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The Footy Travelers Podcast

The Footy Travelers Podcast

93 episodes — Page 1 of 2

Ep 79EP 79 | An Inside Look At ClubEleven's Epic Soccer Bus

What happens when a group of creative friends pile into a retro-fitted Soccer Bus, hit the American highways, and follow the heartbeat of U.S. soccer across the country? In this episode, the ClubEleven crew—Gabriel, Pablo, Tyler, and Justin—join The Footy Travelers to share stories from their cross-country journey during the 2025 U.S. soccer season, where they followed the US Open Cup, caught Club World Cup fever, connected with fans and fellow creators, and turned their bus into a rolling tribute to American soccer culture. This episode is for anyone who believes the soul of the sport is found beyond the stadium—but sometimes parked just outside it! Want to know more about ClubEleven's work? Check them out on Instagram: @clubeleven. 00:00 – Intro: A Soccer Bus Story 04:12 – Who Is ClubEleven? 11:20 – Why the Soccer Bus? 18:45 – Life on the Road: Challenges & Chaos 26:10 – US Open Cup Moments & Fan Encounters 35:22 – Creating the Magazine: The Soccer Odyssey 42:47 – The Culture of American Soccer, City by City 51:55 – What's Next for ClubEleven?

Dec 15, 202558 min

Ep 78Ep 78 | What It's Really Like at a Saudi Pro League Match w/ Matchstay's Lee Galvin

Saudi Arabia has been a hot topic in the footy world the last several years. Big name signings. Premier League team ownership. World Cup 2034 hosting. But what is the football scene in Saudi Arabia actually like? In this episode, Colin sits down with Lee Galvin of Matchstay, who traveled to Jeddah and Riyadh to experience the Saudi Pro League for himself. From the myths and misconceptions to the world-class players, matchday vibes, and the impact of a no-alcohol culture, Lee shares how it compares to Europe—and why more fans might want to see it for themselves. Foot(y)notes: Saudi Arabia's World Cup 2034 promotional website: https://saudi2034.com.sa/ Get a more Saudi perspective on the Saudi Pro League with the recent Netflix series: https://www.netflix.com/title/81783473 …or just watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ivIYBD4tfQ Despite no alcohol, Saudi fans can still get rowdy and aggressive—Saudi style! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K0z23ppOkE More info on the Saudi university program Lee mentioned: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20151208190817896 04:37 | The inspiration (and price) for a trip to Saudi 07:48 | Saudi geography and Pro League teams 11:01 | Saudi stadiums and matchday atmosphere 16:06 | The alcohol myth busted 19:11 | Getting to the game and navigating around Saudi Arabian cities 25:57 | The hardest thing to deal with as a Westerner 32:35 | Out of grounds options in Saudi Arabia 38:42 | How to get tickets tothe Saudi Pro League 41:50 | Lee's other international footy travels

Oct 8, 202554 min

Ep 77Ep 77 | A 15-Month Footy World Tour & Road Trip to the World Cup

What if you built your own global football education—by leaving home, traveling across multiple continents, and going straight to the source? That's exactly what fellow footy traveler Andrew Baggaley, founder of Because Football Media did, as he spent more than a year exploring the globe, visiting football clubs, academies, and fan groups across Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. Whether you're a traditional Premier League fan, a lover of fan culture, or curious about how the global game shapes lives off the pitch, this episode is for you. 03:55 | Prototyping Because Football in Paris at PSG 07:26 | Heading to Ivory Coast for AFCON 10:32 | Connecting with Independiente, River Plate, & Racing Club 15:44 | Why Port Vale? And... who...is Port Vale exactly? 17:48 | Eastern Europe on the way to the Far East 20:23 | Comparing footy cultures across Southeast Asia 25:33 | What the world taught Andrew about American soccer 32:27 | The first ever soccer game in the US 35:49 | Coming Soon: The "Road Trip to the World Cup" Series Check out our new YouTube channel! Don't miss our monthly newsletter for footy // travel news from every corner of the globe Follow us on Instagram: @footytravelers Join us on one of our trips (our next one is to Mexico City)!

Sep 24, 202539 min

Ep 76Ep 76 | Far From Home on 9/11: An American at Anfield Remembers

On September 11, 2001, American journalist and fellow footy traveler Ken McDonald was thousands of miles from home—at Anfield, watching Liverpool play Boa Vista in the Champions League. In this powerful conversation, Ken shares what it was like to learn about the 9/11 attacks while abroad, how Scousers responded, and the story behind an unforgettable, homemade tifo that made the highlight reels that night. He also reflects on what truly makes footy traveling so meaningful—and spoiler: it's not what you think. 00:29 | Ken's notable background 03:28 | Liverpool vs Boa Vista in the Champions League 07:57 | "The Kop stands with our friends in America" 15:49 | Flying back to America 20:05 | Why Ken doesn't process 9/11 like most Americans 24:17 | Traveling thousands of miles for 2 hours of sport? Worth it! 26:06 | Ken's sales pitch for lower league football 31:37 | Footy scran Check out our new YouTube channel! Don't miss our monthly newsletter for footy // travel news from every corner of the globe Follow us on Instagram: @footytravelers Join us on one of our trips (our next one is to Mexico City)!

Sep 11, 202533 min

Ep 75Ep 75 | World Cup NTK Series: World Cup 2026 - Phase 1 Ticket Application Window

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The first sales window for tickets to the 2026 World Cup consists of an application period that opens on September 10th and closes on September 19th (2025), and there's a major change to the process this time around. In this episode, we'll break down the 5 biggest things you need to know to be prepared to score tickets to the world's greatest sporting event! 00:00 | Catcing up on 2025 09:15 | Question 1: HOW does Phase 1 of World Cup 2026 ticket sales actually work? 12:20 | Question 2: WHEN does Phase 1 of World Cup 2026 ticket sales happen? 13:04 | Question 3: WHO can apply for World Cup 2026 tickets during Phase 1? 14:12 | Question 4: HOW does FIFA notify successful Phase 2 applicants? 14:52 | Question 5: WHEN can I actually buy World Cup 2026 match tickets? 20:13 | Predictions on further Phase 1 details and additional sales phases 26:35 | Recommendations for how to approach World Cup 2026 tickets sales Check out our new YouTube channel! Sign up for our monthly newsletter for footy // travel news from every corner of the globe Follow us on Instagram: @footytravelers Join us on one of our trips (our next one is to Mexico City)!

Sep 1, 202542 min

Ep 74Ep 74 | 2024 Wrapped: Our Favorite Matches, Moments, & Travel Tips from Last Year

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When the dog bites, when the bee sti— Oooh! Eh ehm. Excuse us. Didn't see you there. Just warming up the vocal chords for our 2024 FAVORITE THINGS EPISODE!!! Comment on our recently pinned Instagram or X posts to let us know what you think about our picks, your favorites, or any footy travel suggestions you have for us in 2025! Foot(y)notes: Here are some of our favorite things worth checking out ASAP… Jimmy Rees Instagram Reel on "The Guy Who Decides the Premier League" "Once In a Lifetime" on YouTube (by Eli Mengem and Copa 90) "Welcome to Wrexham" on FX The Mobile Passport app from US Customs and Border Patrol 02:43 | Mike has an offer 05:39 | Mike gives the rundown 07:33 | TOP 5 Matches & Travel Experiences - COLIN 15:02 | TOP 5 Matches & Travel Experiences - MIKE 25:47 | TOP 4 Media & Content Pieces - COLIN 35:31 | TOP 4 Media & Content Pieces - MIKE 46:53 | TOP 3 Travel Tips & Lessons Learned - COLIN 51:01 | TOP 3 Travel Tips & Lessons Learned - MIKE 58:10 | TOP 2 Things to look forward to in 2025 - MIKE 01:00:41 | TOP 2 Things to look forward to in 2025 - COLIN 01:03:49 | BIGGEST 2024 Takeaway - MIKE 01:08:25 | BIGGEST 2024 Takeaway - COLIN

Jan 13, 20251h 13m

BONUS Episode | Honeymooning in the Seychelles with the Premier League trophy

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Think having your honeymoon covered by your favorite football club is nothing but a pipe dream? Well wake up and listen to this special BONUS episode, where we sit down with Matthew Eide from Far Away Football (check out Ep 73 if you missed his other incredible stories!) to reveal how he scored an all-expenses-paid getaway to the Seychelles, courtesy of Manchester City and their corporate powerhouse sponsor. And don't forget to leave us a rating and review if you're as amazed by his story as we are! Watch the story unfold, including the moment Matthew & Liz discover the Premier League Champions trophy in their suite. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *JOIN US ON OUR NEXT TRIP* Head to FootyTravelers.com to learn more about our UK trip in November/December and how you can join us on all the footy travel adventure we have planned! Or hop directly onto the waitlist.

