What if the biggest thing holding your club back isn't the product on the pitch but the lack of a clear, open conversation with fans?

In Episode 98 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Jim McCarthy about everything he's learned regarding building and serving fans over a 25 year career that he has spent supporting over 2 million events for tens of millions of customers.

As founder of Impresario Strategic Growth Services and former CEO of Goldstar, he's now focused on one thing: helping professional soccer clubs fill stadiums and build sustainable audiences.

In this conversation, Jim breaks down why most clubs get pricing wrong, what "right-size stadiums" really means, and why the 2026 World Cup might have a marketing problem nobody's talking about.

We dig into the differences in approaching how to attract families vs young adults vs casual fans — and why "seats are raw materials" that need to be turned into products for specific people.

He also shares his informed guesses about FIFA's ticketing model for the World Cup and why there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for hopeful fans who feel priced out.

Whether you're running a USL club, building a supporter group, or just trying to understand the business side of the game you love - Jim drops tons of actionable knowledge in this one.

Connect with Jim here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcmccarthy/

https://impresariostrategic.com/

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In Episode 97 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Isabel Freedman, Emerging Technology Partnerships Lead at Wasabi Technologies. Isabel shares how she leads go-to-market strategy for emerging technologies spanning AI, sports, media and entertainment.

Wasabi Technologies is changing how professional sports organizations can leverage AI-power intelligent media storage to quickly locate every highlight and moment across their media archives. Isabel shares how the company has helped their partner Liverpool FC with this feature and even partnered with the club on media campaigns.

But although Wasabi is partnered with one of the world’s biggest football clubs, Isabel shares how clubs of all sizes can stay aware of how to use AI in their data storage and content creation workflows. In fact, by adopting an AI-first mindset, clubs can get a headstart on effectively tagging and archiving their data so that it’s easy to retrieve and apply for relevant stories and campaigns.

AI is here to stay so clubs need to bes tunderstand how to adopt and adapt. Club leaders professional and youth soccer clubs around the country will experience many takeaways from our discussion about how to transform their sports media workflows and enhance their content marketing.

Connect with Isabel Freedman here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelfreedman/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelfreedman/

https://wasabi.com/

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In episode 89 of the Because Football Podcast, we invite Jason Heaton, Chairman and Co-Founder of Kernow FA and Global Ambassador for CONIFA, for a conversation about the power of football to shape collective identity and spark joy.

As Global Business Director and General Secretary of CONIFA—the world’s second-biggest international football confederation— he helped bring opportunity and representation to millions worldwide by organizing the 2018 CONIFA World Cup in London, bringing together 16 international football teams from nations, de-facto nations, regions, minority peoples and sports isolated territories.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of Cornish football on global football history and culture, the exciting release of their new Meyba kit, and Kernow FA’s big plans for capitalizing on World Cup fever by hosting a match in Pachuca, Mexico, known as “the Cornwall of Mexico”.

Currently, Jason serves as President and co-founder of Kernow FA, Cornwall’s international football team. Now in their seventh year as CONIFA members, Kernow FA represents Cornish pride and inclusivity on the world stage—with men’s and women’s teams, and a ground-breaking inclusive team ranked number one globally,

On a personal level, we also chat about the opportunities that have presented themselves to Jason in the world of soccer, moments that seem less like conscious decisions and more like basic tenets of his reality. Purpose, passion, and footy-fueled wave of relationships sit at the heart of this conversation.

During our favorite “All-Time 5-a-Side” segment, we permit Jason two teams - a Cornish-only squad made up of local legends (including the all-time great nonleague goalscorer with 2000 goals) AND all-time greats like Maradona, Puskas, Gascoigne, and Roy Keane.

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https://www.instagram.com/kernowfa/

https://kernowfa.co.uk/

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Welcome to Episode 10 of the Because Football Podcast presented by Transform Soccer. Our guest is Steve Darby, an experienced coach who has held numerous roles at the international and club level in Australia and Asia. Steve began playing soccer in the streets of Liverpool, England and was born just a few blocks from Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool FC. He has held roles such as National Team Manager of Laos and the Vietnam women's team, and was assistant coach for Thailand under managers Peter Reid and Bryan Robson. He has coached professional teams in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Darby obtained his UEFA A Licence in 1979. He became an official FIFA Instructor for the Oceania region in 1981 and was the Technical Director of the Australian Soccer Federation (former name) of governing body Football Federation Australia between 1990 and 1995. His biography by Antony Sutton, "The Itinerant Coach", was published in October 2021 by Fair Play Publishing. This episode touches on what it takes to make it at the top level as a player and a coach. He also discusses how different countries can take advantage of their particular culture to inform their youth development style. He has found himself in all sorts of situations, and has had first hand access to all the glories and doldrums of the beautiful game. It's arguably the most entertaining episode we've had and we appreciate Coach Darby's impact on the game. You can learn more about Steve Darby below: Biography Available on Amazon LinkedIn

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Welcome to Episode 9 of the Because Football Podcast presented by Transform Soccer. Our guest is Chris Steel, a former professional player, coach, and club director with 22 years of experience on 4 different continents. He holds UEFA A & UEFA Elite Youth A Licences. Chris began playing soccer as a boy in Glasgow, Scotland on red ash pitches and very quickly developed one sole aim for life: to become a professional footballer. That was always plan A and his passion took him to play in Australia, Hong Kong, and even a brief stint in an NCAA program in the United States. Currently, he provides Technical Director and Director of Coaching consulting for grassroots and professional clubs through Football ConneXions, a company he founded in 2018. Football ConneXions is a football consultancy aimed at progressing clubs and coaches to their next level through Strategic Planning, Player and Coach Development and Programme Implementation. Along the way, Coach Chris took his coaching badges and, influenced by his father who was also a coach, quickly grew to love developing players and helping them be the best people they could be. He coached for various youth and women's teams, ran Coerver coaching in India, and even worked as a scout and opposition analyst for professional teams in Australia. Throughout his coaching journey, he has followed his Plan A of football to countries such as Malaysia, Canada, Scotland, Australia, India, and the United States. This episode touches on the wilder side of playing professionally in Asia and exposes some of the darker side of football - coach and player misconduct, the instability and constant change of professional soccer, and the focused drive required to "make it" and be successful. Sometimes that involves taking a stand to voice concerns over mistreatment and abuse of young players, as Chris did in a recent role, and in reward for bringing the issues to light, he was fired from his role. We talked about the importance of taking a stand, regardless of the outcome, in order to do what's right and hopefully change the culture within youth clubs, teams, and even national federations. And, in between all of it, we hear Coach Chris' choice of best food in the world. I gotta be honest, he surprised me with his pick! You can learn more about Chris Steel below:

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Welcome to Episode 6 of the Because Football Podcast presented by Transform Soccer. Our guest is Ryan Roy Shah. Coach Ryan has a UEFA B license and Masters in Sports Science and High Performance with 6+ years of coaching and management experience at schools, universities, clubs and academies. He is currently heading Pune Pioneers Football Club in Pune, India as Club Director. In this episode we discuss Ryan's journey from playing at youth and professional level and then transitioning into coaching. He explains why he chose to go through the UEFA coaching pathway, although it is cheaper and easier to qualify through the AFC and AIFF coach education system. For those without much information about Indian football, he offers a great description of how the game of football (dwarfed in support by cricket) has grown in the past decades, as well as its recent successes and challenges. In this discussion, he shares about his youth club, Pune Pioneers FC, and their values. Finally, he offers insight into a fascinating football subculture unique to India - the Kerala 7s, an annual 7v7 tournament organized by local business leaders - totally unofficial and unsanctioned- but with a more fervent following than the Indian Super League itself! You can learn more about Ryan Roy Shah below: www.instagram.com/coachryanroyofficial https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachryanroy/ https://punepioneers.com/ Find out more about our Transform Soccer programs here: https://transformsoccertraining.com/a... https://www.instagram.com/transformso... facebook.com/transformsoccer https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleya...

