In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, hosts Megan Linke (@meganlinkeofficial) and Liam Linke (@liamlinke18) sit down with Amir Lowery — former professional player, D.C. native, and founder of Open Goal Project.

Amir shares his powerful journey from playing professionally in MLS and USL to returning home to Washington, D.C., where he’s now working to dismantle barriers in youth soccer and create access for players from underserved communities.

Episode Highlights

• Amir’s path from D.C. public schools to Wake Forest University and a 9-year professional career
• Playing professionally with Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes, Montreal Impact, and more
• Why pay-to-play is one of the biggest obstacles in U.S. youth soccer
• How Open Goal Project was built to close gaps in access, resources, and opportunity
• The importance of transportation, academics, strength training, injury rehab, and family support
• Why character development and mental training are just as important as technical skill
• The creation of District of Columbia FC and its impact on the local soccer ecosystem
• What Amir believes is missing from traditional youth development models
• Advice for parents and players navigating elite pathways and academy systems
• What gives Amir hope for the future of soccer in the United States
• World Cup predictions and the growing momentum around the game in the U.S.

Key Takeaway

True player development goes beyond talent. Access, mentorship, mental resilience, and community support are essential to helping young players reach their full potential — on and off the field.

Connect with Amir & Learn More

• Amir Lowery: @princelowery
• Open Goal Project: @opengoalproject
• 🌐 www.opengoalproject.org
• District of Columbia FC: @districtofcolumbiafc

🎧 Listen to Episode 28 of The Soccer Ladder now — available on all major podcast platforms.

In Episode 27 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Jeroen Chantrain, a Belgian youth coach who has worked at two of the most iconic clubs in European football — RSC Anderlecht, Belgium’s most successful club, and Royal Antwerp FC, the oldest club in the country.

Jeroen brings a rare inside look at elite European player development, sharing how top academies think about technical skill, mentality, patience, and the long-term pathway from grassroots football to the first team.

This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches who want to understand how Europe develops talent — and what truly matters beyond the badge.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it means to coach at Royal Antwerp, known as “The Great Old”, and why club identity matters
• Key similarities and differences between Anderlecht and Antwerp’s youth development models
• Why individual player development always comes before team results
• How Belgian academies prepare players from U10 all the way to the first team
• Why technical ability stands out immediately — and why coaches love “the king of the ball”
• The role of school, discipline, and sacrifices in elite player pathways
• When nutrition, recovery, and education should begin (earlier than most think)
• How coaches handle talented players with difficult personalities
• Why patience is the most underrated trait for young players and parents
• Why going “too fast” to a big-name club can hurt long-term development
• How Belgian clubs scout and develop talent from the United States
• Thoughts on young American players transitioning to Europe
• World Cup insights and why Belgium remains a dangerous outsider

Key Takeaway

Guest & Club Handles

• Jeroen Chantrain: @jeroenchantrain
• Royal Antwerp FC: @royal_antwerp_fc
• RSC Anderlecht: @rscanderlecht
• Anderlecht Academy (Neerpede): @rscaneerpede

Hosts

🎙️ Megan Linke – @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam Linke – @liamlinke18

🎧 Listen to Episode 27 now on all major podcast platforms
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thesoccerladder

Local Football, Access, and the Future of the American Player Pathway

In Episode 26 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan sits down for a solo-hosted conversation with the voice behind ⁨@TheExchangeFc⁩ a platform deeply rooted in local football culture and grassroots storytelling.

With Liam at school for the day, this episode becomes a deep dive into the local soccer ecosystem, access to the game, and how untapped talent across the U.S. could change the future of American soccer if given the right opportunities.

This conversation challenges the traditional pay-to-play model and explores what real inclusion, early access, and community-based development could look like.

🎙 Episode Highlights

Why some of the most gifted players grow up playing with no lines, no shoes, and no formal fields — yet possess elite instincts

How access, not talent, is often the biggest barrier in U.S. youth soccer

The importance of lower-level entry points connected to elite academies

Why free, local training programs in parks and city spaces matter

How clubs like New York Red Bulls and New York City FC can identify talent earlier through community presence

What makes the Red Bull system so unique — structure, consistency, and a unified philosophy

Thoughts on MLS teams, player development, and who’s standing out locally right now

A candid look at who has the brighter future: Red Bulls or NYCFC?

🔍 Topics We Explore

Grassroots soccer vs. elite academy environments

Inner-city programs as scouting pipelines

Creating sustainable access without sacrificing standards

European development influence on American systems

Why structure and identity matter at every level of a club

The long-term impact of investing in community football

👥 Hosts & Guest

Host:
🎙 Megan Linke – @meganlinkeofficial
Co-hosted normally with her son Liam (Red Bulls Academy), who was at school for this episode

Guest:
⚽️ Exchange FC – @theexchangefc
Local football media voice covering the culture, players, and stories shaping the game from the ground up

🎧 Listen Now

Available on all major podcast platforms.
Follow along for more conversations focused on development, mindset, access, and the real path to the top of the game.

