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PODCAST

Because Football

Andrew Baggaley

The Because Football Podcast is all about uncovering the heart of football through individual journeys and community histories shaped by the beautiful game. We talk with leaders, decision makers, and creatives in the football /soccer industry to discuss their paths and insights they"ve learned along the way. The Because Football Podcast is hosted by Andrew Baggaley. Since January 2024, Andrew has travelled the world to explore soccer cultures and communities in 20 countries. Originally from

sports soccer

All Episodes

00:48:47

How to Set Records in Pro Soccer by Focusing on...

Because Football ·

2025/10/31

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,

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00:37:07

The Power of Storytelling for Non-Profits | Catalina...

Because Football ·

2025/10/29

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

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00:44:53

A Life of Football Coaching at ALL Levels (Almost)...

Because Football ·

2025/10/22

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

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00:23:50

Maximizing World Cup Impact | Jonathan Todd,...

Because Football ·

2025/10/15

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

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00:49:03

Sunday League to USL 2 / WPSL Club | Sunflower State FC

Because Football ·

2025/10/08

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

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00:44:01

Coaching for Excellence & Community in Iowa | Charlie...

Because Football ·

2025/10/01

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

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00:51:32

Building Community Soccer Programs and Sharing the...

Because Football ·

2025/09/24

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

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00:49:30

Why Community Connection is Key to Club Success in...

Because Football ·

2025/09/17

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

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00:56:03

Footy as a Reason to Explore the World | Colin...

Because Football ·

2025/09/12

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

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00:58:46

Founding and Running a USL 2 Club | Ira Jersey, Real...

Because Football ·

2025/09/10

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

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00:48:17

How American Soccer Clubs Live (or Don't!) on...

Because Football ·

2025/09/03

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

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00:53:28

Making Game Days the Best Days | Nick Manske,...

Because Football ·

2025/08/27

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

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00:53:12

Pro/Rel in America - Utopia or Naive Hype? | Jeremy...

Because Football ·

2025/08/20

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

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00:44:05

Creating Community Through Pick Up Soccer | Monica Rojas

Because Football ·

2025/08/13

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

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00:37:45

How Stories Shape American Soccer Community and...

Because Football ·

2025/08/06

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

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00:38:20

How to Set Attendance Records in Lower League Soccer...

Because Football ·

2025/07/30

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

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01:02:49

A New Vision for the New York Cosmos | Erik Stover, CEO

Because Football ·

2025/07/23

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

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01:06:02

Kindness and Courage in Football Leadership | Matt...

Because Football ·

2025/07/16

[ ]Professional football is a hyper-competitive industry. It can be ruthless, cutthroat, and overwhelmingly results-driven. But is there a place for kindness 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

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00:41:23

New Documentary Series Announcement, Club World Cup...

Because Football ·

2025/07/09

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

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00:52:42

Doing Good Can Be Good Business for Football Clubs |...

Because Football ·

2025/07/02

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

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91 results

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