Because Football
The Because Football Podcast explores the heart of football through individual journeys and community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Host Andrew Baggaley talks with leaders, decision makers, and creatives in the football/soccer industry about their paths and insights. Since January 2024, Andrew has traveled the world to explore soccer cultures and communities in 20 countries. Originally from Philadelphia, he has a lifelong fascination with the game as a player, coach, and fan.
Episodes
How to Sell Soccer Tickets: Group Sales, Fan Experience & Club Identity in MLS
Most people think selling tickets is about getting fans to buy seats. Joe Medcalf will tell you it's about connecting people with a great game day experience they didn’t know they were missing.In Episode 112 of the Because Football Podcast, we delve into how to sell the game to non-soccer fans. In this case, groups: schools, companies, youth soccer clubs, churches, etc. How can soccer become a
What Fans Don't See: Football Contracts, Image Rights & Legal Disputes in Pro Soccer
What happens when a club just stops paying a player and hopes they'll go away? How are multi-million dollar contracts and transfers done? In Episode 111 of the Because Football Podcast, we delve into the obscure world of professional sports law, intellectual property, and the inner workings of contracts in pro football. As a partner at BrandSmiths in Manchester, David Seligman is one of the sh
How To Tell A Club's Story the RIGHT WAY | Tommy Hodul, Oakland Roots
Tommy Hodul has one job: tell Oakland's story. It just happens to be through the lens of soccer. In Episode 110 of the Because Football Podcast, we talk with Tommy Hodul, VP of Communications for Oakland Roots SC and Oakland Soul. He's a fan who became a club leader who's been doing it since day one — and what an incredible story it is!The key to this conversation lies in the role of t
The Non-League Club Reinventing Itself Through Design| Brislington FC
What happens when two artists show up at a ninth-tier English football club and say — we want to help, and we're not asking for money?In Episode 109 of the Because Football Podcast, we dive into one of the most uniques project in the world of football / soccer that is revitalizing a lower league club that has been all but forgotten.Ken Borg and Jonathan Kelham are the voluntary designer and ar
How to Grow a Pro Soccer League: Media Rights to Culture | Luiz Gomes
In Episode 108 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Luiz Gomes, a sports marketing executive with 10+ years of expertise leading sponsorship, media and event portfolios across global properties and agencies. He has managed multimillion dollar commercial programs, optimizing broadcast rights value and collaborating with cross functional teams in high-stakes environments.In this conversatio
Here's How You Can Monetize Your Sports Brand: Content Strategy and Actionable Framework | Ellie Wookey, Press Upload
How can you build your brand by creating better content through more engaging stories without feeling overwhelmed or stuck? Most clubs, athletes, and sports brands know they should be creating content. Few actually know how to do it well or why it matters other than “they probably should be doing it!”In Episode 107 of the Because Football, we talk strategy, content, and social media platforms with
From Indoor Soccer to the Super Bowl: Lessons in Fan Experience | Mike Harmon
You might not think American soccer has contributed anything to the world of football - but this conversation will change your mind. In Episode 106 of the Because Football Podcast, we talk with seasoned sports marketer Mike Harmon, who created the logo and branding for Columbus Crew of MLS, and whose career started in the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) days.In this conversation, Mike shares som
Why I Needed to Write a Soccer Book for Children | Carlos Mojica
We are obsessed with soccer stories on this podcast - but we have been neglecting the youth! This episode changes that and focuses on how we can pass on our love of the game to the next generation of soccer fans.In Episode 105 of the Because Football Podcast, we talk with Carlos D. Mojica, who has recently published a children’s book about soccer facts called “Goal!”. Carlos is a bilingual communi
Why Soccer Clubs Need to Invest in Philanthropy to Succeed as a Business | Noah Toumert, Cleveland Pro Soccer
How can investing in the local community develop talent, increase trust, and build revenue for a brand new soccer club? In Episode 104 of the Because Football Podcast, we talk with Noah Toumert, Director of Foundation for the newly announced Cleveland Pro Soccer of MLS Next Pro. As a community organizer, nonprofit leader, and strategist, Noah is driven to building equitable access to soccer in Cle
