The Footy Travelers Podcast

Maybe you were lucky enough to get to World Cup 2022. In which case, you were most likely lucky enough to get a flight to Doha from wherever you live. But some Footy Travelers are just more adventurous than most of us, and they don't rely on luck - they make life happen! Our guest in this episode, Francisco 'Topo' Ramone shares the story of his adventure journeying to World Cup 2022 by motorbiking from South Africa to Ethiopia (the furthest he could safely go on land). Along the way, Topo deals with elephants interrupting his sleep, too many AK's to count, and of course, a great victory for his country - he's Argentinian by the way. Smash that 'Play' button for our most adventurous footy travel story yet! **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!! ******************************** Foot(y)notes: Don't forget about our EURO 2024 trip announcement. If you want to join us, FILL OUT THIS INTEREST FORM. You can follow this and Topo's other adventures in a variety of places: YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok Interested in other motorbiking stories? Mike mentioned a few: Motorcycle Diaries (film version) Long Way Up Long Way Round Long Way Down

If you've never heard of the Dutch Oranje Bus, or if you love combining your footy fandom with an amazing party - boy are you in for a treat! In today's episode Colin sits down with Henk van Beek, a founding member of the association that started the Dutch Oranje Bus, the ultimate fan experience of the KNVB (we think). Colin and Henk discuss the bus's experiences in Europe, what it takes to ship the bus abroad (it's been to several World Cups), and touchingly, Henk's experience with the bus in Ukraine for the 2012 Euros. Be sure to listen until the end, when Henk delivers a great message for all footy travelers, but especially those heading to World Cup 2026. **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!! ******************************** Foot(y)notes: Don't forget about our EURO 2024 trip announcment. If you want to join us, FILL OUT THIS INTEREST FORM. Here's the 1988 Andre Hazes song, "Wij houden van Oranje (We love Orange)" that Henk talks about in the episode. And here's a great write-up on the bus from the Athletic. You can follow @DutchOrangeBus on Instagram… …or, if you're Dutch is better than ours, on their website.

CALLING ALL FELLOW FOOTY TRAVELERS!!! We're going to the Euros, and we want you to join us! That's right. The Footy Travelers are teaming up with Race2Adventure in the hopes of securing a second boat for their Euro 2024 trip between June 17 - June 25, 2024. Highlights include: cruising the Rhine through 4 stunningly beautiful countries (Switzerland, France, Germany, & Netherlands) during the group stage of Euro 2024 effortless accomodation and transportation during the group stage of Euro 2024 daily morning walks, hikes or runs to get your blood pumping (or chase away that hangover) and get you ready for a full day of watching Euro 2024 matches docking in or within an hour of Euro 2024 host cities (we'll be near Frankfurt on June 20, and in Cologne on June 22) three meals a day with wine and beer included at each dinner Did we mention this trip puts you in the host country, Germany, during the group stage of Euro 2024?!?! The first boat is already sold out. The second boat waitlist is already collecting names. Make sure you get interest in now... DON'T MISS THE BOAT!! To let Race2Adventure know you're on board (ha!), fill out the interest form below, tell them the Footy Travelers sent you, and let's get that second boat!! Euro 2024 second boat interest form

"All the footy ladies! All the footy ladies!" Oh, sorry. You caught us jamming out there. What can we say? We're excited for the upcoming Women's World Cup - and everything it brings with it: The USWNT going for a 3-peat. A trip down under. The final continent traveled to together. And… THIS WC NTK EPISODE! Listen in for a breakdown of all things Women's World Cup tickets and travel considerations. You know, the stuff we're good at talking about. **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. ******************************** Foot(y)notes: Making a trip to Denver and curious about Centennial 38 (C38) Supporters Club bus & tailgate tickets we mention? Check out their events page and choose the game you're interested in attending. If you still need tickets to the Women's World Cup, you can get them directly on the FIFA Ticketing website. And yes, the US Soccer allotment is sold out. Still have questions about WWC '23 tickets? Check out this FAQ page. If you're heading to NZ, you'll need entry authorization (either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authority (ETA). Start here to get those. Same story for Australia. If you're a US passport holder you can get their ETA. Otherwise, it might be worth starting here. We miss Flight of the Conchords too. Here's the entire scene ;-)

