Advertise on podcast: On the Field Podcast

What does it actually take to maximise your potential as a young footballer? Ben Sippola has thought about this question for most of his adult life. A former Division I player at Butler University, MLS draft pick, and professional footballer in Sweden, Ben is now head coach of Auckland United's men's first team and one of the most experienced voices in New Zealand on the U.S. college recruitment pathway. In this episode he shares the three Cs framework every coach uses, the Kyle Adams story that proves character beats competency every time, and honest advice for families thinking about using a recruitment agency. Ben Sippola Head Coach, Auckland United FC | Butler University Hall of Fame | Former MLS & Professional Footballer Ben grew up in Minnesota, earned first team All-American honours at Butler University, and was drafted by the Columbus Crew in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft before playing professionally in Sweden. Back in New Zealand, he led Ole Football Academy for several years, helping hundreds of young athletes navigate the U.S. college pathway. He now serves as head coach of Auckland United's men's first team. If you’re a student-athlete (or a parent of one) and want to explore similar opportunities through the U.S. college system, let’s talk - ⁠https://hubs.li/Q03gK

Logan Wild was a teenager at Massey High School in Auckland when he came across a clip of American college rugby on Instagram. He had no idea what the pathway involved, no frame of reference for what he was walking into, and no guarantee it would work out. Three years later, he graduated from Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland with a degree and a clear answer: he would do it all again. In this episode, Logan talks through what college rugby actually looks like from the inside. The coaching environment, the facilities, the 4am calls with coaches, the moment his parents drove away from campus and it all became real. And what he thinks young New Zealand rugby players should know before they decide the professional pathway only runs through four teams at home. Guest Bio: Logan Wild grew up in Auckland and played First Five for Massey High School before taking one of the less conventional routes available to young New Zealand rugby players. After coming across American college rugby online, he pursued the U.S. college pathway and spent three years at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland, a Division I programme based 40 minutes from Washington DC. During his time there, Logan trained under coaches with Super Rugby and MLR backgrounds, competed in one of the stronger college rugby conferences on the East Coast, and graduated with a degree in business marketing and sports management. He returned to Auckland in 2026 with a clearer picture of what the professional pathway could look like, and what it takes to develop as both a player and a person when you leave everything familiar behind. If you want guidance on your U.S. or UK college pathway, book a free consultation with our team: https://www.platformsportsmanagement.com/consultation

The Coach on the Other Side of the Desk: What Franklin Pierce's Diego Thielen Looks for in International Recruits Most content about the U.S. college recruitment process is written from the outside. This one is not. Diego Thielen is the head coach of Franklin Pierce University's men's soccer programme in Rindge, New Hampshire, a Division II programme that has won back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023. He receives around 180 emails in a single week during peak recruitment periods. He has never once offered a scholarship after a single call. And he can tell within the first few interactions whether it is the athlete or the parents running the process. In our latest podcast episode, Diego breaks down exactly what goes through a coach's mind during recruitment. Why character comes before ability in how he evaluates every single recruit. What a red flag actually looks like from his side of the conversation. Why the best programmes are not looking for the most talented player available, they are looking for the right one. And what a genuine in-season week at a national championship programme demands from a student-athlete, academically and athletically. If you are a footballer considering the U.S. college pathway, or a parent trying to understand what coaches are actually looking for, this is the conversation that gives you the view from the other side of the desk. If you want guidance on your U.S. or UK college pathway, book a free consultation with our team: https://www.platformsportsmanagement.com/consultation

What happens when a seventeen-year-old from Auckland ends up at one of the largest universities in the United States, competing in a tough Division I conference, without ever having planned for it? Jo Dawkins, the man behind Auckland United's player development programme and a former Division I college footballer at FIU, joins Amrit to talk through his journey, the reality of balancing academics and elite sport, the professional pathway that followed, and the advice he gives every family that asks him where to start. https://www.platformsportsmanagement.com/

Jay grew up in New Plymouth, New Zealand, where he was a three-time high school champion. His first coach was Amrit Rai’s father, so the idea of U.S. college tennis was not a distant rumour. It was on court with him from the beginning. Today, Jay is part of the team at Platform Sports. He spends his time helping other athletes do what he did: leave home, back themselves, and turn a New Zealand or Australian junior career into a U.S. college opportunity. This conversation is not a highlight reel. It is about the reality behind the photos. The pressure, the doubt, the networks that keep you standing, and why Jay still tells shy, home-loving athletes to go.

Senior physiotherapist Chris Hitchens shares a practical recovery blueprint for student-athletes, focusing on sleep, nutrition, hydration, and how to balance load for long-term performance. Ready to build your U.S. college pathway with the right support around you? Book a Platform Sports consult or listen to the full episode now.

In Episode 2 of Keep It Real, we sit down with Austin Ludwig and Leah Bermudez; two standout captains from Gannon University who’ve turned their U.S. college football journeys into real-world pro opportunities. From Brisbane Roar to Souths United, Austin and Leah unpack the realities of college sport: performance pressure, culture shocks, what made their program successful, and why leadership starts off the field. They get candid about the transition home, life after graduation, and how their time at Gannon shaped who they are today, not just as athletes, but as people.

In this debut episode of our new Keep It Real talk track, Josh sits down with two familiar faces; Jordan Acevedo and Mackenzie Roach. From 76-game college careers at Niagara University to unexpected football adventures in Australia, these two D1 athletes share the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. They reflect on injuries, leadership, navigating setbacks, and what it really takes to thrive in and beyond college sports. Raw, unfiltered, and full of real-life lessons; this episode is what Keep It Real is all about.