Building a Soccer Club for People to Care About | Brad Stith, CEO of AC Boise
What does it take to build a professional soccer club from scratch in a market nobody expected? In Episode 103 of the Because Football Podcast, we learn from Brad Stith, Co-Founder and CEO of Athletic Club Boise, a new USL League One club. For more than a decade, Brad has believed professional soccer belonged in Boise and this club is already breaking USL records before kicking a single ball.Brad&
Working in Pro Football & Growing LALIGA in North America | Santiago Lucio
Every global soccer club, league, and brand wants a piece of the American market - but how can they actually grow in a competitive sports landscape? And importantly, how can that league convince American brands to partner with a "foreign sports property" most CMOs can barely explain? In Episode 102 of the Because Football Podcast, Santiago Lucio shares how he has spent the last several years figur
Growing a Soccer Club with Influencer Marketing | Prerna Aneja, San Jose Earthquakes
How can professional soccer clubs connect to new potential fans, maintain relevance, and foster local community pride? San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS have an idea - influencer marketing deployed across their digital channels. In Episode 101 of the Because Football Podcast, we talk with Prerna Aneja, the Bay Area club’s Digital and Influencer Marketing Coordinator. Her innovative approach plays a
How MLS Marketers Define Their Club's Story | Sandra Moore, Sporting KC
What happens when you bring a CMO from Buick and Hanes into professional soccer? In Episode 100 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Sandra Moore, Chief Marketing Officer of Sporting Kansas City of MLS. After decades telling the story of automotive and fashion brands, Sandra pivoted to the world of professional football to answer a question many MLS clubs neglect: Who are we, really?Sandr
Navigating Constant Change in Sports Tech Business | Paul Boanas
In Episode 99 of the Because Football Podcast, we discuss the rapid, massive change that has occurred in sports technology, particularly in the world of professional football, and the importance of relationship building to career success.Paul Boanas carries 25 years of experience across the Sports Performance and Technology industry, starting his career at a time when VHS tapes were the norm and h
How Pro Soccer Clubs can Boost Attendance and Revenue | Jim McCarthy
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
Adding AI to Your Soccer Club's Content Strategy | Isabel Freedman
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 ever
Winning in American Pro Soccer with Brand, Stories, and Trust | Greg Lalas
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 strat
Why Soccer is the Sport of the Internet | Shawn Francis, COPA90
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
How to Become a Professional Football Agent: FIFA Exams to Personal Values | John Viola
In Episode 94 of the Because Football Podcast, we welcome John Viola, experienced FIFA-licensed football agent and educator and founder of 451 Football Consultancy. 451 offers services for professional football clubs, players, and online educational courses and events that teach passionate football fans from a variety of career backgrounds how to transition into being a football agent.In this epis
The Business of Soccer Media: Creators, Brands, and a Culture of Belonging | Simon Evans
In Episode 93 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Simon Evans, an experienced journalist, content consultant, and co-founder of the Soccer Business - a news, information, data and analysis company focused on the North American soccer industry.Simon has had quite a ride, from traveling on trains and sleeping on couches while covering football in every corner of Europe (an adventure that l
How to Get Your Soccer Club More Attention | Forrest Tucker
In Episode 92 of the Because Football Podcast, Forrest Tucker joins us to unpack how American soccer can grow not just by emphasizing results, but by amplifying personal and community stories. A veteran reporter and host of the “Cleared off the Line Podcast”, Forrest possess a knack for crafting engaging stories and has seen what works and what doesn’t in the US soccer landscape.From growing up un
Covering Soccer Before America Cared: NASL, MLS, and 8 World Cups | Frank Dell’Apa