Nov 6, 20249 min

Ep 73Ep 73 | Buddhist monk ultras, WoSo in the Solomon Islands, & flying with an historic AFCON squad w/ Far Away Football's Matthew Eide

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Fellow footy travelers experience the game outside their hometowns all the time, but have you ever wondered what it's like to be a globe-trotting footy fan with multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences? In this episode, Matthew Eide of Far Away Football takes us on an absolute journey! From a 10-goal spectacle in a Bhutanese stadium fit for a king, to two unforgettable footy moments in the Seychelles, this is one episode you won't want to miss. With professional soccer connections stretching as far as the Solomon Islands, Matthew might even have a surprise for you at the end of this one (wink wink)! Foot(y)notes: SPOILER ALERT: If you want to listen to the BONUS Episode with Matthew before its release next week, simply head to footytravelers.com/podcast If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, know before you go. Show your love for the global game with an Icarus FC kit of your own! Follow Thimphu City FC on Instagram and tell them that you heard about them in this episode. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! PLUS YOU CAN WIN A FOOTY TRAVELERS SWAG BAG... If you email us ([email protected]) a screenshot of your recent review, and your mailing address, we'll send one your way!

Oct 30, 202454 min

Ep 72Ep 72 | Walking over 500 miles to EURO 2024 from Manchester to Gelsenkirchen

Would you walk 500 miles just to be the man who walked 500 miles to see a footy match? Today's guest would. In fact, he did! Join us as we talk with Tom Stoker, a Three Lions fan who marched from Manchester to Gelsenkirchen this past summer to witness England's EURO 2024 opening match against Serbia at Arena AufSchalke (aka Veltins-Arena for sponsorship reasons). For more on Tom's journey, check out his Instagram account. 04:41 | Getting to know Tom's skill set(s) 08:08 | Walking across Wales 10:10 | The planning phase 12:44 | Tom's long walk stats & countries visited 15:25 | "Tent" Alexander-Arnold 18:50 | But did Tom actually make it?! 23:17 | Tom goes full-kit wanker & a Kyle Walker appearance 27:04 | A Morrisons meal gone wrong 32:05 | Tom's take on English fans 37:03 | Mike "walks" us into rapid fire 44:07 | Tom's "Final" satisfaction *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *JOIN US ON OUR NEXT TRIP* Head to FootyTravelers.com to learn more about our UK trip in November/December and how you can join us on all the footy travel adventure we have planned! Or hop directly onto the waitlist. *GEAR UP* You can also head to FootyTravelers.com to visit our fan shop and gear up with limited edition jerseys and supporters scarves. *This episode features music by The Proclaimers. All rights to the song are owned by The Proclaimers, and we do not claim any ownership over the copyrighted material.

Oct 8, 202448 min

Ep 71Ep 71 | Forget Raygun, we're at the Paris 2024 Olympics for footy!

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Forget Raygun, the FFTs are at Paris 2024 for the footy! Join guests Ronny of the Football Misfits Podcast, Jesse M, Mark C, Merritt H, & Barry J for an on-the-ground look at what it was like for American footy travelers who attended this summer's Olympic games. We'll talk about tickets, atmosphere, and some freaky deaky Dutch crowdsurfing at the biggest orgy of sports there is! 04:22 | The Football Misfits "On Location" 05:42 | Olympic ticketing processes 07:35 | Olympic football ticket prices 09:20 | Why Men's Olympic soccer is for ballers 12:03 | Why the atmosphere for Olympic soccer is like Coachella 13:13 | Olympic soccer lacks teams (women's) and superstars (men's) 15:00 | Major soccer tournament rankings 16:26 | How the Olympics is bigger than the World Cup 17:32 | Dutch crowdsurfing 18:02 | The World Cup takes the cake, but the Olympics is... better?! *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Aug 19, 202421 min

Ep 70Ep 70 | How we did 5 Copa América AND Euro 2024 matches in 5 days

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We are back together in today's episode to talk all about our Intercontinental Summer Tour: our 18-day North American and European adventure that had us at both the Copa America and Euro 2024, attending a total of 7 tournament matches, 5 of which, between the two of us were in 5 different cities, on 5 consecutive days, and… as you can probably guess, across 2 different continents. Passionate? We are. A bit crazy? Perhaps. Borderline psychotic?… we… are… seeing someone about that. Labels aside, in this episode we run through our itinerary, answer a listener FFT question, and leave you with some great footy travel tips from our whirlwind summer. Foot(y)notes: Footy Travelers scarves for sale in the Footy Travelers Fan Shop! Or… Sign up for the best damn Fantasy Premier League out there! Email… wait for it… [email protected] to register. There's a PL-season-long head-to-head option, and two survivor leagues that split each half of the 38 match-week PL season. Footy Travelers scarves and cash prizes up for grabs! If you want more info on the CBP Mobile Passport option Mike mentions, check it out here. Or check out Global Entry. Colin loves using his on international footy travels. In Germany? Thirsty? Not a beer drinker? Try apfelwein! 03:19 | The Intercontinental Summer Tour Itinerary: Copa America + Euro 2024 12:43 | Lunatic Colin says, "Hold my beer!" and flies cross-country again 14:26 | A great Fantasy Premier League opportunity! 15:32 | Mike's personal highlights 21:02 | Colin's personal highlights 28:06 | Travel tips & lessons learned 29:18 | Discussing German beers 38:55 | German train travel 45:33 | Death to FlixBus! 48:55 | Travel tips on EU departures and US re-entry 52:03 | Final travel tip - save for World Cup 2026!

Aug 7, 202455 min

Ep 69Ep 69: Part 2 | What Happened at the Copa America Final? (FFT Eyewitness Accounts)

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In a riveting episode we weren't necessarily planning on, we dive deep into the pandemonium that unfolded ahead of the Copa America Final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL on Sunday, July 14. We're joined by four FFTs who were there that evening, as well as one who attended the previous Colombia match (the Copa semi-final), each bringing a unique perspective on the chaotic events of that unforgettable night. Guests: Najjah Calibur - International match host who has performed recently at World Cup 2022 & AFC Asian Cup 2023. Najjah was the stadium MC that night. Shirley Checa - Argentina fan who followed the team throughout the Copa America. Monica Bosiljevac - A fellow footy traveler, USA and Jamaica supporter who ultimately did not make it into the stadium. Cheyenne Foster - Footy fan vlogger and American soccer fanatic currently footy traveling via van life. Danny Navarro - Colombian fan originally from Miami who offers his thoughts on fellow Colombian fans, both those at the Copa Final and at large. Part 2: 01:14 | Monica's perspective from an aerial view 06:37 | Watching a cop padlock the gates 08:01 | "The stadium is at capacity" 13:02 | Cheyenne's last minute decision to attend 20:03 | No security or ticket checks 22:29 | An argument over seats 28:59 | (Some) final thoughts... 35:20 | ...y la palabra última Further Reading: There's plenty of 'journalistic' perspectives on this too… Here's one from the Washington Post's Sunday night report, and one from Bleacher Report. Here's another one from CBS News. Our personal favorite, though, was The Athletic's live blog page for Copa America Final. Alexis Mac Allister's mother, Silvina, describes the experience of entering the stadium as "inhumane" (note: video esta en Español) Finally, here's Fox's Alexi Lalas (a totally noncontroversial voice in the soccer space) with his take on things

Jul 21, 202442 min

Ep 69Ep 69: Part 1 | What Happened at the Copa America Final? (FFT Eyewitness Accounts)

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In a riveting episode we weren't necessarily planning on, we dive deep into the pandemonium that unfolded ahead of the Copa America Final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL on Sunday, July 14. We're joined by four FFTs who were there that evening, as well as one who attended the previous Colombia match (the Copa semi-final), each bringing a unique perspective on the chaotic events of that unforgettable night. Guests: Najjah Calibur - International match host who has performed recently at World Cup 2022 & AFC Asian Cup 2023. Najjah was the stadium MC that night. Shirley Checa - Argentina fan who followed the team throughout the Copa America. Monica Bosiljevac - A fellow footy traveler, USA and Jamaica supporter who ultimately did not make it into the stadium. Cheyenne Foster - Footy fan vlogger and American soccer fanatic currently footy traveling via van life. Danny Navarro - Colombian fan originally from Miami who offers his thoughts on fellow Colombian fans, both those at the Copa Final and at large. Part 1: 00:49 | Recap of events ahead of kick-off 05:43 | Najjah's report from inside the stadium 14:01 | Shirley recalls the chaos and stress outside the gates 22:25 | Panic attacks and crying children 30:02 | People sitting in the aisles and in other people's seats Further Reading: There's plenty of 'journalistic' perspectives on this too… Here's one from the Washington Post's Sunday night report, and one from Bleacher Report. Here's another one from CBS News. Our personal favorite, though, was The Athletic's live blog page for Copa America Final. Alexis Mac Allister's mother, Silvina, describes the experience of entering the stadium as "inhumane" (note: video esta en Español) Finally, here's Fox's Alexi Lalas (a totally noncontroversial voice in the soccer space) with his take on things

