The Insider's Lounge

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we sit down with Mark Kelkenberg, a soccer scout and coach well-known in the college soccer space for sharing detailed scouting reports, opinions, and film on X (formerly Twitter). Mark shares his journey from his early passion for the game to becoming a trusted voice in scouting, offering a comprehensive look at the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and the ever-evolving college soccer landscape. We begin by exploring how the transfer portal has fundamentally reshaped college soccer, followed by a discussion of the varying play styles across programs and what it takes for players to successfully make the leap to MLS. Mark highlights top players to watch in the upcoming draft, including Hakim Karamoko (NC State), Charlie Harper (UNC), Alioune Ka (Cornell), and Joran Gerbet (Clemson), breaking down what makes them standout prospects in today’s competitive environment. Lastly, we wrap up the conversation by discussing how MLS teams approach the draft, exploring suggestions to improve its effectiveness, and hearing Mark's picks for the best MLS SuperDraft players of all time and the players from this draft he’d build a roster around. Whether you’re a college soccer fan, MLS enthusiast, or aspiring scout, this episode provides valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the journey from college soccer to the professional stage. If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, share, or subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes! Mark's X: https://x.com/MarkKelkenberg [https://x.com/MarkKelkenberg] Mark's YT: https://www.youtube.com/@KelkenSport [https://www.youtube.com/@KelkenSport] 🎙️ More Insider's Lounge Content: https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge [https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge] Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:58 First Soccer Memory + Passion for the Game 05:39 Balancing a Full-Time Job and Scouting Aspirations 11:00 Understanding College Soccer: An Overview 17:49 Exploring Varying Play Styles in College Soccer 25:17 Top College Soccer Programs of 2025 30:36 The Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Soccer 35:03 The MLS SuperDraft: What It Is and How It Works 41:50 Identifying Players Who Transition Best to MLS 48:48 How MLS Teams Approach the Draft Differently 53:46 What Mark Would Change About the MLS SuperDraft 1:00:03 Mark’s Bold Predictions for the Upcoming Draft 1:05:26 Quick-Fire Questions 1:12:34 Outro

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig are joined by Johan Brinkel, co-host of Kein Geloel, “the podcast dedicated to the most beautiful football club in the world—Feyenoord.” The discussion covers Johan’s first memory of Feyenoord, the unique culture of “De Trots van Zuid” (The Pride of the South), and the fierce rivalry with Ajax. They also dive into the impact of Arne Slot, Robin van Persie, the academy’s role in the first team, and Feyenoord’s approach to transfers and player development. This episode offers an in-depth look at what makes Feyenoord the pride of Rotterdam—and maybe even the world. If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes! Johan's X: https://x.com/JohanBrinkel [https://x.com/JohanBrinkel] Kein Geloel: https://x.com/KeinGeloelPod [https://x.com/KeinGeloelPod] 🎙 More FTS Content: https://linktr.ee/thefootballtalentshow [https://linktr.ee/thefootballtalentshow] The Football Talent Show is brought to you by The Insider's Lounge, a virtual studio that brings you exclusive insights and conversations from the world of sports. Follow our journey as we expand with new shows and content: https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge [https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge] Intro & Outro Credit: Chop Chops - Alex Productions Graphics X: https://x.com/Agbanebbie [https://x.com/Agbanebbie] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclenebo/ [https://www.instagram.com/unclenebo/] Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Introduction of Johan 03:12 First Memory of Feyenoord 10:40 Feyenoord Fanbase 14:56 Rivalry with Ajax 23:42 Arne Slot 42:08 Feyenoord's Best Coaches 44:20 Brian Priske and the Present 49:25 Summer Transfer Window 56:16 Academy Impact on the First Team 58:26 Reserve Teams in the Netherlands 01:03:38 Robin van Persie 01:09:15 Academy Talents Leaving at a Young Age 01:15:01 The Pathway to the First Team 01:18:25 Outro

