The Young Gaffers | An irreverent look at The Beautiful Game

Wherein Our Heroes believe the Community Shield was more of the same from Manchester United and Leicester. José Mourinho picks up where he left off with Juan Mata, West Ham can't give simple directions, and Jamie Vardy can't care for four-legged friends (or can he?). Riyad Mahrez pays West London a visit, Kyle Lafferty pays for visiting his bookie, and our Canadian Women enjoy another milestone moment in Rio. Also, we aim to patent our new football matching app...stay tuned!

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes connect with fellow Albertans and soccer lovers, Jessica and Katie, of "For Kicks Podcast". We delve into Canada's Rio 2016 victory over Zimbabwe and discuss the Canadian Women's Team in the group stages thus far. It is a special treat indeed. Check out "For Kicks Podcast" for more on the women's game...Jessica and Katie are veritable fountains of knowledge, punditry, and wit.

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes encourage the denizens of Calgary to get out in droves and support Foothills FC in the USL PDL Final. Mark Clattenburg gets an early nod for worst tattoos of the year, Will Ferrell throws his hat in the ring for the Jamie Vardy biopic (long shot), and Zlatan quits Manchester United's hotel. We are both having more CanCon in MLS. Also, Hull City's Tigers, a veritable cat of only nine tails, get trolled by their own players. Come on you Hoops!

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes bask in the glory of Calgary Foothills FC's path to being crowned PDL Western Conference Champions. We hope the ride isn't done, that Russo continues to dominate the scoresheet, the backline stands tall like the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains, and the formations flow like the mighty Bow River. Tommy Wheeldon Jr. receives Haircut of the Week in recognition of his building something amazing for sport in the city while maintaining a convertible-friendly coif. It's MLS All Star "break", which means we unpack the pros and cons of the annual mid-season showcase. We're not havin' it! Also, the bell has finally tolled for Sigi Schmid at Seattle Sounders.

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes partake in a landmark evening for sport in Calgary. Foothills FC win 3-1 over Seattle Sounders U23 in their first ever USL PDL playoff match. We chat with Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Elijah Adekugbe, Dean Northover, and our Man of the Match, Dylon Powley. On to Tucson! Come on you Hoops!

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes celebrate our 50th episode and thank all the denizens of Gafferonia for your support over the past year. We are very happy to be joined by Ottawa Fury FC head coach and general manager, Paul Dalglish. Paul began his playing career with Newcastle United in 1997; after his time in England, he went on to play in both Scotland and North America, winning the MLS Cup with Houston Dynamo in 2006 and 2007. Paul started his coaching journey in 2008 and won the PDL Championship with Austin Aztex in 2013. Paul was hired by Ottawa in November of 2015. In our conversation, Paul offers insights on management, player development, and what the rest of the fall NASL season may hold for Ottawa Fury FC.

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes recap Europe's quadrennial showcase by offering kudos to Portugal and their yeoman-like effort in both the group stages and the Euro 2016 Final. Ronaldo's tears turn from those of desolation to cocky joy; does this give him a leg up on Messi? Did France's best show up for the ultimate match after carrying a whole nation on their epaulets? We salute the young players who turned heads, Ricardo Quaresma's olive branch haircut, and the Irish supporters who brought the craic in droves. Also, we continue to question whether the 24-team format adds anything other than too many draws.

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes partake in the Euro 2016 matches at The Ship & Anchor Pub and chat relentlessly with the masses present to watch the Round of 16. Supporters from France, Ireland, Germany, and Slovakia weigh in on the action on the pitch. We also chat with the lads from Calgary's own Foot Soldiers as they prepare for our PDL match against Kitsap Pumas.

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes offer a proliferation of wonders concerning UEFA's quadrennial showcase. Was Puma's yarn really defective, or was this a ploy to get the French in the book? Does L'Équipe need to back off in their criticism of Les Bleus? Joachim Löw blames "adrenaline and concentration" on a double scratch 'n sniff, we are definitely not having the violence that has marred the group stage, and Croatia's midfield shows it can keep pace with Spain's best. Also, we'll be at The Ship & Anchor Pub on June 26 – don't miss it!

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Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain

Wherein Our Heroes and Brendan once again convene to complete their Euro 2016 preview for all of Gafferdom. Groups D and E are rife with intrigue while Group F seems to be the dud of the bunch. Will Spain sizzle like chorizo in a hot pan or will their form cool like a fresh gazpacho? We waffle on whether Belgium can secure top spot in Group E, or if the Italians can defy their role as non-favourites. Will Iceland live up to expectations as the darlings of the tournament? Also, Marouane Fellaini adopts a Valderrama look, and we dig.

Send us your questions or comments via e-mail to [email protected], @younggaffers on Twitter, and www.facebook.com/theyounggaffers

Music by: Bear Mountain - www.facebook.com/mybearmountain