The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you're just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.
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The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
Episode 27 | Jeroen Chantrain (Royal Antwerp FC, RSC Anderlecht)
In Episode 27 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Jeroen Chantrain, a Belgian youth coach who has worked at two of the most iconic clubs in European football — RSC Anderlecht, Belgium’s most successful club, and Royal Antwerp FC, the oldest club in the country.
Jeroen brings a rare inside look at elite European player development, sharing how top academies think about technical skill, mentality, patience, and the long-term pathway from grassroots football to the first team.
This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches who want to understand how Europe develops talent — and what truly matters beyond the badge.
In this episode, we cover:
- What it means to coach at Royal Antwerp, known as “The Great Old”, and why club identity matters
- Key similarities and differences between Anderlecht and Antwerp’s youth development models
- Why individual player development always comes before team results
- How Belgian academies prepare players from U10 all the way to the first team
- Why technical ability stands out immediately — and why coaches love “the king of the ball”
- The role of school, discipline, and sacrifices in elite player pathways
- When nutrition, recovery, and education should begin (earlier than most think)
- How coaches handle talented players with difficult personalities
- Why patience is the most underrated trait for young players and parents
- Why going “too fast” to a big-name club can hurt long-term development
- How Belgian clubs scout and develop talent from the United States
- Thoughts on young American players transitioning to Europe
- World Cup insights and why Belgium remains a dangerous outsider
Key Takeaway
“Quality will always win — but patience decides when.”
Jeroen reinforces a powerful message echoed across Europe’s top academies: development is not a race. Feeling safe, growing consistently, and trusting the process matter more than chasing names or money too early.
Guest & Club Handles
- Jeroen Chantrain: @jeroenchantrain
- Royal Antwerp FC: @royal_antwerp_fc
- RSC Anderlecht: @rscanderlecht
- Anderlecht Academy (Neerpede): @rscaneerpede
Hosts
🎙️ Megan Linke – @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam Linke – @liamlinke18
🎧 Listen to Episode 27 now on all major podcast platforms
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thesoccerladder