Turning Kids Into Soccer Players: The Vision Behind Vedral Soccer Academy

Vedral Soccer Academy is setting a new standard for elite youth soccer in the Dallas area — developing high-level players, refining established athletes, and building confident leaders through fast-paced, high-intensity training.

In this episode of The Over the Line Podcast we sit down with Dillon Vedral — founder of Vedral Soccer Academy and former FC Dallas youth coach — to unpack his journey from player to coach, and how his commitment to youth development sparked the founding of Vedral Soccer Academy, with the goal of shaping players who thrive on and off the field.

They explore what it means to “turn kids into soccer players,” diving into Dillon’s coaching philosophy, the traits that separate top-level athletes, and what U.S. soccer can learn from player-first environments. From technical growth to character development, this episode offers insight, strategy, and inspiration for anyone invested in the future of the game.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player — there’s something in this episode for you.

Time Stamps:
01:13 - 02:03 — Dillon Vedral Introduction
02:03 - 03:13 — Vedral Soccer Academy: Turning Kids Into Soccer Players   
03:13 - 07:38 — The Start of Dillon's Coaching Journey 
07:38 - 09:32 — Building Vedral Soccer Academy 
09:32 - 12:51 — Why Coaching Is Personal 
12:51 - 16:05 — What Separates Top Players from the Rest 
16:05 - 19:40 — The Reality of Professional Soccer: Sacrifices and Mental Fortitude 
19:40 - 21:27 — The Mentality Difference at the Top Levels 
21:27 - 24:39 — Lessons from Top MLS Players 
24:39 - 27:46 — Coaching at FC Dallas Youth Academy 
27:46 - 32:20 — How U.S. Soccer Can Improve Youth Development 
32:20 - 34:23 — The Future of U.S. Soccer Talent 
34:23 - 39:14 — Lessons from Running Vedral Soccer Academy 
39:14 - 44:59 — The 10-Year Vision for Vedral Soccer Academy 
44:59 - 48:17 — Translating Skills from Training to Games 
48:17 - 51:33 — Advice for Young Players and Their Parents 
51:33 - End — Where to find Vedral Soccer Academy & Closing remarks

What is Over The Line?

The U.S. soccer system is broken—holding back countless young players from realizing their potential, not because of a lack of talent, but because the pathways to success are flawed. The Over The Line Podcast is here to change that. This podcast creates a space for powerful, brutally honest conversations about the state of US soccer, its challenges in succeeding on the world stage and the opportunities on the horizon. I, James McGhee, am on a hot pursuit for answers and am committed to bringing those answers to the soccer community nationwide. I agree with Christian Pulisic when he says, "The problem with American soccer… it isn’t talent." U.S. Soccer is failing the next generation of men—not because of a lack of ability, but because the system isn’t designed to help players reach their full potential. This podcast is about finding solutions by amplifying the voices of those already making a difference. Together, we’ll uncover their journeys, lessons, and strategies to transform youth soccer for the better. As for me, I’ve experienced the system firsthand. I played four years at the collegiate level and three years professionally, facing both triumphs and challenges along the way. Breaking through wasn’t just a physical battle; it was mental and systemic. Those experiences lit a fire in me to help develop the next generation of players into the best versions of themselves—on and off the field. If you’re passionate about elevating youth soccer and empowering young athletes, this podcast is for you. Let’s spark a movement and take the game over the line.