Shows
Destination Marketing PodcastHow DMOs and Sports Facilities Can Build a Winning TeamIn this week’s episode, Adam talks with Matt Libber, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex, about the impact of sports tourism on destinations. Matt shares his journey and offers DMOs advice on building strong partnerships with facilities and event operators, navigating challenges, and maximizing sports' economic and community benefits. He also emphasizes the importance of advocating for tourism funding with elected officials.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Brand Revolt. If you are interested in any of Brand Revolt’s services, please email ad...2025-06-0331 min
Spirit SpotlightRising Stars & Legacy Makers: Andi Sullivan on the Spirit's Evolution & the Future of Women's SportsIn this episode of Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein sits down with Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan. Together the two discuss the rise of the NWSL, along with what that rise could mean for the league’s future. Andi then reflects on her journey from playing at the Maryland SoccerPlex to leading a championship team at Audi Field, including the impact that the game has on local young talent, like Makenna Morris. Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at 3:40pm ET on ESPN 630 AM and the ESPN 630 App. Next radio streaming broadcast: Sund...2024-09-2814 min
Spirit SpotlightFrom Germantown to Audi Field: Makenna Morris’ Journey to the Washington SpiritThis week on Spirit Spotlight, Bram Weinstein is joined by Makenna Morris, a Germantown native and the Washington Spirit's 13th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft. Makenna shares her story of growing up just steps away from the Maryland SoccerPlex, watching the Washington Spirit, and dreaming of one day playing for her hometown team. From her early days with Bethesda Soccer Club to making her professional debut at Audi Field, Makenna reflects on her incredible journey, the support of her family, and the rise of women's soccer. Tune in to Spirit Spotlight live, every Friday at...2024-09-1410 min
The EarthWorks PodcastThe EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jerad MinnickWant to learn how to push your turf so it can handle more stress and usage? Then this podcast is for you! Jerad Minnick from the Maryland SoccerPlex highlights his team's methods to ensure the best playing conditions, no matter how challenging the weather or event schedule. Building resilient turf is demanding work, but Jerad insightfully speaks to the fact that we are all ultimately working in the service industry. Stay tuned through the end of this podcast to hear some big news from our friend!Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.co...2024-08-231h 05
The EarthWorks PodcastThe EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Ryan Bjorn - Field Superintendent, New England PatriotsEver wonder what it would be like to manage an NFL and MLB facility at the same time? Ryan Bjorn does both in New England for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team. He manages 6 grass practice fields, 3 for each team, and the Gillette Stadium artificial field. Days after the Patriots finished their last game in early January the Revolution started practicing and the fields had to be ready to play. When he was asked if it was a relief when the football season ended, he reminded us that the next Monday the stadium...2024-01-2458 min
The Glorious Rugby PodcastAKP - The Man of Many NamesEpisode Notes
We start this week with a quick discussion about Alistair's new nickname, then cover OGDC's season-ticket event at their new home venue, the Maryland Soccerplex. Plus, AKP shares some player news and rumors and the fellas discuss the USA Women's Eagles vs. Wales match. Finally, we chat about "the chaos" at the RWC and highlight the play of "Tier 2" nations.
About the hosts
John Fitzpatrick
Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
Twitter: @rugbymorning
2023-09-2845 minThe Glorious Rugby PodcastThe News Dam Breaks ft. Phil DeWolfEpisode Notes
As is typical, we recorded our episode last week about 30 minutes before Old Glory news started spilling in from every corner. We catch up on everything, from the team's move to the Maryland Soccerplex to the return of Jason Robertson. We also bring in Phil DeWolf of the Washington Irish to talk more about the OGDC's new partnership with the Irish, as well as the state of club rugby in the DMV.
