How I Built This Sports Club
How I Built This Sports Club is a podcast that explores the stories behind youth sports organizations. Host Rich Nassif interviews founders, builders, and leaders who share their journey from founding to success. Each episode delves into the decision-making, problem-solving, innovation, and vision that defined each leader and their club's progression. Listeners gain insights into what makes these leaders and their clubs 'BuiltDifferent'.
Episodes
Chris Mueller - BTB
Description for the episode: It’s a pretty simple concept… be the best. Be the best version of yourself. Embracing the right mentality is the best thing anyone can do, and this MLS professional is here to help young athletes do the same.
This is Chris Mueller and BTB.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Keeper Goals,
Meghan Miller - The Mental Game Method
Raising an athlete while shaping a person. The car ride home. So many other youth sport scenarios. And a new effort to support the athletes, parents, coaches and staff.
This is Dr. Meghan Miller and The Mental Game Method.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Keeper Goals, our equipment sponsor - www.KeeperGoals.com/p
Neil Thompson - Big Cat Goalkeeping
A man of many talents, who has worn almost every hat in the soccer world. During Part 1 of this episode, we hear about his goalkeeper program that developed three current MLS starters.
This is Neil Thompson and Big Cat Goalkeeping.
Follow Big Cat Goalkeeping @bigcatgk
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Keeper Goal
Cam Omsberg - FC Florida
A different take on a development pathway for boys and girls. And an equal emphasis on academics and athletics, combined with a global experience.
This is Cam Omsberg and FC Florida.
Follow @fcfloridaprep
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Keeper Goals, our equipment sponsor - www.KeeperGoals.com/podcast
Podcas
Paul Tinnion - North American Soccer Expo
July 30th to August 1st, in suburban Detroit. A new opportunity to learn from and network with some of the best minds in youth soccer. And how this event, entering year two, is just getting started.
This is Paul Tinnion and the North American Soccer Expo.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Keeper Goals, our equipme
Matt Poland - FC Naples
A blank canvas. One of the youngest coaches in American professional soccer. And a record-breaking inaugural season.
This is Matt Poland and FC Naples.
Be sure to follow our guest Matt Poland and FC Naples at:
FC Naples
https://instagram.com/fc.naples
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fcnaples/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fc.naples
https://www.youtube.com/@FCNaples
Coach Matt Poland
https://www
David Richardson - Sockers FC (Part 2)
Part 2 of our conversation with David Richardson as we continue to discuss and learn from Sockers FC.
Over four decades, a club at the forefront of youth soccer. Synonymous with elite player development, national championships, MLS Draft picks and NT players. Built on a foundation of character and culture.
This is David Richardson and Sockers FC.
Follow Sockers FC on their socials: @sockerschic
David Richardson - Sockers FC
Over four decades, a club at the forefront of youth soccer. Synonymous with elite player development, national championships, MLS Draft picks and NT players. Built on a foundation of character and culture.
This is David Richardson and Sockers FC.
Follow Sockers FC on their socials: @sockerschicago
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketS
Adam Kuhn - Satori
Improving youth soccer shouldn’t just happen one club at a time, it happens faster when clubs learn together. Surveys, benchmarking, net promoter score, insights that drive better decisions, and improved player retention.
This is Adam Kuhn and Satori.
Learn more about Adam's work at the Satori website: https://gosatori.org/. You can also connect with Adam by email: adam.kuhn@gosatori.org
This
Michele Burns & Shane Rineer - Lower Merion SC
Two colleagues teaming up for the third time, taking on the leadership of a historic youth club that Ben Olsen, Daniel Lovitz and even Kobe Bryant called home. Now the focus shifts to centralizing administration and building a strong community.
This is Michele Burns, Shane Rineer and Lower Merion Soccer Club.
Follow Lower Merion SC and all the great work being done by Michele & Shane at @low
Stuart Collins - Michigan Rangers FC
Rooted in the community and named after a famous Scottish club. And how one Irishman kept the nickname but elevated the club to a grander stage at both the youth and semi-professional level. This is Stuart Collins and Michigan Rangers.
Follow Michigan Rangers at @michiganrangersfc
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Live at REV - Brian Kraft & Colleen Magarity
Rich sat down Live at REV on January 14th, 2026, profiling two clubs synonymous with Philadelphia. Two clubs from different sports, with different circumstances, assets, and objectives... but with the same goal of delivering a top experience for their players. The contrast is informative.
This is Brian Kraft & Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals, and Colleen Magarity & HHH Philly Lacrosse.