This one really is legendary — we’re welcoming our first-ever NWSL player to The Soccer Ladder! In this episode, we’re joined by Haley McCutcheon of the Orlando Pride, and she brings such real, grounded insight into what it takes to develop, stay mentally strong, and build a career that lasts.

Also… quick behind-the-scenes moment: I usually record with Liam, but I accidentally scheduled studio time on a school day (mom fail 😅) — so Liam pops in with a few questions and we keep it moving.

🎙️ Guest

Haley McCutcheon
Instagram: @hayhanson
Orlando Pride: @orlpride
NWSL: @nwsl

⚽ What We Talk About

• Haley’s early years in ECNL and how intense travel + year-round soccer shaped her discipline
• The role her parents played in helping her manage the demands of youth soccer
• Why her biggest early habit was focusing on the process and keeping the game fun
• What drew her to Nebraska (Midwest girls 🫶) and how the environment helped her max out her potential
• The truth about the mental game: adapting to coaches, pressure, and competition for minutes
• “Control what you can”: Haley’s core focus on attitude + effort
• Her experience having three coaches in one year and how she stayed grounded through change
• Why young players should embrace playing different positions (and how it makes you smarter on the field)
• Her “welcome to the league” moments: playing against legends like Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, Julie Ertz — and having Marta as a teammate
• What Orlando Pride taught her about leadership, balance, and enjoying the full experience again
• Locker room culture, unity, and why being a great teammate can elevate performance
• Winning both the Shield + Championship — and why it felt like relief + joy
• The difference between players who think they want to go pro vs. players who actually make it
• Patience for kids who aren’t starters yet — and why progress isn’t always tied to accolades
• The mindset shift: focusing on who you’re being, not just what you’re achieving
• What Haley’s most excited for in the women’s game: more access, more visibility, more fans in seats
• The responsibility pro players feel as role models for the next generation (boys AND girls)

🔑 Key Takeaways

• If you want longevity, you have to love the process — not just the outcome.
• You can’t control coaches, minutes, or preferences — but you can control effort and attitude.
• Sleep and nutrition are not optional. Recovery is performance.
• Versatility isn’t a setback — it’s a superpower.
• Team culture matters: unity + buy-in can change everything.

📲 Connect + Follow

Guest: @hayhanson
Team: @orlpride
League: @nwsl

Podcast: @thesoccerladder

⚽ Hosts

Meg Linke
Instagram: @meglinkeofficial

Liam Linke
Instagram: @liamlinke18

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Bryan Jordan (@bj_6) — former LA Galaxy winger, two-time MLS Cup champion, and one of the hardest-working pros of his era. From grinding through trials to sharing a locker room with David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane, Bryan gets real about what it actually takes to climb — and stay on — the ladder.

What we cover

• From LA kid to pro: Growing up in ultra-competitive Los Angeles, bouncing across top youth teams (Cal Heat), and the showcase moment that led to Oregon State.
• The break-in story: Trialing with the Galaxy, getting sent to Portland Timbers, then earning his way back when LA bought his contract — why persistence + relationships (shoutout to a timely phone call) matter.
• Mentality > talent: How “watch me” became his response to pressure, competition for minutes, and not being the biggest or flashiest player.
• Versatility is a superpower: Playing multiple positions and why that expands soccer IQ (and value) — advice for players learning the 6, CB, or wide roles.
• Handling the spotlight: First impressions in star-studded locker rooms and what top pros’ preparation actually looks like.
• Training load & recovery: Thoughts on academy sessions, private work, rest days, and listening to your body so you can stay available.
• Modern distractions: Social media, focus, and building self-belief in an always-on era.
• Favorite moments & mentors: Commercial work with Christian Pulisic (plus Tyler Adams), what he noticed about their character, and the coaches who knew how to push him (hello, Bruce Arena).

Memorable gems

• “Self-belief, persistence, and showing up — that’s the separator when the door cracks open.”
• “Versatility isn’t a detour. It’s compounding intelligence for your eventual position.”
• “On bad days, don’t guilt yourself — listen to your body so you can live to train well tomorrow.”

Quick hits

• Youth/college moments that shaped his mindset (including learning to balance dribbling brilliance with teamwork)
• How to compete on talent-heavy rosters without losing your edge
• Why smaller players can still make a massive impact (play to your weapons)

Previously connected guests

You’ll hear call-outs to past TSL guests and Galaxy teammates: @tristanbowen, @ajd_20, @seanfranklin5, and Charlie Rugg — plus stories featuring Beckham, Donovan, and Keane.

Connect

Guest: Bryan Jordan — Instagram @bj_6
Hosts: @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
Show: @thesoccerladder • Listen wherever you get podcasts

In this inspiring episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Mike Chabala (@michaelchabala) — former Houston Dynamo defender, two-time MLS Cup Champion, and founder of @sphere.club — to explore the full-circle journey from professional athlete to purpose-driven entrepreneur. ⚽️

From playing in Europe at just eight years old, to earning his way onto one of the best teams in MLS history, to now creating a global movement through Sphere, Mike’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart.

