Because Football

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 sharpest minds in football law, having worked deals involving Jeremy Frimpong's move to Liverpool, Moussa Dembele's transfer to Celtic, and transactions spanning the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, MLS, Saudi Arabia, and even Kazakhstan.This episode lends insight into a critical - but often hidden - part of professional football and David shares how he supports players and brands in countries all over the world. David explains the legal world most fans never see: how contracts actually get drafted, what the Court of Arbitration for Sport looks like from the inside, why multi-club ownership might not be the villain it's painted as, and what the incoming UK football regulator could mean for the game.And, because we love a good underdog story on the Because Football Podcast, we hear why David supports Bury FC - through the ups and downs - and why he chose the club over global behemoths Manchester United and Manchester City, just down the road.Connect with David here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-seligman-29a43b50/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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 the club in their community - a unique case among American soccer clubs that can sometime feel like they're on the periphery of local identity. Oakland Roots was built on a purpose statement — harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sports as a force for social good — and Tommy's job is to make sure every story they tell actually earns that.We get into what it took to draw the 7th-largest crowd in USL history (spoiler: free tickets for Oakland Public School kids, a minute's applause for Rickey Henderson, Too $hort at halftime, and a blessing from Ohlone elders). We talk about why transparency builds trust faster than spin ever could. And we dig into what it actually looks like inside a PR and comms operation week-to-week — the rhythm of game day, the weight of a coaching change, the art of telling a story that lands with a city as proud and protective as Oakland.This conversation will show you how to extend a love of place into a love of a club - and you'll be better for it.Connect with Tommy and Oakland Roots & Soul here:https://www.oaklandrootssc.com/https://www.instagram.com/oaklandrootsConnect 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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 artist in residence at Brislington FC in Bristol. One year into a project that started with a few flags on a grey corrugated wall, they've painted the stadium, built a website, launched a merch shop, posted flyers across the entire neighborhood (multiple times), landed a billboard campaign, ran a pop-up gallery-meets-club-shop, and - most impressively - convinced a committee of football volunteers to let two artists apply their creativity to breathe life back into the club. No other club has done this before, let alone in a grassroots way that positions the club as a community asset. There's no blueprint. They work a few hours on Fridays and weekends after their real day jobs. They scrounge money from local grants, receive in-kind gifts from local businesses, and get hand-me-downs from bigger clubs. Like all of our episodes, this one goes deeper than football, but it does so in a fascinating way at the intersection of people and design (and PROPER non-league football!).It's about what creativity can unlock when it shows up with no agenda except to give. It's about the gap between communities and the clubs that are supposed to represent them. And it's about what non-league football actually offers that the top of the pyramid never could — proximity, authenticity, and the feeling that a little can mean a lot.Connect with Jonathan, Ken, and Brislington FC here:Brislington InstagramBrislington FC Website : Residency ProjectKen Borg InstagramJonathan Kelham InstagramConnect 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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 conversation, we discuss the interplay between culture and branding, the ways leagues can grow in new markets, and specific tactics that L uiz has utilized or observed in the football media landscape. We also clearly define what it means to “grow the game” and how that differs from growing a league’s footprint in a new market.Honed from years working with major properties such as Relevent, IMG, FIFA, Conmebol, and Concacaf, Luiz offers his blueprint for how to grow a league - from media rights to social content and cultural integration, particularly in the American soccer market.We hope this conversation will educate you about how to look critically at how leagues and brands execute their growth strategy.Connect with Luiz Gomes here:LinkedInInstagram⁠Connect 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 stories and content strategy? Let's talk.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 Ellie Wookey, founder of Press Upload - an agency that helps athletes build and monetize their personal brand.Ellie started as a travel creator, documenting 45 countries by age 25 on YouTube. She learned content strategy as a creator herself - navigating trial, error, and how to monetize her lifestyle. When she pivoted to athlete marketing 18 months ago, she brought that creator-first mindset with her. Now she works with 80+ athletes across four continents, helping them go from "I should probably post more" to having a clear strategy that leads to brand partnerships.In this conversation, Ellie breaks down her three P's framework (Positioning, Presence, Partnerships) and explains why most athletes make a mistake by skiping straight to chasing deals without building the foundation first. She talks about why YouTube presents the biggest opportunity for athletes, how to handle the mental health side of online hate, and what clubs get wrong when they restrict player-driven content.If you're an athlete trying to figure out content, a club thinking about player-driven strategy, or just curious about how this space actually works, then this episode is a practical starting point.Connect with Ellie and Press Upload here:https://www.instagram.com/pressupload/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-wookey-827520170/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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 some