Football’s journey to become a safe and inclusive space for all fans is far from over. Last month the game saw the biggest-ever Women’s World Cup take place in Australia and New Zealand, a tournament that saw dozens of ‘out’ players take centre stage and showcase not only their elite skills but the power of championing queer identities. The women’s game has traditionally been far more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community compared to the men’s, and it’s about time that changed.

The VERSUS team took over size? Manchester in celebration of the city’s annual Pride event, where our very own Amie Cripps chopped it up with Manchester City and England baller Demi Stokes for a live recording of ‘The Future of Football’ podcast to discuss her coming out story, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the women’s game compared to the men’s, the ups and downs of IVF and how she now balances her career as a professional footballer and a mum.

This podcast was recorded in collaboration with size? and Nike as part of ‘The House Party’, a series of live events that celebrate new football culture in size? stores across Europe. Listen to the full podcast via our link in bio.

There has never been any room for racism in football – but the climate in Spain’s top flight has become progressively worse. The VERSUS team discusses Viní Jr's latest racial abuse ordeal and how change can be achieved.

We also break down the most important topics in football culture including adidas and Prada's innovative new boot collaboration, and why Newcastle United’s UCL qualification is a good time to revisit sportswashing.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Whilst the end of the season is approaching, preparation for the next campaign has already started with the world’s biggest teams dropping their new kits for 23/24. The VERSUS team explores the trends in jersey culture that have got the streets talking, and how football shirts keep on evolving.

We also break down the most important topics in football culture including Mental Health Awareness Week and why this conversation matters in football, a further discussion on the changing face of sports media, and make our nominees for this season’s MVP.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Morgan Allan (@morganallann)

The Premier League has officially unveiled its Hall of Fame class for 2023 – but what should be one of the most significant cultural moments in the football calendar feels like a missed opportunity. The VERSUS team looks at why the PL should turn to the NBA for some inspiration in how to honour legends the right way.

We also break down the most important stories in football culture from the last week including Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new project to help ex-academy players transition out of football, what Graeme Souness’ departure means for sports media, and VERSUS’ new initiative with Chelsea that’s seeking to diversify football off-pitch.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Tyler Larbi

Leah Williamson is the latest global star in the women’s game to be sidelined by an ACL injury. The VERSUS team looks at what her absence from the Women’s World Cup means for England and the wider culture, and why this is an epidemic that can’t be ignored any longer.

We also break down the most important stories in football culture from the last week, including Daniel Levy’s argument for the WSL to scrap relegation and Chuba Akpom’s remarkable revival to be crowned as the Championship’s Player of the Season.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)

After the Premier League finally voted to ban gambling brands as front-of-shirt sponsors, the VERSUS team looks at why this decision really matters and what comes next in football’s fight against exploitation.

We also look at football’s most important culture stories of the last week including Dave’s new link-up with EA SPORTS FC, why Dide presents an important conversation about football’s relationship with rap, and the prospect of Hashtag United going pro.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Johnny Kay (ojhnyn)

After the Premier League finally voted to ban gambling brands as front-of-shirt sponsors, the VERSUS team looks at why this decision really matters and what comes next in football’s fight against exploitation.

We also look at football’s most important culture stories of the last week including Dave’s new link-up with EA SPORTS FC, why Dide presents an important conversation about football’s relationship with rap, and the prospect of Hashtag United going pro.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Johnny Kay (ojhnyn)

After Eberechi Eze became the latest young baller to collaborate on his own signature boot with New Balance, the VERSUS team connects to take a look at what NB are doing right and what other sports brands can learn from their athlete strategy.

We also look back at some of the most important social and cultural stories of the week including Ian Wright’s latest community venture, how the media needs to change its approach towards Dele Alli, and why Romelu Lukaku’s latest incidence of racism in Italy needs to be talked about.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Calum Jacobs is a writer, editor, designer, community-connector (and undercover chef) from South London who draws on sociology, history, culture and football to explore Black British life.

The founder of CARICOM Magazine – an independent publication and online platform which explores the intersection between football and the Black experience – Calum has recently seen the critically acclaimed paperback version of his debut book ‘A New Formation: How Black Footballers Shaped the Modern Game', drop in stores.

Calum's journey to becoming a writer is an unorthodox one – he is entirely self-taught, a proud South Londoner, and is passionate about educating others about the power and potential within themselves.

We discuss everything from the importance of documenting stories from Black-British icons, self-confidence and the value of listening to lived experiences, to how to find your voice, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-form locs are bigger and more symbolic than just a new hairstyle.

As part of a new look 'The Future of Football' podcast, episodes will now be dropping weekly. Subscribe to keep up with the most pivotal conversations in the game.

Make sure to grab a copy of ‘A New Formation: How Black Footballers Shaped The Modern Game’ in paperback from April 6th.

Eddie Hearn is one of the biggest innovators in modern sport.

From building his athletes into powerhouse names in culture, pioneering women’s boxing with Katie Taylor, and leaving behind traditional broadcasters to strike global deals with streaming giants – there’s a lot of layers to his story that football can learn from.

Having served as vice-chairman of Leyton Orient during his father’s spell owning the club, he’s also seen inside the football industry and picked up lessons along the way.

Ahead of another big Anthony Joshua fight night, the Matchroom Maradona joins VERSUS team members Mayowa Quadri and Corey Pellatt to talk about his connection to the beautiful game, what happened when he signed Harry Kane for Leyton Orient, and why women's sport is here to stay.

’The Future of Football’ will be dropping weekly so please rate, review and subscribe.

Also - Watch AJ v Franklin live on DAZN on Saturday 1st April