Chat By The Pitch Podcast By Ian Babcock cover art

Chat By The Pitch

Chat By The Pitch

By: Ian Babcock
Listen for free

Chat By The Pitch is a youth soccer podcast focused on player development, coaching culture, and the family experience in the modern game. Hosted by Ian Babcock, the show connects parents, coaches, and club leaders with local, national, and global voices shaping youth soccer today. Each episode dives into the real decisions families face—team selection, development pathways, mental performance, coaching environments, and the gear and tools that support long-term growth. The conversations are honest, practical, and rooted in lived experience, not hype. Whether you’re navigating your first season or years into the journey, Chat By The Pitch helps soccer families make informed, confident decisions—on and off the field. 📧 Contact: chatbythepitch@gmail.com 📺 Watch YouTube: Chat By The Pitch 📱 Follow & Engage Instagram: @ChatByThePitch X (Twitter): @ChatByThePitch Facebook: Chat By The Pitch 🔗 All Links linktr.ee/ChatByThePitch Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & Audible, YouTube Music, YouTube — and wherever you get your podcasts. #ChatByThePitch #YouthSoccer #SoccerCulture #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #CoachingEducation #MentalPerformance #SoccerCommunity #TheBeautifulGame #NextGenSoccer #YouthSports #SoccerLife #SoccerPodcast #GrassrootsSoccer #FutureOfSoccerCopyright 2026 Ian Babcock Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Soccer
Episodes
  • Alpha Forms Residency with Erin Medina – Rethinking Youth Soccer Development

    Alpha Forms Residency with Erin Medina – Rethinking Youth Soccer Development
    Mar 26 2026
    What does real player development actually look like—and why are so many systems missing it?In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, Ian Babcock sits down with Erin Medina, COO of Forms Residency and Forms Academy, to break down a completely different approach to youth soccer development.From her journey through the Canadian national team to building one of the largest youth clubs in the country, Erin shares what she’s learned about development, structure, and what kids actually need to succeed.They dive into the reality of today’s youth soccer environment, the pressure of competition, and why a residency-style model focused on individual growth, education, and balance may be the future of the game.This conversation is for players, parents, and coaches trying to understand how to truly develop—not just compete.Key Talking PointsErin Medina’s journey from Canada’s national team to youth soccer leadershipThe impact of early coaching and development environmentsWhy player development is not a linear pathTransitioning from player to business leader in youth soccerBuilding Sting into a national powerhouseThe importance of early technical development windowsWhy traditional training models fall shortThe role of individual development vs team trainingWhat makes Forms Academy’s methodology differentWhy residency programs require a different type of athleteQuotes from Erin Medina“Nobody’s journey is linear.”“We’re not just developing players—we’re developing people.”“There’s only so much time before that technical window closes.”“The youth game is where you can really impact kids.”“Development requires meaningful time—not just an hour and a half twice a week.”“We’re creating an environment where kids can focus on development without pressure.”“The model is not for everyone—and that’s okay.”“Kids need balance to avoid burnout.”“We’re building athletes that can move and think differently.”“It’s about preparing them for performance, not just chasing wins.”Connect with Erin Medina / FormsErin Medina📸 Instagram: @maccallummedinaFORMS RESIDENCY🌐 Website: https://www.formsresidency.org📸 Instagram: @formsresidency👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61587855025706 (Forms Residency | Melissa TX)FORMS ACADEMY🌐 Website: https://www.formsacademy.com🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FormsAcademy📸 Instagram: @formsacademy✖️ X: @FormsAcademy👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormsAcademyFORMS MADRID🌐 Website: https://www.formsmadrid.com📸 Instagram: @formsmadridRon Hogsett✍️ Substack (Writing): https://ronhogsett.substack.comFollow 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.#YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerTraining #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #FormsAcademy #SoccerEducation #NextGenPlayers #SoccerCulture #PlayerPathway #EliteDevelopment #SoccerPodcast #ChatByThePitch #SoccerLife #AthleteDevelopment #YouthSports #SoccerCommunity #TrainToDevelop #SoccerGrowth #FutureOfSoccerMentioned in this episode:Zone 14 CoachingThis episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘Zone 14 CoachingReeplayer: Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.Reeplayer Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & AccessoriesSoccer Innovations
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • Gordon Jago – Why Dallas Cup Matters (Rereleased)

    Gordon Jago – Why Dallas Cup Matters (Rereleased)
    Mar 19 2026

    With the Dallas Cup just weeks away, this episode hits a little different.

    This is a tribute to Gordon Jago—a true pioneer of the game and one of the key figures behind what the Dallas Cup has become today.

    From his journey as a player and coach to helping build one of the most respected youth tournaments in the world, Gordon shares what the game is really about—community, standards, and bringing people together.

    If you’ve ever been part of Dallas Cup—or you’re about to experience it—this conversation gives you a deeper understanding of why it matters.

    This is more than a tournament—it’s a legacy.