great stories from the youthful days of pro soccer in the US, as well as his perspective on sports marketing, partnerships, and how to properly value fans in an era where growing disillusionment and alienation threatens the trust between clubs and their supporters.Mike worked directly with US soccer benefactor Lamar Hunt and touts a career spanning nearly every major sports league and governing body, domestic and international, from the NFL, NBA, Premier League, and more. We talk about what actually worked in early MLS (hint: 40% soccer, 60% entertainment), why the fan has to come first in everything, and his concerns about World Cup ticketing. and why he believes this summer is different from every "soccer's moment" that came before.He also talks about his new role as CMO of Fanchize, a fan economy platform which connects soccer fans with clubs and opens up a new frontier of rewards, incentives, and exclusive fan experiences.If you want to understand how American soccer got here and learn from one of the people who built it, then you’ll get a lot out of this episode.Connect with Mike here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-harmon-75b73b2/https://www.instagram.com/michael.harmon.9469/?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/⁠Need help with your content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 communications and football media operations veteran who has worked at multiple levels of the sport including MLS, CONCACAF, and Leagues Cup, so why did he turn his sights to writing a book for kids?In this episode, Carlos shares how he initially got started in soccer communications as a Media Relations and Hispanic Community Outreach officer for AFC Cleveland of the NPSL. This led to a role in the National Premier Soccer League head office, and nearly 6 years working for the Columbus Crew.He has also served as a press officer for the Argentina National Team, MLS All-Star, and other North American competitions. Carlos breaks down how the knowledge he gained in a professional context served him while writing his book - and how he shifted his mindset to communicate with the next generation.If you are changing paths or eager to break into the soccer media world, you will gain verified insight and inspiration from Carlos’s story!Buy the book here:https://www.quarto.com/books/9781577157090/goalConnect with Carlos here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-d-mojica-978377b0/https://www.instagram.com/cd.mojica/?hl=enConnect 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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 Cleveland by a desire to see the US men’s national team lift the World Cup one day.Noah's path to this role started with refugee youth soccer. He was working at a nonprofit in Cleveland when he met families who loved the game but had completely fallen through the cracks of the pay-to-play system. He helped turn informal pickup into organized teams, watched those kids grow into young adults, and saw firsthand what accessible youth sports can do. That experience shaped everything he's building now.In this conversation, Noah explains why Cleveland Pro Soccer has prioritized their community foundation - launching before even announcing a team name or badge. He also calls philanthropy "the highest ROI marketing we can do." He breaks down how a $1,500 street soccer tournament generated over a million dollars in social media impressions, why the US lacks soccer infrastructure compared to basketball courts, and what solidarity payments could change about American youth development.He shares why hosting events and building mini pitches across Cleveland is a priority for the fledgling club, and how they seek to convince sponsors that doing good is good business.A potent mix of social research, community engagement, sports marketing, and business strategy, this episode will help anyone trying to build community around a club, run events on a shoestring budget, or understand why American soccer development works the way it does.Connect with Noah here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-toumert/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleveland-professional-soccer/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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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's resume is unique among leaders of third division soccer clubs - whether in the US or abroad. He was VP of Ticket Sales and Service for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA, founded his own sports agency consulting with franchises across all major American sports properties, and has supported multiple USL expansion launches across the country. For more than 20 years, he’s seen it and done it - he gets it.When he moved back to his hometown of Boise, he saw something most outsiders missed - a top youth soccer market per capita, a diverse, soccer-hungry community that bought 29,000 tickets for an international friendly, and a thriving business ecosystem hungry to rally around something meaningful.In this conversation, Brad breaks down how the club enrolled over 2,000 community members in the branding process, why they meet with dozens of local CEOs every Wednesday for lunch, and the philosophy that's driving their record-breaking ticket sales: owners don't own teams — communities do.He also discusses the distinctions among fans in the American soccer market - the Premier League purists, Liga MX devotees, and how to engage them all in their local soccer scene.Brad brought us multiple lightbulb moments and a proven, cultured perspective on how to sustainably build a pro soccer club in America. - through fans and corporate backing.Whether you're building a club, running a youth program, or just trying to understand what "community-first" actually looks like in practice - you’ll gain a ton from this episode.Connect with Brad here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstith1/https://www.linkedin.com/company/acboise/https://www.instagram.com/acboise/?hl=enConnect 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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 figuring that out at LALIGA North America. We talk with the league’s Head of Partnerships Sales in North America about the league’s cultural influence, growing audience, and the surprising challenge of selling a league that plays 5,000 miles away to