You can learn more about the Washington Irish at their website, and by following them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
2023-09-1547 min
Sustainable Solutions with Planet AidKeep Me Posted Planet Aid: Maryland Bobcats Football Club partners with Planet AidOn this episode of Keep Me Posted with Planet Aid, host, Monica Johnson, talks to Idrissa Sesay and Kalin Hicks (Vice President and Operations Manager) from the Maryland Bobcats Football Club and Eric Newman from Planet Aid's School and Community Program about their new partnership. Fans of the Bobcats will now be able to come out to the Mayland Soccerplex, in Boyds, MD ,and drop off their donations at one of the yellow bins.
We also discuss some of the history of Maryland's first outdoor pro soccer team and talk about their commitment to their fans, the...2023-03-2321 min
Tiger Turf TalkEpisode 105: Jerad Minnick, Director of the Sports Turf Institute at Maryland Soccerplex, Field Consultant for MLSWhat a way to end the 2022 year with an incredible industry Leader Mr. Jerad Minnick of the Maryland Soccerplex. An awesome conversation about so many hot topics in the turfgrass industry, discussing the significance of finding the next generation of sportsfield managers and just allowing everyone to know who we are as sports field managers. It is critical to make those in your community aware of who you are, and with his 900,000 visitors a year, they see firsthand his work. Truly an inspiring professional who is making a difference in the industry every day. Do not miss our last...2022-12-282h 08
Celo ViewsMatt ArringtonDC United's Academy Director of Coaching, Matt Arrington, shares his knowledge behind the sport of soccer and the path he's traveled to achieve all that he has so far. A talk that transpired at Airpark Soccerplex based in Gaithersburg, MD., brings joy, struggle, hard work, and passion. Building an efficient foundation behind a team with a massive dream is essential for life, not just sports.2022-10-0348 min
The EarthWorks PodcastEW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jerad MinnickOur good friend Jerad Minnick is back to discuss the onslaught of a season they have had at the Maryland SoccerPlex. It’s July, and the weekend-long tournaments that started at the end of March haven’t stopped yet. Listen to some of the solutions that Jerad has devised to prepare the fields for such a busy schedule. This talk dives deep into agronomic solutions, but you’ll also love hearing about the Sports Turf Institute Apprenticeship program he has implemented at the SoccerPlex.2022-07-141h 07
PitchSide From the PlexS2E7 - US Center for SafeSport with Ju'Riese ColonThis week we tackle the very important and timely topic of abuse prevention in sport. The US Center for SafeSport was founded through Federal legislation in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal with USA Gymnastics. Its mission is to act as the clearing house and adjudicator for abuse allegations within the Olympic movement sports within the US. They also provide training and education for players, coaches, and parents on how to prevent and identify abuse. We are joined by the CEO for the US Center for SafeSport Ju'Riese Colon. Ju'Riese has a long history of working to protect child...2022-02-161h 15
PitchSide From the PlexS2E6 - CrossFit with Heather Lawrence-BenedictFor todays celebration of Women In Sports Day, we take our second journey into CrossFit in this episode with Heather Lawrence-Benedict, their Director of Sport Operations. Heather had a long career in college athletics going from operations and faciltiies, to Associate AD, and then to getting her PhD and teaching Sport Management to undergraduates and graduate students. She jumped over to CrossFit just as the pandemic hit making her new job quite difficult. Heather gives us the story behind wanting to teach as well as the importance that athletics plays in our lives. Having been a professor she give grea...2022-02-021h 02
PitchSide From the PlexS2E5 - Tori Huster, Washington SpiritThis week Kim and I get to welcome back to the SoccerPlex Washington Spirit Captain, NWSL Players Association President, and NWSL CHAMPION, Tori Huster. Tori talks about her journey from youth soccer, to Florida State University, Australian A- League, and all the way to this past November's NWSL Championship. Tori gives us insight into the collective bargaining agreement negotiations, social justice causes, and the harassment controversy that shook the NWSL this past year. Tori talks about being a leader on and off the field as well as what she wants to be when she grows up!Presented by2022-01-191h 22
