a steady growth in the league as more players understand that there is a true pathway to the collegiate and professional playing levels.
On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Yan and host Nick Webster talk about the history of the league and how it has grown from a small Southern Californian league to become the preeminent amateur destination for adult players.
United by the inclusive spirit of soccer, Women in Soccer's mission is to increase the agency and representation of women and marginalized individuals working in "the beautiful game" through community building. Whether you’re on the field, or cheering from the stands, work in the business, want to be in the business, or are a passionate change-maker, Women in Soccer (WIS) is here to support you.
Founder Courtney Carroll Levinsohn talks with "The Bear & the Ball" about this mission and how it is changing the game throughout the United States and beyond.
Kassie Gray grew up in San Jose, CA, playing soccer from the young age of 5. She played club soccer for Los Gatos United and high school soccer at Leigh High School. She joined the Olympic Development Program at age 12 where she climbed the ladder from District Team to State Team to Regional Team, and eventually made the U18 National Team. Kassie’s passion was always the camaraderie with her teammates.
Married to former MLS star, Kelly Gray, Kassie has a unique perspective on life as a soccer wife, mom, and trendsetter within the game of soccer.
The United Soccer League is one of the most innovative, progressive leagues in world soccer. Their esteemed USL Academy program has already provided opportunities for players to attain their dreams of playing at the next level.
On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Liam O'Connell and Carrie Taylor, Technical Directors of the USL Academy pathway, discuss the growth and future plans of their Academy program.
ABOUT USL ACADEMY:
With the launch of USL Academy, United Soccer League now has an elite youth platform to offer to its clubs in the Championship, League One, and League Two. As such, these clubs can now develop a more clearly defined path for top youth prospects in their area to reach the professional level and sign directly with their senior team while improving local quality and community.
The USL Academy brand is composed of four key components: Standards, USL Academy Contracts, USL Academy Cup, and USL Academy League.
For more about USL Academy, visit here.
For 6 years, Sarah Teegarden Harkes traveled around the world competing at the highest level. She consistently trained and challenged herself to improve physically and mentally, learning how to be resilient, a team player, and a leader.
A graduate from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, she learned valuable skills in leadership, management, strategy, and innovation. She represented Wake Forest University, where she was a varsity soccer player, and captain. On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Sarah describes her journey.
The world of soccer continues to change at lightning speed. On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," host Nick Webster talks with DarkHorse.AI CEO Billy Brush about how artificial intelligence will revolutionize the way in which scouts may access data in order to discover players that may sometimes fall under the radar.
DarkHorse.AI provides a professional, edit-free reel in one click. As he has written on his website, “When we learned we could help parents and players create a professional reel that’s shareable to multiple college coaches with the push of a button everything clicked. As Steve Jobs' said, 'It’s a tool for the athlete’s heart. And when you can touch someone’s heart, that’s limitless.'"
On the latest episode of Cal South's "The Bear and the Ball" podcast, host Nick Webster will talk with IDA Sports co-founder Laura Youngson about her efforts to battle gender inequality throughout the world with Equal Playing Field.
Laura Youngson is a social impact entrepreneur whose experience includes founding two companies, IDA Sports and Brunswick Aces. Laura has also worked as a senior policy advisor for the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, and further worked in sports event management for the London Olympics, the Street Child World Cup (Brazil), and the European Games in Baku. Laura is a STEM advocate, TED speaker, and four-time Guinness World Record Holder. She’s always been drawn to the power sport had in bringing people together and in 2017, she set out to make a lasting mark in the game she loves.
Equal Playing Field (EPF) is a grassroots, non-profit initiative to challenge gender inequality in sport and to promote sports development for girls and women globally, especially in marginalised country contexts.
https://www.idasports.com/
https://equalplayingfield.com/home
"We Are Soccer" is described as the premier soccer show for fans of all ages, discussing professional soccer, youth soccer, and everything in-between. Its host Craig Hearn chats with guests and provides comments on soccer from all leagues around the world, all while having fun. "We Are Soccer" brings you the news from the world of soccer and breaks it down in easy to understand segments.