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Because Football Podcast presented by Transform Soccer. Our guest is John Adair. Coach John wears many hats as the Technical Director at Buckingham United Soccer Club in the Philadelphia USA area, as well as Head Boys Soccer Coach at CB West High School. In 2023, he attained his USSF B License and was formerly the Regional Director at Coerver Coaching. He also has experience in the college game as an Assistant Coach at Georgian Court University, an NCAA Division 2 program. In this episode, we discuss how Coach John had absolutely NO natural gift for soccer and how that pushed him to work harder and fall in love with the game. From a young age, he enjoyed working with kids and teaching, which led him to his first coaching role as a 14 year old coach of a local recreational team. He talks about how youth soccer players can improve by watching their own games and how his club utilizes video analysis to highlight not only weaknesses, but strengths in a player's game. I love how coach John shares his belief in doubling down on your strengths rather than only identifying weaknesses! This is a great episode for soccer parents and players who are looking for the right club for them. Coach John shares the values of his club, Buckingham United, and how they are building a strong technical, tactical, and personal foundation for players. As he shares, sometimes they get it right, sometimes not, but they have a clear identity and have attracted families who share their values. You can learn more about Coach John and Buckingham United Soccer Club below: www.instagram.com/johnadairsocccer https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetjohnadair/ http://www.cbaasports.org/ Find out more about our Transform Soccer programs here: https://transformsoccertraining.com/a... https://www.instagram.com/transformso... facebook.com/transformsoccer https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleya...

Episode 5 brings great insight into how coaches can develop themselves, THE EASIEST WAY FOR PLAYERS TO IMPROVE ON THEIR OWN, and fun stories of soccer adventures in the UK. It's a great one for coaches, players, and parents to enjoy and learn from. Our guest, youth soccer coach Will Kemp, is a native of South Jersey (USA) and has been involved in the beautiful game for over 25 years. In his roles as director of Kemp Soccer Development and Cohansey Soccer Club, Coach Will has trained players of all ages and levels of play, including teams that have competed in England. He has also worked alongside and learned from numerous pro level coaches across the world. In this episode, Coach Will and Coach Andrew touch on a few interesting topics. We hear about Coach Will's earliest experiences as a coach and how Arsenal's playing style impacted his perspective on the game. He shares his view on how to develop players' technique and shares a great TOP SECRET TIP about the #1 BEST WAY players can improve their skills on their own. Finally, he shares some of his favorite experiences that the game has given him, including a recent trip to the UK with his  Kemp Soccer Development teams. There, his teams competed against high level professional academy sides like Manchester United, Wrexham, and Bolton Wanderers. The trip, organized by EPL Sports Tours, included professional Premier League matches, stadium tours, and sightseeing. He talks about the benefits that the tour gave to his players, both off the field and on it! Similar to Coach Andrew and Transform Soccer, Coach Will's coaching philosophy is centered on fostering an environment that develops each player's soccer I.Q. while supporting them in finding their passion in life. He believes that players must trust themselves and have confidence at all times both on and off the field. Players must compete with themselves daily to become a better individual. You can follow Coach Will and his programs here: https://youtube.com/@UCLPIZz--lAvkSuuJDCbYhcA https://www.kempsoccer.com/https://www.instagram.com/kempsoccerdevelopment/ Find out more about our Transform Soccer programs here: https://transformsoccertraining.com/about-transform-soccer/https://www.instagram.com/transformsoccer_/ facebook.com/transformsoccer https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

For Episode 88of the Because Football Podcast, we're trying a solo format. Rather than interviewing an amazing guest from the world of soccer, our host Andrew Baggaley will be sharing updates on our ”Road Trip to the World Cup Series” that has taken us to 8 of the 16 host cities thus far.

He’ll also discuss what opportunities he sees for clubs and brands to take advantage of World Cup fever, some of the most poignant stories we’ve shared on the series, as well as insights gained into soccer media and event planning.

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In Episode 87 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Kevin Rye, Founder of Think Fan Engagement. Kevin tells us how his early experiences as a fan of AFC Wimbledon made him aware of the importance of the formal relationship between clubs and their fans. This goes beyond matchday experiences and performance on the field, but creating structures, regulations, and formalized relationships between clubs and their supporters clubs.

After a decade managing a network of over 200 football clubs & member organisations in England & Europe with Supporters Direct, Kevin founded Think Fan Engagement to work with clubs & other rights holders, brands and other organisations who seek to understand fans and the relationships they have with their clubs, while strongly advocating a culture of listening.

This is a critical conversation that address some of the most pressing issues in modern football.

Connect with Kevin and Think Fan Engagement here:

https://fanengagement.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleni-hitchcock/

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkfanengagement/

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Have you ever considered creating your own podcast? We can help!

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

Can promotion and relegation fundamentally change the landscape of soccer in the United States? Hardcore fans have been begging for it for decades and USL has answered the call, announcing the intention to adopt a more meritocratic, dramatic, and exciting soccer system in 2027.

In Episode 86 of the Because Football Podcast, we interview Brett Johnson, Chairman of Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium and Director and Shareholder at Ipswich Town FC. This episode is a look inside the journey and perspective of a club owner who has matched a passion for the game with significant investment to drive it forward.

Mr. Johnson is the CEO of Benevolent Capital, a family office with investments in professional sports teams, real estate, private equity and venture capital that he founded in 2005. The current portfolio includes the English Football League Championship-Level club, Ipswich Town FC, the USL Championship clubs Phoenix Rising FC and Rhode Island FC, along with investments in TerraCycle, Athletic Brewing Corporation, Oura Ring, and Seekr Technologies.

In this episode, Brett talks about how playing pickup soccer as a kid in Central Park started his love for the game, fostered by a semester abroad in London becoming obsessed at Arsenal’s Highbury stadium, and ultimately to taking the step into club ownership with Phoenix Rising FC in 2016.

Beyond his personal journey, Brett speaks about what drove him to start a club in Rhode Island - a place he has a personal connection with as an alumnus of Brown University - and why he is so bullish on promotion and relegation coming to the USL.

We also discuss how USL clubs can better facilitate and profit from talent development, the importance of soccer stadium projects like the newly opened Centreville Bank Stadium to USL communities, and why he is so optimistic about the cultural and financial future of soccer in America.

Despite his vast experience in a variety of industries, he admits the limits of his of his soccer knowledge and his reliance on a team of experts at both Ipswich Town and RIFC to make football decisions. In both cases, he highlights the social impact of reviving (or in the case of RIFC, creating) the local soccer club.

Connect with Brett Johnson here:

⁠linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148

www.benevolentcapital.com

rhodeislandfc.com

https://www.itfc.co.uk

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In American Soccer, we’ve heard for decades that the game is finally catching on. Sometimes, it feels like groundhog day. But there is one indicator showing positive signs - the growth of soccer-specific stadiums, especially for clubs at the second and third tier of the professional pyramid.

In Episode 85 of the Because Football Podcast, we interview Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Officer at USL. In his role, Justin travels across the country meeting with local governments, developers, and investors to create new clubs and stadiums in American communities. Over the past decade, he has seen how it has become increasingly easier to sell soccer to cities and investors alike, signalling a bright future for the financial longevity of pro soccer in the United States.

In this episode, Justin shares his perspective on the role of USL in the American soccer landscape, how the league’s club intentionally cultivate close community ties, and why stadiums can serve more than just soccer fans in the the local area. He also talks about the upside of implementing promotion and relegation in USL and how that systemic change will draw new fans.