    Key Talking Points

    Gordon Jago’s journey from England to the United States

    His role in building and shaping the Dallas Cup

    What makes Dallas Cup different from other tournaments

    The importance of international competition in youth soccer

    How Dallas Cup creates lifelong friendships and connections

    The impact of 9/11 and rebuilding the tournament

    Why standards (fields, refs, teams) matter at the highest level

    The role of volunteers and community in making it all work

    Stories of players who went on to global success

    What the game should really be about beyond the field

    Quotes from Gordon Jago

    “It’s not just a soccer tournament… it does so many other things.”

    “We want every team to have a competitive experience.”

    “Soccer brings people together from all over the world.”

    “We are known throughout the world because of our standards.”

    “You don’t want a team to come and not be challenged.”

    “It’s an old boys reunion every year at Easter.”

    “Get a job that you enjoy.”

    “There’s a lot more in life than finance.”

    “The friendships formed here last a lifetime.”

    “We are very fortunate to be known around the world.”

    Connect with Dallas Cup

    🌐 Website: https://www.dallascup.org

    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallascup/

    ✖️ X: https://x.com/dallascup

    👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasCup/

    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.


    #ChatByThePitch #GordonJago #DallasCup #YouthSoccer #SoccerCommunity #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaches #GlobalGame #SoccerCulture #GrowTheGame #SoccerLegacy #FootballCommunity #RespectTheGame #SoccerJourney #CoachingMatters #SoccerStories #GameImpact #YouthDevelopment #SoccerLife

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Reeplayer: Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.

    Reeplayer

    Zone 14 Coaching

    This episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘

    Zone 14 Coaching

    Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

    Soccer Innovations

    TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

    TeamPlayr
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Soccer for Success Part 2 | Expanding the Model

    Soccer for Success Part 2 | Expanding the Model
    Mar 12 2026

    In Part 2 of Soccer for Success, we go deeper.

    This conversation moves beyond curriculum and into implementation — how Dallas ISD built a no-cost, district-wide pathway from elementary Spark programs to middle school leagues and high school UIL competition.

    We break down how Spark works (grades 2–6), how competitive soccer is introduced the right way, and how over 50 elementary schools are now participating in structured play.

    If you’re a parent wondering how to advocate for better sports access…

    If you’re a school leader looking for a scalable youth development model…

    If you care about keeping kids active and engaged…

    This episode gives you the blueprint.

    Key Talking Points

    How Spark functions as a foundational after-school program

    Why grades 3–6 are critical for long-term sports retention

    The creation of a competitive elementary soccer league

    51 elementary schools currently participating

    31 middle schools running interdistrict leagues

    No-cost participation for families (equipment included)

    How healthy competition is introduced gradually

    The importance of PE and Athletics working together

    How other school districts can partner with US Soccer Foundation

    Why foundational skills reduce dropout rates after sixth grade

    Quotes from the Guests

    “You don’t have to be a soccer star to teach soccer.” – Lisa Perry

    “Ask what your child is learning in physical education and how you can support that.” – Lisa Perry

    “We want kids to fall in love with fitness — with moving.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker

    “Spark says we are going to build your skill over time in a safe place.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker

    “We are fully committed to these programs across these two departments.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker

    “My goal was always to give opportunities to kids who can’t afford to play.” – Marisela Lopez

    “At this point in my career, I’m more about coaching coaches than coaching players.” – Warren Coddle

    “After sixth grade, kids start dropping out.” – Lisa Perry

    “We want to provide the opportunity.” – Lisa Perry

    “At the end of the day, I want kids active. I want them to play sports.” – Lisa Perry

    Connect with the Guests

    Warren Cottle

    🌐 Website: https://www.ntxsoccer.org/odp/olympic-developm

    📧 Email: warren@ntxsoccer.org

    📸 Instagram: @NTXODP

    👍 Facebook: @NTXODP

    Lisa Perry

    🌐 Website: https://ussoccerfoundation.org

    ✖️ X: @pe4_u

    📸 Instagram: lisakperry23


    Dr. Lisa Whitaker

    ✖️ X: @DrlisaWhitaker

    ✖️ X: @HPEDallasISD


    Marisela Lopez

    ✖️ X: @MariselaLopez91


    Follow Chat By The Pitch

    🐦 X: @ChatByThePitch

    📷 Instagram: @ChatByThePitch

    📘 Facebook: Chat By The Pitch


    #ChatByThePitch #SoccerForSuccess #DallasISD #SparkProgram #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #ParentEducation #SchoolSports #USSOCcerFoundation #HealthyCompetition #CoachingEducation #AccessToSport #YouthAthletics #PhysicalEducation #UILSoccer #CommunitySports #TitleIX #CoachingCoaches #SoccerInSchools

    Mentioned in this episode:

    TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

    TeamPlayr

    Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

    Soccer Innovations

    Zone 14 Coaching

    This episode is brought to you by Zone 14 Coaching. Their coaching and player journals help bring structure to the season—giving coaches a place to plan sessions, reflect on what worked, and track player development over time. If you’re a coach, player, or club that wants to bring more intention into the development process, check them out at https://zone14coaching.com and use code CBTP for a discount. ⚽📘

    Zone 14 Coaching

    Reeplayer: Greater access to footage gives every young athlete the opportunity to develop and be seen. Reeplayer is committed to making footage accessible to teams, families, and athletes of all backgrounds.

    Reeplayer
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
No reviews yet