In this episode of "The Bear & the Ball" podcast, our own host Nick Webster chats with Craig about the collegiate and professional game.
Sunil Gulati has been described as the most influential figure in U.S. Soccer. On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Sunil talks about the future growth of the game, and the upcoming super-events that will dominate world soccer over the next decade.
Mental performance is a skill. Just like bouncing a ball and swinging a bat, it takes practice to hone. And just like any other skill, while some are more naturally gifted than others, everyone can master it with practice.
Join Nick Webster and Mike Clark on this episode of "The Bear & the Ball" as they embark on a voyage of mental performance discovery.
Portland Community Football Club is THE MODEL that clubs should follow. Affordable, inclusive, and designed to be an experience where all feel welcome.
Founder and Executive Director Kaig Lightner is simply remarkable and has created a club that changes lives while advocating for "the beautiful game". In this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," Nick and Kaig discuss the real issues that truly matter to players and parents.
Susana Melendez is a nutrition expert. On this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Susana and Nick discuss everything about food. What to eat, what to drink, and how to deal with the voices that we hear surrounding food.
John O'Sullivan is a well-respected author, coach, player, and lover of "the beautiful game."
In this episode of "The Bear & the Ball," Nick and John discuss the fear that surrounds youth soccer, from missing out on THAT college scholarship to not making the JV soccer team.
LINDA FLANAGANis a freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross-country and track coach. A graduate of Lehigh University, Flanagan holds master's degrees from Oxford University and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and was an analyst for the National Security Program at Harvard University. She is a founding board member of the New York City chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance.
On this episode of Cal South's "The Bear and the Ball," Nick and Linda go deep into how we can make youth sports fun, and take out the all-consuming pressure of trying to get to the next level.
Peter Frintzilas is a technology executive and the CEO of TeamSnap, the application that every parent can't do without when it comes to the match day soccer experience.
On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, Nick talks with Peter about the origins of TeamSnap and where it may go in the future.
Shay Haddow is an expert coach and speaker on confidence and mindset for female athletes. Having worked with hundreds of young female athletes and college teams from across the country, she’s empowered girls from all walks of life to strengthen their self-belief to play and live confidently
As the founder of Alpha Girl Confidence Academy, host of the Alpha Girl Confidence Podcast, and author of the best-selling book “She the Confident: The Mindset Advantage for Female Athletes,” Shay is widely regarded for her insights on confidence and mindset by soccer parents and coaches around the country.
Don Williams has been helping aspiring soccer players get to the promised land of college soccer for decades. In this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," he breaks it all down. The process is a lot easier than it's made out to be, however, there are some hurdles that must be jumped correctly.
If you want to go to college and play soccer, if you are a parent that thinks your child can play soccer, this is the episode for you.
Bryan Alcantara is a coach educator for U.S. Soccer delivering education for USSF Grassroots candidates. He's also a dad who's passionate about his daughter enjoying the game and is constantly thinking about how the game is the teacher; however, data, whether you like it or not, is also a teacher. As a director for Track160, one of the most innovative platforms on the market today, Bryan and Nick spar on the age-old question "what tells the truth - the eye or the data" on this episode of "The Bear and the Ball."
Neil Crawford is a soccer dad, coach and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Anytime Soccer Training is a comprehensive online soccer training app with thousands of 100% follow-along training sessions.
Neil’s passion is helping other parents navigate the youth soccer landscape by providing actionable tips and insight gathered from over a decade of coaching and training. On this episode of the Bear & the Ball, Neil tells us his story.
Skye Eddy discovered her passion for soccer at an early age. Her enthusiasm for the sport, combined with her keen interest in child development and education, paved the way for her unique contributions to the soccer community.
