Mingo Roberts

Soccer Sidelines

Sports EN ↓ 4 episodes

Soccer Sidelines is the podcast for soccer parents, caregivers, and all other navigating the ever-changing world of youth soccer. Hosted by Mingo Roberts—a longtime player, coach, and soccer dad—each episode explores how to support your child’s journey, from grassroots to elite-level play. Whether you’re figuring out your first team, trying to understand travel leagues, or just want to know what questions to ask, this podcast is here to help. We talk with other parents, coaches, club leaders, and league insiders to demystify the youth soccer landscape and share real stories from the field.

Author

Mingo Roberts

Episodes

From Local Fields to Global Vision: The City Sporting Playbook with Jason Gross 11.03.2026 39:13

What should youth soccer actually prioritize—results or development? In this episode of Soccer Sidelines , host Mingo Roberts sits down with Jason Gross , co-founder of City Sporting , to talk about building a different kind of soccer club in the D.C. region. Jason shares the story behind City Sporting and the philosophy guiding its growth as one of the area’s emerging youth programs. They discuss...

Capitol Hill Roots, Strong Futures: The DC Way with Denis Chekuristov 16.09.2025 46:44

In this episode of Soccer Sidelines , host Mingo Roberts sits down with Denis Chekuristov, founder of DC Way Soccer, an award-winning Capitol Hill club known for making the game fun while building strong players and communities. We talk about the origins of DC Way, its unique approach to youth development, what parents should prioritize at the early stages, and how families can navigate the journe...

The Game Is Just the Beginning: Inside DC XI with Mike Idiokitas, Founder, COO, and VP 20.05.2025 1:00:17

In episode one of Soccer Sidelines , host Mingo Roberts sits down with Mike Idiokitas—Founder, COO, and VP of DC XI—to explore how one DMV club is rewriting the playbook for youth soccer. From coaching philosophy to community building, Mike shares how DC XI is prioritizing access, identity, and opportunity for players and families across the region.

Soccer Sidelines Kick Off: Navigating the Youth Soccer Maze with Doug Homer of the St. James 13.05.2025 1:04:04

Host Mingo Roberts kicks off Soccer Sidelines with special guest and longtime friend Doug Homer. They explore the evolving youth soccer scene, from rec to travel, and share tips for parents on picking the right club, understanding leagues, and supporting young players. They also reflect on the pro game—and what it can teach us about player development at every level.