massive American brands.Santiago's path started near the bottom with a ticket sales internship at Richmond Kickers of USL Championship (it was the only paid internship gig he could find). A hundred cold calls a day led him to realize that commercial partnerships combined his love of soccer with curiosity and creativity. That discovery carried him through North Carolina FC, North Carolina Courage, and now to LALIGA North America, where he's targeting the continent’s biggest brands.In this conversation, Santiago breaks down how he approaches brand relationships: know your value proposition before you prospect, ask questions instead of pitching, and talk only 20% of the time in meetings. He explains why LALIGA is essentially a "challenger brand" in the US, how they activate nationally without being tied to one city, and why they refuse to activate in the pay-to-play youth soccer space — choosing free clinics with legends like Diego Forlán instead.Whether you're selling partnerships at a local club, building a brand strategy, or trying to understand how global soccer properties think about the American market — this episode gives you the blueprint.Connect with Santiago here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-lucio-69278348/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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 vital role in connecting the team with its supporters in dynamic and authentic ways.But the origin of Prerna’s story with the Quakes isn’t what you’d expect - and actually paints a picture of how far the club has come in her 5 years with the team. Prerna Aneja's interview for the Quakes internship took a wild turn when the president asked if she'd ever been to a game. Her honest answer: "I didn't know the club existed." Then she told him why and what they could do better. That candor launched a career in influencer marketing that's connecting the Bay Area's oldest soccer club to a new generation of fans.In this conversation, Prerna breaks down how to find influencers who actually fit your story, how to measure the success of a campaign, and how to tell one story ten different ways across platforms. She shares her approach to crafting creative campaigns that amplify the club’s online presence and engage fans across digital platforms. She cites successful partnerships with local influencers and how she has leveraged social media trends to help the Quakes "grow the game” in the Bay Area - something they’ve been doing since 1974.Whether you're running social for a club, building influencer partnerships, or trying to understand how to reach fans outside the soccer bubble — this episode shows you how.Connect with Prerna here:https://www.instagram.com/prerna_aneja/www.linkedin.com/in/prernaanejaConnect 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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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?Sandra came into a club without a clear brand story. No consumer research. No data on what fans actually wanted. So she did something radical — she asked them. Focus groups with diehards. Surveys with casual soccer fans. Conversations with people who'd never set foot in a stadium. What she found surprised everyone: fans care as much about what happens in the stands as they do about what happens on the pitch.In this conversation, Sandra breaks down how to define your club's story when wins aren't guaranteed, why engagement metrics matter more than impressions, and how Sporting KC is preparing for a World Cup that could reshape American soccer forever. Plus: the behind-the-scenes content that outperformed their player highlights (hint: it featured the kit men).Whether you're building a brand at a pro club, running a youth program, or just trying to understand how soccer marketing actually works, this episode offers numerous takeaways to help you move forward. Connect with Sandra Moore and Sporting KC here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramoore2/https://www.sportingkc.com/https://www.instagram.com/sportingkcConnect 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 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 he would log hundreds of miles driving all over the UK just to deliver game film. He has held leadership roles at major companies such as Catapult Sports, Prozone and Playermaker, and has witnessed the skepticism, adoption, and current obsession over data in pro soccer.In this conversation, Paul shares amazing stories from early in his career, including time as a consultant at his boyhood club of Middlesbrough Football Club, serving as part of the backroom support staff when the club won its first ever major trophy, qualified for Europe twice and had the club's higfhest ever league finish. For the past 4 years, Paul has been focused on helping start-ups and early stage companies to break into the industry.And, as with many of our guests, Paul continually emphasizes the importance of trust building and relationships, given the football world is actually quite small and unforgiving.It’s a fascinating discussion mixing personal anecdotes with sharp, honed expertise. Anyone planning to break into the pro sports market with their own enterprise is sure to get alot out of it!Connect with Paul Boanas here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulboanas/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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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/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 content strategy and production? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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/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 content strategy and production? We can help!To contact us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 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

