Off the Pitch

Join us as we dive into the intriguing career of Calen Carr, former MLS star turned top TV analyst for Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. In this episode, Calen opens up about his transition from playing professional soccer to shaping its narrative behind the scenes.

Calen shared how his passion for storytelling emerged during his playing days and the catalysts that pushed him into the media realm. He's been committed to shining a light on the underrepresented aspects of the game, tackling tough topics with both sensitivity and a keen eye for the untold story, and he talked us through his creation "The Movement," revealing how this project became a personal mission to highlight crucial social issues within the sport.

Remember that one-on-one interview with Zlatan Ibrahimović? Calen broke down what it was like to be given the responsibility of introducing Zlatan to the league’s fans, and how “the lion”'s on-screen persona is not a mask, but his true self. Calen reflected on his transition to full-time studio analysis, comparing his previous roles to the bustling and dynamic environment of live broadcasting. Calen also outlined how his preparations for covering multiple teams over consecutive weekends require meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the teams performing in the games he’s involved in.

If you’re a fan of the MLS, sports media, or interested in the behind the scenes of studio broadcasting, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

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Join us as we sit down with Tim McDermott, the President of MLS Club Philadelphia Union, to uncover his multifaceted journey through the world of professional sports management. In this episode, Tim dove into his personal and professional background, sharing insights from his expansive career that spans across the NFL, NHL, NBA, and now the MLS.

Tim opened up about the influential figures from his youth and early career, discussing how mentors and role models have shaped his professional ethos and strategic approach. He reflected on the transitions and challenges of adapting marketing strategies to suit the unique cultures and fanbases of each team he's managed, and other areas of the business that he had to learn when transitioning from CMO to President.

With Philadelphia Union experiencing a sold-out season last year, Tim reveals some of the key strategies behind their success. He emphasizes the role of community engagement, innovative fan-building initiatives, and the cohesive efforts of the entire organization, from ticketing to top-tier marketing campaigns, in creating a thriving club atmosphere.

Tim truly has one of the sharpest minds in the sports industry, and this episode is full of golden nuggets of wisdom, insights, and stories that you won't want to miss out on hearing.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
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Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Tim McDermott on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmcdermott2/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

In this episode, we're joined by Lee Cohen, the President of USL Championship side Charleston Battery and former President of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Lee shared with us his extensive journey through the soccer landscape, revealing the insights and strategies that have shaped his successful career so far.

Lee took us back to his early experiences as an intern at the PDL that quickly found himself as the league's Director less than 18 months later, which is a theme in Lee' career of facing challenges head on and never shying away from absorbing more responsibility and pressure. He discussed the unique challenges and triumphs of leading a club during the unpredictable 2020 season - a year that saw his team win the Eastern Conference despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19. He also opened up about his move to Charleston, detailing his initial conversations with the ownership group and what made him get back into the President's chair after a brief break from the game.

Under Lee's leadership, Charleston Battery has seen a remarkable turnaround, clinching the Eastern Conference title in 2023 having finished third from bottom just one year earlier. Lee attributes this success to more than just tactics on the pitch; preferring the idea of instilling a set of strong values within the club's staff over the abstract concept of "culture".

It is clear from this conversation as to why Lee has had the success and rapid upward growth in his career so far in the game, with a big reason being his authentic day-to-day mindset of taking each day as it comes and only focussing on what you can control in the here and now.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Lee Cohen on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-cohen-2291837/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

In this episode, we're joined by Ron Patel, President of USL Championship side New Mexico United. Ron shared his unique journey from being born in Liverpool and quickly getting exposed to the passion for the game, to now leading one of the most community-focused soccer clubs in the US.

Ron reflected on the early challenges of starting a soccer club (Albuquerque Sol), the lessons learned from his first business ventures, and how this shaped his skillset when he was tapped on the shoulder to come in as employee number one of New Mexico United.

Under Ron's leadership, New Mexico United isn't just a soccer club; it's truly a movement that champions community impact over profit. He discussed the club's ethos, the importance of hiring staff who align with their purpose-driven mission, and his personal view of his role not just as a job, but as a calling.

He also revealed the moment he's proudest of so far with New Mexico United--a story you won't want to miss--and what he's most looking forward to in the future of New Mexico United and soccer in the United States.

If you're a soccer fan, business person, or simply a lover of feel-good stories, this one's for you.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Ron Patel on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-patel-7b22455/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

Join us as we explore the journey of James Keston, Owner & CEO of USL Championship side Orange County SC, and his transformative impact on the club.

James shared the backstory of how he almost became the owner of teams in Portland and Seattle almost ten years prior to acquiring Orange County SC, and he discussed the detailed process of purchasing an existing club and the strategic decisions behind the transformative rebranding from Orange County Blues FC to OCSC.

James gave us a deep dive on their unique model focusing on developing young players and transferring them to higher leagues, particularly in Europe, which has reshaped the club's financial and competitive landscape. He also shed light on the international partnerships with Feyenoord and Rangers, explaining the strategic benefits and the reasons behind choosing these specific clubs.

