In Episode 27 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Jeroen Chantrain, a Belgian youth coach who has worked at two of the most iconic clubs in European football — RSC Anderlecht, Belgium’s most successful club, and Royal Antwerp FC, the oldest club in the country.

Jeroen brings a rare inside look at elite European player development, sharing how top academies think about technical skill, mentality, patience, and the long-term pathway from grassroots football to the first team.

This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches who want to understand how Europe develops talent — and what truly matters beyond the badge.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it means to coach at Royal Antwerp, known as “The Great Old”, and why club identity matters
• Key similarities and differences between Anderlecht and Antwerp’s youth development models
• Why individual player development always comes before team results
• How Belgian academies prepare players from U10 all the way to the first team
• Why technical ability stands out immediately — and why coaches love “the king of the ball”
• The role of school, discipline, and sacrifices in elite player pathways
• When nutrition, recovery, and education should begin (earlier than most think)
• How coaches handle talented players with difficult personalities
• Why patience is the most underrated trait for young players and parents
• Why going “too fast” to a big-name club can hurt long-term development
• How Belgian clubs scout and develop talent from the United States
• Thoughts on young American players transitioning to Europe
• World Cup insights and why Belgium remains a dangerous outsider

Key Takeaway

Guest & Club Handles

• Jeroen Chantrain: @jeroenchantrain
• Royal Antwerp FC: @royal_antwerp_fc
• RSC Anderlecht: @rscanderlecht
• Anderlecht Academy (Neerpede): @rscaneerpede

Hosts

🎙️ Megan Linke – @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam Linke – @liamlinke18

🎧 Listen to Episode 27 now on all major podcast platforms
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thesoccerladder