Eddy's journey in soccer began with her own experiences as a player. She excelled in the sport and continued to develop her skills over the years. Her understanding of the game and her observations of the youth soccer landscape led her to recognize the crucial role parents play in a child's soccer experience.
Realizing the need for guidance and support for parents navigating the complexities of youth soccer, Skye Eddy founded SoccerParenting.com. Her vision was to create a platform that not only offers resources and guidance but also fosters a community where parents, coaches, and players can come together to enhance the youth soccer experience.
SoccerParenting.com provides a wealth of information, resources, and educational materials aimed at supporting parents in understanding the various aspects of youth soccer. It covers topics ranging from skill development and game strategy to navigating the emotional and psychological aspects of the sport for young athletes.
On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, your host Nick Webster digs deep to discover the secret of soccer parenting.
The Bear and the Ball welcomes back the founder of the AST Academy, Jim Madrid. This week we delve into the power of building culture and affirmations.
Jim Madrid, the founder of Advance Sports Technology, AST, joins the Bear and the Ball to discuss the importance of one of the most powerful words in life, namely TRUST.
Over the next few months, Madrid will dig deep into the AST fundamentals and principles for helping you, and your teams reach goals that they never thought would be attainable.
This series is a MUST for players, coaches, and parents who are serious about changing their lives in a positive direction.
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Derek is a lifelong south Florida sports fan, and has been working in soccer/sports as a graphic artist since 2008. His stops have included Miami FC (USL1), the Florida Marlins (MLB), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL), and North American Soccer League, as well as creating custom logo designs for clubs and leagues across North America, such as Atlantic City FC, Boca Raton FC, New Orleans United, 1812 FC Barrie, the Florida Gold Coast League, and more.
Ryan Jorden has been the Head Coach of the UCLA Bruins for 4 seasons and in that time he has transformed the men's soccer program. Jorden has reached the top of the collegiate soccer tree and has done it the hard way earning every step of the ladder. On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, he talks about his journey from graduate assistant coach to starting a program with a blank page. He also discusses the make-up of a collegiate player. If you want to coach or play at this level, the next 50 minutes are a must for your development.
As CEO of Liverpool FC, Peter Moore oversaw one of the most successful periods of this historic club. Now based in Santa Barbara, Moore is building the foundations for a USL expansion team, Santa Barbara Sky FC. With a wealth of experience in the gaming and soccer world, Moore continues to feed his love of the beautiful game through multiple channels including the Netflix hit, Welcome to Wrexham. Moore talks about building the franchise, and his time at Liverpool.
Scott Juniper, the Head Coach of the University of Irvine women's soccer program has developed the reputation of a 'Giant Killer' as his Anteaters have beaten both USC and UCLA in the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament. Originally from England, Juniper has built a program that rivals the biggest and best in the United States. On this episode of the Bear and the Ball he talks about culture and mindset, and how players are prepared to compete.
Former USMNT star, Eric Wynalda has seen many different sides of the game as a player, coach, and broadcaster. Now as a parent, he has the joy of watching his children play. Recently his 14-year-old son was hospitalized after a violent play that has no place in youth soccer. Today on the Bear and the Ball, we discuss the root of violent play from the player, teammate, coach, parent, and administrator.
If you love this game, you must pay attention because the game needs to change and that only happens through you.
Paul Spacey is the Director of Coaching for FC England, a small boutique club based on the westside of Los Angeles. In this episode of the Bear and the Ball, he talks about the philosophy of the club and how he can compete with some of the bigger names out there. His approach is highly relational and an example for all DOC's.
Christian Miles has been a voice of soccer since 1997. Beginning his career at Fox Sports World, Miles has traveled the globe calling games from every major and minor league. He describes his journey in the business of play-by-play calling. The challenges, the great moments, and the incredible personalities that make up the beautiful game. For anybody pursuing a career in this fascinating environment, this is the episode you've been waiting for.
