Local Grassroots Stories

Send us a text

Now that the 2025 edition of the Gold Cup is in the books, John and Dylan take a deep dive into the history of the continental tournaments for men's national teams in the Concacaf region.

And, as always, you'll get the latest cup, lower league, pro/rel, San Diego, and soccer history news.


LGS POD: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Use the SEND US A TEXT link at the top of the description to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

WATSON
Un club suisse introduit une mesure inédite pour les femmes
(https://www.watson.ch/fr/sport/football/641510473-foot-feminin-yb-veut-mieux-proteger-les-femmes-enceintes)

S.A.S.H
YouTube Channel
(https://www.youtube.com/@societyforamericansoccerhi7207)

SASH releasing historical Fox Movietone newsreel footage of American soccer from the 1920s
(https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/sash-releasing-historical-fox-movietone-newsreel-footage-of-american-soccer-from-the-1920s/)

ESPN.COM - Cesar Hernandez
The 1991 Gold Cup: Taxi cabs and the 'real' birth of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry
(https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37936207/how-1991-gold-cup-started-usmnt-mexico-rivalry)

US Soccer YouTube Channel
MNT vs. Brazil: Highlights - Feb. 10, 1998
(https://youtu.be/q8A9VcF7s-c?si=beyr2U36XgTgvIxJ)

MIGUEL DELANEY
States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football
(https://geni.us/StatesOfPlay)

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

JOIN US LIVE!
We usually record our shows live on Tuesdays at 6PM Pacific time. Come join us in the chat.
YouTube: @LocalGrassrootsStories

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

Is football tourism ruining football for the legacy, die-hard home supporters? Do football tourists cause ticket prices to go up?  Does it lead to a rise in meaningless competitions? Does it dilute the culture of the home ground? Does it have a negative affect on grassroots football? Does it threaten the *soul* of the game?

Tonight, John and Dylan do their best to sift through, untangle, and explore how best to answer each of these questions.

And, as always, you'll get the latest cup, lower league, San Diego, and soccer history news.


LGS POD: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Use the SEND US A TEXT link at the top of the description to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Podcast: San Diego FC: Behind the Flow (iHeartMedia/Copa90/MessageHeard)
(https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartpodcasts-announces-two-part-podcast-san-diego-fc-behind-flow-following-beginnings-and)

RWBADRIA.COM
RWB Adria History
(https://rwbadria.com/history/)

THECUP.US
I-95 Quarterfinals: Best of New York-New Jersey vs. Philadelphia in US Open Cup history
(https://thecup.us/2025/07/07/i-95-quarterfinals-best-of-new-york-new-jersey-vs-philadelphia-in-us-open-cup-history/)

1995 US Open Cup Rewind series: The Modern Era Begins
(https://thecup.us/2025/07/08/1995-us-open-cup-rewind-series-the-modern-era-begins/)

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS PRESS
Beyond the Field: How Soccer Built Community in the United States (Brian D. Bunk)
(https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p088780)

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

JOIN US LIVE!
We usually record our shows live on Tuesdays at 6PM Pacific time. Come join us in the chat.
YouTube: @LocalGrassrootsStories

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

Will 2026 see a return of the storied Cosmos?  John and Dylan discuss the recent rumors and what it could mean for lower league soccer in the U.S.

And, as always, you'll get the latest cup, pro/rel, and San Diego lower league news.


LGS POD: QUESTION OF THE WEEK / CALL TO ACTION

If you love U.S. Soccer history like we do, consider supporting S.A.S.H. (Society for American Soccer History) with an annual membership ($20).
(https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/store/sash-membership-one-year/)

Use the SEND US A TEXT link at the top of the description to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Podcast: San Diego FC: Behind the Flow (iHeartMedia/Copa90/MessageHeard)
(https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartpodcasts-announces-two-part-podcast-san-diego-fc-behind-flow-following-beginnings-and)

USL 1: Bosie, ID
(https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1341897)

Hudson River Blue
Are the New York Cosmos back? (Michael Bautista) (https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/new-york-cosmos-in-usl-league-one-at-hinchliffe-stadium-in-paterson-new-jersey-2026/)

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

JOIN US LIVE!
We usually record our shows live on Tuesdays at 6PM Pacific time. Come join us in the chat.
YouTube: @LocalGrassrootsStories

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

Dylan's unavailable tonight so John will be riding solo.

Tonight is PART 2 (1910-1913) of our deep dive into the soccer history of the San Diego region. We will focus on the rivalry between the three main teams in the region (San Diego Soccer Football Club, the Nomads club, and the Foster club).

And, as always, you'll get the latest cup, pro/rel, and general lower league and specific San Diego lower league news.

LGS POD: QUESTION OF THE WEEK / CALL TO ACTION

1. Have any San Diego soccer history you'd like to contribute to our series?  Drop us a note an let us know.  We'd love to expand our research.
2. Would you like to come be a guest (or guest host) on our pod?  Drop us a note and we'll arrange to get you on the show.