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with John Guagliano, a marketing veteran with 30+ years of experience across the NBA, MLB, NHL, and now MLS. As Chief Marketing Officer of Minnesota United FC, John shares his journey from his blue-collar upbringing in New Jersey to becoming a key figure in the sports marketing world. John dives into a wide range of topics, including the unique challenges of marketing in MLS, the league’s explosive growth since his arrival in 2016, and how Messi’s impact is reshaping the sport’s landscape in the U.S. He discusses adapting marketing strategies across major sports leagues, standing out in a franchise-driven system, and the collaborative efforts within MLS. John also shares how Minnesota United benefits from the FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi’s arrival, and competitions like the Club World Cup, even without hosting games or facing Messi directly. Packed with valuable lessons, insights into the role of a CMO, and advice for those aspiring to break into the sports business, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of soccer, business, and marketing. If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, share, or subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes! 🎙️ More Insider's Lounge Content: https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge [https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge] Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Early Sporting Memories 01:41 Family Upbringing and Early Signs of a Career in Sports Marketing 04:32 Lessons Learned from Each Parent 06:30 Breaking into the Sports Business 09:29 Comparing Marketing Strategies Across Major Sports Leagues 19:20 Why John Changed Careers Frequently 20:25 Expectations vs. Reality of the MLS 23:53 Surprising Aspects of Being a Chief Marketing Officer 25:52 What Is a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? 28:35 Key Growth Drivers for Minnesota United and MLS 31:44 Collaboration Across MLS 34:22 Standing Out in a Franchise League 37:39 Adapting to New Cultures (City, Sport, People, etc.) 41:02 Sustaining Growth Post-Messi and the World Cup 44:55 Collaboration Between Marketing and Recruitment Staff 47:28 How On-Field Performance Impacts Club Growth 50:06 Leveraging the Club World Cup and World Cup Without Hosting 52:33 Influential Figures in John’s Journey 54:52 Advice for Advancing Your Career in Sports Business 57:24 John’s Legacy: What He Wants to Be Remembered For 59:39 Quick-Fire Questions 1:02:26 Outro

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig return with ArsenKveFCB for a rapid-fire session all about La Masia and FC Barcelona. Covering some of the academy's most debated topics, this episode dives into the biggest flops, the most underrated and overrated graduates, and players who left La Masia but went on to shine elsewhere. Arsen also tackles fun head-to-head matchups like Adam Aznou vs. Alejandro Balde and Victor Barbera vs. Marc Guiu, while reflecting on the top youth coaches and La Masia teams of the past decade. Plus, don’t miss his thoughts on whether we’ll ever see a Lithuanian player good enough to play for Barça! A must-watch for anyone curious about the history and future of La Masia’s extraordinary talent pool. If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes! 🎙 More FTS Content: https://linktr.ee/thefootballtalentshow [https://linktr.ee/thefootballtalentshow] The Football Talent Show is brought to you by The Insider's Lounge, a virtual studio that brings you exclusive insights and conversations from the world of sports. Follow our journey as we expand with new shows and content: https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge [https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge] Intro & Outro Credit: Chop Chops - Alex Productions Graphics X: https://x.com/Agbanebbie [https://x.com/Agbanebbie] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclenebo/ [https://www.instagram.com/unclenebo/] Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Biggest La Masia Flop of the Last Decade 02:52 Favourite La Masia Team of the Past Decade 05:05 Best Youth Coach in La Masia Over the Past Decade 06:39 Most Underrated Current Player in the Academy 08:15 Adam Aznou vs. Alejandro Balde: Who Would You Choose? 09:39 Most Disrespected La Masia Graduate of the Last Decade 11:31 Victor Barbera vs. Marc: Who Would You Choose? 13:01 Most Overrated La Masia Graduate of the Last Decade 15:19 Top 3 Players You Regret Leaving La Masia in the Past 10 Years 19:00 Will There Ever Be a Lithuanian Player Good Enough for FC Barcelona? 20:48 Outro

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with Will Orben, Head of Academy Development at San Diego FC, to explore how he is revolutionizing player development in North America. Will shares his inspiring journey from his early days in hockey to becoming a leader in youth soccer, reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, including his time playing and coaching in Europe and his influential work with Right to Dream. We dive into what Right to Dream seeks in aspiring players and how its innovative philosophy has influenced Will’s approach to developing talent. Will unpacks what defines success in player development, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, education, and family involvement in shaping well-rounded athletes. He also explains why focusing solely on outcomes can be misleading and discusses the groundbreaking strategies being implemented at San Diego FC’s academy to create meaningful pathways for young players. With a focus on character development, opportunity, and the power of great teaching, this episode provides a deep dive into how Will Orben and San Diego FC are setting a new standard for youth soccer in North America. If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, share, or subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes! 🎙️ More Insider's Lounge Content: https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge [https://linktr.ee/theinsiderslounge] Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:28 From Hockey to Soccer: Will’s Journey in Sports 11:40 The Motivation and Influences Behind Will’s Success 17:44 Expectations & Surprises of Playing Soccer in Europe 22:06 Life After Soccer: Preparing for the Next Chapter 25:23 Key Lessons Will Learned as a Teacher 30:00 Why Focusing on Outcomes Can Be Misleading 33:27 How Will Continues to Learn and Grow Professionally 35:37 What Is Right To Dream? 40:07 What to Expect From San Diego FC’s Academy 48:17 What Right To Dream Seeks in Aspiring Players 52:33 Insights from Working with San Diego FC 54:28 How Will Defines Success 59:14 Educating Players’ Families 1:01:34 Quick-Fire Questions 1:06:06 Outro