PitchSide From the PlexS2E4 - Women of Sports TourismThis episode is a bit self serving as Matt just gets to hang out with his friends. Matt and Kim are joined this week by Danielle Vincenti, Rachel Rogers, and Suzanne Cecil. Each has served in several roles in the sports industry and are passionate advocates for sports tourism and professional development and advancement for women in sports. They provide great life lesson from their personal journeys and some heart warming and funny stories from events. I bet you never thought we would be talking about trash talking ventriloquist dummies on a sports podcast. Presented byAdve...2022-01-051h 23
PitchSide From the PlexS2E3 - Casey Taker from IronmanThis week Matt and Kim talk about the curious path that Casey Take took to get to become the Director of Athlete Development for Ironman. Some would say she took a non-conventional path to work in endurance racing but she will talk about how that path provided the necessary tools to get where she is now. Casey provides some great insight for young women starting out in the industry and advice that she wished she would have received along her journey. I hope everyone listens closely to her story about how she landed her first job in sports....2021-12-221h 10
PitchSide From the PlexS2E2 - Venue Management with Jana BrooksThis week we speak with Jana Brooks, Manager Event and Tenant Services, Maryland Stadium Authority. We talk through her journey from facility management at a law firm, to S.A.F.E, to dealing with both the Ravens and the Orioles at the Camden Yards Stadium Complex. Jana has some fun stories about managing events, challenges, in the job, and why she loves it. Jana also talks about one of the most rewarding things she has done, in managing the Mass Vaccination Site at M&T Bank Stadium this year.Presented byAdventist HealthCare2021-12-081h 12
PitchSide From the PlexS2E1 - USA Basketball with Andrea TravelsteadMatt and Kim are back for a new season and will be focusing on Women in Sports. In this season's first episode we are speaking with Andrea Travelstead, the Assistant Director for Youth and Development at USA Basketball. We get to talk about her journey in sports which includes 2 college National Championships, one as a player and one as a coach, her time in Australia, and her move to USA Basketball. Andrea give some great advise for young women looking to work in sports and some of the struggle she faced in her own career.Learn more abo...2021-11-231h 15
Rooster and the Villain: An American Soccer PodcastYou Down with the Old Bae Brigade?I caught up with Alex, the fearless leader of The Old Bae Brigade, which is the Supporters Group for the Maryland Bobcats of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
Alex and I talk through the problems with Soccer in the United States, USMNT, lower league soccer, Detroit City's acrimonious split with NISA, the lack of support at the Soccerplex for the Bobcats, building a soccer audience, the Bobcats, and more.
Hope to see you all out at a future Cats game.
2021-11-151h 01
PitchSide From the PlexSeason 2 - TrailerPitchside from the Plex is back. This season Kim and Matt are focusing on Women in Sports. We will host a series of female guests to talk about their journey in sports, challenges they have faced, what can make women better suited to work in sports, and provide advice for young women looking to get started in the sports industry. We will talk with college ADs, representatives from various sports organizations such as USA Basketball, USA Football, Ironman, plus venue managers, and someone from the C-Suite of the LA Olympics. It should be a fun season.2021-11-0511 min
PitchSide From the PlexS1E13 - Sports Facility Development with Jason ClementKim and Matt sit down with Jason Clement the CEO and Founding Partner of The Sports Facilities Companies. We discuss what goes into developing new sports facilities, why communities are looking to add sports venues, and why youth sports are so important to a healthy community. Jason talks about the holistic benefits to children from sports in terms of physical, mental, and spiritual well being. We also discuss the economics of sports venues and youth sports itself. Jason discusses the growing crisis of reduced access to sports programs and how The Sports Facilities Companies are working to address it. 2021-04-221h 12
PitchSide From the PlexS1E12 - CrossFit With Wilson PakKim and Matt sit down with Wilson Pak, the Director of the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge. Wilson explains the concept of CrossFit and what competitive CrossFit looks like. We explore the challenges presented by COVID to the industry. Wilson also talk about the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge which is moving to Knoxville Tennessee this year as well as the NOBULL CrossFit Games in Madison Wisconsin. Presented by Adventist HealthCare Adventist HealthCare is the largest & only health system headquartered in Montgomery Co., MD www.adventisthealthcare.comSAM SoccerRecreational Soccer League in Montgomery County Marylandwww...2021-04-0750 min