As Chief Real Estate Officer at USL, he has seen how changing demographics and the cultural growth of soccer have made it easier to convince cities to start clubs and build stadiums. Governmental leaders and decision-makers are part of a generation that have grown up with the game. Their children play. They “get it” - and that is a crucial sign for the future of soccer in a country that has always kept the game at arms’ length.

We speak about building soccer-specific stadiums as community assets that spark economic development, underpin club valuations, and serve as multi-purpose hubs with entertainment, nightlife, and residential uses not just for soccer fans, but the wider population.

He also talks about how the game has positively impacted his family, his biggest challenges in the role, and tells us his “All-TIme Five-a-Side Team”.

It’s a fascinating insight into a leader who is making a considerable impact in the American soccer scene.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-papadakis-9b466522/

https://www.instagram.com/justin.papadakis/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/usl/

https://www.instagram.com/usl_hq/

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In Episode 84 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Dan Rutstein, President of Business Operations at Orange County SC of the USL Championship. In 2023, he was formally appointed President of Orange County SC after serving as interim club president, during which time the club set new records in ticket sales, sponsorship, and merchandise, and expanded charitable programming.

In this episode, Dan shares his fascinating journey - from sports journalist to diplomat to football club president, from the UK to Bermuda to Germany to California. He talks about key business principles of successfully running a professional soccer club in the second tier of American soccer, with a foundational focus on building community.

You will learn about why OCSC is so important - serving as the sole professional sports team for a county of 3 million people - and the values that Dan and his team act out in order to move the club forward. We compare and contrast a game day experience in the US vs the UK, why the club views their sponsors as reciprocal partners benefitting the community together, and how soccer, in particular, is a valuable tool for diplomacy and relationship building across cultures.

He also shares stories of schoolboy days playing soccer with a tennis ball, ghostwriting a newspaper column for one of the Caribbean’s best ever goalscorers, and why he is looking forward to speaking at SoccerEx Miami.

Want to hear Dan speak at SoccerEx?

Register with our code “BFM20” and get 20% OFF a VIP or General Admission pass!

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Connect with Dan and Orange County Soccer Club here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrutstein/

https://x.com/orangecountysc

 https://www.instagram.com/orangecountysoccer/

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Want to start your own podcast? We can help.

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

In Episode 83 of the Because Football Podcast, we welcome Catalina Dunn, Marketing Manager at Soccer in the Streets. At Soccer in the Streets, Catalina plays a vital role in spreading awareness of the organization's mission to use soccer as a catalyst for positive change in underserved communities in the Atlanta region.

Catalina shares what she has learned in her more than six years of experience across diverse industries—including sports, technology, local government, and entertainment— and how her current role combines her passion for community impact with her expertise in digital marketing.

Perhaps most importantly, our conversation touches on the necessity of quality, engaging storytelling in order to sustain the organization. Despite all the amazing work SITS does, if there was no one to tell the story, they simply would not be able to grow to the level of impact they currently have.

We talk about the incredible example Soccer in the Streets sets for non-profit social organizations using soccer as a vehicle for social change, including their Station Soccer project that places mini soccer fields at public transit stations around the city, increasing access to both programming and transportation.

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Catalina Dunn LinkedIn

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In Episode 82 of the Because Football Podcast, we welcome Nicholas De-Long, Head of Academy for North Somerset Sports Foundation, a full-time 16-19 football education programme, in addition to his role as Head of Football for North Somerset Regional Talent Centre, which serves - 1100 boys and girls from ages 7-16. Nicholas has had an adventurous career, spending decades as a physical education instructor and coach in the UK Royal Air Force, to working on National Team staffs in Rwanda and India, to coaching in the academy at Southampton FC and Bristol Rovers.

He has led a life that would be at home on a cinema screen or in a lively novel, serving in Afghanistan with the British Armed Forces, to coaching India in front of 40,000 fans at the AFC Asian Cup. During our chat, Nicholas shares what he has learned along the way, his passion and enthusiasm shining with each sentence.

We talk about the keys to leadership, how to connect with teams in multi-cultural environments, and why his current role, steering aspiring footballers towards education, is so valuable to him. Nicholas also walks us through the realities of “trying to make it” as a young footballer in the UK, the ups and the downs which he has experienced as a player and coach.

This is one of the liveliest conversations we’ve had on the Because Football Podcast - and Nicholas names arguably our grittiest, fiercest ever All-Time 5-a-Side Team!

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-de-long-msc-5b671731/

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https://www.nsfootball.co.uk/

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Want to start your own podcast? We can help.

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In Episode 81 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Jonathan Todd, Director of Social Impact for Philadelphia World Cup 2026, the organization leading local efforts in the host city. Throughout his career, Jonathan has directed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion departments in multiple industries, in addition to time spent in non-profit and city government.

In this episode, Jonathan shares the Philadelphia World Cup 2026’s vision for short-term and long-term impact in the local soccer community. He also talks about the way that the Club World Cup served as an introduction to the game for thousands of Philadelphians and set a tone for all that the World Cup can be.

From watch parties with local community organizations, to implementation of soccer fields and capacity building through coach development, the organization is engaged in a variety of roles to ensure that the World Cup will be felt by all Philadelphians.

We hope this conversation educates listeners on the role that Philadelphia World Cup 2026 plays in the FIFA World Cup timeline, as well showcases as the possibilities for impacting the next generation of ballers in North America!

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-todd-74094335/

https://www.phillyfwc26.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fwc26philly/

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Is it possible to start a semi-professional soccer club part-time?

In Episode 80 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Joey Lipoff and Charles Salazar, co-founders of Sunflower State FC, a USL 2 and WPSL club serving the Kansas City area. After meeting and playing together at Rockhurst University, Joey and Charles saw a need in the soccer community for affordable, high level team to give local standouts a platform to test their talents.

So, with just a small budget but huge desire to change up the local soccer scene, Joey and Charles were part of a small team that brought Sunflower State FC to life. Since starting a few years ago, the club has placed dozens of players into professional contracts and/or trials in the US and internationally.

In this episode, they share the challenges (and rewards) of running a 4th tier soccer club in their spare time - before clocking into work in the morning, during lunch breaks, and after long days at the office. But they also share why it’s worth it, why they continue improving their technical staff, as well as the matchday experience for local fans. Joey and Charles also share how they strive to support similar initiatives in the local area, such as collaborating with Kansas City Astras of MASL 3 women’s indoor soccer.

It’s an insightful and inspiring conversation that proves to anyone in the American soccer community that, with the right mission and dedicated people, it’s possible to turn even a humble Sunday league team into a product with more structure, organization, and professional exposure.

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Website: https://www.sunflowerstatefc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerStateFC/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowerstatefc/?hl=en

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Professional soccer clubs often neglect storytelling because they lack the patience to trust an asset that doesn't always show an obvious ROI on the spreadsheet - but which is central to building trust and relationships and ensuring longterm financial sustainability.

In Episode 96 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Greg Lalas, an experienced sports brand storyteller and digital strategist, and Director and Founder of Short Corner Media.

Greg has been a mainstay in shaping American soccer stories and marketing strategy for MLS, Goal.com, USL, and has brought decades of expertise to our discussion. An original MLS player turned sports journalist, Greg has seen his talent for crafting stories grow beyond simple journalism to become an integral part of brand building, content marketing, and business growth.

In this conversation, Greg breaks down what most people get wrong about the role of stories in relationship building, the importance of respecting the fan, and the specific metrics he uses to measure success across various platforms. He uses the specific example of OKC Energy, a newly announced USL club that Short Corner Media has been supporting as they build a fanbase and solidify an identity that “reflects, represents, and resonates” in their community.

Greg has played so many important roles in American soccer and whether you are an emerging content creator, journalist, or club leader, we’re sure you’ll get value from his insights.