In Episode 91 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Frank Dell’Apa an American soccer reporter who has covered the game from the wild days of the NASL in the 1960s and 70s until the present day. There are few voices in the American game that can attest to the whirlwind transformation the game of soccer has seen on every level. As a child growing up in Colorado, he hardly ever saw a soccer
Helping Soccer Clubs (and Parents) Tell Their Story | Hanna Howard, CEO of Rematch US
In episode 90 of the Because Football Podcast, we invite Hanna Howard, CEO of Rematch, a French-founded sports tech platform that is revolutionizing the way parents and coaches share sports highlights. In a time when sharing the latest goal or big play is a necessity, Rematch helps parents and clubs tell their story.Throughout our conversation, Hanna shares how her background playing soccer, coach
Purpose & Passion on a Wild Journey in Football | Jason Heaton, Chairman of Kernow FA & CONIFA Global Ambassador
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 representat
What I’ve Learned About North American Soccer in the Last 6 Months | Andrew Baggaley, Because Football Media Host
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, so
What truly is fan engagement in professional football? Transparency, Dialogue, and Governance | Kevin Rye, Think Fan Engagement
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 betw
Why This Soccer Club Owner WANTS Pro/Rel in the US | Brett Johnson, Rhode Island FC and Ipswich Town FC
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 Ban
Growing Soccer with Promotion / Relegation in the United States | Justin Papadakis, Chief Real Estate Officer at USL
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 Es
How to Set Records in Pro Soccer by Focusing on Community | Dan Rutstein, Orange County Soccer Club
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,
The Power of Storytelling for Non-Profits | Catalina Dunn, Soccer in the Streets
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 experien
A Life of Football Coaching (Almost) Everywhere in the World | Nicholas De-Long, Head of Football
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 ins
Maximizing World Cup Impact | Jonathan Todd, Philadelphia 2026 World Cup Host Committee
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 th
Sunday League to USL 2 / WPSL Club | Sunflower State FC
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 lo
Coaching for Excellence & Community in Iowa | Charlie Latshaw, Des Moines Menace
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 U
Building Community Soccer Programs and Sharing the Story | Rachel Jolley
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 bal
Why Community Connection is Key to Club Success in American Soccer | Eleni Hitchcock, General Manager of USL 2 Club
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 h
Footy as a Reason to Explore the World | Colin Martin, The Footy Travelers
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,
Founding and Running a USL 2 Club | Ira Jersey, Real Central NJ
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 playe
How American Soccer Clubs Live (or Don't!) on Marketing | Ryan Shaffer, VP of Marketing, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
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 Pittsbur
Making Game Days the Best Days | Nick Manske, Philadelphia Union & Street FC
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 U
Pro/Rel in America - Utopia or Naive Hype? | Jeremy Alumbaugh, USL Championship President
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 Champio
Creating Community Through Pick Up Soccer | Monica Rojas
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, anyw
How Stories Shape American Soccer Community and Culture | Garret James Hokr of Gotham FC
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.
How to Set Attendance Records in Lower League Soccer | Kaitlyn McComb, Director of Ticket Sales for the Annapolis Blues
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
A New Vision for the New York Cosmos | Erik Stover, CEO
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 acces
Courageous Leadership in Professional Football | Matt Hancock, CEO of Port Vale Football Club
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 p
New Documentary Series Announcement, Club World Cup Review, and MORE! with Host Andrew Baggaley
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.Hig
Doing Good Can Be Good Business for Football Clubs | Jan Twete, VfL Wolfsburg
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, footbal
Icarus Cup Series EP 7 | YerbaCrew
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 com
Marketing and Mission for Success in MLS Next Pro | Derrall Stalvey, SVP of Strategy at Chattanooga FC
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.
