Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond - From MLS to Equity — Reimagining Youth Soccer with Matt Fondy

Former MLS striker and USL MVP Matt Fondy joins Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban to share his journey from professional soccer to community impact in Oakland. After navigating the highs and lows of a pro career—open tryouts, contracts, releases, and resilience—Matt found a new purpose off the field. Through his nonprofit, Oakland Genesis, he’s working to dismantle the pay-to-play model by providing free access to elite soccer, transportation, and academic support for underserved youth. This episode explores how soccer can be more than a game—it can be a vehicle for opportunity, education, and social change. Guest: Matt Fondy - Former MLS striker & USL MVP - Bay Area native (Foster City) - Founder of Oakland Genesis - Focused on equity and youth development through soccer Episode Highlights [00:00] From Pro Soccer to Purpose [05:00] Falling in Love with the Game [12:00] The Reality of Going Pro [20:00] Highs, Lows & Career Turning Points [26:00] Rethinking the Game [30:00] Building Oakland Genesis [33:00] The Three Pillars [38:00] Real Impact [42:00] Challenges & Growth [45:00] The Future of U.S. Soccer Why This Conversation Matters Youth soccer in the U.S. is increasingly expensive—and increasingly exclusive. Matt Fondy is proving there’s another way. By treating soccer as a public good rather than a private luxury, Oakland Genesis is opening doors for the next generation—on and off the field. Connect with Us Offside in the Bay https://www.ktvu.com/tag/podcasts/offside-in-the-bay Claudine Wong Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Alex Lobban Instagram: @thealexlobban Matt Fondy & Oakland Genesis Website: https://www.oaklandgenesis.org/ Instagram: @oaklandgenesis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices