The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
Podcast Description
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you're just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.For more follow us along @liandmeinnyc on YouTube and Instagram *Don't forget to give us a review below
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as player development, the transition from youth soccer to professional careers, and the importance of support systems and training regimens, with episodes including Serge Ngoma’s journey from academy to professional player which highlights challenges and successes within the soccer landscape.
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you’re just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.
For more follow us along @liandmeinnyc on YouTube and Instagram
*Don’t forget to give us a review below
Talent gets young players noticed, but what keeps them progressing?
In Episode 38 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan sits down with Miguel Gallardo — former professional goalkeeper, MLS analyst on Apple TV, and Executive Director of South Orlando Soccer Club — to talk about what really separates players as they move through the youth soccer pathway.
Miguel shares what he sees up close in youth development, what his own professional career taught him, and what young players need to understand about the work that happens away from the field. He also answers Liam’s question about what a 13- or 14-year-old should be doing now if the goal is to play professionally.
In this episode:
• Why mentality and discipline can matter just as much as natural talent
• What parents should look for in a club — and why coaching matters more than the label
• How Miguel turned a weakness into one of his signature skills
• The “invisible work” of sleep, hydration, recovery, and nutrition
• How a nonprofit club balances competitive development with access and scholarships
• How parents can support their player without coaching from the sidelines
• Rapid fire: the most underrated skill in a young player, the MLS player to study, and more
Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this conversation is about the habits, mentality, and work behind the scenes that help players keep moving forward.
Follow:
📲 Miguel Gallardo: @gallomig01
📲 South Orlando Soccer Club: @southorlandosoccer
📲 South Orlando Soccer Club: https://southorlandosoccer.com/recreational-development-program/
Follow The Soccer Ladder:
📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial
📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18
🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with elite players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game. ⚽️🔥
Disclaimer
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