Connect with Greg Lalas here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greglalas/

⁠https://www.shortcornermedia.com/

Connect with Because Football here:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠

Need help with your soccer content, events, and strategy? We can help!

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

In Episode 79 of the Because Football Podcast, we’re joined by Charlie Latshaw III, current Head Coach for Des Moines Menace of USL 2, and regularly one of the league’s top performing clubs.

The Menace made headlines in recent years with a US Open Cup run where they signed a handful of former pros like Sacha Kljestan (who had played for the club back in the PDL days), Bradley Wright-Phillips, and USMNT stalwart Benny Feilhaber.

We talk about how coaching has bettered him as a person, how the Menace have maintained success and relevance in their community for three decades, and what USL 2 clubs must do well on and off the pitch in the fourth tier of American soccer.

We appreciate Charlie’s openness in sharing his story, from his initial childhood memories playing 11v11 as a six year old in Chicago, to how he instills values of community, service, and dedication in his teams. And credit to him for putting together a sizzling All-Time 5-a-Side Team with some ballers that the streets won’t forget!

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Connect with Charlie Latshaw III

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Des Moines Menace Instagram

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Competition makes soccer enthralling - but at its best, this game offers more than wins and losses.

In Episode 78 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Rachel Jolley, Program & Marketing Director for the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation. The foundation is the impact-driven arm of the Tampa Bay Sun, the Inaugural Champions of the Gainbridge Super League. A Tampa Bay area native, Rachel’s has balanced her desire for competition and impact over her career as a former Division 1 player, award-winning coach, and now program director.

In this episode, Rachel shares how her perspective on the game shifted once she became a coach. Disillusioned with some elements of the American soccer system like “pay to play” and overbearing parents, she shifted her focus from competition to opening access and serving kids that couldn’t afford to participate in that system.

In 2023, she founded Rise Up Soccer Club, a free-to-play program in Tampa for girls who might not have access to the game otherwise. That grassroots work led to her current role with the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, where she leads community-driven soccer initiatives alongside Tampa Bay Sun Football Club, the area's first professional women's team.

Because Rachel has also worked as a freelance content creator and social media consultant, we talked about how crucial it is for grassroots community soccer programs to effectively shape and share their story in order to attract social, institutional, and financial support.

We hope this conversation will hope passionate people already working in the game, or will encourage you to get involved in your soccer community!

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Connect with Rachel and the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljolley/

https://www.tampabaysunfc.com/foundation/

https://www.instagram.com/tampabaysunfc

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Want to start your own podcast? We can help.

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

Despite the booms and busts throughout history, American soccer has a lot to be proud of. From the bright lights of MLS and NWSL, to pre-professional teams in small town America, the game is alive and well.

In Episode 77 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Eleni Hitchcock, General Manager at Columbus United FC of USL 2 and VVP of Business Operations at Virtual Veep. Eleni tells us about her journey in the game, from getting wrapped up in the game day buzz as a child, to learning the ins and outs of club management during coffee dates with her father, Michael Hitchcock, a leader and builder in American soccer since early MLS days.

At the heart of Eleni’s passion and professional expertise lies a desire to share soccer with local communities, to give them an identity and a team to rally around.

Soccer business has always been family business and Eleni shares how she applies what she’s learned with Columbus United, a passionate soccer town on the Georgia-Alabama border. From meaningful partnerships with cool coffeeshops and hip breweries to youth soccer initiatives, affordable tickets and hardworking, authentic team staff, we discuss some of the foundations of successful soccer business that have worked in dozens of markets across the US.

Aside from the ins and outs of running a USL 2 club, she talks about Virtual Veep, a sports management services and consulting company that offers virtual assistance to lower division and minor league soccer teams across the country. Leveraging VP-level talent and experience across multiple organizations allows small town soccer teams to do what has often been so fundamentally difficult in American soccer - survive.

Leaders, fans, and coaches of community soccer clubs around the country will enjoy many takeaways from our discussion about the powerful simplicity that soccer can offer in the United States… and with the World Cup on our doorstep, that impact will only continue to grow!

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Connect with Eleni, Columbus United, and Virtual Veep here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleni-hitchcock/

⁠https://www.instagram.com/columbusunitedfootballclub/#

https://www.virtualveep.com/

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⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠

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⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠

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Have you ever considered creating your own podcast? We can help!

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

If you are an obsessive soccer fan, you know that the game isn’t just about what happens on the pitch - it’s about the journeys we take, the cultures we discover, and the wonderful people we meet because (of) football. It’s when we use footy as a vehicle for exploring the vast world around us that we can truly appreciate all this game means and offers.

In Episode 76 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Colin Martin, founder of The Footy Travelers and co-host of the Footy Travelers Podcast. Colin tells us about how his passion for both football and travel led him to create a platform that helps fans connect more deeply to the beautiful game.

From his earliest memories playing youth soccer for the Jetsons of Winslow Township, New Jersey, to his adventures attending multiple Men’s and Women’s World Cups, Colin shares how football becomes a lens for understanding culture, building friendships, and experiencing the world.

During the episode, we talk about how he had the idea to document these stories during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, why travel opens new doors for fandom, and how he somehow stumbled into a two week trial with a team in the Thailand Premier League.

We even chat about a surprising way that our paths (kind of) crossed long before this conversation.

This episode is a reminder that the true greatness of soccer is more than wins, losses - it’s an excuse for exploring the world that brings us closer to one another.

We also chat about an exciting upcoming trip to Mexico City that Because Football and The Footy Travelers are collaborating on - and you can be a part of it, too!

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Website

Instagram

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Is there something missing in your local soccer community? Well - don’t pout about it - build it yourself!

In Episode 75 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Ira Jersey, the Founder and Men’s General Manager at Real Central NJ Soccer of USL 2 and WPSL.

In this episode, Ira tells us about how growing up on the muddy fields of Long Island shaped his love for the game. After decades as a player, coach, and Soccer Dad, he looked around his local area and didn’t see any club offering high quality playing opportunities for college players.

So, he and a few partners collaborated to create Real Central NJ to represent the Central Jersey area - an area that often is swallowed up into its neighboring metropolises - New York City and Philadelphia.

We chat about his role as a General Manager, what it takes to run a summer league (USL 2 and WPSL) team and a year-round program, and how to make it an inviting, entertaining venue for local soccer fans. From financial realities to sponsorship packages and stadium challenges, Ira exposes the behind the scenes of running a club at the community level in America.

A history buff, we talk about the rich soccer tradition of the Mercer County area and the players, coaches, and clubs that laid the foundation for what Real Central NJ has created today. He also shares his pragmatic opinion on the prospect of promotion and relegation coming to the US, and the club’s current plans to make the jump from USL 2 to USL League One (IF they can get the stadium part right!).

Of course, we pick Ira’s brain for his All-Time 5-a-Side team, influenced by his childhood love for the New York Cosmos and his love for a quality Number 6!

Outside of soccer, you also may see Ira on TV as Chief U.S. Interest Rate Strategist for Bloomberg Intelligence.

Connect with Ira and Real Central NJ here:

LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

Connect with Because Football here:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠

Have you ever thought of having your own podcast? We can help!

Contact us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

American soccer has had its share of ups and downs - but there are many encouraging signs right now. A great example is an announcement by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to expand their existing stadium - growing from a capacity of 5,000 to 15,000, in anticipation of a transformative era for the club.

In Episode 74 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Ryan Shaffer, VP of Marketing for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Pittsburgh Riveters SC, and Highmark Stadium, the home of soccer in the area. Prior to working in professional soccer, Ryan owned his own marketing agency for 10 years, and also teaches sports photography and videography at Point Park University.