Icarus Cup Series EP 6 | Gritty FC
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 sh
Revenue Strategies for Grassroots Soccer Clubs | Ben Gunduz, Todos Juegan and ADC MALASAÑA of Spain
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
Icarus Cup Series EP 5 | Spicy Meatballs FC
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 t
Never Seen Before: Building a Brand through Women's Football in Poland | Amanda Moura Pietrzak
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 f
Icarus Cup Series EP 4 | Fresh Coast FC
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 cr
Whatever It Takes: Creating Fun, Engaging Soccer Experiences in America | Scott Westcoat
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 so
Coaching and Building Community in St. Louis Soccer | Ricardo Garza
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 Moli
Icarus Cup Series EP 3 | Women+ Soccer Detroit
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 I
Surviving American Lower League Soccer Is SO HARD (But Worth It) | Art Auchenbach, President of Reading United AC
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 U
Icarus Cup Series EP 2 | Jaden Stevenson, Icarus FC Kit Designer
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
Engaging Non-Soccer Fans via MLS Gameday Experiences | Greg Imming, Philadelphia Union
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
Building Soccer Community With a Card Game | Roshan Patel of GIVE&GO Games
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
Icarus Cup Series EP 1 | Charlie Shea, CASA Tournament Director
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
Disrupting Traditional Soccer Media | Jose Tellez, GOLZ TV
Are we in a golden era of football content? While major networks maintain a competitive advantage due to traditional distribution channels and deep pockets, ease of access has facilitated the rise of soccer content creators across various platforms.But, here’s the thing: we haven’t seen a soccer-specific platform where fans of the beautiful game can go to learn, debate, and create.Through GOLZ TV,
Why Dorking Wanderers Owner Wants More Clubs
Today, one of soccer’s most controversial trends is the rise of “MCO” or multi-club ownership model, in which investment groups raise and invest capital in a web of international clubs. While this model seems to suit the ownership groups well, this phenomenon has raised concerns among fans about maintaining their club’s sovereignty and autonomy, rather than being a pawn in a global network of club
Building a Revolution in How Talent and Leaders Connect in Football | Alejandro Martinez, Globofootball
Success in football - for clubs, players, and agents - is highly dependent on the quality of your network. But is it possible for the football transfer market to be more and better connected?On Episode 55 of the Because Football Podcast, our guest Alejandro Martinez speaks about his mission to create the world’s most prominent football social network - like LinkedIn for the football industry - by
Why Soccer Can Solve Our Society's Toughest Problems
Using sport for good might sound hollow and cliche. But for Dan Dodge, our guest on Episode 54 of the Because Football Podcast, it’s his mission. As Founder of Sports 4 Change, he collaborates with a wide variety of funders to utilize sports, and football / soccer in particular, to inspire people to live healthier, happier, more successful lives. An expert in project planning and implementation, p
Why Dorking Wanderers Have An American Owner
As football / soccer fans, our first dream was to become a professional player. To show our talents on the pitch, write our name in the history books, win trophies.But for Kyle Shestack, our guest on Episode 53 of the Because Football, his earliest dream was to own the team that the rest of us would be vying to play for. And after years working in the insurance industry, Kyle’s dream came true, as
How to Turn A Group of Friends into a PROPER FOOTBALL CLUB
The beauty of football is sharing moments of joy, of desperation, of disappointment with your friends. The beauty of the English football pyramid is that you can get a team of friends together and, technically, rise all the way up 16 ranks to the Premier League.Likely? Probably not.Seductive? Absolutely.As you will learn on Episode 52 of the Because Football Podcast, our guest TJ Savage, co-founde
How to Balance Competition and Community as a Football Coach / Henry Knight of Port Vale FC
Football brings out so many parts of us - the competitive side, the passionate side, the creative, the physical, and the social side. That's one reason we love it so much.Our guest for Episode 51 of the Because Football Podcast, Henry Knight, currently coaches in both competitive and community football roles. As Assistant Coach for the Port Vale FC Women’s First Team, he is part of a dedicated, pr