He shares what it truly takes to stay committed through the highs and lows of the professional game — and how that same discipline can be applied to business, wellness, and life.

Key Takeaways:

🌍From Europe to the MLS: Mike’s unconventional start — moving abroad alone at age 8 — and how early adversity shaped his mindset.

💪Perseverance through setbacks: The reality of not playing for four years in the league and what kept him committed to his dream.

⚽️Advice for youth players: Why technical mastery, daily discipline, and a relentless work ethic matter more than talent alone.

🧠Building community through Sphere: How he transformed his love of soccer and fitness into Sphere, a global fitness movement blending sport, wellness, and connection.

💡Life after the game: Redefining success beyond the field through entrepreneurship and personal growth.

💬Favorite Quote

“It’s always about what you do when nobody’s watching — not what you do at practice when everyone’s there.”

🔗 Connect with Mike & Sphere

📸 Instagram: @michaelchabala
| @sphere.club

🌐 Website: www.sphere.club

⚽️ Connect with The Soccer Ladder
🎧 Listen to Episode 23 of The Soccer Ladder wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
Follow the show: @thesoccerladder

This week on @thesoccerladder, hosts @meganlinkeofficial and @liamlinke18 sit down with Chijioke Akujuobi (@choppaholic5) — the creator and host of @victorychatterpodcast / @victorychatterpod — for a powerful conversation on mindset, mentorship, and what it really takes to make it in the world of soccer.

From street soccer in Texas to playing professionally in Denmark, Chijioke’s story is one of grit, faith, and relentless belief in his purpose. In this episode, he shares:

⚽️ How mindset outweighs talent — and why mental strength is the #1 differentiator for elite players.

💬 The moment a coach changed his entire career with one mindset shift.

🌍 What separates U.S. and European youth development systems — and how culture, discipline, and structure play a major role.

🎙 The origin story of The Victory Chatter Podcast and how interviewing pros like AJ DeLaGarza, Kellyn Acosta, and others has deepened his perspective.

🔥 Why self-awareness, mentorship, and consistency are the true markers of success both on and off the field.

🏆 Lessons from players like Michael Bradley and Cristiano Ronaldo on staying hungry and grounded — no matter how far you go.

This episode is packed with gold for players, parents, and coaches who want to build not just a career — but character.

🎧 Listen to Episode 22 now on all streaming platforms.

📲 Follow & Connect:@thesoccerladder @meganlinkeofficial @liamlinke18@choppaholic5 @victorychatterpodcast @victorychatterpod

🎥 TikTok: @choppaholic5 @victorychatterpod

#thesoccerladder #victorychatterpodcast #soccerpodcast #mindsetmatters #shijogakajobi #usmnt #youthsoccer #footballculture #growthmindset #soccerjourney #leadership #athletedevelopment

Guest: Fre Frans, former pro defender turned coach at RWDM Brussels
📲 IG: @frefrans

In this inspiring and globe-spanning episode, we sit down with Belgian footballer and coach Fre Frans (@frefrans), who shares his journey from debuting at 17 in Belgium’s top league to coaching one of the youngest squads in Europe today.

Fre played professionally for clubs like Lierse SK, Beerschot, and Partick Thistle in Scotland, and he’s now mentoring rising talent at RWDM Brussels — a club committed to youth development, global scouting (including American talent), and building strong character on and off the pitch.

We dive into:

• Fre’s early debut at just 17 and how he handled pressure with ease
• His time in Scotland vs Belgium and the cultural & tactical differences
• Coaching lessons he's learned from both the best — and worst — coaches
• Why mentality trumps talent at the pro level
• What it’s like raising a son who dreams of being the next Thibaut Courtois
• RWDM’s exciting philosophy on global development and scouting
• Advice to academy players dreaming of the first team
• And rapid fire questions: toughest opponent, dream stadium, and one young player to watch 👀

🔗 Plus: We get personal about parenthood, mindset, and how creating your own journey (and not comparing it to others) can lead to a long-lasting career in football and beyond.

Whether you're a young player, parent, or passionate fan — this one is packed with life lessons, laughs, and legacy-level wisdom.

📍 Clubs mentioned:
@lierse_k | @beerschotofficial | @partickthistle | @rwdm_brussels | @krcgenkofficial | @official_kaagent | @realmadrid | @newyorkredbulls

📌 Don’t forget to follow the hosts:
🎙️Megan Linke: @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam: @liamlinke18

🎙️Podcast: @thesoccerladder

💥 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — Episode 21 is live!

#thesoccerladder #frefrans #rwdmbrussels #footballcoach #belgiumfootball #youthdevelopment #soccerjourney #podcastepisode #liandme #mlsacademy #redbullacademy #parentingathletes #soccerparent #goalsetting #footballmentality #sportsleadership #coachlife