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 episode, John shares 34 years of insider experience across the global soccer industry, from player representation to World Cup impact in North America. John’s story proves that you don’t need experience in the professional soccer business, secret industry connections, or anyone else’s permission in order to be a successful agent.Not only does John regale listeners with entertaining behind-the-scenes stories, he explains the realities of football industry, the role of trust and transparency in relationship building, and the critical intangibles it takes to “make it” as an agent.We talk about the transformational potential of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, how to pass the FIFA agent exam, and why LinkedIn storytelling and marketing are key to an agent’s networking and self-promotion.For anyone working in professional football (or looking to enter the industry), this episode offers clarity on agent careers, global networking, cross-cultural communication, and the opportunities the 2026 World Cup will unlock across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.Connect with John here:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnviolafootball/?profileId=ACoAAAjIj34Bf87sRjxWvDWEb5r9R0bwIPOFkKo⁠⁠https://www.451fc.com/services/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/451fc/posts/?feedView=all⁠Connect 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/⁠⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 led to “The Rough Guide to European Football” book) to 8 years in Italy reporting for Reuters on the glory days of Serie A in the 90s, to eventually covering a range of sports while based in Miami.In this episode, Simon explains the many ways that American soccer fans engage with the game and why the World Cup is a massive moment but isn’t a sure bet to catalyze a new wave of North American fans. We also discuss the current soccer media landscape, opportunities for new storytellers, and how brands play a pivotal role in giving talented creators the resources to reach their potential.For professionals working in clubs, leagues, and football marketing, this episode offers grounded insight into what drives fan engagement, brand alignment, and how storytelling draws attention, loyalty, and long-term growth.We also dance around the possibility of pro/rel in USL, why football is at its best when it emphasizes community and belonging, and the time Simon got to watch AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko practice volleys and headers.Listen to the full episode and step into a scintillating conversation that mixes passionate football banter with measured, experienced insights.Connect with Simon Evans here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-evans-9440554/https://thesoccerbusiness.com/https://x.com/sgevans?lang=enSign up for The Soccer Business Newsletter:  https://newsletter.thesoccerbusiness.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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 unsure where soccer fit in his life to covering USL clubs like Charleston Battery, Forrest reflects on the rich culture that soccer cultivates, how club PR departments can better relate to journalists and content creators, and shares concrete steps for clubs to improve their storytelling campaigns. He also explains the nuances between shaping a TV news story and delivering an educational podcast for a spectrum of soccer fans.This episode offers clarity for anyone interested in soccer media, growing the grassroots game, and why the sport’s potential will be measured by human connection and ability to create a sense of belonging. Forrest breaks down clear steps for shaping stories, improving relationships between clubs and media personnel, and ways that pro and amateur soccer clubs can take advantage of the amazing people in their organization.Listen to the full conversation for an honest look at how better storytelling can strengthen American soccer at all levels.Connect with Forrest here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrest-tucker-634940184/https://linktr.ee/cotlpodcastConnect 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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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 ball in a store or on a field. Yet somehow, thanks to the 1966 World Cup final broadcast in black and white, he caught the bug and has been through the ups and downs of US soccer over the past 6 decades.In this conversation, Frank revisits everything from training with the Las Vegas Quicksilvers of the NASL to interviewing George Best at the old LA Coliseum. He explains why Messi’s arrival in MLS is more complex than it appears, and what the 2026 World Cup will mean for diaspora communities, new fans, and the American soccer landscape.Whether you’re looking for forgotten stories, historical context, or an experienced take on the upcoming World Cup, this episode covers three major topics in American soccer: the current status of the game, Messi’s impact on a changing MLS, and key stories related to the 2026 World Cup.Listen to the full episode and step into a comprehensive picture of American soccer told by someone who has been there with every kick of the ball.Connect with Frank Dell’Apa here:http://twitter.com/frankdellapa⁠https://www.frankdellapa.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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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, coaching Division 1 college basketball, and currently being a sports mom has equipped her for the role of growing Rematch in the US market. On a personal level, we discuss what it takes to build a new product in a new market, but also the approach that Rematch is executing to increase their impact in American sports, specifically soccer.Hanna also discusses why Rematch has chosen “the bottom of the soccer pyramid” as its target market and how they are leveraging relationships with clubs to grow their market share - while equipping clubs with the analytical tools to educate players and the production capacity to enhance their social media content.During our favorite “All-Time 5-a-Side” segment, Hanna pays homage to her roots at the University of Portland, a Division 1 women’s soccer powerhouse over the years, while filling the team with undisputed GOATs of the game.Connect with Hanna Howard here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hhoward25/https://www.rematch.tv/us/https://www.instagram.com/rematch_us/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/⁠⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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.Connect with Jason Heaton here:LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/kernowfa/https://kernowfa.