Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast

Let us know the topics of interest to you!The Breaking the Line team is back with their newest episode as we head into the holiday season and features a special guest, ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. Kutney and the crew open the episode with the inaugural ECNL Boys East Coast Super Cup, where eight teams from four East Coast conferences battled it out in Cary, NC to lift the Super Cup trophy. The team chats about how the Super Cup was formed, what the competition was like and the importance of winning, and also give a special shoutout to the champs, Florida Premier. The ECNL Boys East Coast Super Cup ran along side the Men's College Cup, and the Breaking the Line team continue their discussion from last week regarding the pros and cons of the amount of international players within college soccer, and college soccer's place within the US' youth soccer developmental platforms. Does NCAA Soccer see itself as part of the developmental path for players? How do you balance winning vs. developing at the collegiate level? And how does NIL deals and the transfer portal affect how programs recruit and construct rosters? The BTL team tries to tackle these questions and more. Also looking ahead, the lads look forward to the ECNL Coaching Symposium in Las Vegas in early February, discussing which speakers will be presenting at the symposium and who they are looking forward to the most. Finally, with the new year on the horizon, this week's Bracken Buster features New Years Resolutions and what the whole team is looking forward to in 2025. All that and more in the newest episode of Breaking the Line! 

Let us know the topics of interest to you!It’s post-Thanksgiving and the Breaking the Line team are back for a brand-new episode on all things college soccer. The NCAA Men’s and Women’s College Cups are in full swing and we dive into examining which teams are still alive chasing a trophy. On the women’s side, more than 80 ECNL alumni are competing across four teams, while eight teams made up of more than 35 alumni are alive on the men’s side. The College Cup sparked an interesting discussion on Breaking the Line about how many international players compete for teams in men’s soccer compared to the women’s side. It’s a back and forth about how to balance providing opportunities to different athletes, development vs. winning and the role of collegiate soccer in the career paths of both coaches and players. This discussion led to a listener-submitted question regarding how centerbacks can stand out to D1 recruits during games. The team provides their own insights on what good centerbacks do during games and how recruiting for a defender is different than an attacker. The BTL team also discusses how scouts look for different things even between centerbacks and outside backs. Finally, a tease for the next episode of Breaking the Line. US Club Soccer announced changes to birth year restrictions in 2026, and the crew gives their initial thoughts while looking forward to Episode 109, which will feature a much more in-depth discussion with US Club Soccer and more. But it's not all serious soccer talk! We lighten the mood with personal stories about Thanksgiving traditions, from unique turkey alternatives to beloved side dishes like mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole. With gratitude to our listeners and the ECNL community, we invite you to share your thoughts and questions for future episodes. Tune in for a blend of sports insights, heartfelt holiday moments, and an engaging discussion that promises to keep you entertained and informed.

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Unlock the secrets of the ECNL showcase season alongside Christian Lavers, Doug Bracken, and Ashley Willis as they dissect the perfect blend of timing and location that makes these events a recruiting hotspot. Discover why warm climates open doors for teams from colder areas, and learn how 80% of Division I recruits trace their roots back to this league. The hosts discuss the strategic planning behind competitive schedules and how aligning teams based on last season's standings elevates the level of play and scouting opportunities, all while tackling the real-world challenges of NIL and college athlete payment issues.Navigate the nuanced world of youth soccer substitution rules, where the balance between player exposure and maintaining game fluidity is key. This episode unpacks how the ECNL adapts its substitution policies for showcases versus regular league play, offering insights into how these decisions impact player development and safety, particularly under extreme weather conditions. We also shine a light on the "Red Isn't Your Color" campaign, encouraging a culture of respect and sportsmanship to address the referee shortage caused by poor conduct in youth sports.

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Join us for an eye-opening conversation with ECNL Technical Advisor Ceri Bowley as we uncover the shifting paradigms in youth soccer development. Ever wondered how playing younger athletes against older opponents could radically enhance their skills? Ceri shares innovative strategies from Europe that focus on individual growth over team success, challenging traditional norms. We also dissect the intricacies of coach education, exploring why individualized learning and real-world application are crucial for effective coach development. Ceri offers his insights into the essential role parents play in aligning expectations and supporting their children's athletic journey. We discuss how a "golden thread" in training can ensure consistent learning, drawing parallels between the soccer environments in the UK and the U.S. 