Margueritte Aozasa is making the most stunning impact on women's collegiate soccer the game has ever seen. From multiple NCAA titles as an assistant at Stanford University to winning the title as Head Coach of the UCLA Bruins in her first season, Margueritte is changing the game. On today's Bear and the Ball, we relive the dying seconds of one of the most dramatic NCAA finals ever played, we go on a journey from club soccer to Santa Clara, and we find out what makes this unique coach and her amazing staff tick.
George Kuntz has been a presence on the Southern Californian College coaching scene for over 4 decades. From Cal Lutheran, Pepperdine, UCI Irvine, and now Cal State Fullerton, Kuntz has built programs from infancy to powerhouse. This week the Bear and the Ball discovers the journey, and what it takes to reach the pinnacle of collegiate coaching.
On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, Ben Thomas, Head Girl's Coach at Windward High School describes how to build a high school soccer program from the ground floor. The culture, strategy, and rhythm of the season are discussed in detail. If you have the ambition to be a head coach or are already on the journey and looking for the best advice, this episode is the one you want to hear.
Steve Sampson has done it all. Head coach of the USMNT and Costa Rica. Winner of the double, MLS Cup, and US Open Cup with the LA Galaxy, and champion of the NCAA with Santa Clara. Sampson has just spent the last month in the center of the soccer universe, Qatar. He joins the Bear and the Ball and shares his thoughts on the World Cup in Qatar, the USMNT program, and what it will take for the United States to produce its own Messi or Mpbabe. This interview is a must for any serious fan of the beautiful game.
Behind every team are the unsung heroes that make it all work. At the home of MLS Cup Champions, LAFC, equipment manager Oliver Curry, makes sure that his players run out at the Banc of California Stadium feeling great, however, that's just the tip of the iceberg for an incredible story that began playing the beautiful game in Cal South. On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, go on a journey with a young man who has and continues to live the dream of soccer.
The 2022 World Cup was a tournament for the ages. United Soccer Coaches Master Coach and Soccer Leader takes a look back at the competition and identifies some trends and actions that can relate to the youth game.
Billy McNicol has played and coached at every level of the beautiful game. From national programs where he oversaw the development of DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan to his current role at Cal Poly, McNicol has a unique insight into what makes a great player.
Jim Madrid the founder of AST Academy has been discovering, leading, and learning about the power of mindset for over four decades. In that time he has worked with world-class athletes and organizations to change lives. On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, Madrid unearths more insight into the most powerful component on earth, your mind.
Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski are redefining what it means to play as a striker. These two giants are at separate ends of their careers but what they both possess is an unquenchable thirst for scoring goals. Cal South Alum, Eric Wynalda, knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net having scored 34 times for the USMNT and Major League Soccer's first-ever goal. Today, Eric breaks down what makes these two men so special. For anyone who wants to know what makes a goal scorer tick, this episode of the Bear and the Ball is for you.
Itzik Rapaport has played soccer at the collegiate Division 1 level. In 2005 his school made it to the final but Itzik was at home watching on TV despite being one of the best players on the team...why? He wasn't strong enough mentally. This made him go on a journey and his story is fascinating.
The 2022/23 season is just about to begin. The Bear and the Ball catches up with CEO Terry Fisher. Terry talks about new staff, new programs, and new ideas to create a soccer environment that is second to none.
