Ep.21 Starting Custom Athletics|Riley Evans

Summary

In this episode, Mustaf and George interview Riley Evans, the founder of Custom Athletics. They discuss Riley's background in sports and how he got involved in the soccer jersey business. They also talk about Riley's league in Provo, Utah, and his partnership with the MPL. Riley shares his love for soccer and his favorite teams, including the US national team and Barcelona. They also discuss the state of soccer in the United States and the challenges faced by youth clubs and players. The conversation covers various topics related to youth soccer, the MLS, and the overall soccer culture. The chapters include discussions on the affordability and accessibility of youth soccer, the perception of the MLS as a retirement league, the atmosphere of European soccer, different positions on the field, the importance of defense in soccer, the role of coaches in youth soccer, the need for better player development, and the greed of soccer clubs. In this conversation, Riley Evans discusses the importance of tolerance and confidence as a leader. He shares his experience of tolerating a red card and how it impacted the league. The conversation then shifts to understanding refereeing and rules, with Riley emphasizing the need for players to educate themselves on the laws of the game. The challenges faced by referees are also highlighted. Riley expresses his desire to work with more MPL clubs and make them the best-looking teams in the country. He offers discounts and incentives for teams to collaborate with Custom Athletics. The conversation concludes with discussions on the future aspirations of MPL, advice for young players, and a quote about stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Takeaways

• Riley Evans is the founder of Custom Athletics, a company that specializes in creating custom soccer jerseys.
• Riley started his jersey business in 2020 and has since worked with adult teams all over the country.
• Riley also started his own league, the Custom Athletics Champions League, in Provo, Utah.
• The MPL and Custom Athletics formed a partnership to provide high-quality jerseys for MPL teams.
• Riley's love for soccer and sports has shaped his leadership skills and passion for helping teams look and feel good on the field.
• Riley is a fan of the US national team and Barcelona, and he believes that soccer in the United States is growing but still faces challenges. Affordability and accessibility are key issues in youth soccer, and partnerships with big brands can help make the sport more affordable for parents and kids.
• The MLS is often seen as a retirement league, with many top players from Europe joining the league towards the end of their careers.
• The atmosphere of European soccer, with passionate fans and intense rivalries, is unmatched in other leagues.
• Different positions on the field require different skills and have their own unique challenges.
• Defense is a crucial aspect of soccer, and a strong defensive strategy can win games.
• Coaches play a vital role in player development, and it is important for them to understand the needs and potential of each player.
• There is a need for better player development programs and opportunities, especially for talented players from underprivileged backgrounds.
• Some soccer clubs prioritize profit over the well-being and development of young players, which can hinder the growth of the sport. Leaders must tolerate and stick by their decisions, even if they turn ou