Jul 21, 202431 min

Ep 68Ep 68 | Euro and Copa America 2024 with Scuffed's Adam Belz

Euros and Copa America are finally both underway, and the Footy Travelers are about to take flight to games for both tournaments. So what better way to get into the mood than a conversation about European football, its American counterpart, and some fun Copa America events happening this summer with the Scuffed Podcast's Adam Belz? Tune in, get (even more) stoked for all the footy to be watched, and get ready for the Footy Travelers Intercontinental Summer Tour - a crazy thing you can follow on Instagram if you're bored (@footytravelers). Foot(y)notes: This is the ground we all had a good laugh about with the train running through it. Old Firm (Rangers vs Celtic) away fans haven't been permitted for awhile, but that's about to change. Check out the Scuffed Podcast's website. 02:32 | Some weird shit about Swiss cows and cheese 07:19 | The idea for a footy trip to Italy 08:16 | Juventus vs AC Milan 09:16 | Venezia playing for promotion 10:00 | San Siro tour 11:00 | The stadium in Como 17:28 | Comparing AMerican and Italian soccer culture 28:06 | The Footy Traveler "Glow" 31:54 | Plans for Copa and where to watch 38:06 | The sense of the collective during the World Cup *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to 'Kop' an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Jun 21, 202441 min

Ep 67Ep 67 | NTK Series: EURO 2024 Event Guide highlights, traveling through Germany, and what to do in each host city

In this episode, join Colin and Mike as they prepare for their EURO 2024 journey! Chock full of hearty laughs as they make hilarious, but objectively terrible, attempts at pronouncing* German city names — who knew Gelsenkirchen could be such a tongue twister?! - this episode has everything you need to know (NTK) about inter-city travel and things to do 'beyond the grounds' in each of Germany's host cities. Spoiler alert: there will be plenty of opportunities to drop into a biergarten! Foot(y)notes: Don't miss the official event guide for EURO 2024, with all the details you need for a successful trip There's also the Euro 2024 app and the UEFA Mobile Tickets app Check out Ben's FFT Travel Tip on Lindner Hotels in Germany *This episode was produced in partnership with Video Puppet's Narakeet 01:13 | Introducing 'Scottish Mike' 02:20 | FFT Introductions 06:23 | Travel tip: How to book cheap business class flights to Europe 09:29 | Travel tip: How to book cheap hotels with points in Germany 11:55 | Train travel discounts during EURO 2024 13:58 | Mobile apps you will need for EURO 2024 17:03 | Adam Belz of the Scuffed Podcast and their recent Euro-trip 25:19 | The Footy Travelers' complete (horrendously pronounced) out-of-grounds host city guide for EURO 2024 *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to 'Kop' an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Jun 4, 202436 min

Ep 66Ep 66 | Heart of the Gunners: Arsenal Doc's Touching Gesture to Young Fan on Family Trip

We don't encourage self-pity, but after this past Championship Sunday in the Premier League, Colin is looking for a little pick-me-up. Luckily, the Footy Travelers podcast isn't just informative, well-traveled stories, but ones that might warm your heart as well. And this week's episode is exactly that - a story of the 'invincible' kindness of one of Arsenal's medical staff in bringing a truly transformative footy travel adventure to life for a total stranger, specifically a young boy, Ryan Surrell, from the D.C./Maryland area. Cheeky Arsenal v Chelsea banter provided at no additional cost. 06:31 | Ryan tries to inject some footy into the family trip 07:28 | The Messi jersey giveaway 08:50 | The big reveal 11:05 | "I got you the tickets!" 14:36 | Lin Manuel Miranda in London 16:45 | Ryan the history buff 19:49 | Ryan shows off his trash talk skills 21:45 | Ryan's negotiation skills pin Mike against the ropes 26:12 | So who was this Arsenal doctor?! Foot(y)notes: Colin might make bitter comments about money buying trophies, but is he completely off-base? This thorough analysis by the Swiss Ramble is well-worth a read (full version requires subscription). As a graceful guest, Mitra wouldn't reveal the Arsenal medical staff who gifted Ryan tickets, but Transfermrkt isn't as dignified (surely it was one of these fine people). Mike avoided having to wear an Arsenal kit for an entire 90-minute match this summer, but will he bet against them next year? How Ryan lost his bet against Chelsea. GO SUPPORT THE CRAIG WILLINGER FUND! *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to 'Kop' an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

May 22, 202429 min

Ep 65Ep 65 | How to get kicked out of a Premier League match

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They say the clothes make the man. Although we would say, the clothes make the fan. Especially if that fan is heading into a stadium for a club match. Wearing away gear. And is not planning on sitting in the away supporters section. In which case, we say, the clothes make the fan… a target. In today's episode, our guest, FFT Rob Cervantes, shares an experience he had recently wearing Crystal Palace gear into Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - and then promptly getting kicked out. It's a story that comes with a lesson for all footy travelers: know before you go. 03:58 | Presenting Rob a very prestigious, highly sought-after award 06:22 | A visualization exercise 08:04 | Rob identifies as a Palace supporter 09:16 | Locating the seats, assuming they're GA 13:22 | Approached by the steward, "You gotta go" 17:52 | A very lonely train ride 24:22 | Some ideas for playing it safe and a Jedi mind trick 28:22 | Rob gets a further suspension 30:37 | Gaining final clarity 36:06 | Colin twists the knife 38:03 | The official policies of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium "Premium" areas Foot(y)notes: Rob said his seats were in a "midfield" section of the stadium, near the club suites, which sounds like a "premium area". After our conversation, we found these rules for premium areas on the stadium's website. England is the most sought-after place to watch club football in the world right now, which is leading to more away fans getting a ticket among the home fans. Poor Harry Kane. Once a (trophyless) Spur, always a (trophyless) Spur. All the goals Rob missed seeing that now infamous day. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to 'Kop' an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

May 9, 202440 min

Ep 64Ep 64 | Remembering Grant Wahl & Being Detained at World Cup Qatar 2022 w/ FFT Brian Davis

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World Cup 2022 was a bizarre story that began in 2010, over a decade before the tournament even kicked off. It was (still is we suppose) a story centered on corruption, human rights, and a gaudy display of power and wealth. It was also a bizarre experience on the ground, for fans, journalists, and even the teams playing (probably). It was made even more bizarre for American fans, and in particular fans, friends, and family of journalist Grant Wahl after Grant collapsed in the press box of the Argentina/Netherlands quarterfinal, and was later pronounced dead at Hamad General Hospital. Anyone who knew Grant, or at least his journalism, knows that he was a special human. He was an advocate, and before his death was famously detained outside Al Bayt Stadium early on at World Cup 2022 for wearing a rainbow on his t-shirt. But Grant wasn't the only person who experienced this. In today's episode, we hear from Brian Davis, a fellow footy traveler who had met Grant through US Soccer circles, and who had a similar experience in Qatar. Part 1: 0:49 | Death & taxes 2:27 | Recalling the 'scandals' of World Cup Qatar 2022 3:44 | Grant Wahl's final reports 8:53 | How to get your wife to an away WCQ 15:01 | Meeting Fernando Fiore and Rob Stone 17:15 | Meeting Grant Wahl Part 2: 21:19 | Sharing Grant's experience with rainbows in Qatar 24:10 | Things get physical 30:10 | The State Department is calling Foot(y)notes: Grant Wahl's "Qatar Chronicles" leading up to World Cup 2022: Part 1 and Part 2 Grant's original Tweet about getting held up outside Ahmed bin Ali Stadium ahead of USA v Wales Grant's brother Eric's video reaction to news of Grant's death Rob Stone's touching tribute to Grant on Fox's WC22 broadcast Dr. Céline Gounder's (Grant's wife) explanation of Grant's cause of death Coming in June: The best of Grant Wahl

Apr 24, 202439 min

Ep 63Ep 63 | Welcome to Wrexham (IRL)