A local Pittsburgh native, Ryan admits that he essentially forgot about the Riverhounds completely before joining the organization three years ago. But under his leadership since then, the club has made a resurgence - selling out 75% of matches and galvanizing the local community - connecting with soccer purists and newbies, alike.

In this episode, Ryan talks about some key tactics that have been successful in making the Riverhounds, and newly founded Riveters, more relevant in a passionate sports town. He also shares the marketing team’s plans for generating demand for a newly expanded stadium and how they hit the ground running with their new Riveters women’s team by inviting fans to be a central part of the process.

Connect with Ryan and Pittsburgh Riverhounds here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrshaffer/

https://www.instagram.com/ryanrshaffer/

http://riverhounds.com/

http://instagram.com/riverhoundssc

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Connect with Because Football here:

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⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠

Want help starting your own podcast?

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

If you love the game of soccer - and want it to be a central part of your life - what’s stopping you?

In Episode 73 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Nick Manske, a Fan Service Representative for the Philadelphia Union of MLS. In addition to his role in the soccer industry, Nick is also the City Manager for Street FC Philadelphia, a pickup soccer community in a dozen cities around the United States.

In this episode, Nick tells us about how he initially hated soccer but grew to love it as a youngster playing on the concrete courts of Brooklyn. He shares how his love of street soccer led him to turning to the game as a new transplant to Philadelphia, and how both his role with the Union and as building the Street FC community gave him a sense of purpose and connection in a new city.

We chat about his role as a Fan Service Representative, engaging with about 600 Season Ticket Members and helping ensure they have a great game day experience down at Subaru Park. From common complaints to more nuanced requests, Nick tells us about how his role contributes to the club’s overall image and its crucial relationship with fans.

And when he’s not supporting MLS fans, he is facilitating the Street FC chapter in Philadelphia, a chapter he founded in 2021 at a barren basketball court with a few friends. Through hard work and fun times on the court, Nick’s influence has seen the Street FC community grow to hundreds of members, daily street soccer games at their dedicated court, and a team of five game captains, who host games and help build out our weekly schedule.

Of course, we pick Nick’s brain for his All-Time 5-a-Side team, influenced by his love for Manchester United, and ask him for a controversial answer - to the question of “Which is a better stadium - Subaru Park - or Sports Illustrated Stadium (home of Nick’s hometown New York Red Bulls!).

Connect with Nick and Street FC here:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-manske-958658157/

https://www.instagram.com/nickmanske/

https://www.instagram.com/streetfc/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/stfcphila/?hl=en

Connect with Because Football here:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

It's been a rallying cry, a fiery debate, a humble plea for decades. American soccer fans have been calling for the implementation of promotion and relegation - just like the rest of the world.

The USL is answering that call as it plans to implement pro/rel, plus a newly sanctioned Division One league, in 2027.

In Episode 72 of the Because Football Podcast, Jeremy Alumbaugh, President of USL Championship, tells us the motivations for that decision and how the league is aiming to capitalize on a new wave of soccer fans in the United States.

But this conversation covers more than the hottest topic in American footy - we start at Jeremy's roots - as a young kid in a soccer-rabid Midwestern town, to playing, coaching, and leading at all levels of the game. He talks about the learning he had to do as he transitioned from coach to General Manager to league President, and how he has had to rely on his team to back him at each step.

Jeremy shares the mindset of USL club owners, the league's push for a groundbreaking media rights deal, and how the World Cup will propel soccer culture to another level here in the United States.

We also discuss how USL clubs have succeeded in tapping into local fan bases - especially in small markets like Chattanooga or Vermont or Portland, Maine - by doing the hard work at grassroots level. Our conversation delves into important concepts of fan culture, relevance, and how that will hopefully grow as USL institutes pro/rel in the near future.

It's an extremely exciting moment in American soccer - but can we truly believe the hype?

Connect with Jeremy and USL here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-alumbaugh/

https://www.uslsoccer.com/

https://www.instagram.com/uslchampionship/

https://www.facebook.com/USLChampionship/

Connect with Because Football here:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

Recently, the game of soccer has been showing its importance in American culture in a variety of ways - especially in the growth of pickup soccer communities around the country.

In Episode 71 of the Because Football Podcast, we welcome Monica Rojas, Head of Community and Communications at Plei, a pickup soccer platform operating in 28 regions across the U.S. that makes it easy to play anytime, anywhere. A lifelong player and former college athlete, Over the past 8+ years, she’s built communities across tech, crypto, sports, and culture—hosting 150+ events from intimate dinners to 300-person activations.

In this episode, we discuss how Monica first became involved with Plei as a player, drawn in by the opportunity to stay fit, make friends, and celebrate the game in person. We also talk about how crucial in-person events are becoming in a digital heavy world, and how soccer, in particular, serves as such an effective conduit for building relationships.

From Plei’s new “Ball and Brunch” event, to its 2025 summer of Club World Cup meetups, to plans for the 2026 World Cup, Monica shares the core foundations of inclusive, fun, engaging events and activations.

We even discuss the basic definition of community, and why brands need to pay attention to soccer, particularly pickup communities that bring together fanatics from all walks of life.

This episode displays not only soccer’s unique ability to create joyful moments, but also the necessary business insights to leverage the game for commercial growth and sustainability in a meaningful, relevant way.

Connect with Monica Rojas and Plei here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-rojas24/

https://www.instagram.com/la_monirojas/

https://www.plei.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pleiapp/

https://www.tiktok.com/@pleiapp

Connect with Because Football here:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] gmail.com

The reality we see depends on the stories we tell ourselves. The stories we accept. The stories we reject. And when it comes to American soccer, stories are critical to understanding the opportunities and potential pitfalls of the current state of the game.

In Episode 70 of the Because Football Podcast, our guest is Garret James Hokr, Account Executive in Member Services for Gotham FC of the NWSL. Garret shares how waking up at 4:30am for the 2002 World Cup got him hooked on soccer, as well as how he got into the football industry after a career in sales and finance. In his soccer career, Garret has worked with club in MLS, NWSL, USL, and NISA, giving him a wide spectrum of perspectives on how American soccer clubs can succeed.

Despite the differences, there are two unifying themes: creating community for fans to feel a part of something, and the desire to win.

This theme of community is where storytelling and listening enter our conversation. In his role within Member Services for Gotham FC, he regularly connects with fans and partners about their experiences with the club, hearing their desires and how they want to be included in the club’s mission.

Similarly, Garret’s passion for the game has led him to dive deeper into the hidden histories of American soccer. His research has given him context for our present moment of US soccer, but has also shown him how community and relevance can be enhanced by looking at important people, clubs, and movements in the past.

Whether it’s the Title IX decision expanding support for women’s sports, the US Women’s National Team winning the 1999 World Cup in front of millions of viewers, or the “Miracle on Grass” - the US Men’s victory of England in the 1950 World Cup, this episode showcases pivotal moments that have laid the foundation for the current state of American soccer.

Follow Garret James Hokr here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garret-hokr/

Connect with Because Football here:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia@gmail.com

bio

In Episode 69 of the Because Football Podcast, we invite Kaitlyn McComb, Director of Ticket Sales and Ticket Operations for the Annapolis Blues, a pre-professional club in Annapolis, Maryland that offers a men’s team in USL 2 and women’s team in USL W League.

In just 3 seasons as a club, the Blues have embedded themselves in the local community, offering free soccer clinics, player appearances, and supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations. These grassroots efforts have incredible results as the men’s team - operating at the 4th tier of American soccer - has attracted crowds of nearly 13,000 fans and the women’s team - only in their first season in 2025 - pulled in just over 7,000 for their opening game.

Kaitlyn shares about her personal journey in sales with the Washington Commanders of the NFL and what led her to soccer, as well as what she has learned relative to commonalities among fans of all sports. Leveraging a fun stadium atmosphere, affordable season ticket packages, and engaging group events, Kaitlyn’s work in the past months with the Blues has helped the club grow into one of the most exciting and community-driven teams in the United States.

