Inside Captains University – How Leaders Are Built

Easton Brooks Soccer Journey

What does it really look like for a 14-year-old American player to move to Spain and chase the dream of professional soccer? In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Easton Brooks to discuss his journey from local soccer in Texas to training and competing in Spain against academy-level opposition. Easton shares what it was like leaving home at 14, adapting to a completely different soccer culture, learning a new language, handling pressure without family nearby, and discovering how much the joy of the game matters. Easton also opens up about the mental side of development, learning the speed and intelligence of the Spanish game, balancing school and soccer overseas, and what young American players can learn from the European pathway. This episode is a must-listen for soccer families, players, and coaches trying to better understand player development, international football culture, and the realities of chasing the professional game overseas. Key Talking Points 1. Easton’s first experience with soccer through “The Frogs” 2. Realizing Spain could become a legitimate pathway 3. Moving overseas at 14 years old 4. Differences between American and Spanish soccer culture 5. Technical ability vs soccer IQ 6. Living independently in Spain 7. Training intensity and film study overseas 8. Handling pressure and adversity away from family 9. Why joy and freedom matter in development 10. The importance of family support during the process Quotes From Easton 1. “As long as you’re having fun, that’s all that really matters.” 2. “I knew I had put in the work.” 3. “The game over there is a hundred times more intense.” 4. “They already know what they’re doing before they receive the ball.” 5. “The more fun you’re having, the better you’re going to play.” 6. “I really learned to appreciate every moment with my family.” 7. “I just tried my best and did what I knew.” 8. “I wanted them to want me.” 9. “I learned how to perform even without my family there.” 10. “Playing the sport is a blessing.” Connect with Easton Brooks 📸 Instagram: EastonBrooks88 Follow Chat By The Pitch 🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com 🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube 📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch ✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook 🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter. #ChatByThePitch #EastonBrooks #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #DallasCup #SpainSoccer #SoccerPodcast #USYouthSoccer #FootballDevelopment #SoccerParents #InternationalSoccer #MLSNext #ECNL #SpanishFootball #PlayerPathway #TexasSoccer #YouthFootball #SoccerJourney #FootballCulture #SoccerDevelopment Mentioned in this episode: Reeplayer: If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into. Reeplayer [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/reeplayer] Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories Soccer Innovations [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/si]

Ray Power – Why Modern Soccer Coaching Must Change

In Part 2, Ray Power and Ian Babcock continue the conversation by diving into coaching methodology, player development systems, training environments, and the importance of continuing coach education. Ray breaks down why static drills and long lines hurt player development, why game-like environments matter, and how the best coaches constantly evolve their understanding of the game. The conversation also explores curriculum building inside clubs, balancing development with winning, and why coaches must continue learning if they truly want to help players grow long term. Key Talking Points * Why dynamic training environments matter * The problem with line drills and stagnant sessions * Teaching players through game-like situations * Why youth coaches must continue their education * Balancing club curriculum with coaching autonomy * Winning versus long-term player development * How professional environments shape player mentality * Why coaching styles must evolve over time * Creating environments that maximize touches and decision-making * The importance of development-focused coaching culture Quotes from Ray Power “Winning should never come at the expense of development.” “There is no room for set plays at the younger ages.” “If kids are standing in lines, they’re not learning the game.” “Development happens in dynamic environments.” “You can wrap fitness, technique, and decision-making all into the game itself.” “The best coaches are constantly evolving.” “Coaching should never become cookie cutter.” “If you’re not changing as a coach, you’re falling behind.” “Players need a toolbox of experiences by the time they reach adulthood.” “The game itself should be the teacher whenever possible.” Connect with Ray Power 🌐 Stan Store / Courses: https://stan.store/CoachPower [https://stan.store/CoachPower] 💼 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/coachpowerpro [http://linkedin.com/in/coachpowerpro] ✖️ X / Twitter: @power_ray Follow Chat By The Pitch 🌐 Website: chatbythepitch.com 🎥 YouTube: Chat By The Pitch YouTube 📸 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch [https://www.instagram.com/chatbythepitch?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch ✖️ X / Twitter: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch Facebook 🎧 Spotify: Chat By The Pitch on Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Chat By The Pitch on Apple Podcasts 🔗 Linktree: Chat By The Pitch Links [https://linktr.ee/chatbythepitch?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter. #ChatByThePitch #RayPower #YouthSoccer #SoccerCoaching #CoachEducation #FootballDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #GrassrootsFootball #FootballCoaching #SoccerCulture #SoccerTraining #DevelopmentOverWinning #CoachingEducation #FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #DynamicTraining #YouthSports #PlayerGrowth #ModernCoaching Mentioned in this episode: Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories Soccer Innovations [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/si] Reeplayer: If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into. Reeplayer [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/reeplayer] ***Cursing Warning***