...as in "In Real Life" (we know Wrexham isn't in Ireland - duh!). That's right! Today's guests went and lived out your favorite footy documentary (or Mike's at least) in person. Join us as we chat with return FTP guests Mark "Eagleman" Cranston and Lila "Wonder Woman" Asnani about their recent trip to Wales for Wrexham home and away matches, and, of course, some great travel tips - not the least of which is how to get your hands on some sometimes hard-to-come-by match tickets. Foot(y)notes: Learn more about Mark & Lila's trip to Wrexham and how to make yours happen by visiting Mark's website: EaglemanSoccer.com Check out the full "Always Sunny in Wrexham" song by the Declan Swans... ...and their YouTube homepage. Yes, Mark knows Roger Bennett. 03:42 | Cien 'Dos a Cero's 05:35 | Finding an English League team 06:55 | Getting to Wrexham 08:56 | Staying in Wrexham 10:07 | Getting around in Wrexham 11:37 | Night before (NB4) party 14:02 | (Officially) Welcomed to Wrexham 15:22 | "Less than a mile from the centre of town..." 17:18 | Getting match tickets 19:10 | Meeting Wayne Jones 'on his Turf' 21:40 | Price of Wrexham tickets 22:39 | Wrexham away days 25:01 | (Less than) 15 minutes of fame 27:40 | The Racecourse + where to sit 31:20 | Celebrity sightings 32:43 | What to wear to a match 35:42 | Welcome to Wales + What to do in and around Wrexham 37:59 | The most picturesque area in Europe 43:14 | "Up the Town!" *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to 'Kop' an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Apr 10, 202444 min

Ep 62Ep 62 | "Allez Les Bleus!" - On stage at the World Cup draw w/ Didier Deschamps + Paris 2024 insights from French superfan family

One question we've been asked a lot recently is whether or not we're planning to attend and cover any Olympic soccer matches this summer in Paris. We will be in Europe for EURO 2024 in Germany after all. Sadly though, we can't do it all. So, we figured we'd deliver the next best thing. In today's episode we're bringing you a recent conversation with French Football Superfans Pascal, Joris, & Lennie - a father, son and daughter trio we met in Qatar during World Cup 2022. And if you're a fan who pays attention to all the micro-events happening around international soccer - for example, things like the World Cup draw - chances are you've seen at least one of them yourselves. That's because Joris (15) and Lennie (11), under the guidance of Pascal of course, have been footy travelers since at least the age of 2, and they have had some incredibly unique and high profile experiences you're going to love hearing about! They also share some local insights for the upcoming Olympics being hosted in Paris. Foot(y)notes: Watch Joris walk out on stage at the Qatar 2022 World Cup Draw with Didier Deschamps. Follow Pascal, Joris, Lennie, and their continual footy travel adventures on their Instagram account (@FootSouvenir). Here's more info on tickets to Olympic footy this summer in Paris. Zidane's final moments as a footballer... and the video that Pascal avoided for 25 years. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Journey to the Games - "Paris is calling!" If you're still looking for accomodation in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, email Merritt Hopper, Founder & Event Director for Journey to the Games at: [email protected]

Mar 27, 202449 min

Ep 61Ep 61: Part 2 | Life as a World Cup and International Match Host w/ Najjah Calibur

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If you've attended or watched a major international soccer tournament recently, you've probably noticed an increasing prevalence of on-field and in-seat match hosts (and Coldplay), getting the crowd hyped for the game during the pre-game and half-time periods. In today's episode, we're joined, not simply by 'one of these in-game hosts', but perhaps by one of the most dynamic, positive-vibe energetic hosts out there right now - Najjah Calibur. This is Part 2 of our conversation w/ this incredible international match host, and amazing international footy traveler. If you missed Part 1, we recommend starting with that, just ahead of this one in our feed. Foot(y)notes: Explore more of what Najjah and his entertainment crew do by checking out the Live Engine website. If you're curious about Najjah's own footy content project, check out FootyScoopsInDa6ix. His match host partner, Dancin' Wayne is a trip too! Get ready for your footy travel adventure in Toronto. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Mar 13, 202429 min

Ep 61Ep 61: Part 1 | Life as a World Cup and International Match Host w/ Najjah Calibur

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If you've attended or watched a major international soccer tournament recently, you've probably noticed an increasing prevalence of on-field and in-seat match hosts (and Coldplay), getting the crowd hyped for the game during the pre-game and half-time periods. In today's episode, we're joined, not simply by 'one of these in-game hosts', but perhaps by one of the most dynamic, positive-vibe energetic hosts out there right now - Najjah Calibur. A self-described 'Spice Man' from Grenada, living in Toronto, Najjah has hosted matches at both Men's and Women's World Cups, CONCACAF Gold Cups, and most recently at January and February's Asian Cup in Qatar. We discuss how someone becomes a match host in the first place, what it's like to have fans turn on you, getting to see legends like Ronaldo and Zidane up close and personal, and what the scene is like in Qatar post-World Cup 2022. Not only is Najjah full of incredible, positive energy, he's full of amazing, well-traveled insights and stories. So many in fact, that this conversation deserves to be delivered in full in a 2-part series ("Put some respect on it!" - Najjah). And so, this is Part 1 of our conversation w/ this incredible international match host, and amazing international footy traveler. Foot(y)notes: If you or someone you know is struggling in their relationship with alcohol, you can call 1-800-662-4357 for confidential free help, or visit findtreatment.gov to find substance use treatment and information near you. Explore more of what Najjah and his entertainment crew do by checking out the Live Engine website. Check out the song Najjah almost sang live at the 2022 World Cup Final. As we asked Najjah, over one year after the 2022 World Cup, what has changed in Qatar? What the heck is Colin referring to with his 'Lindsay Horan' comment? This. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Mar 6, 202437 min

BONUS Episode | Lessons from the CONMEBOL Presale: How to buy tickets for Copa America 2024

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We're back with a debrief from Danny Navarro (@TravelFutbolFan; D.C. area) and Matt Marshall (@EatPrayBall; Los Angeles) following the CONMEBOL pre-sale window that opened on Thursday, February 22. Danny and Matt react to their experiences logging in and hunting for tickets, and share what to expect once tickets open up to the general public on February 28th. Colin also walks through his process and shares tips for getting to the front of the ticketing queue. If you want Copa tickets, you want to listen to this episode! Foot(y)notes: Visit the official ticket page of the Copa America for all the precise details about ticket sales and presale windows. Here's the official match schedule for Copa. This is the article that helped us figure out where to buy Copa tickets once they're released. And this one confirms everything we know so far. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Feb 23, 202422 min

Ep 60Ep 60 | LET'S COPAAAAA (and Euro)!!! How to get tickets to the Copa America and Euro 2024 tournaments

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FINALLY! CONMEBOL has announced the release date for tickets to Copa America 2024 games. And it's... still "later" (February 28 to be exact). But hey, at least it's within the same calendar month that we're releasing this episode on it all! In this Footy Travelers "Need to Know NTK)" episode, we go coast to coast with FFT guests in Danny Navarro (@TravelFutbolFan; D.C. area) and Matt Marshall (@EatPrayBall; Los Angeles) to discuss where to get official Copa tickets, which platforms each host stadium is selling tickets on, and some awesome ideas for how to maximize attending both the Copa America and the Euro 2024 tournaments. Foot(y)notes: Visit the official ticket page of the Copa America for all the precise details, and info on all the different presales (enough to make you dizzy!). Here's the official match schedule for Copa, and here's the one for the Euros. Keep an eye on the Euro website for details on the resale platform opening up later in March (or so we're told). This is the article that helped us figure out where to buy Copa tickets once they're released. And this one confirms everything we know so far. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Feb 21, 202447 min

Ep 59Ep 59 | How Eurosport Created a Marriage: A Footy Travelers' Love Story

If you don't remember getting the Eurosport catalog in the mail as a kid, we hope you're spending your youth wisely (Stretch more, drink less by the way. You're welcome!). We also invite you to look up the history of Soccer.com. If you do remember that precious piece of periodical product propoganda, we're sure you never thought it could catalyze true, deep and commited love... to another soccer fan. Except that in the case of our guests today, it did. In this, our (first annual?) Valentine's Day Special (because why not?), we bring you Sylvia & Jason Donovan, two FFTs who without the (Euro)sport of soccer, likely never would have met otherwise, let alone found themselves married, with 3 children, after having fought their way through Sylvia's cancer treatment within the first several months of dating. It's a footy traveler's love story for the ages! Foot(y)notes: As we all know, Eurosport is now Soccer.com - not a sponsor, but maybe wants to be?! Eurosport just celebrated it's 40th birthday last month. Dang we feel old! If you know nothing about Annapolis Blues FC or the NPSL, well... now you do! If you were touched by Sylvia's (and Jason's) story, and want to support a community for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer, considering supporting the Ulman Foundation. You can also help make soccer dreams come true for kids and young adults fighting cancer and other critical illnesses by supporting the Craig Willinger Fund. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Feb 14, 202446 min

