Ep. 8 - Building Soccer Success from Scratch: Insights and Inspirations with Ben Freakley

Pitch to Pro

Ever wonder how successful soccer franchises are built from scratch? Tune into this episode of the Pitch to Pro podcast where we bring on our guest, Ben Freakley, an illustrious figure in the world of professional soccer. With a rich history as a former player, coach, and general manager in the United Soccer League, Ben weaves the enthralling tale of crafting the South Georgia Tormenta community from the ground up, proving that teamwork, community involvement, and fiery passion are the keys to creating a thriving club.
We venture down South to explore the exhilarating soccer scene in South Georgia and Northwest Arkansas, where teams like Atlanta United and Tampa Bay Rowdies are making seismic waves. Through Ben's insights, we peel away at the layers of the unique experiences of coaching and playing in these smaller markets. Beyond just tactics and strategies, our discussion pivots to Ben's background in sports psychology, and its instrumental role in the success of a team.
Lastly, we plunge into a critical yet often side-lined topic in sports - mental health. We emphasize its importance, the need for open conversations and supportive environments within teams, and the crucial role of individualized coaching and positivity in youth sports. So, whether you're a sports enthusiast, a player, or just keen on psychology, this episode is packed with vital insights and stirring stories. Let's kick off this exciting journey into the heart of professional soccer.

Chapters

1. Ep. 8 - Building Soccer Success from Scratch: Insights and Inspirations with Ben Freakley (00:00:00)

2. Pitch to Pro (00:00:04)

3. Leadership and Collaboration in Soccer Ownership (00:05:54)

4. Success of USL Soccer in South (00:13:43)

5. Community-Building Through Sports and Psychology (00:23:51)

6. Youth Sports and Individualized Coaching (00:27:43)

7. Normalize Mental Health in Sports (00:31:52)

8. Developing Youth Athletes (00:36:33)