Soccer Dad Nation

In this episode, Joby Slay delves into US Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program (ODP), exploring its history, structure, costs, and relevance in today's youth soccer landscape. He discusses how ODP operates, the benefits and drawbacks of participation, and how it compares to club soccer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of player development, exposure to college coaches, and...

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, Joby Slay discusses significant developments in U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer, including the new Pathway Strategy aimed at improving youth soccer access and participation. He highlights the Behind the Dream fundraising initiative, the upcoming Arthur Blank National Training Center, and the implications of promotion and relegation in the USL. The episode...

As we kickoff Season 2 of Soccer Dad Nation, we sit down with Camilo Ruan, an American father navigating the unique challenges of raising a young soccer player in a foreign country. Camilo’s 10-year-old son, Hudson, has embarked on a soccer journey in Colombia, where he’s not only adjusting to a new style of play but also learning a new language and adapting to an entirely different culture. We di...

Host Joby Slay provides the Soccer Dad Nation listeners with a recap of Season 1 and then a sneak preview of what is to come in Season 2 of the Soccer Dad Nation Podcast.

In Part Two of our interview with John Guzman, Soccer Dad John and I discuss the international soccer experiences we shared with our kids to Argentina and Colombia where our boys were able to train with professional academies. We discuss the realities of the Professional Soccer Player journey as heard from conversations with our professional soccer friends. John opens up about his journey as a soc...

In this interview I sit down to interview one of my favorite soccer dad's, John Guzman. Over the past few years our sons have spent a lot of time in the backyard playing soccer together and John and I have spent a lot of time talking soccer. John shares the beginnings of his soccer dad journey with us as well as his own background in the game. Don't forget to Like this Episode and Subscrib...

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, we visit the South Florida Headquarters of Impact City, FC to have a conversation with Impact City, FC President and Founder, Aaron Deloach. Aaron shares with us how he got started in the game of soccer, the role his parents played and his journey from the youth ranks of US Soccer's ODP program and up through the college and professional ranks. We talk abo...

Soccer parents can say some crazy stuff. I never expected a soccer dad to interrupt a training session and say what he said. It's not the typical coach and parent interaction we hear about these days. Listen in to hear what this dad said to me. I think you'll be surprised. I know I was. Parent's have you ever approached a coach to say something like this? Coaches, have you ever been ap...

We dive into the MLS Playoff picture as we break down the unique structure of the MLS playoff format and take a look at which teams are fighting to get their hands on the highly coveted MLS Cup.

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, host Joby Slay provides an instant reaction to the start of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as the new USMNT head coach following the first two matches and why the results don’t matter for you. This episode dives into why getting your kids involved in supporting the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams is key for their growth both on and off the field. Join us as...

What is "The Messi Effect "? In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation , host Joby Slay dives into the massive impact Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer is having across the U.S. From skyrocketing attendance and TV ratings to inspiring the next generation of youth players, the “Messi Effect” is changing the soccer landscape like never before. We discuss how Messi’s presence is boosti...

In this episode of Soccer Dad Nation, we dive into Inter Miami’s incredible journey to winning the Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield! A key part of the discussion is the massive impact Lionel Messi had on the team’s success. From the moment he arrived, Messi elevated Inter Miami’s level of play, turning them into a dominant force in MLS. Host Joby Slay discusses Messi’s pivotal moments during...