Ep 58Ep 58 | FTP Presents: "The Football War" from Everything Everywhere Daily

** NEW EPISODE next week** As we reset and record new episodes coming later this spring, we're bringing you episodes of other soccer- or travel-related podcasts that we think you'll enjoy - and this week's presentation is a great one! It's an episode from "Everything Everywhere Daily", a daily podcast that covers absolutely anything, and everything. Today, the Footy Travelers Podcast presents Everything Everywhere Daily's episode: The Football War (El Salvador vs. Honduras). If you like what you hear from Everything Everywhere Daily: Subscribe to their Apple Podcasts feed, or... to their Spotify feed, or... check out their website for other ways to subscribe & listen *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe', leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Feb 8, 202414 min

Ep 57Ep 57 | FTP Presents: Soccer in Snow & Smoke

In this week's winter episode presentation, we're sharing ESPN Missoula's show "Soccer in Snow & Smoke", hosted by Andrew Houghton - specifially, the episode we joined as guests during our trip to Australia & New Zealand for the 2023 Women's World Cup. As Andrew describes this episode: "Colin and Mike are two friends and former college teammates who have combined their passions to create The Footy Travelers, a podcast all about soccer and traveling the world. Live from Australia, they were kind enough to join me on Soccer In Snow & Smoke to talk all about their travel experiences at this year's Women's World Cup, an odyssey that includes tales of hiking and surfing, hunting wild pigs, sampling local cuisine, providing an alpine rescue and being in the stadium for the USWNT's shocking shootout loss to Sweden." Check out more episodes of Soccer in Snow & Smoke on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And be sure to catch "Trailblazers," the narrative offshoot of Soccer In Snow & Smoke, all about the 1994 Montana women's soccer team. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe, leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Jerseys are nearly sold out and scarf supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Jan 24, 202451 min

Ep 56Ep 56 | FTP Presents: Counterspective Season 1, Ep 5 - Russia Beyond the World Cup (Art, Architecture, and Rap)

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Technically, FTP is on a production break, but we don't want you, our loyal listener, to go without great footy travel content, so we're bringing you episodes of other footy, travel, or footy-travel podcasts we think you'll enjoy. And we're starting with something very special… …the entire 1st season of Counterspective. Counterspective is another Fyper Media podcast, and Season 1 was the precursor to the Footy Travelers Podcast. It was released in the summer of 2019, a year after Mike and Colin's third World Cup: Russia 2018. As you'll quickly learn, it goes well-beyond the in-stadium experiences they had, beyond the footy - although one of the episodes is focused on that topic specifically - and it dives deep into the details and nuances of traveling in a country most of us wouldn't dare to visit at the present moment. As the now monikered Footy Travelers met new people, tried new food, and tested their really poor Russian language skills, they explored Ruski culture through that footy travelers lens. This is Episode 5: Russia Beyond the World Cup - Art, Architecture, and Rap Foot(y)notes: Here's that rap battle between Oxxxymiron (RUS) and Dizaster (USA) this episode mentions *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe, leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Jan 10, 202449 min

Ep 55Ep 55 | FTP Presents: Counterspective Season 1, Ep 4 - Georgia on my... plate?

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Technically, FTP is on a production break, but we don't want you, our loyal listener, to go without great footy travel content, so we're bringing you episodes of other footy, travel, or footy-travel podcasts we think you'll enjoy. And we're starting with something very special… …the entire 1st season of Counterspective. Counterspective is another Fyper Media podcast, and Season 1 was the precursor to the Footy Travelers Podcast. It was released in the summer of 2019, a year after Mike and Colin's third World Cup: Russia 2018. As you'll quickly learn, it goes well-beyond the in-stadium experiences they had, beyond the footy - although one of the episodes is focused on that topic specifically - and it dives deep into the details and nuances of traveling in a country most of us wouldn't dare to visit at the present moment. As the now monikered Footy Travelers met new people, tried new food, and tested their really poor Russian language skills, they explored Ruski culture through that footy travelers lens. This is Episode 4: Georgia on My...Plate? Foot(y)notes: For anyone brave enough to try making their own khachapuri, here's a recipe. *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe, leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Jan 3, 202430 min

Ep 54Ep 54 | FTP Presents: Counterspective Season 1, Ep 3 - Vodka Breakfast

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Technically, FTP is on a production break, but we don't want you, our loyal listener, to go without great footy travel content, so we're bringing you episodes of other footy, travel, or footy-travel podcasts we think you'll enjoy. And we're starting with something very special… …the entire 1st season of Counterspective. Counterspective is another Fyper Media podcast, and Season 1 was the precursor to the Footy Travelers Podcast. It was released in the summer of 2019, a year after Mike and Colin's third World Cup: Russia 2018. As you'll quickly learn, it goes well-beyond the in-stadium experiences they had, beyond the footy - although one of the episodes is focused on that topic specifically - and it dives deep into the details and nuances of traveling in a country most of us wouldn't dare to visit at the present moment. As the now monikered Footy Travelers met new people, tried new food, and tested their really poor Russian language skills, they explored Ruski culture through that footy travelers lens. This is Episode 3: Vodka Breakfast. Foot(y)notes: Anyone looking for great craft beer in St Petersburg, Russia, head to Bakunin Brewery This is where you can find their new (since 2018) beer cafe & boutique *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe, leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Dec 27, 202348 min

Ep 53Ep 53 | FTP Presents: Counterspective Season 1, Ep 2 - FIFA, Footy, & Russian Hooligans

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Technically, FTP is on a production break, but we don't want you, our loyal listener, to go without great footy travel content, so we're bringing you episodes of other footy, travel, or footy-travel podcasts we think you'll enjoy. And we're starting with something very special… …the entire 1st season of Counterspective. Counterspective is another Fyper Media podcast, and Season 1 was the precursor to the Footy Travelers Podcast. It was released in the summer of 2019, a year after Mike and Colin's third World Cup: Russia 2018. As you'll quickly learn, it goes well-beyond the in-stadium experiences they had, beyond the footy - although one of the episodes is focused on that topic specifically - and it dives deep into the details and nuances of traveling in a country most of us wouldn't dare to visit at the present moment. As the now monikered Footy Travelers met new people, tried new food, and tested their really poor Russian language skills, they explored Ruski culture through that footy travelers lens. This is Episode 2: FIFA, Footy, & Russian Hooligans. Foot(y)notes: This is bandy, or as the Russians call it... Russian Hockey Here's a great write-up on the 'new hooligans of Russia' *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe, leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Dec 20, 202331 min

Ep 52Ep 52 | FTP Presents: Counterspective Season 1, Ep 1 - This is Counterspective

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Technically, FTP is on a production break, but we don't want you, our loyal listener, to go without great footy travel content, so we're bringing you episodes of other footy, travel, or footy-travel podcasts we think you'll enjoy. And we're starting with something very special… …the entire 1st season of Counterspective. Counterspective is another Fyper Media podcast, and Season 1 was the precursor to the Footy Travelers Podcast. It was released in the summer of 2019, a year after Mike and Colin's third World Cup: Russia 2018. As you'll quickly learn, it goes well-beyond the in-stadium experiences they had, beyond the footy - although one of the episodes is focused on that topic specifically - and it dives deep into the details and nuances of traveling in a country most of us wouldn't dare to visit at the present moment. As the now monikered Footy Travelers met new people, tried new food, and tested their really poor Russian language skills, they explored Ruski culture through that footy travelers lens. This is Episode 1. This... is Counterspective. *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it. *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *RATE & REVIEW* Wherever you're listening, be sure to hit 'Follow' or 'Subscribe, leave us a star-rating, and if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, leave us a proper review to let others know what you think of the show!