Patrice Gheisar - Vaughan SC
A trailblazing, high performance coach. From the youth and semi-professional ranks at Vaughan SC to managing Halifax in the Canadian Premier League. And now with another project to take a youth / League 1 Ontario side to new heights.
This is Patrice Gheisar and Vaughan SC.
Follow Patrice Gheisar @PatriceGheisar
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field -
Shawn Sullivan - Running USA
An experienced sports executive with decades of experience in collegiate athletic departments, professional sports and NCAA conference office roles. A new chapter leading a national organization to grow more runners and create a more connected running community.
This is Shawn Sullivan and Running USA.
Follow Running USA @runningusa_org and Shawn Sullivan @shawnksullivan
This Episode is Sponso
James Beeston - Beestera
Three college teammates. Private trainings. An initial summer camp with 12 players. And a mission is to develop great players, better people guided by their philosophy of nurturing the individual within the collective.
This is James Beeston and Beestera.
Follow Beestera @beestera
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Ke
Ben Shepherd - FC Wisconsin
A club on the financial brink. Co-DOCs stepping in, rebranding, and starting fresh. An emphasis on quality coaches developing the player & the person. Now, 800 players and four locations strong, with eyes on national success.
This is Ben Shepherd and FC Wisconsin.
Learn more about FC Wisconsin at fcwisconsin.com and follow them on Instagram @fcwisconsinnationals
This Episode is Sponsored
Kevin Nuss - Ocean City Nor'easters
A pre-professional club, 28 seasons in, with a tremendous history of success on the field and pushing players onto pro contracts. And the journey founding the youth academy that led to another startup that same year.
This is Kevin Nuss and Ocean City Nor’easters.
Follow Ocean City Nor'easters @ocnoreasters
If you'd like to learn more about the apparel brand, Palla Athletic, visit www.pallaathle
JR Butler - Shift Group
A resume that includes Chief Revenue Officer, Founder and CEO. And how one former hockey player is on a mission to prove that character traits and competitiveness cultivated through sport make the best hires.
This is JR Butler and Shift Group.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can learn reach out & learn more at shiftgroup.io
Follow Shift Group @shiftgroup_hq
This Epi
Kyle Martino - Street FC
The emotions of seeing the USMNT miss out on the 2018 World Cup. A standout footballer turned commentator & entrepreneur. Small-sided soccer games on concrete. This is Kyle Martino and Street FC.
If you'd like to get in touch with Kyle, you can reach him at @kylemartino
Follow @streetfc
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.
Jason Kutney - ECNL Boys
One of the first national leagues to have existed in the youth soccer landscape. And how one commissioner draws on a background playing, coaching, operating facilities and overseeing the Pittsburgh Riverhounds club & academy.
This is Jason Kutney and ECNL Boys.
Follow the ECNL on Facebook: ECNL Boys, Twitter: @ecnlboys, and Instagram: @ecnlboys.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Spor
Drew Snider & Chris "OD" O'Dougherty - CitySide Lax
Lacrosse… North America’s oldest sport. A tale of two MLL & Team USA teammates turned best friends. And their journey growing lacrosse in the Pacific Northwest.
This is Drew Snider, Chris “OD” O’Dougherty and CitySide Lax.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at drew@citysidelax.com and od@citysidelax.com
Follow @CitySideLax and @Cityside208
This Episode
Michael Kelleher - Charleston SC
The Premier League. The Premier Academy League. The United Soccer League. The Charleston Battery. A sports executive with unparalleled experience shares about the youth club he is growing.
This is Michael Kelleher and Charleston Soccer Club.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at mikek@chssoccerclub.com
Follow Charleston SC @chssoccerclub
This Episode is Spons
Mike Avery - Fort Wayne FC
Step between the lines with a truly thoughtful manager. After many successes at the USL League Two level, 2026 will witness a jump into USL League One. This leader with decades of team-building is more than ready.
This is Mike Avery and Fort Wayne FC.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at Mcavery7@gmail.com
Follow Fort Wayne FC @fortwaynefc
This Episode is Sp
Ruben Vloedgraven - Westfield Soccer Association
14 years invested into one New Jersey community. A soccer ecosystem that has grown to 2,200 players. Dutch wisdom, navigating the alphabet soup, and providing all players sport for life.
This is Ruben Vloedgraven and Westfield Soccer Association.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at
ruben@westfieldnjsoccer.com
Follow Westfield Soccer Association @westfieldnjsoc
Peter Wilt - Chicago House AC
A man who has helped launch 15+ pro & semi-pro clubs. Hear about 1980s indoor soccer, starting clubs like Chicago Fire, Indy Eleven, Chicago Red Stars & Forward Madison, and his latest project(s).