Use the SEND US A TEXT to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

TheCup.us
Open Cup Rewind: 1995 (https://thecup.us/2025/06/15/1995-us-open-cup-rewind-series-the-modern-era-begins/)

APSL
American Premier Soccer League (https://apslsoccer.com/)

S.A.S.H (Society for American Soccer History)
Website: https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/author/sash/
Founded in 1993 by American soccer historian Sam T.N. Foulds, the Society for American Soccer History (SASH) works to promote, facilitate, and disseminate research into the rich history of soccer in the United States. Along with the National Soccer Hall of Fame, S.A.S.H. is an officially designated historian to collect information and assemble memorabilia related to soccer.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

JOIN US LIVE!
We usually record our shows live on Tuesdays at 6PM Pacific time. Come join us in the chat.
YouTube: @LocalGrassrootsStories

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

With the 2025 FIFA World Club Cup starting this coming weekend, we take a deeper dive into the history international club cup competitions.  We'll pay particular focus on the USA's International Soccer League (1960-1965) and how it played a role in shaping both today's version of the Club World Cup as well as the professional soccer scene leading up the the formation of the NASL.

And, as always, we will catch you up on some of the latest cup, pro/rel, lower league, and San Diego news.

LGS POD: QUESTION OF THE WEEK / CALL TO ACTION

With the current state of affairs in the US - and especially in Southern California - we are encouraging everyone to attend the "No Kings" peaceful protest rallies this weekend (Saturday, June 14).  Go to https://www.nokings.org/ to find a rally near you.

Use the SEND US A TEXT to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

Last week we talked Wrexham.  This week we investigate another English lower league team trying to climb the pyramid that also has it's own documentary: Dorking Wanderers F.C.  Formed in 1999, this club started at the local Sunday league level and achieved 12 promotions in it's first 23 years - rising all the way up the the National League.  But the club's rise to fame, and the documentary storytelling style, are very different than what you will find with Wrexham.

And, as always, we will catch you up on some of the latest cup, pro/rel, lower league, and San Diego news.

LGS POD: QUESTION OF THE WEEK

We've spent two weeks in a row talking about clubs with soccer documentaries (Wrexham and Dorking Wanderers).  Now we want to hear from you!

What are your favorite / can't miss / most important soccer documentaries?  They don't have to be documentaries that follow a team.  They can be anything soccer related. 

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your answers - or use the link to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

CHAPTERS
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:02:18 - Recent News 1: NYRB PRIDE/Stonewall Tifo
0:06:52 - Recent News 2: FA Transgender Women Ban goes into effect
0:07:27 - Recent News 3: London: "Let The Dolls Play" protest tournament
0:13:03 - Recent News 4: NWSL: Denver: Curt Johnson hired as new coach
0:16:03 - Recent News 5: NWSL: Jessica Berman: Forbes article: DEI and social causes comment.
0:21:02 - Recent News 6: Seattle Sounders: Club World Ca$h Grab
0:24:10 - National Cup News 1: National Amateur Cup: Region 1: Christos FC forfeit.
0:26:05 - National Cup News 2: Hank Steinbrecher Cup this weekend.
0:30:31 - PRO/REL News: Blackburn Rovers Women: Owner chooses not to comply with Championship regulations and self-relegates the club to the National League.
0:38:12 - Lower League News: Jagermeister Cup Update
0:41:52 - San Diego News: USL W Update
0:44:45 - San Diego News: WPSL Update
0:47:10 - Listener Feedback: Wrexham
0:51:33 - Dorking Wanders FC / Bunch of Amateurs (BOA)
1:15:28 - Wrap Up

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

Wrexham are headed to the Championship.  Season 4 of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series is in full swing.  Wrexham's meteoric rise through the English pyramid (three promotions in three years) has generated a slew of new fans and new haters.  Tonight John and Dylan talk Wrexham the club and Wrexham the series and discuss whether or not the Wrexham phenomenon is a net positive or net negative for soccer in general and, more specifically, for lower league soccer in the US.

While the Wrexham topic was our intended focus of this episode, recents events around football violence (specifically the extra curricular activities after this weekend's SDFC match) also take up a considerable chunk of our podcast this week.

LGS POD: QUESTION OF THE WEEK

We gave our thoughts about Wrexham (both the team and the documentary series) and its impact on the soccer world.  Now we would like to know your thoughts.

What do YOU think Wrexham's impact has been on soccer (English soccer, American soccer, grassroots soccer, soccer interest in America/World, etc.).  Do you think the Wrexham phenomenon has had a net positive or net negative impact on the world of soccer?

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your answers - or us the link to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS:
This week we had two podcast recommendations for our listeners:
1. It Was What It Was Podcast:
A. May 19, 2025: 1984/1985: The Season that Shook English Football, Part One.
B. May 23, 2025: 1984/1985: The Season that Shook English Football, Part Two - Heysel

2. Protagonist Podcast
May 23, 2025: Ex Libris Protagonist - A Conversation with Dr. David Kilpatrick Pt. 1
(note as of this podcast publication, part 2 had not yet been released)

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

The NWSL's San Diego Wave is not the only women's club soccer team in San Diego. This week on the LGS Pod, John and Dylan explore the women's lower league soccer scene in San Diego.

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your questions, comments, or general response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week we go a little deeper getting caught up in the news of this past week.  After that, we finish the show the our recap of the Round of 32 and preview of the Round of 16 from the 2025 US Open Cup.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

Lower league soccer gets in full swing in May.  For our show next week we will turn our attention to lower league women's soccer in the San Diego region.  So here's our question for this week:

How many preprofessional women's soccer teams do we have in the San Diego region?

Unless you are turned in to lower league soccer, the answer might surprise you.

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your answers - or us the link to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week on the LGS Pod, John and Dylan begin a new series on the history of soccer in the San Diego region.  This first episode will look at the years 1886 - 1910.

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your questions, comments, or general response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol