Episode 48: Inside the Mind of Brian Crookham - GM of Rapids 2 + Sr Director Of Soccer Development

The Insider's Lounge

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Brian Crookham, General Manager of Rapids 2 and Senior Director of Soccer Development at Colorado Rapids. Brian shares his path from a high school coach in Oklahoma to a key figure in the Rapids organization, driven by his passion for the beautiful game. He discusses the evolution of the Rapids' youth development system, emphasizing education, communication, and creating pathways for young players to reach the First Team. Brian also reflects on the transformation of MLS, the importance of continuous learning, and the challenges of building a top-tier academy. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of soccer's most dedicated leaders and learn what it takes to nurture the next generation of soccer stars.
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Chapters:
00:10 Intro
00:51 Childhood + Early Soccer Memories
02:38 Aviation + Coaching Lessons From Flying
07:03 Education
09:53 Learning Through Teaching
12:01 Brian’s 3 Mentors
17:15 Lessons from Your Younger Self
19:45 Coaching to Compliance
21:57 The 20-Year Transformation of MLS
24:52 Embracing A Diverse Career Path
27:25 From Local Youth Soccer To Pro-Organization
33:10 Relationship with Rapids
35:40 What Sets the Colorado Rapids Apart
37:40 Fulfillment in Life
38:58 Brian’s Most Valuable Asset
40:30 Learning From Past Experiences
42:25 Advice For Working in Soccer
44:27 Setting Goals For The Future
45:37 Legacy
46:45 Quick Fire Questions
48:55 Outro

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Childhood + Early Soccer Memories (00:00:51)

3. Aviation + Coaching Lessons From Flying (00:02:38)

4. Education (00:07:03)

5. Learning Through Teaching (00:09:53)

6. Brian’s 3 Mentors (00:12:01)

7. Lessons from Your Younger Self (00:17:15)

8. Coaching to Compliance (00:19:45)

9. The 20-Year Transformation of MLS (00:21:57)

10. Embracing A Diverse Career Path (00:24:52)

11. From Local Youth Soccer To Pro-Organization (00:27:52)

12. Relationship with Rapids (00:33:10)

13. What Sets the Colorado Rapids Apart (00:35:40)

14. Fulfillment in Life (00:37:40)

15. Brian’s Most Valuable Asset (00:38:58)

16. Learning From Past Experiences (00:40:30)

17. Advice For Working in Soccer (00:42:25)

18. Setting Goals For The Future (00:44:27)

19. Legacy (00:45:37)

20. Quick Fire Questions (00:46:45)

21. Outro (00:48:55)