In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, we sit down with Werner Roth — US Soccer Hall of Famer, former New York Cosmos captain, NASL trailblazer, and co-star in Escape to Victory — to explore one of the most remarkable chapters in U.S. soccer history. ⚽🎬

From playing alongside Pelé to leading one of the most star-studded teams the sport has ever seen, Werner shares firsthand stories about the rise of the Cosmos, the transformation of American soccer, and what it took to navigate a locker room full of global icons. This is a rare look behind the scenes of a league that helped shape the modern game in the United States.

Werner also reflects on leadership, culture, and the importance of humility when guiding superstars — and reveals how an unexpected opportunity led him from the pitch to Hollywood.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Pelé’s impact on American soccer and the NASL

✅ What made the Cosmos a cultural phenomenon

✅ Leadership lessons from captaining a team of legends

✅ How the NASL changed the trajectory of U.S. soccer

✅ The evolution of soccer ownership and the modern game

✅ Werner’s journey into acting & filming Escape to Victory

✅ The future of U.S. soccer — and the case for promotion & relegation

Whether you’re passionate about soccer history, fascinated by Pelé’s legacy, or simply love hearing stories from the pioneers who built the game in America, this episode delivers insight, nostalgia, and inspiration in equal measure.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations that explore the past, present, and future of the beautiful game.

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In this episode, Stuart sits down with Coach Joe Quigley — a highly respected youth development coach known for his work with at Super Soccer Stars and Football Fun Factory as well as UK Elite delivers his powerful message about putting kids first in sport. ⚽

Joe has become a leading voice on redefining what great coaching looks like: creating environments where children play freely, feel supported, and fall in love with the game long before tactics and systems ever enter the picture.

This conversation breaks down why fun, engagement, and joy are the real foundations of long-term player development — and why so many coaches unintentionally get this wrong. From designing play-based training sessions to understanding what kids actually want from sport, Joe shares insights every coach, parent, and club leader needs to hear.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why “fun first” is essential in youth soccer

✅ The biggest mistakes coaches make with young players

✅ Play-based training and why it works

✅ How enjoyment accelerates learning and development

✅ Why kids stay in sport (and why they quit)

✅ Building environments where players feel valued as people

✅ The role of friendship, freedom, and creativity in sport

✅ How coaches can reshape the player experience

Whether you coach a grassroots U8 team or an elite academy group, this episode offers a powerful reminder: kids don’t show up to be coached — they show up to play.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations shaping the future of youth sports.

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In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, Stuart & Jack sit down with former New York Red Bulls & NYCFC Academy Coach Richard Scott to unpack what truly defines a team’s identity — and why strong beliefs, principles, and a clear coaching philosophy are the foundation of long-term success in modern football. ⚽

From the rise of possession-based football to the challenge of staying true to your tactics under pressure, this conversation explores how the best coaches build systems that balance creativity, structure, and adaptability.

Richard shares how understanding your team identity helps players make smarter decisions, solve problems creatively, and maintain style even when the game gets chaotic. It’s an honest look at the balance between football tactics and coaching beliefs — and why having conviction is key in today’s results-driven world.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why beliefs and principles matter in coaching

✅ Building a clear and consistent team identity

✅ How possession-based football shapes player development

✅ Creative problem-solving and adaptability in-game

✅ Teaching players to think, not just execute

✅ Managing external pressures as a coach

✅ Balancing philosophy with football pragmatism

Whether you’re a coach, player, or football enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to define your team’s style, sharpen your football tactics, and build a lasting identity on and off the pitch.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more deep-dive football conversations shaping the modern game.

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