In Episode 41 of Y’all Street, host Tarek Saab interviews Leigh Veidman, head coach of Spokane Velocity FC, about resilience in American soccer.
In the world of sports, resilience is akin to the grit found in rodeo culture. Leigh Veidman, head coach of Spokane Velocity FC, embodies this spirit as he builds a championship-caliber soccer culture from the ground up. With a background steeped in hard work and determination, Veidman discusses how creating a winning team is no different than forming a strong herd-it’s about the individuals that make up the group.
Building a Brand on the Range
Veidman emphasizes the importance of community in Spokane, a blue-collar city where fans expect entertainment as much as they do winning. “When they go out to a game, they want to be entertained. Everyone works long weeks. They spend their hard-earned money to come out and watch a game. They don’t want to come out and watch some boring soccer,” he says. This understanding of the local culture has guided his approach to building the Spokane Velocity brand.
Resilience: The Heart of the Herd
Leigh’s journey from Liverpool to coaching in the US highlights the resilience required to thrive in a volatile sports market. Much like a cowboy must navigate the unpredictable elements of ranch life, Veidman has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. From losing jobs to rebuilding teams, his experiences have shaped his philosophy: prioritize the person before the player.
People work hard in Spokane. When they go out to a game, they want to be entertained.
Leigh Veidman
In his eyes, fostering deep internal trust among players is critical for success. As he leads the Spokane Velocity into their third year, he remains focused on building a resilient culture that not only entertains but also cultivates talent capable of rising through the ranks of American soccer.