Diogo Gama is the new Director of Soccer for Cal South. Most recently he served as SCP’s Director of Sport Projects and has been a leader in player development on Portugal’s sports scene for many years. He holds a master’s degree in youth development and a degree in sports science. At the start of his sports career, he was a professional rugby player, whose pinnacle was playing in the 2007 Rugby World Cup for Portugal. His professional soccer experience began in 2006 when he took an internship in the Performance department for Portugal’s National first team. He then moved on to Real Madrid FC as a youth fitness coach (for their B, C, and U19 teams), and remained with the club for three seasons, when he then leapt over to the fitness coach role for Getafe FC’s first team. In 2011, Diogo moved to Qatar to work with top tier club Al Ahli SC as their first team fitness coach. He was then invited to the same position with Qatar’s Aspire Academy, where after four months he was made the head of their Football Skills Development Centers. He also served as the methodology coordinator for the youth program run in tandem by Aspire and the Qatar National Team. In these roles for eight years, he also handled multiple projects like implementing the methodology of Independiente del Valle and was responsible for building OFC coaching courses programs as part of the Qatar 2030 strategic vision. In 2019, Diogo moved to Sporting Clube de Portugal to become their Director of Sport Projects. Of his current position, Diogo says, “I’m the link between Sporting and the exterior world, and the strategic projects I undertake directly affect the performance and sustainability of the club. One such strategic project that we began in 2021 was our development partnership with Cal South. I started out my career on the pitch, and this experience moved me to gain the knowledge to lead people and organizations where personal development towards excellence is a common goal.” Now a new challenge awaits!
Coaches who plan are coaches who succeed in helping players develop a love of the game. Licensed U.S. Soccer coach, Nick Webster, gives some tips and advice on why and how coaches should plan their coaching sessions. For more coaching advice, sessions and strategies, visit calsouth.com.
Soccer has always been a part of your host Nick Webster's life. Here he talks about his early years as a player, coach, and supporter of the game. He also speaks about his time with the Fox Soccer Channel and traveling the globe covering World Cups and Euros. He'll also delve into where he thinks soccer is going and plans for the future.
When talking about Brazil, the first thing that comes to mind is soccer, or futebol, as it is called in Portuguese. Soccer is the country’s national pastime, the sport that the majority of the country lives and breathes on a daily basis with pride and passion. And that was no different for native Karen Callado. As Callado kept working hard and dedicating herself to her career as a referee, the doors to more opportunities continued to open, allowing her the opportunity to begin officiating with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and United Soccer League One (USL), as well as a U.S. vs. Brazil game at the 2019 Nike U20 International Friendlies, a match close to her heart. In this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," Callado talks about her journey and destinations along the way.
Jim Madrid, the CEO and founder of the AST Academy, has worked with some of the biggest names in sport. However, he hasn't focused on the technical or tactical side of athletics; instead, has has developed tools which train the body's most powerful tool: the mind. Jim talks about the AST mental performance platform and how it can benefit everyone: the athlete, the coach, and the parent. Today, in sports and in life, mindset is the difference between success and failure.
Last June, Terry Fisher joined Cal South as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer. Over the last nine months, he has changed the culture, mission, and attitude of the entire organization. With courage and determination, a new dawn has risen. Cal South is back and ready to serve the youth and adult players of Southern California. You have spoken, and we have listened.
Serafin Rodriguez has been there and done that. Growing up in Mexico City and being a ball boy at the famed Azteca Stadium cemented a love affair with the sport of soccer that has seen him become a coach, referee, and eventually a CONCACAF team liaison officer. He's witnessed the growth of the Mexico/USA rivalry, seen the dirty tricks the teams play on each other in the quest to qualify for World Cups, and attended the planet's biggest event for the last four editions. As the co-founder of one of the largest adult soccer leagues in Southern California, Serafin wears his heart on his sleeve.
Soccer is a physical sport and injuries are part and parcel of the game. A sprained ankle, a jarred knee, an abrasion –– all are injuries which are easy to diagnose. Concussions, on the other hand, are much trickier. Who knows what's happening to our brains when we get our "bell rung?" Joe Flanagan, NCAA champion with CSUDH, joins Orange Coast College head coach Kevin Smith and certified athletic trainer Guido Sendowsky to explain the mysteries behind concussions in soccer. They've developed a platform that can give parents and coaches an inexpensive app that can possibly save lives and keep our athletes out of harm's way.
