Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond

Building Soccer Community with Town FC

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Episode Summary

What does it take to build a professional soccer club from the ground up—and make it matter to the community it serves? In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine and Alex sit down with Tennyson Wilson, co-founder of Town FC, the Bay Area’s MLS Next Pro affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes.From youth academies to the pro pathway, Town FC is working to create opportunities for players, families, and fans while growing the game in the East Bay. Tennyson shares the origin story of the club, its unique partnership with the Earthquakes, and why building a true community hub matters just as much as what happens on the pitch.

You’ll hear about:

  • The vision behind Town FC and why “The Town” represents more than a name.
  • How MLS Next Pro bridges the gap between youth soccer, college, and the first team.
  • The importance of family-friendly game day experiences that make fans come back.
  • Challenges and opportunities in the U.S. soccer landscape, from pay-to-play to pathways.
  • Town FC’s new academy merger and upcoming women’s program launch.

    • Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

    • 00:03 – Welcome to Offside in the Bay
    • 02:15 – Tennyson Wilson’s personal soccer story
    • 03:38 – Founding Town FC: grassroots beginnings and Oakland roots
    • 06:47 – How MLS Next Pro creates a player pathway
    • 09:11 – Town FC’s partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes
    • 12:24 – Building first-team experiences for young players
    • 15:41 – Balancing college eligibility and pro opportunities
    • 18:47 – The long-term vision: independence, academies, and women’s programs
    • 23:29 – Growing soccer culture in the U.S.
    • 25:29 – Launch of the Town FC Academy (and merger with Diablo Valley)
    • 29:46 – The politics of youth soccer and pay-to-play challenges
    • 37:45 – From Town FC to MLS and beyond: player success stories
    • 39:42 – What’s next for Town FC

      Whether you’re a youth player, a parent, or just a Bay Area soccer fan, this conversation gives you a window into how Town FC is building a future for the sport.Connect with Us

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      Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and BeyondBy KTVU Fox 2 (Bay Area)