Soccer for Success is reshaping how youth soccer development happens inside school systems.

In this episode, leaders from Dallas ISD and the US Soccer Foundation break down how a 10-lesson, standards-aligned curriculum is equipping PE teachers, training coaches, and reaching nearly 50,000 students across Dallas.

We talk about why small-sided games matter, how physical activity impacts academic performance, and how this partnership is extending beyond the classroom into after-school programs, recess, and even World Cup-themed initiatives.

If you’re a parent, coach, or school leader wondering how to build real development environments inside education systems — this conversation matters.

Key Talking Points

What Soccer for Success is and how it supports underserved communities

The 10-lesson curriculum aligned with national PE standards

Training 114 Dallas ISD teachers in two sessions

Reaching nearly 50,000 students through PE and athletics

Why small-sided games replace 11v11 in development settings

The REST principle: modifying rules, equipment, space, and time

How the Spark after-school program extends soccer beyond class

The financial investment: $56,000 into Dallas ISD

World Cup-based resources launching for recess, field day, and classrooms

How sports participation supports academic performance and focus

Quotes from the Guests

“We provide underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs.” – Lisa Perry

“If you don’t touch the ball, you’re not going to improve your skills or your confidence.” – Lisa Perry

“Soccer is such a universal sport and a universal language.” – Lisa Perry

“There’s no way you’re going to leave the same way you came in.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker

“We want our students to have the foundational skills to go in and be competitive.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker

“It gives a powerful way to ingrain each kid within a community.” – Warren Coddle

“You could come in with zero knowledge of soccer and put together a program in 10 weeks.” – Warren Coddle

“Our goal is to expose kids to soccer and develop fundamental skills so they have confidence.” – Lisa Perry

“We were all in.” – Dr. Lisa Whitaker

“We just want to make it easier for teachers to access what we have.” – Lisa Perry

Connect with the Guests

Warren Coddle

🌐 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

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#ChatByThePitch #SoccerForSuccess #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingEducation #DallasISD #USSoccerFoundation #SchoolSports #YouthDevelopment #SoccerCoaching #ParentEducation #SoccerInSchools #PhysicalEducation #YouthAthletics #CommunityThroughSport #SoccerLeadership #SmallSidedGames #CoachingCoaches

Mentioned in this episode:

TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

TeamPlayr

Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

Soccer Innovations

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

In this episode of Chat By The Pitch, I sit down with Gregg Megaw, founder of Ballers ID, to talk about investing in the full player — not the hype.

We break down individual development, 1v1 training, decision-making, culture, confidence, and why true growth takes time. Gregg explains why small group training often beats early private sessions, why standards matter more than shortcuts, and how parents should think about development as a long-term investment.

If you’re a soccer parent navigating the noise, a coach building culture, or a player serious about improving — this conversation will reset your perspective.

This is about building the complete player.

Key Talking Points

1. The meaning behind Ballers ID and individual development

2. Why “invest in the player, not the hype” matters in youth soccer

3. Coaching the 1v1 moment — attacking and defending

4. The role of decision-making in real player development

5. Why cone choreography doesn’t translate to games

6. Small group training vs private sessions under 14

7. Building elite habits without negative coaching

8. Creating competitive culture while protecting confidence

9. Honest parent communication and not selling dreams

10. Why development requires consistency, not quick fixes

Quotes from Gregg Megaw

1. “Everything I do is for that player’s individual development.”

2. “I want elite standards from the start.”

3. “Development doesn’t come from one session — it’s an investment.”

4. “There has to be a decision being made, or it’s not real training.”

5. “I don’t want kids leaving my session feeling negative.”

6. “Winning the moment matters more than winning the game.”

7. “I want to create mavericks, not robots.”

8. “If your energy is high, my energy will be.”

9. “Confidence without decision-making is false confidence.”

10. “Love the game enough to work for it.”

Connect with Gregg Megaw and Ballers ID

📸 Instagram: @ballersid.soccer

🎵 TikTok: @ballersid.soccer

👍 Facebook: @BallersIDSoccerAcademy

💼 LinkedIn: BallersIDSoccerAcademy

Follow Chat By The Pitch

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🎧 Subscribe & Review: Your support helps us keep bringing conversations with players, coaches, and leaders that matter.

#BallersID #InvestInThePlayer #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #SoccerCoaching #IndividualDevelopment #SoccerIQ #1v1Training #DFWSoccer #CompetitiveCulture #LongTermDevelopment #EliteStandards #SoccerGrowth #ChatByThePitch

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

Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

Soccer Innovations

TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

TeamPlayr

Seeing the Next Level Changes Everything

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ian and Jonathan dig deeper into exposure, access, and perspective in youth sports.

Jonathan explains why seeing the next level in person — middle school, college, or professional — can motivate kids without pressure, while also giving parents a clearer understanding of what elite performance actually looks like. They unpack the financial realities of club sports, travel, and training, and why “free” programs still come with hidden costs that many families can’t afford.

The episode closes with powerful reflections on the coaches and mentors who shaped Jonathan’s life — reminders that long-term impact rarely comes from wins, rankings, or trophies.

🧠 Key Talking Points

Why seeing the next level up motivates kids naturally

The importance of watching sports live — not just on TV

How context changes our perception of talent

The physical and mental gap between youth and college athletes

Financial barriers that limit access to elite pathways

Why “free” youth sports still aren’t truly free

How geography impacts opportunity in the U.S.

The hidden costs of national leagues and travel

Why winning isn’t a fair measure of development

The lifelong influence of coaches who invest beyond results

💬 Quotes from Jonathan Corone

“Until we see it up close, we don’t realize how big the gap really is.”

“Context changes everything.”

“Even if club fees are free, someone still has to get the kid there.”

“Is winning really a fair way to judge success?”

“Opportunity depends more on access than talent.”

“There are more good people in sports than toxic ones — they’re just quieter.”

“Gratitude is the thing I’ve learned the most from great leaders.”

“The people who show up matter more than the results.”

🔗 Connect with Jonathan Corone

🌐 Website: healthysportsparents.com

🎙️ Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/1dpgJQoownxZfnliaiqIJv

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/

👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/HealthySportsParents/

⚽ 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 #HealthySportsParents #YouthSportsAccess #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #SportsParenting #CollegePathway #SportsCulture #EquityInSports #LongTermDevelopment #CoachingImpact

Mentioned in this episode:

TeamPlayr: Find and join the perfect youth
soccer team

TeamPlayr

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

Soccer Innovations: Award-Winning Soccer Equipment & Accessories

Soccer Innovations