As a parent, coach, and former player, winning never gets old. On the other hand, losing can suck. In today's society, it feels like we only have time for winners, however, as a coach I often learned the most from a loss. A few years ago I wrote a book called "Re-booting Youth Soccer 2.0: Everything You Really Need to Know But Were Afraid to Ask About Youth Soccer" (available on Amazon). Today on "The Bear and the Ball," I'll read from my chapter on "Winning and Losing" as it's highly relevant as we move into the sudden death of this year's State Cup and the highs and lows that come with knockout soccer.
Ian Feuer blazed a trail for goalkeepers in the 1990s becoming the first American to be signed by a team in the EPL, West Ham United. His story from Las Vegas to the top of the goalkeeping tree is inspiring. He left home at 16 years of age to pursue a dream, a dream he turned into reality. This episode of "The Bear and the Ball" is a blueprint on how to get to the top of the soccer world. The journey isn't easy but the rewards are mind-blowing.
Erin McLeod is an Olympic Gold medal winner and a 4-time FIFA Women's World Cup participant with the Canadian Women's National Team. She is also a certified mental coach. Along with Dr. Rachel Lindvall, they have developed "The Mindful Project," a platform which provides structured mindfulness programs and performance training for students and athletes. With mental health now being considered more seriously at the forefront of everyday life and also in athletic performances, this episode of "The Bear and the Ball" is a must for parents looking to take their athletes to the next level.
Eric Wynalda has played over 100 times for the USMNT. He's also played in Germany, Mexico, and the MLS. On this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," Eric joins us along with Brian Lofrumento, a once highly touted player and successful entrepreneur, as they discuss how coaches can either make or break young soccer players. Coaching involves mentoring, leading, and loving your players, and Eric and Brian let you in on the secret of achieving all three while maintaining performance.
Drew Rea, Men's Soccer Head Coach at Norco Community College, and Vayron Martinez, Men's Soccer Head Coach of Bakersfield Community College join "The Bear and the Ball" to talk about soccer at the community college level. The insights of these two highly successful coaches give a fascinating look into soccer at the JC level and you just might be surprised by what you hear. For any players looking to take advantage of an extra year or two before making the step towards the NCAA, this is the episode for you. This episode of "The Bear and the Ball" was recorded recently on "Podcast Row" at the 2022 United Soccer Coaches Convention in Kansas City.
Ralph Perez is a legend in soccer here in the United States and his experience in the game is vast. Perez has been a U.S. Men's National Staff Coach, led the U20 squad to the 1989 World Cup, served as assistant coach to both the LA Galaxy and the New York MetroStars, and is currently the Head Coach at the University of Redlands. Perez has seen the dramatic growth in soccer, and his insights are intelligent and on point. This episode of "The Bear and the Ball" was recorded live last week at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Kansas City.
Coaching young kids is one of the most rewarding things a coach can do. Their minds are like sponges, and they have a simple desire to learn and, most importantly, have fun. However, sometimes coaches get caught inside the trap of coaching only to win. On this week's episode of "The Bear and the Ball," we speak with Bill Songhurst, a man who has coached at all levels of the game and who now primarily works on teaching the game to young children. His insights are a must for anyone who is working with young soccer players.
Sir Alex Ferguson is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer managers of all time. The fact is that he did very little coaching; however, he had the art of management down to a science. Our guest Phil Darke has decades of experience in leading and he uses his vast experience to discover "How Soccer Explains Leadership" on his own podcast, using lessons from the great SAF. It involves trust and understanding what makes players tick.
Many years ago coaches believed that a loud voice, a demanding nature, and the "My way or the highway" approach was the best way to teach sports to young children . Podcast host, broadcast, and longtime soccer coach Nick Webster learned through trial and error that a course of "guided discovery" is the tool that works best with the current generation of kids. Here are his tips to coach and teach "The Beautiful Game" to the youth of today!
