Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast

Connecting ECNL Players to the Pros with Data and Video feat. Hudl | Ep. 137

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new] ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken welcomed Matt Mueller, President of Hudl, to Breaking the Line this week to dive into everything about the video streaming platform and the partnership between Hudl and the ECNL.  The Breaking the Line crew dives into Hudl’s start with Nebraska football, how the company has expanded into nearly every amateur sport, how Hudl and the ECNL continue to expand and grow video capabilities and access and what the future holds for both organizations.  It’s a great discussion about the power of video and data in sports, and how both are leaders in their respective fields.  As always, make sure to submit any questions to https://ecnl.info/BTL-Questions, to subscribe to Breaking the Line on YouTube, and to follow the ECNL on all social channels.

ECNL Goes International: Building Culture, Memories and Passion | Ep. 136

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new] ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken return to the airwaves with ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney and North Carolina FC Youth CEO Gary Buete for an in-depth look at the ECNL International Series and its first two events: the ECNL International Tournament, Powered by Coaches' Voice and in association with Everton International Academy, and the ECNL International IberCup. Participating in the ECNL International Tournament and serving as the host site for the ECNL International IberCup, Buete discussed why these international events were important for NCFC Youth as a whole, what it can provide for their players, and why its vital as a club that the ECNL as a league facilitates opportunities such as these.  Along the way, the four also discuss the differences in local soccer culture between the United States and Europe, how the US can continue to build a strong soccer culture and more. As always, make sure to submit any questions to https://ecnl.info/BTL-Questions, to subscribe to Breaking the Line on YouTube, and to follow the ECNL on all social channels.

How Athletes Can Get the Most From Individual Training | Ep. 135

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new] Following a riveting episode regarding sport specialization, Breaking the Line welcomes David Copeland-Smith, founder of Beast Mode Soccer, to discuss all things regarding individual training.  ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken converse with Copeland-Smith about a variety of topics surrounding individual training, including: Copeland-Smith's experiences training world-class athletes such as Kennedy Fuller, Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath, how to maximize the relationship between athlete, skills coaches and club coaches, how to tell if an individual training coach is right for your athlete and more.  Along the way, we'll hear stories about 7v7 games in Beverly Hills, the Voice of the ECNL Dean Linke earns a new fan, and listeners will learn how each member of Breaking the Line got to where they are today.  As always, make sure to submit any questions to https://ecnl.info/BTL-Questions, to subscribe to Breaking the Line on YouTube, and to follow the ECNL on all social channels.

The Truth About Sport Specialization And Injury Risk In Youth Soccer | Ep. 134

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new] Breaking the Line welcomes ECNL Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Drew Watson to the podcast for Episode 134 to discuss his latest research from the ECNL Center for Athlete Health and Performance.  Watson sits down with ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken to discuss the injury risk with sport specialization in female youth soccer athletes. Through a two-year study within an ECNL Club, Watson did not find any statistical significance in regards to injury risk between those athletes who specialize in soccer and those who play multiple sports.  The conversation weaves through how the study was conducted, what the results mean, what can players, coaches and families do with this information, and ultimately, why is this important to the ECNL and its athletes.  It's a riveting conversation, with great insights throughout without getting bogged down with too many technical details.  As always, make sure to submit any questions to https://ecnl.info/BTL-Questions, to subscribe to Breaking the Line on YouTube, and to follow the ECNL on all social channels.

Build The Pyramid, Inspire The Journey: A Conversation with ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney | Ep. 133

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new] Following a highly successful ECNL Coaching Symposium at the Circa Resort in Las Vegas, ECNL President Christian Lavers sits down with ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney for a candid conversation about the ECNL Boys as a league and the youth soccer landscape as a whole.  In this hour-long conversation, Lavers and Kutney discuss new membership for the 2026-27 season, how the league looks at club promotions every season, its approach to the club-based league structure, and what parents should be looking for in teams, clubs and coaches when determining where they play throughout their athlete’s career.  Throughout the episode, the two give more insight on the US Club Soccer competition pathway, tease clubs competing the IBERCUP x ECNL International Tournament and more. As always, make sure to submit any questions to https://ecnl.info/BTL-Questions, to subscribe to Breaking the Line on YouTube, and to follow the ECNL on all social channels.