Dec 13, 202333 min

Ep 51Ep 51 | Footy Travel as a Journalist - Part 2 w/ NWSL photo-freelancer Georgia Soares

Welcome to Part 2 of our behind the scenes look at what it was like to 'footy travel' as a professional journalist covering Women's World Cup 2023 (aka, the biggest women's football tournament ever) this past July and August. In this episode, Colin chats with Georgia Soares, a footy photo-journalist originally from Brasil, currently plying her trade out of Philadelphia, largely with the NWSL and some of the teams based on the east coast. We discuss the award-winning Christen Press photo that sparked her recent succces, what it was like to mix it up on the field with World Cup Champions, and a couple special DMs - one from a Ballon d'Or winner. Travel tips for photographers and footy travelers included. Episode Outline 0:03:08 | Welcome to Georgia 0:05:36 | Getting the text for the Women's World Cup project 0:09:02 | How Georgia got into sports and footy photography 0:12:32 | THAT (award-winning) Christen Press photo 0:15:34 | Shooting the WWC 23 Final, and getting a DM from the Golden Ball winner 0:18:38 | Georgia's take on the state of women's soccer 0:23:44 | Bearing witness to the passion of the Philippines 0:27:08 | Shout out to Colombian & Dutch fans, and a DM from Daniela Arias 0:29:37 | Flying for a footy photographer, and on-field credentials 0:33:31 | A 'compressed' travel tip 0:38:18 | Rapid Fire begins 0:39:03 | Ali Krieger for the win 0:41:53 | And the 'worst airport' award goes to... Foot(y)notes: Check out Georgia's photography on her website. Follow Georgia on Instagram, and find her now-world-famous photos of Aitana Bonmatí and Daniela Arias. Here's an article put out by the Athletic of Georgia's 25 favorite photos from the USA v Netherlands match. And a video from the Athletic project we worked on highlighting what it was like for Georgia as a photographer at WWC23. Georgia talks more about her award winning Christen Press photo. *LEAVE US A RATING & REVIEW* We'd really, really appreciate it - like, REALLY appreciate it! - if you left us a star-rating. And for you Apple Podcast listeners out there, go ahead and leave a review too! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Nov 29, 202346 min

Ep 50Ep 50 | FTP's 50th Episode PARTYYYY!!! (feat. Listener and FFT Q&A)

We made it!!! Well, at least to Episode 50. Jury's still out on whether we've fully 'arrived' in the footy, travel, and/or podcast worlds (you can help with that below by the way). As we celebrate our 50th full episode, we share some tips for Liga MX tickets following a recent trip to Mexico City (both Cruz Azul and Club America games at the Azteca - very nice!) and answer FFT questions about all things footy travel. Up next... 50 more! EPISODE OUTLINE 0:02:27 | Recapping Mexico City and tips for tickets to Liga MX games 0:13:07 | FFT Question #1: Why did Saudi Arabia win World Cup 2034 hosting rights? 0:19:47 | FFT Question #2: What foods can footy travelers look forward to at World Cup 2034? 0:22:21 | FFT Question #3: Could a coaches' challenge approach replace VAR? 0:26:38 | FFT Question #4: To sit or stand at soccer matches? 0:31:03 | FFT Question #5: Best stadiums you've been to and which ones are left? 0:40:52 | FFT Question #6: Best story about traveling to a stadium? 0:47:26 | FFT Question #7: Where did supporters scarves come from? 0:53:05 | Footy Travel Question #8: What has been your most 'dangerous' footy travel experience? 1:00:53 | Footy Travel Question #9: Top goal(s) ever witnessed live? 1:04:20 | Footy Travel Question #10: Favorite FTP episode so far? Foot(y)notes: Check out this awesome market tour we did in Mexico City with Orson & Ho Here's someone else's insights on getting Liga MX tickets, if you want to measure against our own experience. This is for anyone who REALLY wants to dive deep into the current VAR protocols (or wants something to help them fall asleep). It was actually Episode 15 Colin referenced that was all about the Craig Willinger Fund. *LEAVE US A RATING & REVIEW* We'd really, really appreciate it - like, REALLY appreciate it! - if you left us a star-rating. And for you Apple Podcast listeners out there, go ahead and leave a review too! *VISIT THE FOOTY TRAVELERS FAN SHOP* Head to our new fan shop to cop an exclusive Footy Travelers 'Away' jersey, or score a custom-designed supporters' scarf. Hurry though! Quantities are limited and supplies won't last long! *SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS* Race2Adventure From the stunning scenery of Chile to the captivating allure of New Zealand – R2A invites you to join them on an exhilarating vacation around the world. Their 8-night adventures are tailor-made for fitness enthusiasts, explorers, and travel aficionados who crave more from their vacations. With R2A, you don't just visit a destination; you become a part of it.

Nov 20, 20231h 11m

Ep 49 | Footy Travel as a Journalist - Part 1 w/ The Athletic and SB Nation's Kudzi Musarurwa

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**LAST CHANCE to be featured in Episode 50!!** For our 50th episode, the Footy Travelers want you to send in your footy travel questions for us. Whatever the question, record yours on a voice memo app, try keep to keep it to 30 seconds or less, and email it to [email protected]. Tell us your name, where you're from, and tune in to Episode 50 to hear your question answered, right here on the Footy Travelers Podcast! **** Welcome to Part 1 of our behind the scenes look at what it was like to 'footy travel' as a professional journalist covering Women's World Cup 2023 (aka, the biggest women's football tournament ever) this past July and August. In this episode, Colin & Mike chat with Kudzi Musarurwa, a footy journalist originally from Zimbabwe, currently plying her trade in Canada with outlets such as The Athletic and SB Nation. We discuss travel tips (duh!) for Victoria Falls, her take on how data has changed both men's & women's soccer, and what it's been like in press conferences with everyone's favorite, meme-able president. Oh. No, not that president. The other one. Episode Outline 0:00:05 | Episode and series intro 0:07:12 | Welcome to Kudzi 0:10:42 | Outlining The Athletic WWC '23 video project on footy journos 0:13:19 | In Zimbabwe, football is king 0:16:52 | Kudzi gets her start in journalism - unconventionally 0:21: 31 | Analyzing women's footy just like the men's 0:26:37 | Have data and analysis changed football forever? 0:34:53 | Most meorable fan moments from WWC '23 0:39:22 | The role of FIFA, Infantino, and national federations in soccer's progress 0:46:05 | Why Kudzi would invest in women's soccer RIGHT NOW 0:52:35 | Kudzi's professional travel tips 0:56:51 | Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe 1:03:28 | 'Rapid Fire' aka 'Dry Season' questions begin 1:10:01 | Kudzi's dream project (almost comes true) 1:11:35 | The 'good hang' testimonial Foot(y)notes: This is our favorite video from the Athletic project we worked on with Kudzi, highlighting her time with the American Outlaws (and the Footy Travelers). And here's one highlighting her overall travel experience in New Zealand. You can follow Kudzi on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Here's an article from Kudzi on Infantino's questionable pre-tournament comments. And the piece she was most proud of from Women's World Cup 2023 (an examination of Sweden's tactics). This article describes the issues facing the Zambia Women's National Team that we talk about, although it was written in August. Sadly, we haven't been able to find any solid follow up on the situation :-/ Last but not least, the article Kudzi wrote for The Athletic about the 54 American-born players who played in the World Cup, but not for the U.S. **LEAVE US A RATING & REVIEW** We'd really, really appreciate it - like, REALLY appreciate it! - if you left us a star-rating. And for you Apple Podcast listeners out there, go ahead and leave a review too. Please, and thank you! **FFT PROMO OFFER - from Laird Superfood** Are you ready to feel more energized, focused, and supported? Go to zen.ai/ftp and add nourishing, plant-based foods to fuel you from sunrise to sunset. Use out promo code 'FTP' for 15% OFF!!

Nov 1, 20231h 13m

Ep 48 | Serendipitous & Diplomatic Footy Travel in South America and the Country FKA Swaziland

If you haven't realized it yet, soccer (aka 'actual football') is a great way to connect with people from countries and cultures around the world. And especially for us Americans, it can serve as a diplomatic avenue to show an appreciation for others' cultures. Today's episode discusses that very idea, but also what it's like to simply stumble upon opportunities, almost serendipitously, to add some footy into your pre-existing travel plans. We hope you enjoy this one, as our guest, Keving Godlberg, recalls two such instances, both of them involving World Cup Qualifiers - one in 2004 in Argentina, the other in 2008 in Eswatini (FKA Swaziland). Recommended reading: Kevin mentions two great books on our book shelves that every footy fan should read - How Soccer Explains the World, by Franklin Foer and Soccer Against the Enemy, by Simon Kuper. * EPISODE 50 is on its way... and you could be on it! * We want to celebrate this major milestone by featuring your footy travel questions on the episode. Whatever your question is, record it on a voice memo app, try to keep it to 30 seconds or less, and email it to . Tell us your name, where you're from, and we'll select the best, most-well composed ones to answer right here, on Episode 50 of Footy Travelers Podcast. Foot(y)notes: Our favorite footy for good organization, the Craig Willinger Fund, is looking for its next set of honorees! If you are (or know) a young person fighting a critical illness, visit their website to apply to be an honoree today. The Footy Travelers Fan Shop is NOW OPEN! Grab our latest jersey release or a brilliantly designed supporter scarf. Here's a good write-up on the World Cup 2030 announcement, and another on why all roads lead to Saudi Arabia 2034. Euro 2024 tickets are available in the initial application phase until October 26, 2023 (2pm CET). More tickets available after draw on December 2, 2023. Keep your eyes on the CONMEBOL website and channels for news on Copa America 2024. Check out our friends at Race2Adventure (R2A) and their upcoming trips to Morocco and Scotland. Episode Outline 01:42 | Footy travel news review 14:52 | Fantasy Premier League comiserating 18:31 | Why was Kevin in Argentina and Eswatini (FKA Swaziland) in the first place? 22:22 | The beautiful practice of integrating the beautiful game into pre-existing travel 25:06 | Argentina 2004 33:51 | Swaziland 2008 begins... 34:35 | ...but first, a fantastic opportunity to support a great (footy) cause 36:24 | The Swaziland vs Togo experience (DJ set included) 46:30 | Xavi saves Kevin at the Madrid airport 48:00 | Footy as a diplomatic tool for culture exchange 55:37 | Using soccer to establish street cred 58:12 | Kevin makes Dutch news