We also chat about the values that drive success in community soccer in the US, how soccer teams can rally a community around a single identity, and the ways that fans show their appreciation and support for their local team. This podcast is full of great insight and guidance that can help lower level soccer clubs around the country - whether it’s USL, NPSL, UWS, W League, or League for Clubs - connect with their community and leverage those relationships for financial sustainability.

Follow Annapolis Blues:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapolisbluesfc/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annapolisblues

Website: https://annapolisblues.com/

Connect with Kaitlyn McComb here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-mccomb

X (Twitter): https://x.com/kaitmccomb

Connect with Because Football here:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia@gmail.com

The New York Cosmos are back... but many are asking the question... why?!?!

In Episode 68 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Cosmos CEO Erik Stover about how the club is planning to do things differently (and better) in this third incarnation.

The foundation of that plan is player development of the rich talent in the North Jersey area, as well as community development and expanding access to fans.

Erik and the ownership group are extremely aware of the cynicism and competition that the club faces, but remain confident that a new patient, comprehensive approach will lead to success on the pitch and "profitability within 5 years".

In this podcast, Erik shares about how a Ruud van Nistelrooy volley got him hooked on soccer, what he learned from the European club model while CEO of a club in Denmark, and the new look Cosmos' plan is for succeeding on and off the pitch at USL League One level.

Trading Pele and Raul for developing local talent, believing in and giving youth players a chance to shine, and bravely stepping forward to offer solidarity payments to local youth clubs in the region are top of the list for Stover and his leadership team.

Central to the club's business plan is leveraging a comprehensive club app to keep fans engaged, offering multiple sports and disciplines such as arts and education programming, and presenting Paterson's historic Hinchliffe Stadium and its adjacent Paterson Falls park as a premium soccer and entertainment destination.

Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts - your optimism and criticism!

Follow Erik here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-stover-925b5b15/

Follow the New York Cosmos:

https://www.thecosmos.us/

https://www.instagram.com/nycosmos

Connect with Because Football here:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [@] gmail.com

Professional football is a hyper-competitive industry. It can be ruthless, cutthroat, and overwhelmingly results-driven. Where do qualities like courage and kindness come in amidst all that intensity?

In Episode 67 of the Because Football Podcast, we welcome Matt Hancock, CEO of Port Vale Football Club, currently of EFL League One. Matt shares his personal journey from learning about the game and people in the weathered, pungent changing rooms of Wolstanton United, a local non-league club that his father led, to working in a variety of community football roles, to ultimately taking the helm of one of the oldest football clubs in the world.

Port Vale is celebrating its 150th year and the club leadership has made the brave decision to forego a front of shirt sponsor in order to maintain a classic design that has gone viral and drawn envy from around the world of football. We talk about the internal discussions that led to that decision and how, combined with a value-driven and authentic marketing strategy, sacrificing a six figure kit sponsor has actually led to commercial growth in other areas of the club.

We speak not only of football’s social obligation to be relevant and in service to its community, but also critical topics of sponsorships, partnerships, revenue generation, and workplace culture within a club.

Matt's trajectory is very different to most CEOs in the game. His 20+ years of experience has largely been in community football - as a coach and administrator -using the power of the game to support non-traditional groups at the Staffordshire FA and Burton Albion Community Trust.

These roles had the ultimate outcome of inclusion, participation, and health - not 3 points and revenue generation. - which is why his promotion from Community & CSR Director to Chief Executive Officer of Port Vale came as a surprise to many.

But, as Matt tells us in this episode, his experience and perspective have prepared him to lead a club that certainly seeks on the field success (and showed it with an immediate promotion back to League One after suffering relegation in his first season at the helm) but also serves as a priceless social hub in its home of Burslem, a town in Stoke-on-Trent that has endured poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse as its core industries of mining and pottery manufacturing have left the area.

This episode displays not only football’s important role in its local communities, but also the mentality of a leadership team that has turned the club around in recent years and is making news for all the right reasons.

Connect with Matt Hancock and Port Vale Football Club here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hancock-653535136/

https://www.port-vale.co.uk/

Connect with Because Football here:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia@gmail.com

For Episode 66 of the Because Football Podcast, we're trying a different format. Rather than interviewing an incredible guest from the world of soccer, our host Andrew Baggaley will be sharing updates on his round the world journey that took him to football communities in 17 countries in the past 18 months, a new documentary series, and giving his perspective on the new FIFA Club World Cup.

Highlights of this episode include:

• Overview of his discoveries of soccer communities in 17 countries
• Recommended vlogs to watch on our YouTube channel
• The vision behind the new "Road Trip to the World Cup" documentary series to tell the story of soccer in each World Cup region
• Praise and criticism of the FIFA Club World Cup
• Why experiencing fans at the Club World Cup has him excited for next summer's tournament

Follow more of Because Football:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

When it comes to making an impact off the field in terms of community engagement and building trust, it is critical that football clubs think long-term about their goals.

In Episode 65 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat about having a successful framework for building partnerships with Jan Twete, Director of Global Partnerships for VfL Wolfsburg of the German Bundesliga.

As Jan shares, football clubs have a responsibility to be active in their communities and it requires vision and clear values to find the right companies to activate with successfully. And, as Jan has seen while working for Wolfsburg in both China and North America, understanding the local culture and market needs are critical, as well.

This conversation centers around not only the business side of developing and deploying activations, but more importantly, how success partnerships allow clubs to build inter-generational trust and brand awareness through holistic programming.

Without the right partnerships, professional soccer clubs will never reach their full potential - socially or commercially.

Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling.

We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game.

Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Connect with Jan Twete:

LinkedIn

VfL Wolfsburg LinkedIn

Learn more about Because Football:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

Jason Triglia is Founder and Owner of YerbaCrew, which sells Yerba Mate tea, Yerba Crew bombillas, a variety of mate gourds, and serves as an educational and community hub with its series of "Mateada" events in the Philadelphia area.

As a sponsor of the Icarus Cup, Jason loves the opportunity to share mate with people who have never tried it before and to be a part of a vibrant, powerful soccer community. It's a chance for him to stay connected to a game he loved as a child, as well as the men's and women's teams that YerbaCrew sponsors in the CASA Philadelphia league.In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Jason talks about the unique cultural connection between soccer and mate (if it's good enough for Messi - it's good enough for you!), and what makes Icarus Cup the perfect event to market his business and connect with new customers.The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer. The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held each summer in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend. Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Follow YerbaCrew:

https://yerbacrew.com/

https://www.instagram.com/yerbacrew/?hl=enLearn more about Icarus Cup:https://www.icarus-cup.com/https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscupLearn more about CASA Soccerhttps://www.casasoccerleagues.com/homeCASA Philly Instagram Learn more about Icarus FChttps://icarusfc.com/https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=enFollow Because Footballhttps://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

The growth of MLS in the past 25 years is undeniable, but its the lower levels of American soccer where some of the most impactful success stories live. A great example of that is Chattanooga FC, an MLS Next Pro and WPSL club that has set attendance records and has a hold on their local city.

In Episode 64 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Derrall Stalvey, SVP of Strategy for the club. For the last 4 years, Derrall has been leading the club’s long-term vision, strategic initiatives, and brand growth. CFC is a club that has been around for 16 years but has done some pretty exceptional things in that time and is a great example of what soccer can do for American communities, especially at the lower level.

Derrall talks about how the club selectively markets to key fan groups, how their mission statement drives everything they do, and how a career in TV news production prepared him to enhance and leverage the powerful story of CFC and its fan base in order to ensure success on and off the field.

