From Pitch To Puget Sound

We made it — the finale.

In the last episode of From Pitch to Puget Sound, Kyle and Emily recap the ride and say a proper thank you to the people who made this soccer summer feel local in Snohomish County and across the Puget Sound. This series was never just about the matches. It was about the group chats, the watch parties, the car rides, the “wait, what’s offside?” moments — and the feeling of showing up together.

You’ll also hear the “game behind the game”: how years of planning, coordination, and invisible work made fan zones and community events possible, with a return to Dylan Ordoñez on what the local organizing committee actually does (and doesn’t do). Then we land on the simplest way to keep the energy alive: make it local — go to a match, invite one person, and support the legacy projects that make soccer easier to enter.

We close with a salute from Peter Hattrup and one final question for you: what do you want to carry forward — a moment, a tradition, a community, a reason to show up?

• Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™
• Everett FC UPSL
• Snohomish Sky FC
• Snohomish United USL W
• Snohoimsh United USL 2

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Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

This episode isn’t a big explainer. It’s something simpler: we’re going to let you hear it.

Producer Trent records solo and hands the mic to the community. No big narration, no extra analysis — just real, raw conversations from the Everett waterfront fan zone and beyond. You’ll hear how people found soccer through their kids, through their neighborhoods, through injury and coaching, and through the simple pull of a crowd that feels welcoming.

It’s a reminder of what this whole series has been about from the start: you don’t have to be an expert, you don’t need match tickets, and you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a place to show up — and people to share it with.

In this episode

• Why this episode is “about you” (and why we’re keeping it raw)
• A soccer beginner’s guide from the crowd: how to enjoy the flow, learn the basics, and not get stuck on scoring
• What people wish was different about ticket access — and why free fan zones matter
• The Everett vibe in one word: home
• Kids on soccer: positions, goals, glitter, and why it feels like “Disneyland (but no rides)”
• Local pride moments: Snohomish County scarves, the “Great Soccer Ball Hunt,” and why local soccer matters year-round
• The big takeaway: this sport builds community — on the field and off it

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Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Trent (filling in for Emily) and Kyle go beyond the big screens and big cheers to the real story of this soccer summer — what happened around the watch parties. You’ll hear quick, real voices from the waterfront in Everett and from people building the next chapter of local soccer: families who couldn’t afford match tickets but showed up anyway, neighbors describing the vibe as “home,” and local leaders focused on access that lasts longer than one tournament.

Along the way, Kyle gives a quick “where we are now” tournament check-in as the group stage wraps and the knockout round begins — including what the expanded 48-team field is changing, and why new names like DR Congo and Cape Verde are part of the fun. But the heart of the episode is what the summer revealed: soccer didn’t suddenly arrive here — it became visible, louder, and easier to belong to.

In this episode

• A quick tournament check-in: group stage wrap-up, knockout round basics, and what’s surprised us so far
• Why the expanded 48-team format is creating more new teams, more storylines, and more “anything can happen” moments
• Listener voices from the watch parties: families making memories, first-timers jumping in, and locals choosing community over spectacle
• “The vibe is home”: what people said when we asked them to describe the feeling for someone who wasn’t there
• Jamie French-Bialek (Snohomish Sports Dome) on access that lasts: building more places to play, not just places to watch
• A throwback to Peter Hattrup on how the level of local competition has risen — and why talent doesn’t have to leave to find it
• The next step challenge: name your moment, support the places that made it easy to belong, and keep the door open

• Snohomish Sky FC
• Snohomish Sports Dome Watch Party Info
• Snohomish Sports Dome

Listen to From Pitch To Puget Sound

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Emily and Kyle take you back to the Everett Watch Party for two packed days of fan zone energy — Mexico vs. South Korea (Day 3) and USA vs. Australia (Day 4). You’ll hear quick, real conversations with families, visitors, and community leaders — the kind of sound bites that capture why this soccer summer feels like a once-in-a-lifetime community moment.

Along the way, Kyle gives a quick “tournament so far” check-in (no jargon, just the headlines): the U.S. surprising everyone by locking in early, a wild tie that put Cabo Verde on the map, and big stars already making noise. But the heart of the episode is the crowd — the joy, the friendliness, and the feeling that a watch party is more than a screen. It’s a permission slip to talk to strangers.

In this episode

• What the Everett Watch Party feels like in real time (kids, jerseys, cheering, pure joy)
• A quick tournament check-in: where we are in group play and what’s surprised us so far
• The Cabo Verde vs. Spain headline that reminded everyone why underdogs matter
• Why the expanded 48-team format is creating more surprises and more stories
• Listener voices: families making memories, first-timers soaking it in, visitors feeling welcomed
• Tammy Dunn (Snohomish County Sports Commission) on the smiles, the camaraderie, and why free, accessible community events matter
• The reminder: you don’t need a ticket — you just need a place to show up and feel it

• Seattle Fan Celebrations - Watch Parties
• Snohomish County Events
• Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™

Listen to From Pitch To Puget Sound

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

The soccer summer is here — and this episode is built out of real voices from the Everett Waterfront Watch Parties.