This is Peter Wilt and Chicago House AC.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at info@chicagohouseac.com
Follow @pwilt1 and @chicagohouseac
This Episode is S
Stan Anderson - Camp Shutout
How do you turn an 11 day summer camp into a year round community? It started with 3 goalkeepers & an actor over 30 years ago. Now, every summer, more than 650 goalkeepers make the pilgrimage.
This is Stan Anderson and Camp Shutout.
Follow Camp Shutout @camp_shutout
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence on & off the field - www.SprocketSports.com/podcast
Winning W
Sean Rush & Santino Quaranta - Pipeline SC
Two friends & former pros. Guerilla marketing. Obsessive insanity. Loyalty. All ingredients in this startup’s recipe, while being doubted by many.
This is Sean Rush, Santino Quaranta and Pipeline Soccer Club.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guests, you can email them at info@pipelinesc.com.
Follow @pipelinesoccerclub
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports, Excellence o
Michael Cockroft - Chicago Rush
One board meeting saw the dissolution of an existing club and the ascension of a new leader. Fast forward to the tremendous growth of a club united by soccer and connected by community.
This is Michael Cockroft and Chicago Rush Soccer.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at chicago@chicagorushsoccer.com or michael@chicagorushsoccer.com
Follow Chicago Rush @ch
Ray Selvadurai - Manhattan SC
Keep the player experience at the heart of everything the club does and good things will happen. Success on the national stage and producing professional players Jack Harrison & Jacob Shaffelburg, for example.
This is Ray Selvadurai and Manhattan Soccer Club.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at ray.selvadurai@manhattansc.org
Follow Manhattan SC @manhattan
Matt Besler - Captains Soccer Club
You don’t need MLS, US National Team or World Cup experience to start a soccer club. But in the case of one brand new club, their founder has those… plus an intense focus on helping youngsters become their best.
This is Matt Besler and Captains Soccer Club.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, you can email him at mbesler@captainssoccerclub.com
Follow Matt Besler @MattBesler and
Murray Findlay - Chicago Edge
Community clubs can thrive in the modern youth sports landscape. From merging two clubs (for the right reasons) to identifying the best people for the proper roles to promoting a healthy lifestyle…
This is Murray Findlay and Chicago Edge.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest, Murray Findlay, you can email him at murrayfindlay@hotmail.com
Follow Chicago Edge at @chicagoedgesoccer
Andy McDermott - Intentional Sports
If you find anyone who has built numerous sports facilities, played professionally, enforced the law, and still finds time to direct his hometown soccer club while continuing to act in Hollywood… we would be amazed.
This is Andy McDermott and Intentional Sports.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest Andy McDermott, you can email him at
andy@intentionalsports.org or andy@nineeightpar
Lewis Robinson - Midwest United FC
From grassroots community club to MLS academy affiliate to club re-branding... hear the decades long story of growth, evolution & climbing the youth soccer pyramid.
This is Lewis Robinson and Midwest United FC.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest Lewis Robinson, you can email him at info@midwestunitedfc.com
Follow Lewis Robinson @lewyrobbo & Midwest United FC @midwestunited
Caitlyn Vann - Lionheart Volleyball Club
Leave a stable director role and take a ski weekend... a proven formula for success? 15+ months later, the answer is most certainly yes!
This is Caitlyn Vann and Lionheart Volleyball Club.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest Caitlyn Vann, her email is caitlyn@lionheartvbc.com ... And follow Lionheart Volleyball Club at @lionheartvbc
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Sprocket Sports,
Nathan Bell - Park Slope United
A hypothesis in Croatia became 3,000 flyers in Brooklyn. Seven players joined 13 years ago. Now they’re 3,000 strong and competing in ECNL.
This is Nathan Bell and Park Slope United.
If you'd like to get in touch with today's guest Nathan Bell, his email is nate@parkslopeunited.com ... And follow Park Slope United at @parkslopeunited and @brooklynunitedacademy
This Episode is Sponsored by:
S
Welcome To How I Built This Sports Club
How I Built This Sports Club is a new podcast, diving into the lessons learned by founders, builders & leaders in youth sports. During each episode, Rich Nassif interviews a leader who shares the story of his/her organization’s progression from founding to success. Listeners will hear about the decision-making, problem-solving, innovation & vision that has defined each leader & their c
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