About this episode

Carlos Bocanegra discusses youth soccer development and Atlanta FC's innovative approach while Jason Longshore covers Arsenal's Champions League journey.

Carlos Bocanegra joins Jason Longshore to talk about Atlanta FC, his new boutique youth club built on a model American youth soccer rarely sees: one team per age group, one dedicated coach per team, and a family-first environment where parents get the training session plan after every practice and are welcome at team talks. Bocanegra talks about why he stopped playing soccer for nine months in high school because of a bad coaching experience, why the late bloomer is the player most at risk in the current system, and what he hopes Atlanta FC can do to start changing the culture of youth development nationally. Jason adds context on the staff: Liam Curran, nine years at Atlanta United and currently working with U.S. Youth National Teams, as Director of Goalkeeping, and Dr. Ryan Alexander, founding High Performance Director at Atlanta United, in the same role at Atlanta FC. Tryouts are May 18 through 20 at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven. More at atlantafootballclub.com. Then it's What's On Tap, sponsored by Michelob Ultra, official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26. Arsenal are going to Budapest for their first Champions League final in 20 years. Jason breaks down the most…

People in this episode

Host: Jason Longshore

Guest: Carlos Bocanegra

Topics covered

• youth soccer development
• Atlanta FC
• Arsenal Champions League
• coaching experiences
• soccer culture change

Keywords

• Carlos Bocanegra
• Atlanta FC
• youth soccer
• Arsenal
• Champions League
• coaching
• soccer culture

Sponsors

Michelob Ultra

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Atlanta FC, U.S. Youth National Teams, Atlanta United, FIFA World Cup 26, Arsenal

Places: Budapest, Munich

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