Down the Tunnel

In this episode we have sports broadcaster John Freeman. He has experience broadcasting in the Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference in college athletics as well as United Soccer League and Major League Soccer.

Today’s episode has the story of Tom Heinemann, a player who was cut from his High School team, experienced two Torn ACL injuries (same knee) and still worked his way into the MLS with the Columbus Crew. We talk about facing rejection, and continuing on the path to success.

In today’s episode one of the founders of Vardar Soccer comes on to share his journey in the game, from humble beginnings to starting one of the most successful clubs in the Midwest. His latest venture is co-founding NL Tactical Boards in 2019 a new coaching board for coaches to be more efficient and effective.

In today’s episode we talk about what it’s like to be the president of a supports group in the MLS, some of the challenges, some of the changes, and of course, the fun. Stephen shares his passion for the game, and his commitment to the Nashville community to create a fantastic fan experience and the type of environment any player would want to call home.

In this episode Devin Arand shares his journey in the game from traveling for youth soccer in St. Louis, playing Junior College and NCAA D2 and D3 college. He continued coaching before becoming operational business manager for St. Louis Scott Gallagher soccer club. He shares how some of the skills he learned are applied in work/life outside the game.

In this episode Tom White shares his journey to the USA after playing with Norwich academy. He shares his experiences playing in an NAIA national championship game, to becoming a coach, going through the pathway to becoming the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Bellevue University.

In this episode I really reflect on some of the fabulous guests we’ve had so far and several themes we’ve seen. Specially Improvement....self improvement, and taking accountability for our own path towards it.

Today’s episode we explore the journey that Lindsay takes from playing soccer at Maryland University, to becoming a graduate assistant at Toledo, to starting an NCAA DIvision 1 women’s program at Eastern Kentucky, to taking over the Bowling Green program to starting her own Company Competitive Edge Institute and all of the challenges faced throughout.

In today’s episode our Guest Colton Bryant shares his story in the game, and where he started the Women’s Soccer Program at Columbia State Community College. He shares his philosophy being built upon the foundation of Belief and how his pillars are Empathy and Vulnerability.

In this episode Coach Nicholson shares his journey in the game from playing in England, playing College Soccer and Professional soccer here in the US, transitioning into Coaching, and his new Role as Head Coach of Kings Hammer FC in the United Soccer League 2 (USL2).

In this episode we have Steven Smith sharing his journey from Dublin Ireland to the US, where he experienced college soccer from Junior College, to NAIA, to coaching at NCAA, professional trials in Ireland and everything in between. He shares how he has turned his setbacks into positive experiences to utilize in moving forward.

In this episode we Jack shares his journey within sport, his mission with The Coaching Lab, and the importance of creating each player as an individual project with a unique pathway forward. He shares how he started The Coaching Lab and how they’re positively impacting coaches and athletes around the world.

In this episode we go through Tony’s journey in the game in Cincinnati Ohio. His experiences in youth, HS, College, Indoor Pro, from playing as well as his coaching experiences. He discusses how he approaches conflict with parents and shares insights on player development. He also talks about his program with the Cincinnati public school system in giving soccer opportunities to those who would not otherwise have it.

In this episode we hear from AJ Bannister, from Kidderminster England sharing his journey within the game, the challenges he’s faced, and the tools he used to maintain his course of achieving his goals.

In this episode we have Assistant Athletic Director/Communications lead for IUPUI. He discusses all things athletic department as well as the evolution of their soccer facilities into the facility they have now that was shared with the Indy 11 of the USL. He shares his love and passion for all things IUPUI as an Alumni and how much it means to him to give back to the student athletes they have.

In this episode Vadim shares his story from multicultural upbringing, adjusting to life in Ireland, and then coming to the USA to play college soccer and the challenges involved. He shares his journey from Junior College to NCAA, PDL, and Indoor professional experiences along with establishing his own private training in VAVA 1on1.