PitchSide From the PlexS1E11 - Soccer Parenting with Skye EddyMatt and Kim speak with Skye Eddy, mom, coach, and former player, who founded the Soccer Parenting Association. Skye provides resources for coaches and parents to help provide a better playing environment to youth soccer players. She speaks about problems we see on the sidelines from parents, coaches, and players. Skye talks about how to identify issues and how to address them to make soccer fun again for your kids.www.SoccerParentResourceCenter.comwww.SoccerParenting.comPresented by Adventist HealthCare Adventist HealthCare is the largest & only health system headq...2021-03-241h 24
Football Stadium Prints PodcastEpisode 18 - Cuppy v CuppaEpisode 18 is here.Recorded live whilst working on a Fine Line Stadium drawing of Maureen Hendricks Field at Maryland Soccerplex, home to the Maryland Bobcats FC.This week it was all about the fact that the entire world doesn't call a cup of tea a cuppy!There is also other stuff in there too. Mainly other sayings from Brechin that maybe don't line up with the rest of the world!Also:Official licensing agreements with ChattanoogaA design for New Mexico United2021-03-2346 min
PitchSide From the PlexS1E10 - Gaelic Athletic Assocation - Brittany WalshThis week Kim and Matt broaden our horizons and learn about the Gaelic Athletic Association. Brittany Walsh the Mid-Atlantic Division GAA Chairperson joins us to teach us about Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Camogie. If you have every had a chance to watch any of these games played they are fast paced and high scoring affairs. They are simply exciting to watch. Brittany taches us about the games themselves, the history of GAA in America, as well as talks about new programming including youth teams and collegiate teams. Check out Wicked Shamrock Photography to see what GAA looks like as...2021-03-171h 02
Rooster and the Villain: An American Soccer PodcastRunning it Back with Maryland Bobcats FCSupport local extends to the soccer world during the pandemic. We last caught up with Evan Raimist, GM and Director of Operations for the Maryland Bobcats back in February of 2020. Covid-19 was a thing but it wasn't quite THE thing.
But even with Covid dominating the world, the Maryland Bobcats have managed to have an incredible year and continue to create some buzz in the Montgomery County, Maryland area.
Evan comes on to talk about their world class kits, their development academy, the Maryland Soccerplex, joining the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), and of course, a...2021-02-2556 min
PitchSide From the PlexS1E9 - Turf TalkThis week Matt and Kim speak with the last three Head of Grounds and Environmental Management of the Maryland SoccerPlex, who have all go off to higher profile gigs. Our most recent Dir. of Grounds, Mitch Litz recently left to take over as Director of Grounds at FC Cincinnati in the MLS. He is joined by his predecessor, Ryan Bjorn, Superintendent of Fields for the New England Patriots and New England Revolution and Jerad Minnick, Lead Advisor of the Natural Grass Advisory Group. We talk wth them about why the SoccerPlex is so special to them, the challenges of worki...2021-02-241h 23
PitchSide From the PlexS1E8 - Matt Robinette, Capital Rugby UnionMatt and Kim speak with Matt Robinette, President of Capital Rugby Union and Events Director for National Collegiate Rugby about the growth of rugby in the US pre-pandemic and the devastating toll the pandemic has had on the game. Matt Robinette breaks down the different levels of the game, various governing bodies, and what the future holds for the sport.Capital Rugby Unionhttps://rugby.org/National Collegiate Rugbyhttps://ncr.rugby/Presented by Adventist HealthCare Adventist HealthCare is the largest & only health system headquartered in Montgomery Co...2021-02-101h 12
PitchSide From the PlexS1E7 - America ScoresIn this episode we speak with Bethany Henderson the SEO of DC Scores and the President of the America Scores Network as well as Tom Gross the League Administrator for DC Scores. America Scores is a program founded in Washington DC that combines poetry and service learning with the game of soccer. The program aims to provide meaningful physical and educational activities and coaching to children in areas where access to sports is an issue. Bethany discusses the history of the program, the successes and growing pains, and how you can get involved in an existing Scores program, (They are...2021-01-271h 03
