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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Nick and Street FC here:

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

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

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

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

Connect with Because Football here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Jeremy and USL here:

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

https://www.uslsoccer.com/

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

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

Connect with Because Football here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Monica Rojas and Plei here:

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

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

https://www.plei.com/

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

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

Connect with Because Football here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Garret James Hokr here:

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

Connect with Because Football here:

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

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

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

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

To get in contact with us, email [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/annapolisblues

Website: https://annapolisblues.com/

Connect with Kaitlyn McComb here:

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

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

Connect with Because Football here:

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

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

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

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

To get in contact with us, email [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/nycosmos

Connect with Because Football here:

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

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

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

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

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

• [ ]

Professional football is a hyper-competitive industry. It can be ruthless, cutthroat, and overwhelmingly results-driven. 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 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 countries
• Recommended vlogs to watch on our YouTube channel
• The vision behind the new "Road Trip to the World Cup" documentary series to tell the story of soccer in each World Cup region
• Praise and criticism of the FIFA Club World Cup
• Why experiencing fans at the Club World Cup has him excited for next summer's tournament

Follow more of Because Football:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Jan Twete:

LinkedIn

VfL Wolfsburg LinkedIn

Learn more about Because Football:

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

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

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

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

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

Follow YerbaCrew:

https://yerbacrew.com/

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