Let us know the topics of interest to you!What if a single competition could redefine club soccer? Discover the groundbreaking Super Cup for boys' teams in ECNL, designed to challenge clubs across multiple age groups with its unique format and culminating premier event held in Raleigh, North Carolina. Explore how this innovative approach not only celebrates top-performing clubs but also provides the flexibility to form representative teams, creating an unparalleled experience in youth soccer. We also dive into the fascinating world of coach education, discussing the partnership with the Coach's Voice and what it means for the future of coaching in the ECNL community. Finally, join us as we tackle the often overlooked challenges of coaching education and the journey beyond licenses. From the financial hurdles faced by aspiring coaches in the U.S. to the importance of developing a personal coaching philosophy, we navigate the complexities of transitioning theoretical knowledge into practical application. Listen in to understand how coaches can teach players to think critically, and why continuous learning and adaptability are vital in coaching. 

Let us know the topics of interest to you!What happens when young soccer players are encouraged to explore multiple positions versus specializing early? Our conversation sheds light on the importance of understanding a player's attributes and the role of the training environment in nurturing these talents. We explore how an early focus on specific skills can shape a player's progression and discuss the impact of transitioning from smaller-sided games to full 11v11 formats. The debate on whether versatility or specialization truly benefits a young athlete unfolds, revealing how coaches play a pivotal role in guiding and sculpting the potential of their players.

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Can social media really make or break a soccer career? Join us on this episode of Breaking the Line as we tackle this provocative question and much more. We kick off with a heated debate on school year versus birth year age requirements and how these can shape the trajectory of young players. Next, we venture into the digital realm, scrutinizing the role of social media in soccer recruiting. Our discussion then pivots to the validity and influence of recruiting services. Can they really help when budgets are tight, or do they merely serve the already privileged? We dissect the significance of being named to all-conference or all-American teams, reflecting on how these accolades impact recruitment. Don't miss this episode packed with insights, debates, and expert opinions that could redefine your perspective on youth soccer development.

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Discover the secrets to mastering youth soccer coaching from the champions themselves! Join us as we chat with four of the most respected ECNL National Championship coaches: Douda Kante from Kansas Rush, Chase Miller from South Carolina Surf, Mike Aubrey from GTFC Impact, and Kelin Briones from San Diego Surf. Get ready to learn how these experts balance the delicate act of providing playing time while keeping a sharp focus on winning. From Chase's insights on performance-based playtime to Douda's focus on development for younger players, this episode is brimming with valuable strategies. Managing player motivation and expectations can be a complex dance, and our guests share their wisdom on this critical topic. Hear their techniques for tackling tough conversations with both parents and players, and their innovative approaches to team dynamics, including changing formations and setting clear pre-game expectations. 

Let us know the topics of interest to you!What if the future of college soccer was dramatically changing right before our eyes? On this episode of Breaking the Line, Christian Lavers, Doug Bracken, and Ashley Willis dissect the profound shifts stemming from the new NCAA settlement and the impending roster cap set to impact youth players by 2025. We scrutinize the potential upheaval of scholarship limits and what this means for all aspiring athletes. We continue by examining the intricacies of the new NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement, which promises to revolutionize the league with higher minimum salaries, a revamped salary cap, and groundbreaking revenue-sharing provisions. Discover how these changes are poised to influence youth development and recruitment, and their wider implications on the American sports landscape. 

Let us know the topics of interest to you!Ever wonder how a podcast can sustain its passion and energy over 100 episodes? Join us as we celebrate this remarkable milestone on Breaking the Line, the ECNL podcast. From navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to highlighting the triumphs of ECNL alums in the US Women's National Team's recent Olympic gold win, this episode is a rich tapestry of soccer history and personal stories. Hosted by the ever-engaging Dean Linke, we journey through the legacy of legendary University of North Carolina coach Anson Dorrance and his lasting impact on the sport.