Scoring goals looks like the easiest task in soccer; however, it isn't! The highest-paid players in the world are the men and women who can put the ball in the back of the net with regularity. Former USMNT great Eric Wynalda was such a player and in this week's The Bear and the Ball, he gives his insight into what makes a great goal scorer. For attackers, defenders and goalkeepers, this is the episode that could potentially change your soccer career from merely okay to world-class!
Ali Riley has represented her country, New Zealand over 140 times. She has played in World Cups, Europe, Stanford, and is currently in the NWSL balling out for the Orlando Pride. She is a true product of the Cal South experience and her journey to the top is one every aspiring young female player should listen to.
This week on "The Bear and the Ball," we have Kevin Hartman, AKA 'El Gato' who has won every major trophy in American soccer: MLS Goalkeeper of the year in 1999, 2 times MLS Cup Champion, 2-time winner of the US Open Cup, and a CONCACAF Champions League winner. Kevin is currently the goalkeeping coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Kevin talks about his career, what it takes to become a goalkeeper, and so much more!
Former world-class 800-meter specialist, athletic director, mother, and Master of Arts student, Frances Jones joins "The Bear and the Ball" to talk about coaching and leadership. In her current role as an athletic director, Jones shapes the future, and her expertise in leading today's youth is unparalleled. For anyone in a leadership position or striving to be a leader, this episode of "The Bear and the Ball" will open your mind to a brand new way of thinking.
Allie Jara, is the Assistant Women's Coach at the University of California–Riverside (UCR). She has also played soccer at the D2 and D1 level, experiencing highs and lows. In this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," Allie gives her wisdom on playing at the highest level and on her journey toward becoming a coach. For women who are passionate about soccer and want to grow into the sport, this is a "can't miss" episode.
Anthony Pisicoli is the Vice President of Youth on the Cal South Board of Directors. A self-proclaimed soccer fanatic and father to a very talented goalkeeper, Anthony has been involved with the game for over two decades. In this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," he shares his thoughts on the youth soccer landscape here in Southern California.
Greg Rubendall has been on the youth and adult coaching scene his whole life. As the Director of Coaching for the Livermore Fusion and an instructor for the U.S. Soccer Federation, Greg has heard of every reason why people step into the coaching world. On this episode of "The Bear and the Ball," he names his top ten reasons why people become coaches.
As coaches we train the 4 pillars, physical, technical, tactical, and mental but how much time do we really spend on training mindset? Kat Scardino is an expert in working with athletes to achieve their best. This vital skill is often the difference between winning and failing in life and on the field of play, and is why this is a "must listen" episode.
Joey Hoffman has had a remarkable coaching career. He's been a director of coaching at clubs throughout Southern California, he's won multiple ODP national titles, he's served as an assistant at Loyola Marymount University taking the school to the NCAA tournament, and he took the Philippines to within a whisker of World Cup qualification. He has a wonderful story to tell about the ups and downs of working in this beautiful game.
Referees are in short supply and the reasons are complex, however, we can all play a part in making the game more attractive to the next generation. Bernie Towers, President of Coast Soccer League, Ben Nicholson, President of Santa Monica Surf, and Juan Guzman former FIFA referee join your host Nick Webster to discuss how we can change the dynamic that threatens to complicate the sport we all love.
Bernie Towers is the President of Coast Soccer League, one of the biggest youth gaming leagues in the United States. In this episode, he talks about his background, how we can help referees, and his hopes and dreams for the beautiful game in Southern California.
On this episode of the Bear and the Ball, Vice President of Cal South, Nick Webster, catches up with one of the legends of the Southern California coaching community, Steve Hoffman. Steve is the Technical Director for Cal South and the Head Coach for the women's program at Ventura College. He has helped players and coaches reach the highest levels of the game.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a referee, well, wonder no more as Cal South SRA, Juan Guzman tells us about his career and how you to can become a top-level referee, plus so much more!
Cal South is back and better than ever. Catch up with new CEO and soccer innovator, Terry Fisher as he brings you the latest news from the country's best youth and adult soccer association.