Ray Power – Why Parents Need Soccer Education Too

In Part 1 of this conversation, Ray Power joins Chat By The Pitch to talk about youth soccer development, coaching philosophy, parent education, and why keeping kids in love with the game matters more than early results. Ray shares his journey from teacher to professional coach educator, how writing Making the Ball Roll shaped his philosophy, and why modern coaching environments should focus on development, trust, communication, and long-term player growth. This episode dives deep into what parents misunderstand about coaching, why match day behavior matters, and how coaches can create environments where players actually learn and thrive. Key Talking Points * Ray Power’s journey into coaching and coach education * Why youth soccer should prioritize development over outcomes * The importance of keeping kids in love with the game * Why match day should not become joystick coaching * The role parents play in youth player development * Coaching environments built on trust and communication * Why players need different coaching experiences growing up * How coaches develop their own philosophy over time * The difference between learning and simply chasing results * Why parents need to better understand the development process Quotes from Ray Power “If we could just get out of the way of kids falling out of love with the game, everything after that will run its course.” “Do your coaching in training. Match day should mostly be reminders.” “The game evolves. Coaches have to evolve too.” “You can’t ruin the love of the game for kids.” “Good coaches will come, bad coaches will come — that’s part of development too.” “Kids grow from praise. They want to repeat what gets recognized.” “If you surround something with negativity all the time, that’s what it becomes.” “Parents often arrive without the motivation to learn, but with plenty to say.” “Winning at the expense of development is where youth soccer gets lost.” “The most important thing is making sure kids want to come back tomorrow.” Connect with Ray Power 🌐 Store & Courses: Stan Store – Coach Power [https://stan.store/CoachPower?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 💼 LinkedIn: Ray Power on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/coachpowerpro?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ✖️ X: @power_ray Follow Chat By The Pitch 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter. Hashtags #ChatByThePitch #RayPower #YouthSoccer #FootballDevelopment #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #CoachEducation #SoccerParents #GrassrootsFootball #YouthDevelopment #FootballCoaching #SoccerCulture #SoccerTraining #ParentEducation #PlayerGrowth #SoccerPodcast #FootballPodcast #YouthSports #DevelopmentOverWinning #MakingTheBallRoll Mentioned in this episode: Reeplayer: If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into. Reeplayer [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/reeplayer] Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories Soccer Innovations [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/si]

Inside Captains University – How Leaders Are Built

Part 2 is where everything connects. After hearing the journey, Anja Koehler breaks down how leadership is actually built—not assumed. Through Captains University, she’s created a system around something most players are expected to figure out on their own. Confidence. Communication. Decision-making. This isn’t about naming captains—it’s about developing leaders at every level of the game. Key Talking Points * The mission behind Captains University * Leadership as a learned skill—not a trait * The three pillars: clarity, communication, confidence * Why leadership should start earlier * Real player-to-player communication challenges * Handling conflict the right way * Working alongside coaches and team culture * Parents’ role in development * Guided decision-making vs giving answers * The 40–70 decision-making framework Quotes from Anja * “Leadership isn’t just about the armband.” * “The earlier you learn these tools, the better.” * “Confidence comes from understanding who you are.” * “You don’t need perfect information to make a decision.” * “Your next decision doesn’t have to be your final decision.” * “A team of leaders is more powerful than one leader.” * “We should stop giving answers and start asking better questions.” * “Leadership is something you learn over time.” * “Communication changes everything.” * “These tools go beyond soccer.” Connect with Anja Koehler & Captains University 🌐 Website: https://captainsuniversity.com/ [https://captainsuniversity.com/] 📸 Instagram: @captainsuniversity @anja_koehler 💼 LinkedIn: Captains University Anja Koehler 🎵 TikTok: @captainsuniversity 🎧 Follow Chat By The Pitch 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch 🎵 TikTok: Chat.By.The.Pitch 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps grow the game and these conversations. #SoccerLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCulture #CommunicationSkills #ConfidenceBuilding #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #DecisionMaking #AthleteGrowth #LeadershipSkills #NextGenLeaders #CoachEducation #ParentEducation #SportsLeadership #CaptainsUniversity #AnjaKoehler #ChatByThePitch #SoccerPodcast Mentioned in this episode: Reeplayer: If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into. Reeplayer [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/reeplayer] Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories Soccer Innovations [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/si]

Anja Koehler – The Journey That Built Captains University

This one starts with the story—but it’s not the clean version. Anja Koehler walks through what it actually looked like to become a leader—being overlooked, losing confidence, earning it back, and figuring it out in real time. From youth soccer to becoming a Division I captain, this is the part most players never hear about. Before Captains University became a framework, it was lived experience. This is where it started. KEY TALKING POINTS * Growing up in a soccer-driven environment * Early development and competitive mindset * Transition to high-level club soccer * Not being the best player—and why that mattered * Building habits outside structured training * High school vs club leadership experiences * College transition and injury setbacks * Losing confidence and earning it back * Turning point moments that changed everything * Becoming a captain through consistency QUOTES FROM ANJA * “I wasn’t the best player—but I knew I could work to become better.” * “You have to keep going even when it’s not working.” * “Your spot isn’t permanent—you earn it every day.” * “Confidence came from the work I was putting in.” * “That moment didn’t define me—it pushed me.” * “It wasn’t a straight path, and that’s what made it real.” * “You don’t just arrive—you build into it.” * “Every setback forced me to grow.” * “I just kept trying to get better every day CONNECT WITH ANJA KOEHLER & CAPTAINS UNIVERSITY 🌐 Website: https://captainsuniversity.com/ [https://captainsuniversity.com/] 📸 Instagram: @captainsuniversity @anja_koehler 💼 LinkedIn: Captains University Anja Koehler 🎵 TikTok: @captainsuniversity FOLLOW CHAT BY THE PITCH 🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch 📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch 📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps grow the game and these conversations. #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerJourney #Resilience #AthleteMindset #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #TeamCulture #GrowthMindset #NextGenAthletes #CollegeSoccer #ECNL #WorkEthic #Confidence #SoccerLife #LeadershipJourney #SportsDevelopment #ChatByThePitch #CaptainsUniversity #AnjaKoehler Mentioned in this episode: Reeplayer: If your team is looking at camera systems this season, you need to check out Reeplayer. It’s built to make recording and live streaming games simple — no complicated setup, no waiting hours for footage. You get your games fast, and you can share them right away with players, families, and coaches. If you’ve been dealing with the hassle of other systems, this is one worth looking into. Reeplayer [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/reeplayer] Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories Soccer Innovations [https://chat-by-the-pitch.captivate.fm/si]