Development Masterclass with U.S. Soccer's Barry Pauwels

Plus, 15 new soccer jobs across the United States of America

Author

Nolan from Pathway ⚽️
August 19, 2025

 

IN THIS ISSUE

  • 🤝 Introduction: How are you spending your time?

  • 🎬 Roll Call: On-camera talent needed

  • ⚽️ Soccer Jobs: New jobs around MLS, NWSL, and USL

  • 👨‍🎓 Soccer Thought Leader: Barry Pauwels, U.S. Soccer

  • 📰 In The News: International stars head to MLS!

INTRODUCTION

Hey there, Pathwayers! 👋

Time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe that we’re already over halfway through August. We’re starting to hit the apex of the year as playoff pictures across MLS, NWSL, and USL begin to form and teams simultaneously start planning for 2026, not to mention preparing for ways to capitalize on the (quickly!) approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It sometimes feels like time passes at the blink of an eye, but it’s important to be mindful and intentional with your time, as well as others’, especially if you’re trying to grow your career.

Consider how you are spending your time now. Are you perfecting your current skill set? Are you studying anything new? Are you engaging others? As you’ll learn from this issue’s Soccer Thought Leader, these are some of the traits that top leaders possess.

Since 2018, Barry Pauwels has held various positions with U.S. Soccer, which has led to his current role of Head of Development for the Men’s Youth National Teams. You’ll read more about how his familial upbringing in Belgium, his love for soccer, and his adoration for learning eventually led to one of the top youth development positions in the country.

Barry has a fascinating background and is a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to all levels of the game. We hope you find his interview insightful as you continue to grow in your careers.

Happy reading!

-Nolan Sheldon, Co-Founder & CXO

INTRODUCING NUTMEG SOCCER

Are you an MLS and USMNT fan? Then you need to add our friends at Nutmeg Soccer to your weekly reading list.

Nutmeg Soccer is a FREE weekly newsletter covering all things American soccer. It's the easiest way to keep up on MLS and everything that's happening with our USMNT players abroad.

ROLL CALL: ON-CAMERA TALENT NEEDED

This could be you

Our friends at Name & Number - your favorite soccer-specific marketing and creative agency - have two big footy productions coming up. They’re looking for on-camera talent in both New York City and Chicago in the coming weeks. Specific details and timing can be found via the links below.

Before you continue scrolling…

Would you be so kind as to share Pathway with your friends and colleagues, and/or on social media? We’d really appreciate it. 🫶

NEW SOCCER JOBS

SOCCER THOUGHT LEADER: BARRY PAUWELS, U.S. SOCCER

“IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW CONSISTENT YOU ARE IN YOUR PRACTICE AND HOW YOU SHOW UP WHEN MOTIVATION IS LOW OR WHEN TIME IS LIMITED. IT’S ABOUT DEVELOPING A LEARNING ATTITUDE.”

It is always special to introduce a top-class professional to our Pathway subscribers, but it is especially so when we also get to introduce a top-class human.

First and foremost, Barry Pauwels is a wonderful man. He is thoughtful, gives his time to others in abundance and genuinely cares for the person and the professional; he wants to see both succeed equally.

I first met Barry on the USSF Pro License course in 2019 and we have stayed close friends since. He had a massive impact on how I thought about the game, leadership, culture, and development. Importantly, he had a genuine belief in me and my abilities as a coach.

What is truly amazing, is that I know with certainty that he has had a similar impact on many other coaches who have had the privilege to work with him at U.S. Soccer or within the licensing program. Barry is one of a kind in all the best ways.

I hope our conversation gives you a glimpse into his wonderful heart and brain - we’re lucky to have him leading our youth national teams and staff. Enjoy the read.

-Nolan Sheldon, Co-Founder & CXO

Questions and answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity (and any emphasis below is ours)

ICYMI: MUST-READ ARTICLES

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SEE YOU SOON, SOCCER FRIENDS