Episode Summary
What does it take to build a professional soccer club from the ground up—and make it matter to the community it serves? In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine and Alex sit down with Tennyson Wilson, co-founder of Town FC, the Bay Area’s MLS Next Pro affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes.From youth academies to the pro pathway, Town FC is working to create opportunities for players, families, and fans while growing the game in the East Bay. Tennyson shares the origin story of the club, its unique partnership with the Earthquakes, and why building a true community hub matters just as much as what happens on the pitch.
You’ll hear about:
The vision behind Town FC and why “The Town” represents more than a name.
How MLS Next Pro bridges the gap between youth soccer, college, and the first team.
The importance of family-friendly game day experiences that make fans come back.
Challenges and opportunities in the U.S. soccer landscape, from pay-to-play to pathways.
Town FC’s new academy merger and upcoming women’s program launch.
Episode Highlights (Timestamps)
00:03 – Welcome to Offside in the Bay
02:15 – Tennyson Wilson’s personal soccer story
03:38 – Founding Town FC: grassroots beginnings and Oakland roots
06:47 – How MLS Next Pro creates a player pathway
09:11 – Town FC’s partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes
12:24 – Building first-team experiences for young players
15:41 – Balancing college eligibility and pro opportunities
18:47 – The long-term vision: independence, academies, and women’s programs
23:29 – Growing soccer culture in the U.S.
25:29 – Launch of the Town FC Academy (and merger with Diablo Valley)
29:46 – The politics of youth soccer and pay-to-play challenges
37:45 – From Town FC to MLS and beyond: player success stories
39:42 – What’s next for Town FC
Whether you’re a youth player, a parent, or just a Bay Area soccer fan, this conversation gives you a window into how Town FC is building a future for the sport.Connect with Us
Follow Claudine Wong: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
Follow Alex Lobban: @thealexlobban
More from us: KTVU.com | FoxLocal | Podcast Pagefacebook.com
Log in or sign up to view
See posts, photos and more on Facebook.
YouTube Claudine Wong
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