In this episode of On the Field, we sit down with high-performance mindset coach David Neithe—who has worked with Olympic athletes, national teams, and some of the top student-athletes in New Zealand. David breaks down what it really takes to perform under pressure, the role fear plays in sport, and why the best moments in your career often happen when you stop worrying about the outcome. He shares practical mental tools for athletes (and parents) to build calm, resilience, and clarity—especially when the stakes are high. If you're an athlete chasing your next level or a parent supporting that journey, this episode is for you. Listen now on Spotify and discover how David Neithe helps athletes build fearless, focused mindsets when it matters most.

From College Rugby to FIFA Agent – Tay Hawker on NIL, Branding & Making It Pro In this episode, we sit down with Tay Hawker—a certified pro agent and key figure at Halo Sports, one of the world’s leading pro sports agencies. Tay shares his journey from college rugby in the U.S. to managing elite athletes worldwide—breaking down what it really takes to go pro in today’s sports landscape. Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with real-world insights from someone who’s lived it—and is now helping others make it. Want to know if you qualify for a U.S. college scholarship? Get a free academic & athletic assessment from our experts today. https://www.platformsportsmanagement.com/consultation

In this episode of 'On the Field, ' Amrit and Will discuss the best way to capitalise on your scholarship and the transfer window to rise through the American college system, as well as a look at how things are shaping for Platform in 2025. 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study at top colleges in the United States. With 10+ years of experience, we’ve guided athletes across all levels—NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO—ensuring they find the best fit for their academic and athletic careers. 🔥 Why Choose Platform Sports? ✅ Expert guidance through the entire recruitment process ✅ Strong network of U.S. college coaches ✅ Personalized strategy to maximize scholarship opportunities ✅ Ongoing support throughout your college journey 📅 Book a FREE consultation today! 👉 www.platformsportsmanagement.com/contact 📲 Follow us for updates & success stories! 🌎 All Socials Here

In this episode of On The Field Will catches up with Zack Swanwick and dives deep on what it takes to gain a scholarship to the top college in America, how the 2023 cyclone effected his coaches trial and where Zack has his sights set in the future. 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study at top colleges in the United States. With 10+ years of experience, we’ve guided athletes across all levels—NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO—ensuring they find the best fit for their academic and athletic careers. 🔥 Why Choose Platform Sports? ✅ Expert guidance through the entire recruitment process ✅ Strong network of U.S. college coaches ✅ Personalized strategy to maximize scholarship opportunities ✅ Ongoing support throughout your college journey 📅 Book a FREE consultation today! 👉 ⁠www.platformsportsmanagement.com/contact⁠ 📲 Follow us for updates & success stories! 🌎 ⁠All Socials Here⁠

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we dive into the incredible journey of Courtney Fitzgibbon, whose unique start in running—training alongside 60-year-olds—led her to compete at the NCAA Division I level. Courtney shares her inspiring story of perseverance, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she’s learned as a collegiate athlete. If you’re looking for motivation to chase your goals, this episode is for you! 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study at top colleges in the United States. With 10+ years of experience, we’ve guided athletes across all levels—NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO—ensuring they find the best fit for their academic and athletic careers. 🔥 Why Choose Platform Sports? ✅ Expert guidance through the entire recruitment process ✅ Strong network of U.S. college coaches ✅ Personalized strategy to maximize scholarship opportunities ✅ Ongoing support throughout your college journey 📅 Book a FREE consultation today! 👉 ⁠www.platformsportsmanagement.com/contact⁠ 📲 Follow us for updates & success stories! 🌎 ⁠All Socials Here⁠

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we sit down with former NCAA Division I football players and current Platform team members, Josh Tufino and Mack Roach. Josh and Mack share their journeys through D1 sports, the lessons they learned along the way, and how their college experiences helped them build successful lives on the Gold Coast. Packed with insights and personal stories, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to transition from sports to life beyond the field. 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study at top colleges in the United States. With 10+ years of experience, we’ve guided athletes across all levels—NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO—ensuring they find the best fit for their academic and athletic careers. 🔥 Why Choose Platform Sports? ✅ Expert guidance through the entire recruitment process ✅ Strong network of U.S. college coaches ✅ Personalized strategy to maximize scholarship opportunities ✅ Ongoing support throughout your college journey 📅 Book a FREE consultation today! 👉 ⁠www.platformsportsmanagement.com/contact⁠ 📲 Follow us for updates & success stories! 🌎 ⁠All Socials Here⁠

In this episode of ‘On the Field,’ we dive into the exciting changes in scholarship funding within the NCAA system and what it means for aspiring student-athletes. We’re also joined by Sammi, who shares her journey and insights from her time at the University of Iowa. From navigating college life to maximizing scholarship opportunities, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration for athletes looking to elevate their game! 🎯 Platform Sports – Your Pathway to a U.S. College Scholarship! 🇺🇸 At Platform Sports, we help student-athletes secure scholarships to play and study at top colleges in the United States. With 10+ years of experience, we’ve guided athletes across all levels—NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO—ensuring they find the best fit for their academic and athletic careers. 🔥 Why Choose Platform Sports? ✅ Expert guidance through the entire recruitment process ✅ Strong network of U.S. college coaches ✅ Personalized strategy to maximize scholarship opportunities ✅ Ongoing support throughout your college journey 📅 Book a FREE consultation today! 👉 ⁠www.platformsportsmanagement.com/contact⁠ 📲 Follow us for updates & success stories! 🌎 ⁠All Socials Here⁠