Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast Podcast By Elite Clubs National League cover art

Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast

Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast

By: Elite Clubs National League
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The Elite Clubs National League was founded in 2009 and continues to lead by daring to do things differently, embedded with grit, collaboration and tenacity – all things learned from the beautiful game. The ECNL protects and propels the integrity of the game and everyone it impacts by facilitating the perfect symmetry of excellence and humility, exclusivity and accessibility, freedom and community. We believe that challenging everyone to rise to their best creates game-changers that live well, long after cleats are unlaced. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.

© 2026 Breaking the Line: The ECNL Podcast
Episodes
  • How Athletes Can Get the Most From Individual Training | Ep. 135
    Mar 26 2026

    Let us know the topics of interest to you!

    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.

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The Truth About Sport Specialization And Injury Risk In Youth Soccer | Ep. 134
    Mar 11 2026

    Let us know the topics of interest to you!

    Breaking the Line welcomes ECNL Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Drew Watson to the podcast for Episode 134 to discuss his latest research from the ECNL Center for Athlete Health and Performance.

    Watson sits down with ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken to discuss the injury risk with sport specialization in female youth soccer athletes. Through a two-year study within an ECNL Club, Watson did not find any statistical significance in regards to injury risk between those athletes who specialize in soccer and those who play multiple sports.

    The conversation weaves through how the study was conducted, what the results mean, what can players, coaches and families do with this information, and ultimately, why is this important to the ECNL and its athletes.

    It's a riveting conversation, with great insights throughout without getting bogged down with too many technical details.

    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.

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Build The Pyramid, Inspire The Journey: A Conversation with ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney | Ep. 133
    Feb 25 2026

    Let us know the topics of interest to you!

    Following a highly successful ECNL Coaching Symposium at the Circa Resort in Las Vegas, ECNL President Christian Lavers sits down with ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney for a candid conversation about the ECNL Boys as a league and the youth soccer landscape as a whole.

    In this hour-long conversation, Lavers and Kutney discuss new membership for the 2026-27 season, how the league looks at club promotions every season, its approach to the club-based league structure, and what parents should be looking for in teams, clubs and coaches when determining where they play throughout their athlete’s career.

    Throughout the episode, the two give more insight on the US Club Soccer competition pathway, tease clubs competing the IBERCUP x ECNL International Tournament 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.

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    53 mins
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