PitchSide From the PlexS1E6 - Hitting the Track with John David from USA BMXThis week we Matt and Kim speak with John David, Chief Strategy Officer for USA BMX. John talks about how he got involved in the sport and how it continues to grow. John talks about the different levels of racing from Age 5 to 65. We also talk about the importance of Sports Tourism and how BMX fits into both an economic and community asset. Lastly he talks about the positive impact COVID has had on BMX membership and how they weathered the storm, as well as some funny storied from events. Presented by Adventist HealthCare Adventist...2021-01-131h 20
PitchSide From the PlexS1E5 - Mental Health of Youth Athletes with Ryan DefibaughThis week we Matt and Kim speak with Ryan Defibaugh, owner and counselor from MBS Performance Counseling. We discuss the mental aspects of sports on children, the effects of COVID on mental health, and the stigma around mental health. Ryan provides tips and discussion points to have a conversation with children about maintaining good mental health as well as the importance of working on the mental aspect of sports not just the physical.Pitchside from the Plex listeners can get 40% of the Perform with Purpose online course from MBS Performance Counseling by using Discount Code "soccerplex"ht...2020-12-091h 12PitchSide From the PlexS1E4 - Increasing Access to Sports with Gabe AlbornozIn this episode we are joined by Montgomery County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. Gabe discusses the importance of youth sports as a whole and how we can reach out to underserved communities with youth sports. Gabe discusses specific legislation that has been implemented here in Montgomery County, Maryland, the Youth Sports Initiative, that is aimed to provide team sport activities to places within the county that have historically been “sports deserts.” We also discuss the importance of understanding the communities and culture within an area and how it can affect participation and access to sports. Presented by Ad...2020-11-2459 minPitchSide From the PlexS1E3 - Live from the Bethesda Premier CupThis week we broadcast live from the Bethesda Premier Cup, an all-girls soccer tournament hosted at the Maryland SoccerPlex and operated by Bethesda Soccer Club (www.premiercuptournament.com). We sit down with Brad Roos the Tournament Director to talk about the effort that went in to host a tournament during a pandemic. We also talk with Kelly Groff, President and CEO of Visit Montgomery (www.visitmontgomery.com), to discuss the economic impact of this event and the recovery of the economy through tourism. Brian Parker, the head coach of Frostburg University talks about the struggles of recruiting in the CO...2020-11-151h 36PitchSide From the PlexS1E2 - World Cup 2026 with Terry HasseltineThis week, we talk with Terry Hasseltine, the Executive Director of the Maryland Sports Commission. Terry talks about the role of the Sports Commission in sports tourism for Maryland and importance of the youth sports as part of economic development. Terry also heads up the Baltimore 2026 Local Organizing Committee for the FIFA World Cup. Terry discusses the different pieces that go into the bid, how the process works, and why it is important to Baltimore and Maryland. The World Cup is more than just soccer, and this provides a chance to change the narrative of Baltimore’s identity. Check out www...2020-11-041h 05
PitchSide From the PlexWelcome to the PlexHosts Matt and Kim introduce the podcast with special Guest Gary Burke, Program Manager for SAM Select, as well as producer Alexis. The group discusses what to look for in future episodes, each of their backgrounds, as well as some of the other staff at the SoccerPlex.Presented by Adventist HealthCareAdventist HealthCare is the largest & only health system headquartered in Montgomery Co., MD https://www.adventisthealthcare.comSAM SoccerRecreational Soccer League in Montgomery County Marylandhttp://www.samsoccer.orgInstacartinstacart.oloiyb.net/eDk4g2020-10-2021 min
GoldMindIntuition v/s Fear: Are You Acting THROUGH Fear or Acting IN Fear?Come see me at the Holistic Health and Healing Expo this weekend! Sat/ Sunday 11-6 @ Soccerplex in North Olmsted! https://www.holistichealthandhealing.net Find me on FB or IG under Shawna Kathleen!Link to my IG here! Link to FB here! Tag me for a shout out and share this message if it hits home with hashtag: #createyourlife
2019-10-1528 min
The Soccer SidelinesBenefits of Watching SoccerHow eager would you be to allow a surgeon to cut you open and remove your gallbladder if that surgeon never watched a surgery before? Not very, right? You instinctively know that performing a physical skill is easier if you've watched someone else do it first.