How Soccer Fans Can Plan Travel for the World Cup with TravelFutbolFan
In Episode 49 of the Because Football Podcast, we welcome Danny Navarro, a passionate football traveler and content creator known for helping fans navigate the world of soccer travel. Danny, aka @TravelFutbolFan, has built a strong community on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, providing insights on budgeting, planning, and making the most of major football events. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in th
Why Relevance is Oxygen for Football Clubs with Sports Marketing Expert Jaime Dominguez
In today’s crowded sports landscape, football clubs can no longer rely on tradition alone to attract and retain fans. In this episode of the Because Football Podcast, we explore why relevance is everything in modern football and how clubs must authentically earn their place in the hearts and minds of supporters. From local grassroots teams to global powerhouses, every club is competing for attenti
How to Properly Understand African Football with Dr. Gerard Akindes
In Episode 47 of the Because Football Podcast, we invite Sports Management professor and research Dr. Gerard Akindes to give his insight about football in Africa. He gives his opinion on why AFCON is “not African Football”, how most domestic African leagues have lost their cultural relevance and quality, and who started the trend of West African players migrating to Southeast Asia to play professi
Guiding Youth Soccer Players to Succeed in College (and LIFE!) with Shane Rineer
On Episode 46 of the Because Football Podcast, our guest Shane Rineer talks about his work of developing youth soccer players and what he is doing to improve the game on a structural level. With over 14 years of coaching experience at elite college programs, including Haverford College, Colgate University, and Amherst College, he has a proven track record of success in player development, recruitm
Reporting on Soccer Culture in Philadelphia with Matt Ralph
Ever since his early days playing rec soccer in South Jersey, to his semester abroad in London watching Dennis Bergkamp bossing the pitch at Arsenal's Highbury stadium, Matt Ralph has loved the game of soccer.So it was only natural this his journalism career, initially covering a range of topics from high school sports, to politics, to crime, eventually transformed into covering the game he li
Successful Soccer Entrepreneur INTERVIEWS ME!??
In Part 2 of the Because Football Podcast, Jeremiah asks the questions.
Jeremiah White has experience as a US Men's National Team player, played professionally in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
But, arguably his greatest impact on the game has been as an investor and entrepreneur, developing a portfolio of soccer-based business through White Sports Ventures. So it was so valuable to
How to Grow US Soccer - Through Business and Community with Jeremiah White
Many professional soccer players struggle to adjust after retirement. But in Jeremiah White's case, he hit the ground running through a marketing company, investment firm, and various soccer-based businesses through White Sports Ventures.
Jeremiah has experience as a US Men's National Team player, played professionally in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
He is originally from the Phi
Helping Clubs WIN BIG in the Transfer Market with Andy Watson, GSE Expert Hub
It's one of the most important, dramatic, and addicting parts of football: the transfer market!
A club's record in the transfer market can make or break a season - heck, it can even break the club itself! And especially for football clubs in the UK, there are many potential pitfalls, but also opportunities.
Our guest on Episode 42 of the Because Football Podcast is Andy Watson, founder of GBE Ex
Turning Life Experiences As A Soccer Coach and Player into Businesses with Mark Wagner
Mark Wagner is a strategic leader, entrepreneur, and brand builder with a history of successfully developing and leading sports teams, organizations, and companies serving the secondary, higher education, and youth sports markets.
In Episode 41 of the Because Football podcast, we discuss his early journey as a player and coach, his innate passion for building businesses that support student athlet
How To Develop Football Nations, Leagues, and Clubs from Top to Bottom with Aitor Orive Arroyo of Soccer Services Barcelona
There is so much opportunity in global football to improve playing standards, develop coaching levels, and evolve club and league potential. All of these problems have unique solutions which are highly dependent on culture, geography, and resources.
It's rare that one company can deliver ways to improve all these areas of the game - but that's exactly what our guest Aitor Orive Arroyo is a part of
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