In this episode of Down the Tunnel we visit with Toby Frolich, Technical Staff member, age group coordinator and ECNL head coach for Pleasanton Rage in California. He talks about his journey in the game, some struggles he has had with anxiety and depression and overcome them to be where he is now.

In this episode we recap the first season of down the tunnel and talk about the top 5 episodes of the year. It’s an appreciation episode to the guests who’ve come on, and the listeners who follow!

in this episode of Down the Tunnel we hear the story of Head Womens Soccer Coach Dylan Cassidy as he has embarked on his college coaching journey. He come to the US to play junior college soccer at East Central College, progressed to McKendree University to play NCAA Division 2 soccer and has had several assistant jobs before being named the new Head Womens Soccer Coach at Fontbonne University.

In this episode of down the tunnel we talk to Brian Cordova a member of the Backline (Supporters Club of Nashville SC) as well as a member of the Nashville Hammers (a West ham United Supports group in Nashville) about Soccer fandom in the US and what the landscape looks like.

In this episode of down the tunnel we experience the journey of former Head Coach of Reading United Alan McCann who stepped down from his position this week. Former USL two Coach of the year during both of his seasons at Reading United, Coach McCann shares his journey from a young Irish lad coming to the US to play college soccer and gain an education, to Head Coach at Reading United and taking the next to back to back USL 2 championships appearances.

In today’s episode of Down the Tunnel has Patrick Greene, one of the directors at Manhattan Soccer Club in New York. He discusses some of the challenges of an inner city club, and some of his shares his love for the game and the kids whom he gets to work with.

Today’s episode of Down the Tunnel has the NSC General Manager Mike Jacobs sharing his journey in the game from high school soccer coach to MLS General Manager. His drive and determination are inspirational as he shares his story.

In this episode of Down the Tunnel Jose Baxter shares his story of being picked up by Everton in their academy at the age of 7, and making his first team debut at 16 years old in the Premier League. He discusses his journey in the game, coping with his two year suspension from the game after a failed drug test and all of the struggles and trials in between. Jose is currently playing with Memphis 901 in the USL and has co-founded a soccer camp he runs in Tennessee.

In this episode Jason Barclay shares his playing experiences growing up and through college. He also talks about the pride he has in sharing his knowledge and experience with his children as they begin to build their relationship with the game of soccer.

In this episode we we discuss the role of the athletic trainer, specifically in the college athletic setting. Jessica talks about injury prevention, athlete monitoring, rehabilitation and the role and relationship the ATC has with the athletes and the coaching staff.

In today’s episode with Coach Gorton (@stephenGorton1) we discuss his coaching journey so far and his current position at Purdue Fort Wayne @MastadonMSoccer and his approach to building a sustainable and consistent culture within the program.

In this episode we have a insightful story from Debbie McCulloch whose journey has taken her from experiencing the game at every level from cutting grass at Dundee united, to managing a women’s football club in the Scottish Premier League.

In this episode we talk to Liam McGarry, the Childrens Program manager from Aberdeen Football club. We talk all things development from helping the players learn to cope with being the best, or potentially not being the best in their respective groups. It is amazing to hear the amount of energy, time, effort that goes into the players development from the early ages and how it can translate to the culture of the player and the culture of the team.

In this episode we discuss coaching education in the United States with Gulf Coast Rangers FC Director of Coaching Gerardo “G” Flores. He talks about finding the right blend of knowledge and experience in order to apply it as an effective coach. @gcrangersfc

In this episode we talk about the journey that Tim has had in his journalism career from Big Ten Sports to Nashville SC and the USMNT. Follow him on his twitter account @ClubCountryUSA to keep up with his analysis of games and insights.

In this episode we travel down the tunnel with Chris Smith who discusses his journey from Community youth coach, to Futsal, Scottish Football Association, Scottish Womens national team, to Celtic Football Club.

In this Episode Pharouk Hussein discusses his journey from Ghana to the United States, his rise through college sports and the creation of his own sports recruiting agency (ASAL).