Oct 18, 20231h 3m

Ep 47Ep 47 | Football for good, the WoSo community, & impact in Jamaica w/ Football For the World's Monica Bosiljevac

In today's episode, we chat with Monica Bosiljevac, a footy traveler for good, doing good, as the Executive Director of not one, but two 'footy with purpose' organizations: Football For the World, and AO Impact. Monica shares her experiences as a footy traveler in places like Jamaica, Tanzania, and most recently, Australia and New Zealand for the Women's World Cup 2023. Oh and a brief stop at a taxidermy-decorated restaurant. Don't miss that part of the episode! Good stuff there for sure. 00:50 | Intro 03:57 | Welcome to Monica & her footy traveler origin story 09:21 | Monica's take on WWC23 host countries & the quality of the footy 13:03 | Bringing 'main character energy' back & forth across the Tasman 18:30 | Art Basel FC - bringing art & soccer together to change the world 19:28 | Football For the World & the Jamaican connection 22:17 | FTP 'Episode 50' IS COMING!! 24:34 | Tanzania & more Jamiaca 27:42 | Supporting & impacting Jamaican football 31:49 | The power of fan diversity 34:04 | How footy culture shows up around the world 38:55 | Rebuilding the systems of global and women's football 43:26 | 'Rapid Fire' begins! 49:04 | Throwing 'bows during pickup in Jamaica 55:32 | Monica's prediction for the future of US Soccer ANNOUNCEMENTS: FFTs! We are so close to Episode 50! You can be a part of that big moment by sending us your footy travel questions. Record a voice memo with your name, where you're from, and your question, and send it to [email protected]. Also... The Footy Travelers Fan Shop is now open! Be loud and wear your pride with our brand-new 2023-24 Footy Travelers jersey. Or show off your passion for the beautiful game with one of our supporters scarves. Head to footytravelers.square.site and grab the game's latest & freshest swag today! Foot(y)notes: US Soccer fans can join the American Outlaws supporters group here, or make an impact with... AO Impact. Check out Art Basel FC via their website or via their Instagram page. Visit the Football For the World website, or the F4TW Instagram page. Here are the 6 episodes of the Chipotle / AO "Unwrapped w/ the American Outlaws" series featuring Monica: Ep 1 Ep 2 Ep 3 Ep 4 (the Footy Travelers are in this one!!) Ep 5 Ep 6

Oct 4, 202359 min

BONUS Episode | Extra time (aka 'Fergie Time') w/ ESPN Senior Writer Mark Ogden

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Here's a little 'added time' to our discussion with ESPN senior football writer, Mark Ogden. Or shall we call it 'Fergie time'? As you'll hear in this bonus content, Mark had some unique and exclusive access to Manchester United and its legendary manager back in the 'good old days.' Although one time… 'Oggy' apparently went too far. Enjoy!

Sep 20, 20236 min

Ep 46Ep 46 | Champions League in Iceland, Manchester United in Kazakhstan, & Argentina's Superclásico w/ ESPN Senior Writer Mark Ogden

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Today we're joined by ESPN senior football writer, Mark Ogden. Having been a professional football journalist (and a professional footy traveler) since at least the early 'noughties', Mark is an absolute treasure trove of stories. No cheeky or pithy description today. This outline speaks for itself: ----- 00:00:00 | Introduction & welcome 00:04:07 | Mark's ESPN and footy traveler origin story 00:07:47 | The internet's impact on Mark's work (& life) 00:12:45 | Keeping the list of all 54+ 'countries been' for footy 00:15:10 | Traveling to Iceland for Champions League preliminary rounds 00:18:09 | Interviewing the modern day footballers & Breidablik's Europa Conference League berth 00:20:53 | Tips for longer term footy travels (i.e. World Cups) 00:24:19 | Mark's Women's World Cup 2023 experience in Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand 00:28:05 | The challenge of getting to San Marino (home of the worst team in the world) & avoiding travel headaches 00:33:15 | Manchester United, in Kazakhstan, on a sub-zero Thursday night 00:37:25 | Travel buddies from the Manchester days, an upcoming Wrexham book, and the death of Queen Elizabeth 00:39:32 | Insights gained covering Iranian soccer after the murder of Mahsa Amini & subsequent protests 00:43:23 | Meeting Lionel Messi's body double, some thoughts on AI, & packing woes 00:46:50 | Thoughts on the loudest & proudest fan groups & a San Siro CTA 00:50:07 | Why Burnley has been punching above its weight 00:51:55 | Everton (& Liverpool) fans' approach to community impact 00:54:00 | Rapid Fire begins! 00:58:19 | Ronaldo (CR7) recognizes Mark & colleagues at World Cup 2010 01:01:40 | Mark's bucket list footy trip (Boca Juniors vs River Plate Superclasico) 01:02:50 | Thoughts on US Soccer, Messi-mania, & Pep's next move 01:06:20 | How Spain have upended women's soccer & Mark's hidden gems of footy traveling ----- Foot(y)notes: Keep up with Mark's coverage of the beautiful game (and his footy travels) on ESPN.co.uk Read more about Mark's experience at the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League preliminary rounds in Iceland. This is the #HungerDoesntWearClubColours initiative that Mark mentions in our discussion. *UPDATE*: Mark recently published a story on his trip to San Marino (the worst team in the FIFA rankings) for their Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovenia.

Sep 20, 20231h 10m

Ep 45Ep 45 | US Soccer's Next World Title & its ENTs w/ World Cup Champion Rebecca Ostrander

Remember the last time the US won a World Cup title? It was on the women's side of course (go figure!). Down 1-0 at halftime, but clawing back and getting it done 4-2 in a thrilling session of overtime against a formidable Australian side. No?! You don't remember? Oh, right! You're probably thinking of 2019, when the USWNT won in France. Well guess what? That wasn't the last time the US won a World Cup title, and we're here to talk about it! In this episode, Colin chats with fellow footy traveler (and World Cup Champion!) Rebecca Ostrander about US Soccer's Extended National Teams (ENTs), the US Women's CP National Team's 2022 IFCPF World Cup Championship, and what it means to support 'soccer for everybody' in the great United States. Foot(y)notes: Learn more about US Soccer's Extended National Teams. ...and read more about the Women's CP National Team's 2022 World Cup victory. Support the Extended National Teams with a donation. Be sure to select 'Para 7-a-side' under the 'National Team preference' menu on the second page. ...and follow all nine of them on the Extended National Teams' Instagram page. Upcoming schedule for US Soccer ENTs: Sept 20 - Oct 8 | 2023 Deaf World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Oct 15 - 20 | 2023 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Sydney, Australia Nov 17 - 26 | 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile

Sep 13, 202329 min

Ep 44Ep 44 | FTP at WWC23: Post-Tournament & Post-Travel Review w/ Matt Marshall of Eat Pray Ball

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Fellow Footy Travelers, as you know, we are back stateside. And honestly, it doesn't feel great! After such an incredible month at the 2023 Women's World Cup, both the jet lag and the post-vacation blues hit us hard, so we're here to talk about it. Join as we welcome FFT Matt Marshall of the Eat Pray Ball Podcast to the show, to debrief our thoughts, feelings, and major takeaways from what was arguably the best Women's World Cup ever (so far)! Foot(y)notes: We spent entirely too much time talking about jet lag, but here are some proper jet lag facts (& tips to beat it) in case you dozed off during that part. As far as how long it will last... it's not a stretch to say we're still fighting it. ICYMI: Two weeks after being crowned Campeonas del Mundo, La Roja are still dealing with this mess. Shame! If you're like us, you're stoked for the next Women's World Cup. Here's when it will be announced. ******************************** Use code 'FTP' at Laird Superfood for 15% off!! Are you ready to feel more energized, focused, and supported? Go to https://zen.ai/ftp and add nourishing, plant-based foods to fuel you from sunrise to sunset. 15% OFF!! ********************************

Sep 5, 20231h 7m

Ep 43Ep 43 | FTP at WWC23: The Footy Travelers Go to Prison & the "Coast-to-Coast" Perth and Sydney Review