Emily is joined by Trent (sitting in for Kyle) as they record on-site at the waterfront: boats in the background, jerseys everywhere, and the kind of crowd energy you can literally feel in your chest. If you’ve been wondering what this moment actually feels like in real life — not in a stadium, not in a studio — this is it.

You’ll hear quick “roll call” clips from people in the crowd and local leaders, plus conversations with Nick Shekeryk (Snohomish County tourism marketing specialist) on how the Snoco GameDay scarf went from a fun campaign idea to a real-life local obsession — and with Dylan Ordoñez from Seattle FWC 26 on what the local organizing committee actually does (and why fan zones matter).

In this episode

• The vibe check from the Everett waterfront: why it feels like a full-on festival on a weekday
• What surprised Emily most about the crowd (and why it feels like “we’re doing this together”)
• The Snoco GameDay scarf story: how it was created, why it’s everywhere, and how it’s traveling worldwide
• A simple “join the moment anywhere” framework: pick a social place, bring one small ritual, and arrive early
• Where to find more Snohomish County soccer summer events (Discover SnoCo)

• Waterfront Watch Parties | Everett Tourism, WA
• Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™
• Discover SnoCo Website

Listen to From Pitch To Puget Sound

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

The 2026 soccer summer is officially here — and Washington State is showing up in a big way.

In this bonus episode of From Pitch to Puget Sound, Emily and Kyle share what people are talking about in the first days of the tournament, then take you on a fast tour of watch parties and fan experiences across Washington — from Everett’s Boxcar Park fan zone to Seattle’s waterfront activations and Spokane’s Egypt team training buzz. You’ll also hear about creative local business tie-ins (hello, themed beer) and community-centered events like the Everett Recovery Cafe watch party.

Then it’s time for predictions: Kyle makes his case for France, while Emily leans into the Netherlands (and a model that’s correctly predicted recent winners). Finally, they zoom out and talk about why this moment is bigger than soccer — a rare chance to be welcoming, connected, and loud together.

In this episode

• Why this soccer summer already feels historic (and why the U.S. hosting matters)
• Watch parties in Washington State: Everett, Seattle, Spokane, and more
• Everett Recovery Cafe’s watch party for people in recovery
• Spokane’s soccer summer energy: Egypt training, local crowds, and themed products
• Everett Boxcar Park fan zone dates mentioned in the episode: June 11, 12, 18, and 19
• Seattle’s premium “The Barge” experience (floating pier + mini pitch)
• Pike Place Market’s sip-and-savor program (Fridays–Sundays, noon–5:00pm through Labor Day)
• Emily vs. Kyle’s winner predictions (Netherlands vs. France)
• Why this month can move us from “me” to “we”

Listen to From Pitch To Puget Sound

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Everett Chamber

This is the bonus episode you hit play on before you leave the house.

Emily and Kyle give you a simple, no-stress checklist for soccer summer — whether you’re headed to a watch party, a brewery, a friend’s house, a library event, or the fan zone. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have a plan: what to wear, what to pack, what to screenshot, and how to avoid the classic “we’re going to regret not bringing something” moment.

You’ll also get a quick, beginner-friendly World Cup 101 with Keith Macaulay: how group play works, why the 48-team format changes the math, what happens in knockout rounds, and why a 1–0 match can be way more dramatic than it looks.

In this episode

• World Cup 101 in two minutes: groups, points, and what changes in 2026
• What to wear: layers, comfortable shoes, and the optional joy of jerseys and scarves
• The scarf tradition (and what to do if you don’t have one)
• The “worth it” bag list: backup battery, wipes, sunscreen, water (if allowed), and a seat pad for outdoor screens
• Timing tips that reduce stress: arrive early, pick a clear meetup spot, and choose easy parking over closest parking
• Fan zone and stadium mindset: check rules, expect stricter security, and keep your bag small
• The two-minute home check: phone charged, ID, tickets, screenshots, snacks, and ear protection for kids

Listen to From Pitch To Puget Sound

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Everett Chamber

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

If you’re excited about the World Cup but wondering how to make it work with kids, this episode is for you.

Emily and Kyle share two easy, family-friendly entry points that don’t require you to be a soccer expert: the hands-on, high-energy Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett (with a soccer skills experience kids can play, not just watch), and the community-centered Sno-Isle Libraries, including their big “Kick It at the Library” event and a bunch of smaller ways to join in.

You’ll also hear from Dr. Elee Wood, CEO of Imagine Children’s Museum, on why interactive spaces help kids connect big events to real life — and from Katie Leone, marketing and communications manager at Sno-Isle Libraries, on how the library is building welcoming, all-ages programming (plus reading lists, summer reading tie-ins, and even a FIFA Wii party).

