Pitch Talk: Lessons from the 2026 World Cup and Some of Sport’s Sharpest Minds | Ep. 139

Pitch Talk: Lessons from the 2026 World Cup and Some of Sport’s Sharpest Minds | Ep. 139

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new]

Pitch-Proven Results: How US Soccer Compares to the European Game | Ep. 138

Let us know the topics of interest to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2325804/fan_mail/new] Fresh off the heels of the ECNL International Tournament, powered by Coaches' Voice and in association with Everton International Academy, Oklahoma Energy Director of Coaching Mark Howard joins Breaking the Line to discuss everything about the European event and more.  Conversing with ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken, Howard begins with his upbringing in Manchester, England, joining Manchester United's academy and playing professionally in Europe before coming to the US.  Armed with his experiences, BTL dives into what it was like for him to be back in England for the ECNL International Tournament, what the perception was about the American teams before and after the event, and what are the differences between the youth systems in the US and Europe and why are they that way?  Along the way, the team lays out a better path forward, while also giving their thoughts about the upcoming World Cup and a few predictions. 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.

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.