This was a true behind the scenes episode with someone who has taken a club from scratch and built it into an internationally known team, and one you certainly won't want to miss.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow James Keston on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keston-4096a4143/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

Join us for a conversation with Chris Canetti, the visionary behind Houston's 2026 World Cup bid and former President of Houston Dynamo and Dash. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from the baseball fields of New Haven to leading one of MLS' most successful franchises, and now spearheading Houston's effots to host the world's most prestigious soccer event.

Chris delves into his early days juggling numerous roles within soccer, his strategic vision that brought a women's team to Houston, and a never-before-told story of how he got Manchester United to come for the 2010 MLS All-Star Game. He explains the complexities and the exhilaration of transforming the Dynamo and Dash, enhancing their impact both on the field and within the community, culminating in several trophy wins under his leadership.

Transitioning to his current role, Chris outlines what it takes to secure a World Cup bid, from the initial pitch to FIFA, to highlighting Houston's diverse cultural and infrastructural strengths. He discusses unseen aspects of city bids and how previous international events in Houston have laid the groundwork for their World Cup aspirations.

Beyond the pitch, Chris reflects on the profound impact sports organizations can have on local communities and why this remains a priority in his expansive career.

Don't miss this deep dive into the behind-the-scenes action of soccer management and World Cup planning with one of the sport's most influential figures.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Chris Canetti on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscanetti/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
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Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Brett Johnson, who's not just shaping soccer clubs, but entire communities. As the Chairman & Co-Founder of USL Championship side Rhode Island FC and a key stakeholder in Premier League Club Ipswich Town FC, Brett has a story you'll want to hear.

In this episode, Brett reveals how his investment firm, Benevolent Capital, ventured in to the world of sports , and why soccer was their chosen field. He elaborates on the economic strategies behind integrating stadium projects within larger real estate developments, particularly in Pawtucket, shedding light on the future of sports infrastructure.

From his initial foray into the soccer business in Denmark to acquiring a part of Ipswich Town FC, he highlighted the stark contrasts between soccer business operations in the US and the UK, providing an insider's look at how these distinctions shape everything from fan interactions to season planning.

This episode is for all of you true sports business fans, as Brett's insights are second to none when it comes to utilizing sports club ownership as a vehicle for financial gains and building communities. You won't want to miss the golden nuggets in this one.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else.

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Brett Johnson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
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Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

Ever wondered what goes into rebranding a legendary game like FIFA? Well, in this episode, we
re joined by Eric Beard, the former Creative Director of EA Sports FC.

Eric took us through the major transition from FIFA to EA FC, revealing the strategic shifts and creative innovations that define the new era of his iconic game. We explored the challenges and triumphs of developing EA FC's new identity, including choosing the right voice for the game's announcement film and selecting tracks that resonate with a global audience.

As well as sharing insights from his career so far, having worked on several global campaigns for companies like Nike (including THAT 2014 World Cup campaign, 'Risk Everything'), Eric also discussed the nuances of game development seen by millions, the thought process behind selecting cover stars like Haaland, and his vision for the future of soccer both in the virtual and real world.

Whether you're a gamer, a soccer fan, or simply love a good story about innovation and creativity, you won't want to miss this episode.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else:

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Eric Beard on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-beard-a9219523/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Alumvaugh, the influential President of the USL Championship. From coaching at the youth level to calling the shits for U.S. Soccer's second division, Jeremy's journey through soccer is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Jeremy takes us behind the scenes of how he keeps the league running smoothy, from fan engagement to negotiating major broadcast deals. He shared stories about the early days and what it takes to manage the complexities of a national league. We also dove into how the USL is expanding its reach and impact with partnerships like the recent one with CBS, aiming to bring more fans to games across the country.

Plus, don't miss Jeremy's take on the Open Cup's magic, his opinion on Promotion/Relegation for U.S. Soccer, and his vision for the future of the sport as it continues to grow in America.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else:

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Jeremy Alumbaugh on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-alumbaugh-067308106/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]

In this episode, join us for an enlightening conversation with Steven Aldrich, Chair and Investor of the Oakland Roots; a club that's quickly become a beloved part of the of the U.S. sports landscape.

Steven takes us back to the inception of the club, revealing the challenges and triumphs of transforming a bold idea into a reality with a sold-out home opener. He discussed the Roots' strategic climb from NISA to the USL Championship, shedding light on what it really takes to move up in the competitive tiers of U.S. soccer beyond just financial investment. We also dive into the impact of high-profile minority investors like Jason Kidd and Marshawn Lynch, and explore how their involvement has propelled the club forward.

Moreover, Steven talks about the groundbreaking community investment round that turned thousands of fans into co-owners, raising over $3 million, and he reflects on the creation of the Oakland Roots Justice Fund and the addition of the women's team, Oakland Soul, underscoring the club's commitment inclusivity and community values.

Tune in to discover how the Oakland Roots are not just playing soccer, but fostering a powerful movement for social and sporting change in Oakland and far beyond.

Now Live on Youtube, Spotify, Apple and everywhere else:

#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast   

 ----------------------------------------------------

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastOffthePitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/podcastoffthepitch/

Follow Off the Pitch on TikTok:
http://www.tiktok.com/@podcastoffthepitch

Follow Steven Aldrich on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spaldrich/

Follow Matt Cunningham on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcghm/

Follow David Kinnear on social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kinnear-b48857195/

To reach out to us please email:
[email protected]