Épisodes

  • From Scotland to the Bay: What separates good players from great?

    From Scotland to the Bay: What separates good players from great?
    Aug 22 2025
    In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Ben Maxwell, owner and coaching director at Player One Performance. From his beginnings in Scotland to leading supplemental training in Northern California, Ben shares insights on youth development, the U.S. soccer landscape, and what separates good players, coaches, and programs from great ones. His story is a journey of passion, mentorship, and building environments where kids can fall in love with the game. What You’ll Hear[00:01] Growing up in Scotland and discovering a lifelong love of soccer[00:03] Realizing he was an “average” player and turning early to coaching[00:04] A PE teacher’s surprising influence and first coaching experience — in rugby[00:06] The leap to the U.S. through sports camps in Texas[00:07] First impressions of American youth soccer in 2004[00:09] Changing perceptions of U.S. soccer internationally[00:12] How supplemental training supports (not replaces) club and school soccer[00:14] Why technical development is critical — and the “golden age” for building it[00:18] Parents’ dilemmas: timelines, competitiveness, and when to push or hold back[00:21] Passion vs. burnout: why kids don’t “burn out” if they love the game[00:23] Traits of the top 1% of players he’s trained — from relentless work ethic to perfectionism[00:25] What makes a great coach (hint: connection > credentials)[00:27] The Bay Area’s role in U.S. soccer growth and upcoming big events[00:29] One change he’d make to U.S. youth soccer: smaller-sided games[00:31] The power of futsal in player development[00:32] Advice for parents: “It’s their journey, not yours”[00:33] Advice for players: enjoyment leads to improvement Connect With Us Instagram: @claudinewongktvu | @thealexlobban TikTok: @claudinektvu Facebook: Claudine Wong KTVU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 min
  • From West Virginia to the Bay: Cailin Mullins on Why Junior College Soccer Deserves a Second Look

    From West Virginia to the Bay: Cailin Mullins on Why Junior College Soccer Deserves a Second Look
    Aug 15 2025
    In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Cailin Mullins, head women’s soccer coach at Diablo Valley College. From her unlikely start as a young girl playing on boys’ teams in West Virginia, to competing in the ACC against legends like Mia Hamm, to coaching at Stanford and ultimately leading a junior college program, Cailin shares insights on resilience, opportunity, and why the junior college path can be a powerful choice for soccer athletes. What You’ll Hear [00:01:22] Growing up in West Virginia and playing multiple sports before focusing on soccer. [00:02:36] Choosing the goalkeeper position — and the unique mindset it requires. [00:04:06] Competing on boys’ teams until 16, and how a loss became a turning point. [00:06:13] Mentorship from a Chilean coach and early goalkeeper training. [00:07:26] Breaking into college soccer before Title IX’s full impact. [00:08:56] Starting all four years at Maryland and facing future soccer icons. [00:10:13] Changing majors to balance academics with athletics. [00:11:22] How time demands for student-athletes have increased over the decades. [00:14:53] Moving to California to join Stanford’s coaching staff. [00:15:49] Finding a passion for coaching — and why she eventually chose the junior college level. Connect With Us Instagram: @claudinewongktvu | @thealexlobban⁠⁠ TikTok: @claudinektvu Facebook: Claudine Wong KTVU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 min
  • Whispering Talents Versus Shouting Talent: How Jordan Ferrell Finds Talent Around Him

    Whispering Talents Versus Shouting Talent: How Jordan Ferrell Finds Talent Around Him
    Aug 9 2025
    Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Ferrell, Technical Director for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, to explore how he spots soccer talent in a diverse and competitive landscape. Jordan breaks down his unique approach to scouting—distinguishing between the obvious “shouting talents” and the often overlooked “whispering talents.” From youth academies to professional transitions, he shares insights on player development, building community through local talent, and the future of soccer in the Bay Area. Jordan also discusses the importance of environment, patience in development, and how Oakland Roots is shaping a pathway for local players to thrive on the professional stage. Timestamps & Highlights: [00:18:46] Jordan reflects on the universal language of soccer and the diversity he embraces in coaching across different levels. [00:19:45] He shares his coaching journey from youth clubs to colleges and beyond, highlighting the impact he’s made at each stage. [00:21:47] Jordan describes his current role as Technical Director, emphasizing his job as a connector across coaches, players, and departments to align with the club’s vision. [00:23:10] The scouting process: a mix of video analysis, data, and essential live scouting, especially for youth players in Northern California. [00:25:05] Jordan explains his talent evaluation philosophy using the concepts of “shouting talents” (obvious stars) vs. “whispering talents” (hidden gems). [00:28:47] The importance of professional development beyond just technical skill, including psychological and physical preparation. [00:30:09] How early identification and structured pathways help talents like Ali transition from amateur to professional levels. [00:31:53] The challenges players face once they reach the first team and the coping strategies Oakland Roots implements through Project 510. [00:32:14] Three key traits Jordan looks for in whispering talents: affection for the ball, ambition, and a winning mindset. [00:34:46] Examples of late bloomers and the intrinsic motivation that helps players succeed despite initial setbacks. [00:34:59] The future of youth development at Oakland Roots and the strategy of supporting multiple local clubs rather than monopolizing young talent. [00:36:02] How the Roots influence local soccer through coaching education, referee training, and community partnerships. [00:39:48] The unique focus on transitioning teenagers into men’s football to better prepare them for professional play. [00:40:53] Oakland Roots as a destination club for players nearing professional readiness rather than competing for early-age recruitment. [00:42:34] The value of developing local talent beyond just economics—building lifelong fans and community pride. [00:44:18] Discussion on soccer as a community event and the cultural importance of local players representing their hometown clubs. [00:45:53] The club’s vision for the future, including the Howard Terminal Stadium and how success could inspire others. [00:46:44] The balance of local and global talent for a winning and exciting team that fans can rally behind. [00:48:10] Jordan shares his current assessment of the team’s progress and optimism for climbing the table in the season ahead. Connect with Us: Claudine Wong: ClaudineWongKTVU Instagram | ClaudineKTVU TikTok | Facebook Claudine Wong Ktvu Alex Lobban: (Instagram @thealexlobban) Follow Oakland Roots SC for the latest updates: oaklandrootssc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    50 min
  • Bay Area girls soccer club wins national title