Connect with Derrall:

LinkedIn

X/Twitter

Chattanooga FC Website

Connect with Because Football

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Anne Song is the Captain of Gritty FC, a grassroots adult soccer team in the Philadelphia area.In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Anne tells us about how the team helped her make friends and settle in a new city after moving from Cleveland, as well as the origin of the team's name and how it mirrors their collective personality.She shares about how winning the Icarus Cup last year was the highlight of her soccer life and details the team's gritty (sorry....) comeback in extra time to lift the pedantic and singular Icarus Cup trophy.The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer. The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held each summer in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend. Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.Learn more about Icarus Cup:https://www.icarus-cup.com/https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscupLearn more about CASA Soccerhttps://www.casasoccerleagues.com/homehttps://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-leagueLearn more about Icarus FChttps://icarusfc.com/https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=enFollow Because Football

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_/videoshttps://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

If your youth club could make more money from sponsorships, there is a good chance that money could be used to provide more access for players who can't normally afford youth soccer.

But how do you develop that revenue? Well, you need a gameplan.

In Episode 64 of the Because Football Podcast, we interview Madrid-based American Ben Gunduz. As a player and administrator for his local neighborhood club ADC MALASAÑA, Ben has been able to make a difference on and off the pitch.

With the cooperation of club leaders and local businesses, ADC MALASAÑA has expanded their scholarship programs in order to share the beautiful game with more kids in their community.

But the problem is, due to field and geographical constraints, they can't grow anymore. They are at their limit.

So, Ben and co-founder started Tod@s Juegan, a social organization that connects players with local clubs AND consults with clubs on how to leverage their social capital into more robust revenue. There is so much gold in this episode and what Ben shares can be utilized in grassroots, youth and amateur clubs around North America.

Follow Ben and his clubs/orgs:

https://linkedin.com/in/benjamin-gunduz

https://www.instagram.com/adcmalasana/?hl=en

https://www.todosjuegan.org/

Follow Because Football:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://x.com/BecauseFtbl

Evan Carabelli is the Captain and Founder of Spicy Meatballs FC, a men's league team that has been a key member of the Icarus Cup since it began 5 years ago.In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Evan discusses the story behind one of the tournament's most lovable team names, their tactical strategy.

And, most importantly, we chat about why the lads - growing busier with family commitments and feeling the bumps and bruises a bit more than they used to - continually look forward to the Icarus Cup weekend every year.The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer. The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held each summer in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend. Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Learn more about Icarus Cup:

https://www.icarus-cup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscup

Learn more about CASA Soccer

https://www.casasoccerleagues.com/home

https://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-league

Learn more about Icarus FC

https://icarusfc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/icarus-football

Follow Because Football https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

In Episode 95 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Shawn Francis, Executive Creative Director for North America at COPA90.

Shawn Francis has spent over 15 years figuring out how culture actually connects people to the game - shaping stories and curating moments that make those connections mean something.

His path started in music at MTV, where he helped build social media before most brands knew what that meant. Then he followed his curiosity to MLS, laying the league's early social foundations during that strange, beautiful era when American soccer was still the indie band of sports. People were still “figuring it out” but Shawn was honing a vision that has had a seismic impact on soccer creative, brand partnerships, and in-person activations.

Now at COPA90, he's leading the team telling the stories that happen outside the 90 minutes, outside the stadiums. The stuff we really love that makes the game matter, whether that’s fan culture, rituals, behaviors, and mini worlds that soccer supporters love getting lost in. He calls himself a "pop-cultural anthropologist” - he pays attention to why people care.

We also chat about COPA90’s ambitious “Best Job in the World” project, a campaign that has identified five emerging storytellers to produce authentic, culture-first football content leading into the 2026 World Cup. After receiving over 3,500 applications, COPA90 didn’t opt for creators with the largest following and most experience - they selected those who have a unique presence and perspective in a variety of enthralling subcultures, offering a glimpse beyond the headlines and global stars.

Shawn's also a long-suffering Red Bull New York supporter - the kind of fan who knows better than to believe this is finally their year, but can't quite help himself. Listeners will enjoy his “All-Time 5-a-Side selection” with a mix of household names and underdogs.

Connect with Shawn Francis here:

https://www.instagram.com/copa90/

https://www.instagram.com/theoffsiderules/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisshawn/

⁠

Connect with Because Football here:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠

Need help with your soccer content, events, and strategy? We can help!

To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

Women's football is NOT the same as men's football...and that's not a problem. It's an opportunity.

In Episode 62 of the Because Football Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Moura Pietrzak, COO of Legia Ladies in Warsaw, Poland.

Amanda has had a career as a professional footballer in Brazil and Poland, as well as a distinguished university career in the United States. She began playing football (or "futebol" as it's called in her native Brazil) at a young age on a team of boys. Her experiences on the pitch have driven her to pivot to the boardroom, where she now operates as COO of Legia Ladies, a women's football club supported, but uniquely different from, Legia Warsaw, Poland's most successful men's club.

In this episode, Amanda talks about how culture and pathways have changed in women's football in Brazil, the challenges and opportunities she faced playing college soccer in the USA, and what motivates her to make an impact on women's football as a leader off the pitch.

We talk about the difficult financial realities of women's football in Poland, but also the upside for brands who want to make authentic connections with a new, fresh generation of soccer fans who will have a lasting impact on Polish culture. Her project with Legia Ladies aims to go beyond football to be a lifestyle brand and appeal to a women and men in Poland who have traditionally been excluded from the football culture.

Amanda's enthusiasm, optimism, and energy make for an excellent episode. We hope you enjoy it!

Connect with Amanda HERE:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-moura-pietrzak-/

https://www.instagram.com/amanda.moura.pietrzak/

https://www.instagram.com/legialadies/

Learn more about Because Football:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

Daniel Diaz is the Founder of Fresh Coast FC, an NYC-based sport and social club that has been knocking around the pitches of the Big Apple since 2013.

In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Daniel talks about how the club is more than just a bunch of guys that play soccer together on Thursdays and Sundays, why local eateries and pubs are a critical part of their rituals and ecosystem, and what makes the Icarus Cup so special to a group of guys who have played at the highest levels of the game.

The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer.

The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held each summer in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend.

Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Learn more about Icarus Cup:

https://www.icarus-cup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscup

Learn more about CASA Soccer

https://www.casasoccerleagues.com/home

https://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-league

https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerphilly/?hl=en

Learn more about Icarus FC

https://icarusfc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/icarus-football

Follow Because Football

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

Follow Fresh Coast FC

https://www.instagram.com/freshcoastfc/

American Soccer is unique in that the growth of the game has not relied solely on the obsessive soccer purist. In large part, the sport has risen due to fans drawn to community, fun, and experiences, rather than club tradition or passion passed down from previous generations.

In Episode 61 of the Because Football Podcast, we’re joined by Scott Westcoat, a man who has contributed to the growth of soccer in a variety of ways over the past three decades.

From the Washington Warthogs of indoor soccer to the early days of MLS, to establishing one of the country’s biggest beach soccer tournaments, Scott has always championed accessibility and simple enjoyment of the sport he loves.

His resume boasts a list of roles that have stewarded fun and accessible soccer experiences for fans of all ages and interest levels. As Co-founder of Sports Legacy Group and Executive Director of Enviro Events, Scott has taken his learning in the trenches of soccer event marketing to a new project - the Inland Sand Soccer Tour. His ambition is to cultivate community and soccer culture in the most unlikely of places - cities across America without access to the beach.

Scott is a lively, passionate speaker and his stories of how soccer has grown in the United States serve as an education for newer soccer people, as well as an indicator of the potential of the moment American soccer is currently in.

