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Jim Kilmeade speaks with NPSL Commissioner Cindy Spera about her journey from Wall Street executive to soccer leadership and the evolving landscape of American soccer.

• Cindy shares stories of playing with the pioneering Long Island Lady Riders team that became national champions within two years
• The Lady Riders played an exhibition match against the 1996 US Women's National Team before they won Olympic gold, holding them to a 3-0 score
• Long Island was once the epicenter of youth and senior soccer talent that the American Soccer Club is working to revitalize
• Cindy describes her transition from Morgan Stanley executive to becoming the first employee of the NPSL
• The NPSL provides autonomy to clubs while maintaining minimum standards that differentiate it from other amateur soccer leagues
• Success stories like Hickory FC in North Carolina demonstrate how smaller markets can build thriving soccer communities
• The league is exploring a "3.5 level" that would bridge the gap between amateur soccer and Division III professional standards
• Unlike franchise models, the NPSL focuses on sustainable growth and turns away applications that don't meet their business viability standards

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What does it take to build a thriving soccer culture in America? Michael Hitchcock, the self-described "ninja of American lower division soccer," has spent 30 years answering that question from every angle of the game.

From his early days selling tickets at DC United to executive roles with LA Galaxy and FC Dallas, Hitchcock witnessed the birth and growth of MLS firsthand. Now as an investor and operator of over 20 soccer clubs worldwide, he's pioneering a new model for community-based soccer that's changing the American landscape.

The results speak for themselves. His clubs regularly draw thousands of passionate fans in markets of all sizes—nearly 9,000 in Annapolis, 5,600 in Lubbock, Texas, and even 3,500 in McKinney where games are played in high school stadiums without beer sales during scorching Texas summers. These success stories challenge conventional wisdom about where soccer can thrive in America.

Hitchcock's philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: good people, good plan, good execution. While the fundamentals remain consistent, he emphasizes that each market requires a tailored approach. In major metropolitan areas where traditional advertising is cost-prohibitive, success comes through grassroots marketing, community events, and building support one fan at a time.

Drawing from mentors like Tim Laiweke and Lamar Hunt, Hitchcock believes America will truly become a soccer nation when every community has a locally-relevant team that authentically connects with residents. As MLS clubs have become less community-focused, lower-division teams are filling that vacuum of opportunity by creating the authentic connections fans crave.

Ready to experience the soccer revolution happening in communities across America? Follow Michael Hitchcock's journey and discover how the beautiful game is finding its American identity from the ground up.

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What does it take to build a soccer development system that truly serves American players? Bob Montgomery, the architect behind Red Bull New York's academy that produced stars like Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic, reveals the blueprint on American Soccer Club Zone.

Montgomery brings decades of wisdom from coaching US National Team captains Mike Windischman and Chris Armas at Adelphi University to establishing one of America's most productive youth academies. Now, as sporting committee member for American Soccer Club New York, he's helping create new pathways for local talent.

The conversation unpacks why American youth soccer often misses talented players through exclusive club affiliations and prohibitive costs. "It's about building bridges," Montgomery explains, describing ASC's open-door approach that contrasts with typical MLS academy models. He challenges common development myths, particularly around playing up age groups, explaining players should only advance "when they're ready."

Most compelling is ASC's proof-of-concept: giving 16-year-old Dylan Lopez first-team minutes during their inaugural NPSL season. This bold move demonstrates their commitment to development over immediate results. As Montgomery reflects on his experiences grooming future stars, he emphasizes that technical ability and decision-making—not size or strength—ultimately determine which young players succeed professionally.

Ready to see American soccer development reimagined? Join the conversation about creating accessible pathways for talented players regardless of background or club affiliation. The future of American soccer depends on it.

Thank you for listening! Visit us at ASCNewYork.com