    Bay Area girls soccer club wins national title
    Aug 1 2025
    In this episode of Offside in the Bay, hosts Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban talk with MVLA ECNL Head Coach Esteban Sosa and three of this incredible team’s players — Kaylie Giusti, Allison Park (a team captain), and Salsa Salita. They reflect on the team’s journey to the National Championship in Richmond, Virginia, discussing: The one-game-at-a-time mindset Pivotal tournament moments MVLA’s approach to player development Recruiting advice for younger players The importance of team chemistry, trust, and joy How focusing on one game at a time helps teams win The role of chemistry and trust on the field MVLA’s method of developing players for higher levels Insights on the college recruiting process The mindset behind becoming national champions Episode Highlights – Minute by Minute: 00:00 – Welcome and introductions 02:10 – Coach Sosa on building a championship mindset 06:30 – Kaylie Giusti shares key moments from the title run 11:15 – Allison Park on team chemistry and trust 15:45 – Salsa Salita discusses the importance of joy and passion 20:00 – MVLA’s player development approach 25:30 – Recruiting timeline and advice 30:50 – Reflections on winning the National Championship 35:00 – Wrap-up What You’ll Learn: Hosts: Claudine Wong – Veteran Journalist and KTVU Anchor Alex Lobban – Former professional soccer player, coach, and lifelong soccer fan Connect With Us: Claudine on Instagram: @claudinewongktvu Claudine on Instagram & Facebook: @claudinewongktvu TikTok: @claudinektvu Download FOX Local to catch Claudine’s latest work Short Summary (under 121 characters): MVLA ECNL coach and players share their journey to the National Championship in Offside in the Bay podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 min
  • Tommy Hodul (Oakland Roots SC)

    Tommy Hodul (Oakland Roots SC)
    Jul 25 2025
    A lifelong love of soccer and Oakland fuels Tommy Hodul’s journey—from originally dreaming of music education to co-founding Oakland Roots SC, a club where culture, activism, and winning come together on and off the pitch. Join Claudine Wong, Alex Lobban, and Tommy for a passionate conversation about building community through soccer, the thrill of the game, and why bowling just might be Tommy’s hidden talent. Episode Summary Tommy Hodul shares his inspiring story of how a childhood passion for soccer and deep ties to Oakland shaped his path to co-founding Oakland Roots SC. Alongside Claudine and co-host Alex Lobban, Tommy reflects on the club’s vision, the importance of winning with purpose, and how fostering community remains at the heart of everything they do. Plus, discover the surprising story behind Tommy’s perfect 300 bowling game! Key Takeaways Soccer as a lifelong passion and tool for community empowerment Founding Oakland Roots SC with a mission blending sport, culture, and activism How winning on the field strengthens community pride and momentum The importance of building facilities and infrastructure for future growth Tommy’s fun side: achieving a perfect 300 bowling game Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 01:30 – Tommy’s original plan to study music and music education and the injury that changed everything 07:45 – Founding Oakland Roots & Soul SC: vision and values 17:45 – Fusing soccer with culture and activism 20:50 – The importance of winning 22:50 – Tommy’s perfect 300 bowling game revealed 28:10 – Future plans and growing Oakland Roots community and why facilities matter Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: @claudinewongktvu TikTok: @claudinektvu Alex Lobban (Co-host) Instagram: @thealexlobban Oakland Roots SC Website: www.oaklandrootssc.com Memorable Quotes “Soccer’s always been part of who I am — it’s about Oakland, community, and bringing people together.” – Tommy Hodul “The club is about more than just winning; it’s about culture, activism, and giving back.” – Tommy HodulGuest Snapshot Tommy Hodul is a co-founder of Oakland Roots SC, a soccer club deeply rooted in the Oakland community. With a lifelong passion for the sport and commitment to activism, Tommy helps drive the club’s vision of building a team and culture that truly represents its city. Outside soccer, he’s a passionate bowler, recently hitting a perfect 300 game. Connect With Us What Now?Loved the episode? Subscribe to Offside in the Bay 2: The Pitch and Beyond wherever you listen. Drop us a : Let's continue to talk all things soccer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 min
  • Navigating College Soccer

    Navigating College Soccer
    Jul 18 2025
    In this episode of Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond, we sit down with Kelly Coffey, Head Coach of Dominican College Women’s Soccer, to break down what life is really like as a college player—and what it takes to get there. From the mindset shift required at the next level to the recruitment process and deal breakers coaches look out for, this episode is packed with must-know insight for players, parents, and anyone navigating the college soccer journey. Topics Covered: 01:45 – What Coach Coffey looks for in recruits 06:20 – Common misconceptions about college soccer life 10:35 – Balancing academics, pressure, and playing time 14:50 – Red flags and potential deal breakers Links & Resources: Dominican College Women’s Soccer page: ⁠https://dominicanathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 min