Connect with Scott here:

inlandsandsoccer.com

scottwestcoat [at] enviroevents.org

http://linkedin.com/in/scottwestcoat

Follow Because Football:

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

In Episode 60 of the Because Football Podcast, we’re joined by Ricardo Garza, a college coach, semi-pro club owner, and soccer training program operator in St. Louis.

We talk about how coaching Junior College "JuCo" allows him to focus on developing individuals to prepare them for the next level, why he founded AC Saint Louis as a pre-professional club, and what his newest venture of MoligaTeqball can offer youth players in the region.

We appreciate Ricardo's openness in sharing his story, from his initial dreams of becoming a professional indoor soccer player to how a coach pulled him aside and encouraged him to go to college. This move changed Ricardo's life, as his college playing career smoothly transformed into coaching, where he has been making an impact for the past two decades.

Connect with Ricardo Garza:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-garza-/

https://www.instagram.com/ricky433garza/

http://www.gobluebirds.com/

https://x.com/ricky433garza

Learn more about Because Football:

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Women+ Soccer Detroit is on a mission to provide safe, community-based soccer for she’s and they’s of all skill levels. Founded in the spring of 2023, the group met together a few times a week to play pickup soccer for fun, connection, and a workout. But when they heard about Icarus Cup Philly, they knew it was time to test their inclusive footy crew with some competition.

In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Angela, Nikki, Sam, and Monica share what brought them all together, how soccer is central to their lives, and why they've been making the 12+ hour roadtrip from Detroit to Philly to soak up the vibes and (and the turf burn) at the Icarus Cup.

This summer, the team will be participating in their third Icarus Cup Philly and their FIRST Icarus Cup Austin tournament in a Women's/Non-Binary group they helped to create - it's an amazing story that is a prime example of the community and inclusion that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC are all about!

The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer.

The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend.

Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Follow Women+ Soccer Detroit's Journey at the Icarus Cup

Website

Instagram

Download "Organizing Women+ Soccer Playbook"

Learn more about Icarus Cup:

⁠https://www.icarus-cup.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscup⁠

Learn more about CASA Soccer:

⁠https://www.casasoccerleagues.com/home⁠

⁠https://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-league⁠

CASA Philly ⁠https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerphilly/?hl=en⁠

CASA Boston ⁠https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerboston/?hl=en⁠

Learn more about Icarus FC:

⁠https://icarusfc.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=en⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/icarus-football⁠

Follow Because Football:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠

Local, community level soccer has been present in the United States for over 100 years. Sometimes comfortably, often struggling, and rarely thriving, there have been a number of factors - economic, social, and organizational - that have brought the US lower league soccer scene to where it is today.

In Episode 59 of the Because Football Podcast, we’re joined by Art Auchenbach, President of Reading United AC, a USL 2 and WPSL soccer club outside of Philadelphia USA. He was named Philly Soccer Page Executive of the Year for the Greater Philadelphia area in 2012 and 2013. In 2009, he coordinated a partnership between Philadelphia Union MLS soccer and Reading United.

Art has been a local leader in the Berks County, Greater Philadelphia soccer community for 18 years and has had firsthand experience of what works and what doesn't.

This conversation takes a close look at the social and commercial realities of community soccer in the US, including Art's critiques of the current soccer system for both men and women in the US, and what he would change.

He talks about how the club appeals to local businesses to invest in their program, why they struggle to attract youth soccer families in a competitive and over scheduled market, and why Reading United AC's relatively new women's program may have a brighter future than the men's.

Surprisingly, Art's nearly two decades of leading the club has made him a cautious skeptic of whether the Promotion/Relegation system can work in the US, and he shares his reasoning with us. He also shares how being a fan of Derby County formed his passion for soccer, and who is in his All-Time 5-A-Side team!

Whether you are a veteran of the US soccer system or an outsider eager to gain more insight, Art's candid and tested perspectives make a fascinating listen!

Connect with Art Auchenbach HERE:

Email: art [at] readingunitedac.com

LinkedIn

Reading United Foundation Website

Reading United AC Website

Find out more about Because Football:

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Jaden Stevenson is a Kit Designer for Icarus FC, a design-focused football/soccer kit brand that creates highly custom and bespoke kits, jerseys and apparel for more than 2000 clubs in 25 countries, from the Ghana Premier League to your local rec league.

In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Jaden talks about developing a love for soccer in a tiny Wisconsin town, how he and the design team seek inspiration from different cultures around the world, and which MLS club would be a dream to design for.

The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer.

The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held each summer in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend.

Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Learn more about Icarus Cup:

https://www.icarus-cup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscup

Learn more about CASA Soccer

https://www.casasoccerleagues.com/home

https://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-league

CASA Philly https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerphilly/?hl=en

CASA Boston https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerboston/?hl=en

Learn more about Icarus FC

https://icarusfc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/icarus-football

Follow Because Football

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/

The growth of MLS over the past 25 years is undeniable, but you would be wrong if you think it's only been because of a higher number of soccer fans in the US. That's because a significant driver of revenue - group ticket sales - depends not on a critical mass of diehard footy fans, but on engaging non-traditional groups in the matchday experience.

In Episode 58 of the Because Football Podcast, we’re joined by Greg Imming, Vice President, Group & Inside Sales and Ticket Operations at Philadelphia Union.

A 16 year veteran of the business side of Major League Soccer, Greg shares his journey from selling tickets for a Philadelphia franchise before it even had an official team name, to witnessing a tremendous wave of soccer in a relatively short period of time.

The value in this episode is Greg's perspective on how clubs can engage with non-soccer fans to fill seats and raise revenue. As Greg shares with us, group sales are resilient -having less to do with team on-field performance than with the lure of a new group outing. However, the key to retaining these loyal groups is to deliver a memorable match day experience in the stadium. He also talks about how the MLS club is planning to leverage the buzz of the World Cup to bring the soccer community together and enhance brand awareness.

For anyone currently in the football business, or seeking to get involved in sports marketing and ticket sales, you can't miss this opportunity to learn from Greg's journey.

Connect with Greg Imming HERE:

LinkedIn

Philadelphia Union

Find out more about Because Football:

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠YouTube⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

What if a simple deck of cards could bring soccer fans together like never before?

In Episode 50 of the Because Football Podcast,, we’re joined by Roshan Patel, founder of GIVE&GO Games, a fast-paced, fun, accessible soccer party card game designed to spark creativity, connection, and playful banter—whether you're a die-hard supporter or just getting into the game.

Roshan shares his journey from working at Fanatics and Topps to taking the leap as an entrepreneur, launching GIVE&GO Games with a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign.

Plus - listeners will even get a SNEAK PEEK of the game as we play a few rounds ourselves!

But GIVE&Go's mission goes beyond just a fun game—it's about building community, keeping the stories of the sport alive, and creating a shared experience that welcomes all fans to the table.

Now, as he looks to take GIVE&GO to the next level, Roshan opens up about what he’s learned along the way and what he’s looking for in the right partners to help make a lasting impact on U.S. soccer culture.

Connect with Roshan here:

LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

Find out more about Because Football:

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

X / Twitter

About our Transform Soccer training programs in the USA:

Website

Instagram

Charlie Shea is the Tournament Director for CASA Soccer, a non-profit organization run for players, by players, that delivers high-quality, affordable soccer for all. 

In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Charlie talks about how being a lazy wrestler made him a soccer nut, the challenges and joys of organizing quality, fun footy events, and what makes the Icarus Cup so special to him.

The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer.

The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend.

Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.

Learn more about Icarus Cup:

https://www.icarus-cup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscup

Learn more about CASA Soccer:

https://www.casasoccerleagues.com/home

https://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-league

CASA Philly https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerphilly/?hl=en

CASA Boston https://www.instagram.com/casasoccerboston/?hl=en

Learn more about Icarus FC:

https://icarusfc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/icarus-football

Follow Because Football:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/