In Episode 15 of The Soccer Ladder, we welcome a true American soccer icon: ⁠@michaelbr4dley⁠ — former USMNT captain, two-time World Cup player, MLS Cup champion with Toronto FC, European veteran, and a leader who’s played the game at every level, around the world.

Michael sits down with Lee and Megan to share his journey from growing up on the sidelines with his dad, legendary coach Bob Bradley, to turning pro at 16, adapting to life abroad, and learning how to handle pressure, setbacks, and the daily grind of a 20-year career.

⚽️ Inside This Episode:

✅ What it was like to grow up in a soccer household and how it shaped his love for the game

✅ How to handle homesickness, being benched, criticism, and staying resilient ✅ His take on young players turning pro at 16 versus developing at their own pace

✅ The real lessons he learned playing in Europe, Serie A and the World Cup ✅ Advice for parents: the balance between pushing and protecting your child’s joy for the game

✅ Non-soccer habits that kept him healthy and consistent for two decades — from nutrition and ice baths to yoga and mindset ✅ Why loving the game is the true secret to longevity and growth

💡 Quotes to Remember:

“If you love the game, there’s always somewhere to play.”

“Parents, the experience matters more than the level.”

“Go all in, give everything you have, and make the best of where you are.”

✨ Whether you’re a youth player, an academy parent, or a coach helping kids dream big, this episode is packed with perspective and practical wisdom.

📲 Follow the Guest:

🔗 Guest:⁠@michaelbr4dley⁠

📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc

Co-host: @liamlinke93

www.liandmeinnyc.com

🎧 The Soccer Ladder is available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Soccer Ladder podcast! Let us know what you think in the comments.

#TheSoccerLadder #MichaelBradley #USMNT #SoccerParenting #YouthSoccer #MLS #SoccerPodcast #SoccerDevelopment #SoccerMindset #RedBullsAcademy #SoccerJourney #SoccerFamily

In this high-energy episode of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the inspiring brothers behind @game_awareness, the Canadian-based trainers revolutionizing youth soccer with cutting-edge awareness training.

From scanning and shoulder checks to creating elite-level soccer IQ, these coaches are showing young players what it really takes to stand out on the pitch—not just with skill, but with vision, intelligence, and mindset.

💡 What We Cover:

• The origin story of @game_awareness and their breakthrough trip to Holland
• How their training evolved from 1:1 sessions to full team showcases
• The massive difference between Canadian and European player development
• Why awareness is the hidden skill that separates good players from great ones
• How they’re reshaping youth soccer with the Super League, international tournaments, and elite showcases
• Their take on development vs. competitiveness—and why scorekeeping matters
• Tactical mindset shifts every young player needs to succeed long-term
• The role of scanning, decision-making, and mistake-embracing in building world-class athletes
• Honest advice for parents on letting kids own their journey
• 
  

🎯 Key Takeaway:Soccer IQ isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you train.

🔥 Bonus Highlights:

• Liam reflects on beating Sporting in Portugal
• Insights on Red Bulls training & the importance of the #6 position
• Behind-the-scenes of their upcoming YouTube channel, 1v1 tournaments, and ball launcher drills

📲 Follow the Guests:

Instagram: ⁠@game_awareness⁠
YouTube: ⁨@gameawareness8312⁩
www.gameawarenesstraining.com



📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc
Co-host: @liamlinke93

www.liandmeinnyc.com

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Soccer Ladder podcast! Let us know what you think in the comments.

In this can’t-miss episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Michael Parkhurst @mikeparkhurst3—former USMNT captain, MLS Cup champion, European pro, and co-founder of @beyondgoalsmentoring—to go deep on the sacrifices, mindset, and structure required to go pro and stay pro.


Whether you’re an academy parent, a player chasing the dream, or a coach shaping the next generation, this episode is filled with gold.


🔹 From Rhode Island to Europe to founding Rhode Island FC (@rhodeislandfc), Michael shares:


His journey from IMG to Wake Forest to Europe and MLS


What it really takes to handle pressure and develop long-term


The importance of mental resilience and the three D's: Determination, Dedication, Discipline


Why not every kid should go pro at 14 or 15—and what maturity differences he’s seen in college vs. academy grads


Powerful lessons for parents about motivation, overtraining, and sideline behavior


💬 “If I want it more than my kid does—that’s a problem.”


💡 Plus:


Why youth players should play multiple positions


How small setbacks are key to long-term growth


What inspired the creation of Beyond Goals Mentoring and how it’s changing lives on and off the pitch


📲 Follow & Connect


Guest: @mikeparkhurst3


Mentorship: @beyondgoalsmentoring


Club: @rhodeislandfc

📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc

Co-host: @liamlinke93


🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.