In this episode

• A simple framework for planning a “World Cup Day” with kids: pick your vibe (big energy, movement + structure, or calm)
• What the Imagine Children’s Museum soccer experience includes (penalty kick challenge, dribble course, and more)
• Why the library might be the most underrated way to join the World Cup community
• How to get ready if you’re new to soccer: reading lists, events calendars, and low-pressure ways to learn the lingo

• Imagine Children's Museum
• Sno-Isle Library Events Page
• Kids Reading List - Here Comes the World Cup
• Sports Fiction Reading List
• Giants of Soccer Reading List

Listen to From Pitch To Puget Sound

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Everett Chamber

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Emily and Kyle talk directly to Snohomish County business owners (and the locals who want to support them). The message is simple: you don’t need to become a soccer expert — you just need a plan.

First, we break down what “activation” really means for most local businesses: hospitality. Small, visible signals that say “we’re ready for you” during the predictable moments of a big soccer summer — pre-game planning, between-match wandering, and post-match celebrating.

Then we bring in real examples from people already doing it: Wendy Poischbeg (Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce) on how to connect what you already do with what people are excited about, Nikki Koth (Stoup Brewing) on scaling watch parties and marketing with newsletters and community partners, Cheryl Rose (Soccer Post) on simple take-home ideas that bring customers back, and Jamie French-Bialek (Snohomish Sports Dome) on getting small-town businesses involved.

Takeaways

• The best activations are not complicated — they’re specific and repeatable.
• “Activation” is mostly hospitality: one or two small choices that make it easier for people to choose you.
• Any business can participate (not just bars and restaurants).
• Use the playbooks and toolkits so you don’t have to guess what’s allowed.

In this episode

• The three customer moments businesses can plan for: pre-game planning, between-match wandering, and post-match celebrating
• Wendy Poischbeg’s core advice: connect what you already do with what people are excited about
• A menu of easy options: watch parties, matchday specials, early openings, window displays, jersey discounts, trivia, and neighbor partnerships
• How Stoup Brewing is approaching watch parties, marketing, and partnerships with local soccer communities
• How The Soccer Post is using brackets and free posters to create repeat visits
• How Snohomish Sports Dome is surveying local businesses and building community-wide participation
• Where to find the playbooks and toolkits (including language and licensing guidance)

Business resources

• Everett Chamber “Game On Everett” playbook + toolkit:  www.everettchamber.org 
• Snohomish County Sports Commission business engagement resources: snocosports.org
• Seattle World Cup resources: https://www.seattlefwc26.org/resources/playbooks

Call for listeners

If you’re a business owner doing something fun — big or small — send us a note. We want to highlight local spots that are welcoming people well this summer. And if you’re an event-goer, make it a goal to support a few local businesses while you’re out enjoying the watch parties and community events.

Disclaimer

Always follow posted rules, licensing guidance, and on-site staff direction, and use official sources for the most up-to-date information.

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer. 

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Emily and Kyle give you a practical, local guide to Everett’s official fan zone — the Waterfront Watch Parties at Boxcar Park. If you’ve been wondering how to plug into the energy without tickets or insider knowledge, this is your walkthrough.

First, we hear a quick reminder from Tammy Dunn (Snohomish County Sports Commission) on why official fan zones matter: they give visitors and locals a place to gather, watch together, and make a full day out of the experience.

Then we go deeper with Cat Soper (Port of Everett) and Tyler Chism (City of Everett) on what the Waterfront Watch Parties are designed to feel like — a family-friendly waterfront festival with a big screen, food trucks, music, and a kid zone — plus the simple logistics that make the day smoother.

Takeaways

• You don’t need to be a soccer expert to enjoy an official fan zone — it’s built for everyone.
• The Waterfront Watch Parties are designed to feel like an Everett waterfront festival, with a soccer theme.
• The easiest plan is park once, shuttle in, follow the crowd.
• Small details (like choosing the westbound stop on Hewitt) can save you time and stress.

In this episode

• What an official fan zone is and what it’s meant to provide
• Waterfront Watch Party dates and the “arrive two hours early” tip for pre-game fun
• What you’ll find on-site: big screen viewing, MC + DJs, giveaways, live entertainment, and kid activities
• How to get there using the free shuttle from Everett Station or Hewitt Avenue (and which direction matters)
• A simple on-the-ground layout of Boxcar Park: screen location, food truck zone, kid zone, pop-up pitches, and seating areas
• How partners across the region make the event possible (Port, City, Sports Commission, transit, community orgs)
• A quick note for local businesses: be welcoming, be clear, and pick one simple way to join in

Official fan zone resource

• Official Seattle FWC26 Fan Zone (Visit Everett):  https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone 

Call for listeners

If you go to an Everett Waterfront Watch Party, send us a note: what did it feel like, and what surprised you? And you may even see us there.

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer. 

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.