77. Omar Salgado & Jay DeMerit

Hi and welcome to the Tales From the Trail podcast by Matchplay. In this episode I welcome back former #1 pick in the MLS draft, Omar Salgado and his former teammate Jay DeMerit. As an experienced player and captain of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Jay helped a teenaged Omar adjust to life as a professional soccer player. They reflect on their experiences as professionals and together as teammates. Omar shares his appreciation for Jay and what he did for him. Please enjoy!

Summary

In this conversation, Jay DeMerit and Omar Salgado discuss their experiences transitioning from playing soccer to coaching and other ventures. They talk about the challenges they faced and the lack of transparency in soccer clubs. They also discuss the importance of support for young players and the need for better development programs. Jay and Omar reflect on their careers and the competitive spirit they miss. They share their insights on building teams, developing durable skills, and finding fulfillment in life after soccer. In this conversation, Jay discusses his involvement with Mike and the challenges he faced in transitioning from player to manager. He shares his aspirations for the future, including becoming a coach and creating holistic development programs. Jay emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to player development and suggests opportunities for players to gain real-world experience. He also discusses his favorite spots in Vancouver and his plans to launch a digital learning program. The conversation concludes with Jay and Omar expressing mutual admiration and well wishes for each other's future endeavors.

Takeaways

Transitioning from player to manager requires an ego check and a willingness to take on new roles.

Holistic development programs that incorporate multiple skill sets can provide young athletes with a broader range of opportunities.

Clubs should consider opening doors to internships and partnerships with brands to help players prepare for their future careers.

The MLS is taking steps to support former players through events and programs that provide education and networking opportunities.

Jay's vision for the future includes launching a digital learning program and speaking tour to empower young athletes and provide them with the tools they need for success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:29 Transitioning from Playing to Coaching

02:25 Starting Rise and Shine Programs

04:10 Jay's Experience with the Whitecaps

06:24 Lack of Transparency in Soccer Clubs

09:02 Difficulties in Exiting the Game

11:48 Improving Support for Young Players

12:42 Omar's Experience Leaving the Whitecaps

14:32 Understanding the Challenges of Young Players

17:44 Building Teams and Leadership

19:42 The Importance of Support for Young Players

21:42 Dealing with Adversity and Mental Health

24:41 The Advantage of Starting Later in a Career

27:30 Developing Durable Skills for Life After Soccer

31:40 Transitioning to the Real World

35:49 Missing the Competitive Spirit

40:36 Finding Competitiveness in Other Activities

41:48 Getting Involved with Mike

42:23 Ego Check and Role Transition

43:21 Future Aspirations

44:19 Coaching and Holistic Development

45:55 The Reality of Development

46:24 Opportunities for Players

47:23 Internships and Career Transitions

50:14 Creating a Digital Learning Program

51:19 Favorite Spots in Vancouver

52:58 Camps and Nature Element

53:35 Future Plans and Ownership

54:32 Relationship with Vancouver Ownership

55:18 Attending Games

56:03 MLS Greats Events

57:20 Support for Players

58:09 Speaking Tour and App Launch

59:12 Closing Remarks