Grassroots Soccer: The Story of SF City FC and Community Ownership
In this episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' hosts Ian and Karlo welcome Brendan Brown, a returning guest and board member of SF City FC, alongside Ian Blackley, the club's chief executive. They explore the unique community-owned model of SF City FC, the significance of their partnership with San Francisco's public transit (SFMuni), and the practical challenges of running a pre-professional soccer club. Brendan and Ian discuss their efforts to grow local soccer culture, the importance of volunteer support, and the club's structure within the USL League 2. They dive into the impact of COVID-19 on operations, the US soccer pyramid, and the journey of young players aspiring to go pro. The episode concludes with stories of fan engagement, the joy of building community, and aspirations for future seasons, aiming to make the sport more accessible and culturally significant in the Bay Area.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions
02:32 SF City FC: Club Mission and Structure
06:54 USL League 2: Competition and Player Development
11:01 Volunteer-Driven Operations and Community Engagement
15:02 Innovative Sponsorship with SFMTA - A Game Changer
19:31 Behind the Scenes: Financial Struggles and Triumphs
21:09 Marketing Magic, Volunteers, and Post-Pandemic: The Power of Community
28:10 Challenges in Grassroots Soccer - Growing the Sport
34:41 SF City FC Players and Performance - Upcoming Season
40:31 Heartwarming Stories: Community Pride
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