In Episode 41 of Y’all Street, host Tarek Saab talks with Leigh Veidman, Head Coach of Spokane Velocity FC, about building a USL contender from scratch.
Leigh Veidman’s journey from the streets of inner-city Liverpool to the sidelines of Spokane Velocity FC is a testament to resilience and strategic vision. As the head coach, Veidman has transformed the expansion franchise into a competitive force in USL League One, reaching the playoff finals in both of its inaugural seasons. His approach emphasizes the importance of creating a vibrant soccer culture that resonates with local fans.
Building a Championship Culture
At the core of Veidman’s strategy is a commitment to prioritizing people over players. He believes that understanding each player’s psychological background is crucial for maximizing performance. Veidman notes, “People work hard in Spokane. When they go out to a game, they want to be entertained… They want to come out and watch some fun games and be entertained.” This philosophy has not only helped him build a cohesive team but also fostered a strong connection with the community.
Navigating the USL Pyramid
Veidman has experienced the ups and downs of coaching in the USL, having weathered the collapse of Fresno FC and a hiatus at OKC Energy. These challenges equipped him with the resilience needed to excel at Spokane Velocity. He explains that the experience gained through adversity has shaped his coaching approach, allowing him to adapt and thrive under pressure.
It was important for me to get people around me on the roster and within the staff that had experience in the game in general, but also experience in how to handle those situations.
Leigh Veidman
As Spokane Velocity looks to build on its initial success, Veidman’s focus on resilience and community engagement positions the team for a promising future. The financial lessons from his journey highlight that investing in people leads to both on-field success and community loyalty, essential components for any sports franchise aiming for long-term sustainability.