Likewise, if you want to learn to play music, it helps to listen to music. Most athletic skills are the same way. These skills are not life or death like in the surgery example, but the principles are the same.
There are benefits of watching soccer, from watching pro games on TV to watching ga...2019-06-0317 min
The Mane Land PawedCastPawedCast Episode 130: Kreis firing, Montreal, U.S. Open Cup, Pride & MoreOrlando City is in limbo as we say goodbye to Jason Kreis and wait for his ultimate successor. In the meantime, we’re here to talk about Kreis’ final game as the team’s coach — a 3-0 loss at Montreal — and look ahead to Bobby Murphy taking the reins for the U.S. Open Cup match against D.C. United. We discuss Kreis’ time in Orlando, the losing streak that led to his demise, and who might be next.
We then bring in Jason Anderson from Black and Red United to discuss Orlando City at D.C. United in a Cup match-up...2018-06-201h 20
Follow Your SpiritFYS18 #73: 2-0 victory in home opener; interview featuring Tori HusterThe Spirit sit in third place after two games with 3 points. All three of those points earned from their 2-0 victory over Orlando this past weekend at the Maryland Soccerplex during their home opener. Jordan Small and Timothy Lawson discuss the victory and what they saw from the Spirit. Jordan provides insight into what she heard from players following the win. Then, OG23 returns to the podcast as Tori Huster tells us about her offseason in Australia, the current mood in the Spirit locker room, and her thoughts on the growth of the league.2018-04-0648 min
Filibuster - The Black and Red United PodcastA husk of a manD.C. United came back to draw against the Houston Dynamo, and Filibuster comes back to break it all down. Jason, Adam, and Ben talk (8:32) first about the special place that is the Maryland SoccerPlex and try to first concentrate on the good, so we talk about the second half and Joseph Mora. We also have to talk about the goals the team gave up and the quandry that is the central midfield, before ending by talking about the tone and the speed of the game. In the second segment (40:40) we bring on Pat Murphy of Massive Report to preview...2018-03-201h 06Filibuster - The Black and Red United PodcastI might be a warlockD.C. United has now played in the most attended MLS game of all time, and Filibuster is here to talk about the result against Atlanta United. We discuss the play of the midfield and how much it concerns us, the performance of the new acquisitions and what that means for the rest of the season, and how the team isn’t able to win turnovers. We keep at it with the central midfield, before taking a look at the other positions and see how we feel 2 games in. In the second segment we welcome back goat-enthusiast Alicia Tolar of Dy...2018-03-131h 02Filibuster - The Black and Red United PodcastHigh ambition at 11amDespite D.C. United not having a game this past week, Filibuster is here for you throughout this MLS break. Ben, Jason, and Adam are here to talk about the Copa America Centenario, in which the USA have won their group. We sing the praises of John Brooks, chastise DeAndre Yedlin, and gawk at the fact that Bobby Wood was played in his correct position for a bit in this game. We also talk about the USMNT’s lineup going into the game against Ecuador, especially with Yedlin out. We then talk about a real live D.C. United game th...2016-06-141h 00Follow Your SpiritFYS16 #9: Week 5 Preview vs Houston Dash feat Caitlin BuckleyWeek 5 is upon us! The undefeated Washington Spirit look to stay atop the table when they take on Houston Dash. Caitlin Buckley from Black and Red United joins me to talk about how the Spirit match up, how they've looked so far this season, and some predictions and guesses as we look ahead. Thanks for listening! The Washington Spirit host Houston Dash on Saturday, May 14 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. 2016-05-1420 min