In this episode we join Darren Hamilton on his journey from Newcastle to all of his experiences across the world.

In this episode, entrepreneur Dennis Crowley gives his story on how he created an NPSL team, Kingston Stockade (https://www.stockadefc.com). We discuss the value of lower division soccer in the US and what needs to happen from our leadership for US Soccer to continue moving in the right direction.

In this episode we have Ted Eck sharing his story in the game of soccer. Ted Eck was a member of the golden generation of American Soccer Players coming up in the late 80s and early 90s. He has played soccer at every level in our country and was a part of the National Team camp in the run up to the 1990 World Cup, was a part of the US Men’s Team in 1991 that won the Gold Cup, and was the #3 Draft in the inaugural MLS draft in 1996. He had a long career with the Dallas Burn (FC Dallas now). Most recently he has been a member of staff for Real Salt Lake. He shares his stories as he has been a part of US Soccer from when it really burst onto the scene to where it is now.

In this episode of Down the Tunnel we get to hear about the journey of Robert Spain. His experiences include getting an MLS championship ring with David Beckham and Robbie Keene during his time on staff with the LA Galaxy, interviewing with Gregg Berhalter and his time as the Head Academy Scout for Columbus Crew, to his current position of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Lincoln Memorial University in TN and everything in between.

In this episode of Down the Tunnel we are fortunate enough to talk to Coach Banks as he begins his journey starting a Men’s Soccer Program at Chicago State University. Trevor has spent time at Villanova Division 1, Merchant Marine Academy Division 3, Long Island Rough Riders USL 2, Barry University Division 2, William Woods Division 3. It’s safe to say Trevor has experienced just about every level of soccer in the US. We talk about his journey through his experiences and how he ended up being selected to start the program at Chicago State University.

In this episode of Down the Tunnel we discuss the surprise closing of the ASU Men’s soccer program in the Spring of 2020. We have the opportunity to speak with the Former Head Men’s Soccer Coach - Jason O’Keefe to discuss his coaching journey as well as the closing of the program.

In this episode of Down the Tunnel we speak with Missouri State University Associate Head Coach and Sporting Director Michael Seabolt. Coach Seabolt has extensive experience recruiting both domestically and internationally. His experience coaching across the country and at every level provides an excellent insight into the art of recruiting.

In this episode I get a chance to visit with Kyle about Hana and his position with them in Norway, his journey getting there, and some insights into the Norwegian way of life. He shares some personal insights into the importance of the community for his club, and some barriers.

In this episode we discuss Trevor’s rise to coaching within the famous West Ham United Academy for 10 years. He shares some of his stories with coaching Declan Rice and we also talk about what’s happening with West Ham currently. Trevor also discusses his time with Arsenal Academy and coaching with Arteta and Henry just to name a few. Trevor has had an incredible impact in both of his former academies and is now Head of Football at Buckswood School. Follow him @TrevorBumstead on twitter

Carrie Aprik joins us today with extensive experience working in a wide variety of sport settings. In this episode we explore the field of sports dietetics and her story. You can find her on twitter at @Nutri4Motion

In today’s episode of Down the Tunnel we speak with Gavin Levey to discuss Aberdeen player development models, Aberdeen History and array of stories and information about Aberdeen FC.

In this episode we discuss Aaron’s path leading him to being signed to a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake. We discuss some of the challenges he faced, and some stories about he and his experiences with them now. We happened to have this discussion right before the MLS returned to group training. You can follow Aaron on twitter @aaronherrera_22

In this episode we visit with the ONLY duty of care of sport (in the World) at Abertay University. We discuss some of his research findings as it relates to mental health among soccer players, coaches and administrators. We discuss some of the challenges athletes face during their transition out of the game and Dr. Lavallee shares some of his research findings with us.

Current Memphis 901 FC Midfielder Michael Reed discusses all things soccer in the US, from early player development, to the USL and MLS. We speak about leadership and he shares what he’s been up to during the League Suspension due to COVID-19