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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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.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 considered creating your own podcast? We can help!To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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/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 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-70b148www.benevolentcapital.comrhodeislandfc.comhttps://www.itfc.co.ukConnect 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/⁠Want help starting your own podcast?To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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.Want to build connections and knowledge in the pro soccer industry?Join us at SoccerEx Miami from November 11-13, 2025.Register with our code “BFM20” and get 20% OFF!https://soccerexmiami2025.eventify.io/t2/tickets/E9D09E,68E7BCConnect with Justin and USL here: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/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/⁠Want help starting your own podcast?To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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!https://soccerexmiami2025.eventify.io/t2/tickets/E9D09E,68E7BCConnect with Dan and Orange County Soccer Club here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrutstein/https://x.com/orangecountysc https://www.instagram.com/orangecountysoccer/⁠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/⁠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.Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started.Connect with Catalina and Soccer in the Streets here:Catalina Dunn LinkedInSoccer in the Streets LinkedInSoccer in the Streets FacebookSoccer in the Streets InstagramConnect 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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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!Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ @staticagestudio or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started.Connect with Nicholas here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-de-long-msc-5b671731/https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-somerset-regional-talent-centre/https://www.nsfootball.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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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!Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started.Connect with Jonathan and the Philadelphia World Cup 2026 here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-todd-74094335/https://www.phillyfwc26.com/https://www.instagram.com/fwc26philly/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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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.Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ @staticagestudio or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started.Connect with Sunflower State FC here:Website: https://www.sunflowerstatefc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerStateFC/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowerstatefc/?hl=enX: https://x.com/SunflowerStFC⁠Connect 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/⁠Want to start your own podcast? 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!Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ @staticagestudio or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started. Connect with Charlie Latshaw IIIInstagramLinkedInDes Moines Menace InstagramConnect 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

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!Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ @staticagestudio or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started. 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/tampabaysunfc⁠Connect 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/⁠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!Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on ⁠Instagram⁠ @staticagestudio or head to www.⁠staticagestudio.com⁠ to get started. 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/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 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!Need printing and design services? Our sponsors Static Age Studio can help!Get 15% OFF your first order when you mention the Because Football Podcast!Check them out on Instagram @staticagestudio or head to www.staticagestudio.com to get started. Connect with Colin and The Footy Travelers here:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeConnect 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/⁠Want help starting your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠

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:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect 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/riverhoundssc⁠Connect 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/⁠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=enhttps://www.instagram.com/stfcphila/?hl=enConnect 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/@pleiappConnect 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 [email protected]

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/annapolisbluesWebsite: https://annapolisblues.com/Connect with Kaitlyn McComb here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-mccombX (Twitter): https://x.com/kaitmccombConnect 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 [email protected]

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/nycosmosConnect 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 [email protected]

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 countriesRecommended vlogs to watch on our YouTube channelThe vision behind the new "Road Trip to the World Cup" documentary series to tell the story of soccer in each World Cup regionPraise and criticism of the FIFA Club World CupWhy experiencing fans at the Club World Cup has him excited for next summer's tournamentFollow 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:LinkedInVfL Wolfsburg LinkedInLearn 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:LinkedInX/TwitterChattanooga FC WebsiteConnect with Because FootballYouTubeInstagramLinkedIn

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