The FootPol Podcast

What can the beautiful game tell us about the society we live in? How is football and the football industry impacting the environment? In the episode co-host Francesco speaks to David Goldblatt, sociologist of football and author of several influential volumes on the history and politics of the game. David  discusses how football is the greatest modern-day political theatre , and why the game and 'the political' are closely connected. In the second part of the episode, the conversation focuses on David's work on the environment and particularly his involvement with  Football for Future,  the organisation seeking to tackle climate change and its impact on the beautiful game.  

What is the connection between national identity and the beautiful game? And why is  there no British national football team? In this episode Guy and Francesco speak to Professor Matthew Taylor, one of Britain's main historians of sport, based at DeMonfort University. Matt discusses the origins of the game and the first competitive matches, often involving teams between different British cities, as well the development and relevance of the international game.   

What can a football team do for its community? Is it possible to re-imagine the role of  football clubs? In this episode Guy and Francesco talk to Sukhdev Johal from Clapton CFC, East London's fan-owned football club with a strong social and political profile. From the iconic Second Spanish Republic-inspired jersey to Clapton's campaigns against homophobia, racism, sexism and intolerance and what it means to be a community club, including an invaluable Hardship Fund during the covid pandemic, Sukhdev tells the story of Clapton Community Football Club (and a bit of its future too!).

Can football change lives? In this episode co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to Mel Young, social entrepreneur and founder of the Homeless World Cup.  

The HWC is more than a big yearly tournament bringing together men and women's teams from all over the world. It is a global network of 70 grassroots organisations that help select and prepare the players for the competition. The mission of the HWC is 'to use football to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives; and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness'. 

The recent Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been hailed as a great success and a sign of the growing popularity of the women's game. But what are the challenges faced by the women's game away from the bright lights of the major tournaments? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Carrie Dunn, journalist and academic,  about the women's game in England and beyond. Carrie, author of several books on the Lionesses and on the history of the sport, including The Reign of the Lionesses and Woman Up, discusses the challenges and achievements of the movement in England and globally, from the glamorous Women's Super League to the grassroot game.   

What is FootPol? In this short introduction co-hosts Guy Burton and Francesco Belcastro introduce themselves and the podcast and its purpose as well as the topics and guests in the first few episodes. The first proper episode lands on Monday 2nd of October on all main podcasting platforms! Book the date and watch and listen out for it!