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Australia's no longer a British penal colony, but that doesn't mean you can't find yourself in a colonial-era prison like the Footy Travelers did in Fremantle, Western Australia. Listen in for all the juicy details, as Colin & Mike recall the last week of their WWC23 adventure through Aotearoa New Zealand & Australia - a Perth to Sydney 'coast-to-coast' week that saw them downing oysters with old friends, commiserating with local Matildas fans at FIFA Fan Fest, sipping beers while tossing balls across beautifully manicured seaside lawns, and most importantly... attending their first ever WORLD CUP FINAL! Foot(y)notes: Wonder what it was like behind bars as a colonial convict? Check out all the Fremantle Prison (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!) has to offer. We did the 'Convict Prison' tour. There's soooo much to do around Western Australia (it's Aussie's largest state after all). The Margaret River area is the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People, and offers wine tasting, surfing, and truffles galore! We visited Passell Estate, Vasse Felix, and the Margaret River Chocolate Company before diving into the day's footy. If you're in Sydney and you're an active footy traveler, you have to do the Bondi to Coogee Walk. While you're at it, stop in to the Clovelly Bowling Club, grab a jug or two, and try your hand at lawn bowling by the sea. Tell Chris the Footy Travelers sent you ;-) ******************************** Use code 'FTP' at Laird Superfood for 15% off!! Are you ready to feel more energized, focused, and supported? Go to https://zen.ai/ftp and add nourishing, plant-based foods to fuel you from sunrise to sunset. 15% OFF!! ********************************

Sep 4, 202355 min

Ep 42Ep 42 | FTP at WWC23: Mike Grabs Coach Beard's Butt & Victoria, Australia Review

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True story! Mike's hand rested gently on Brendan Hunt's (aka Coach Beard from Ted Lasso) butt for roughly 3-5 seconds. A moment he will always remember and one Brendan may wish to forget. Join us in this episode for this and other stories from our time in the great Australian state of Victoria during our travels for Women's World Cup 2023. We spot some koalas in their natural habitat, some kangaroos in a particularly peculiar place, and expand our footy experiences at one of the greatest Aussie rules football matches the AFL has seen this season! Speaking of which, we may have butchered the explanation of the ending of that game. Bombers were up by 1, then down by 5, but then... well, listen to the episode to find out! Foot(y)notes: If you're curous about the AFL after hearing this one, check out the truest professional 'footy' league in the world. This is where to guarantee yourself a kangaroo sighting. And here's where to start your koala 'hunting' adventure. Drive further up the road at your leisure.

Aug 18, 202345 min

Ep 41Ep 41 | FTP at WWC23: Joining the Mile High Club & New Zealand South Island Review

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The Footy Travelers join the Mile High Club (no, not that Mile High Club), by recording this episode on an airplane! In this one, we discuss our travel-focused time on New Zealand's South Island - foregoing any in-stadium matches but still repping loud and proud in our onsies in some local Kiwi pubs. Spots discussed include Marlborough wine country, Kaikoura, and Christchurch. Foot(y)notes: Must see's/do's of the north-eastern quadrant of the South Island include... Stopping by the Slip Inn in Havelock for some green-lipped mussels Doing a wine tasting tour via bikes from Bike 2 Wine in Renwick Ordering the chowder at the Store in Kekerengu Soaking in the views of the Seaward & Inland Kaikoura Ranges Eating at Gatherings in Christchurch

Aug 9, 202334 min

Ep 40Ep 40 | FTP at WWC23: First Days of Tournament & New Zealand North Island Review

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Welcome to the "FTP at Women's World Cup 2023" series, where we bring you a more in-depth look at our experience traveling for and during the Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. We're starting with our North Island review, because… well that's where this trip began. As we recalled just over a week's worth of footy travel, and recorded on one of the inter-island ferries in the middle of the Cook Strait, Mike and I discuss our second World Cup opening match experience, and share some travel recs and tips in and around places like Auckland, Taupo, and Wellington. Foot(y)notes: Quick plug for other footy related stuff... If you're still looking for a Fantasy Premier League, and like the idea of 3 chances to win BIG throughout the upcoming season, email [email protected] to get more information, or trust us that it's a great decision and sign up here: https://forms.gle/N1sC3dMArrB8QuQ36.

Aug 3, 202347 min

Ep 39Ep 39 | FTP Presents: Eat Pray Ball w/ Footy Travel Drone Pilot Matt Marshall

Before the Footy Travelers flew south to chase that World Cup feeling (and winter) down unda', Colin sat down with Matt Marshall of the Eat Pray Ball Podcast in Matt's LA studio to chat all about footy travel, World Cup soccer, and the growth of the women's game across the globe. Listen here for the first half of the conversation, or head straight to the Eat Pray Ball YouTube channel to get the full (video) episode: https://youtu.be/QX3E-r1SClw Foot(y)notes: Matt is also an exceptional drone pilot who captures incredile footage of his footy travels. You can check out Matt's footage on his Instgram handles: @EatPrayBall @mathwho If you're still making plans for travel to NZ, be sure to check out this page about "Arriving in New Zealand" and be fully aware of their customs and biosecurity requirements. If you're heading to Australia, this is a good place to start for their biosecurity info. Make sure you have proof of onward travel for both countries.

Jul 29, 202330 min

Ep 38Ep 38 | World Cup NTK Series: Last minute tickets for WWC '23 and host city must-do's

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The Footy Travelers are on their way to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia for the Women's World Cup 2023, and they have everything you need to know about the stadiums and cities hosting all 64 matches. Along the way Colin & Mike address ticketing updates, including the FIFA ticket resale platform, and a super secret, insider way to get tickets to the World Cup Final! Foot(y)notes: If you're still looking for tickets to Women's World Cup mathces, you can check the FIFA ticketing page for availability, or head straight to the ticket resale platform for better odds of scoring. This is a great resource for getting to know the stadiums themselves. Check out the official squad lists of all 32 teams. Everything you need to know (NTK) can be found in the tournament's digital fan guide.

Jul 20, 202351 min

Ep 37Ep 37: Part 2 | Chatting Between Clean Sheets w/ American Superfan Cheyenne Foster

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This is Part 2 of our conversation with American superfan, Cheyenne Foster - aka @btwnCleanSheets. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, do that first. If you have aready, well... enjoy! ;-) Foot(y)notes: You can check out Cheyenne's work (@btwncleansheets, unless otherwise noted) on all your favorite social media platforms: YouTube (@BetweenCleanSheets) Instagram TikTok Twitter **OUR FIRST PROMOTIONAL OFFER - from Laird Superfood** Are you ready to feel more energized, focused, and supported? Go to https://zen.ai/ftp and add nourishing, plant-based foods to fuel you from sunrise to sunset. 15% OFF!! ********************************

Jun 21, 202346 min

Ep 37Ep 37: Part 1 | Chatting Between Clean Sheets w/ American Superfan Cheyenne Foster

We say that the best part of footy traveling is meeting and connecting with fellow footy travelers from all over the world, and when we connect with a like-minded FFT who's out there doing the damn thing in their own unique way, you know we're gonna get them on the pod! Today's guest is just that kind of footy traveler. In this 2-part episode, Colin & Mike got together (physically, not biblically) to chat with Cheyenne Foster, an FFT out of the D.C. area who shares her MLS, NWSL, & US Soccer fandom as an avid vlogger, content creator, & fellow podcaster! The boys talk to Cheyenne about all sorts of fun footy travel topics: beer showers at Audi cross-country travel to El Traficos that get canceled experiencing World Cup 2022 in 'non-traditional' ways traveling as a woman & Cheynne's favorite US soccer cities to visit Foot(y)notes: You can check out Cheyenne's work (@btwncleansheets, unless otherwise noted) on all your favorite social media platforms: YouTube (@BetweenCleanSheets) Instagram TikTok Twitter **OUR FIRST PROMOTIONAL OFFER - from Laird Superfood** Are you ready to feel more energized, focused, and supported? Go to https://zen.ai/ftp and add nourishing, plant-based foods to fuel you from sunrise to sunset. 15% OFF!! ********************************

Jun 21, 202336 min

BONUS Episode | FTP LIVE: CNL Semifinals NB4 Party w/ Ryan Shirah

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So many acronyms in the episode title! In this BONUS episode, Colin caught up with fellow footy traveler Ryan Shirah, a major player in US Soccer supporters culture, at the American Outlaws Night Before Party (NB4), ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals. Apart from serving as one of the heartbeats/drumbeats of the supporters section, and looking footy-supporter-costume-chic in his Ulysses S. 'Chant' get-up, Ryan is one of those genuine humans who always brings great vibes "Everywhere we go-ooooh!" Colin & Ryan chat about Ryan's footy travels, and why Americans (and the other guys) should be getting hyped up to welcome world-wide footy travelers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You can follow Ryan on Instagram: @iamshirah Check out these other accounts as well: American Outlaws - @americanoutlaws Vegas Outlaws - @vegas_outlaws

Jun 15, 202334 min