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Courtside Forever is a podcast for parents swept up in the circus of everyday problems who, despite the world’s best efforts, are still dedicated to seeking intentional moments with their kids. I’m your host, Ryan Rucker, and each week, I will bring you a new episode made for you. We’ll keep it brief for some weeks, diving into a specific topic such as Youth Sports or Paternity Leave in America. These 15-20 minute episodes will focus on overarching themes, statistics, and practical next steps parents can take. In other weeks, we’ll extend our conversations, inviting parents in sports, business, and other industries to look at how they center parenthood in their lives and touch on our inevitable struggles while building a career, business, and future. Whether you’re a dad or mom or thinking of stepping into the role someday, Courtside Forever is a podcast that aims to recenter the world we’re building for our kids. In 2024, The United States of America declared parenting a public health crisis, citing the way society is set up for the reason we struggle. In the document created by the US Department of Health and Services Department, Parents Under Pressure, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy stated, “Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us. And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.” In 2020, I hosted and produced the 8-episode docuseries Complicated Fatherhood, where I spent each episode speaking to my biological dad to understand how his absence from my life affected my Fatherhood. Since wrapping the podcast, I knew I wanted to get back into podcasting, and Courtside Forever is a continuation of my mantra to be ever present in my daughters’ lives. On Courtside Forever, we’ll have fun, get serious, tell stories, and work to focus on the only thing that matters because, as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house. Let’s enjoy them.
Episodes
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
In this episode of Courtside Forever, I sit down with Casey Lewis—soccer mom, former player, coach, team manager, and founder of Soccer Unleashed—for a conversation every parent in youth sports needs to hear.
We dive into the big question: How do you know when your kid is truly ready for travel or competitive soccer? Casey shares what to look for in terms of interest, skill, and commitment—and how to evaluate if your family is ready for the time and financial investment that comes with it.
We also talk about:
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How to make competitive soccer more affordable (yes, she’s got serious points-hacking advice!)
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Why comparing your kid’s journey to others can backfire
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The growing intensity in youth sports and what it’s doing to kids
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How to keep soccer fun—even at a high level
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And the heart behind Soccer Unleashed, her platform helping players of all levels find opportunities
Casey’s insight as a mom of three soccer-playing kids, plus her experience across every level of the game, makes this a must-listen for any parent trying to navigate youth sports with intention.
Whether your kid just picked up a ball or is eyeing the college level—this one’s for you.
Visit Soccer Unleashed: https://www.soccerunleashed.com/
Follow Soccer Unleashed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccer_opportunities_unleashed/
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