Featured-guest episodes are back in full swing with not one, but two incredible footy travelers this week. Mark "Eagleman" Cranston & Lila "Wonder Woman" Asnani sit down with Colin & Mike to discuss their latest footy travels, what it's like to be soccer super heroes, and plenty of US Soccer history. Rapid fire questions also make a return, and Stu Holden pops up yet again in conversation. Get ready to fly! Foot(y)notes: Visit Mark's incredibly informative website, www.eaglemansoccer.com, built with the footy traveler in mind. Your next two chances to catch Eagleman and Wonder Woman in action both happen to be games against regional rival Mexico. Head to the US Soccer website for tickets, or visit American Outlaws for tickets to the supporters section. Here is the birth of the great American soccer fan tradition that Eagleman & Wonder Woman started. THE FIRST HALF 03:03 - Romantic beginnings 05:39 - Eagleman & Wonder Woman unveiled 09:43 - The man behind the costumes 11:43 - Relationships strengthened through footy 16:03 - Celebrity moments w/ Frankie Hejduk, Fernando Fiore, & Greg Bishop 19:13 - A first-hand account of the Fan Leader Network at World Cup 2022 29:06 - Pregnancy delays the inaugural World Cup experience THE SECOND HALF 32:09 - A super hero's ultimate footy travel experience 35:55 - Visiting every World Cup Final stadium 38:59 - Footy travels in North Korea?! 38:57 - Using experience & recognition for the greater good 42:03 - Capturing footy history 47:17 - 'Rapid' fire begins... 51:07 - 'Pay-by-the-hour anniversary fun' in Manaus 53:08 - Stu Holden is small (statured) 55:15 - Falling in love with Diego Forlan 1:01:41 - What it's like to meet Eagleman & Wonder Woman IRL

Hooraaaaaay!!! We did it! The Footy Travelers connected and chatted with at least one fellow soccer fan from every country playing at World Cup 2022 - and this episode is the final proof. In this edition of FTP at WC22, we chat with an expat family from Portugal living in the Middle East, a couple of trael buddies from Ghana who feel some type of way about Luis Suarez, the entire Uruguayan FIFA Fans' Cup team (who feel pretty much the opposite about Luis Suarez), and a friendly fan leader from Seoul, South Korea. Not gonna lie, we dipped our toes into the 'potentially controversial' in this one, but cooler heads prevailed and we came out unscathed. Enjoy this one - it might be three and a half more years until we get a chance to do it again. Foot(y)notes: 07:07 Portugal In case you're curious about the kids' "candy" comments, we thought we'd clear the air a bit - Muslims CAN eat candy, just certain kinds. 13:07 Ghana In case you need (or want) to remind yourself why Luis Suarez is public enemy #1 in Ghana. 24:11 Uruguay More Suarez shithousery (aka Suarez biting people). 35:56 South Korea Son Heung-Min shared the 2021/22 Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool's Mo Salah - except that all of Sonny's goals came from the run of play (Salah scored 5 pk's)

It's one thing to bring you all in-depth interactions with fellow footy travelers from World Cup 2022, but why not put a nice bow on it?! In the second part of our final FTP at WC22 episode, Colin & Mike offer up their final thoughts, grades, and a few awards to the fans and organizers of this latest edition of 'FIFA bulldozing their way to billions in revenue.' 01:28 - How the 'awards' work 02:04 - AWARD #1 | 'Best Storyline' 03:57 - AWARD #2 | 'Biggest Surprise Player' 05:18 - AWARD #3 | 'Friendliest Fans' 06:38 - AWARD #4 | 'Loudest Fans' 08:26 - AWARD #5 | 'Least Engaging Fans' 10:48 - AWARD #6 | 'Best Kit/Jersey' 11:53 - AWARD #7 | 'Best Qatar Travel Tip' 14:09 - AWARD #8 | 'Best Doha Attraction' 15:57 - AWARD #9 | 'Grading World Cup 2022 Stadiums' 19:05 - AWARD #10 | 'Grading World Cup 2022 Transportation' 22:06 - BONUS AWARD | 'Overall Grade for Qatar as Host' 25:56 - Closing the book on World Cup 2022

They said you wouldn't be able to drink at World Cup 2022. Ed Ball's response: "Challenge accepted!" Not only did this intrepid footy traveler defy the odds by downing plenty of deliciously fermented suds during his trip to Qatar, he created a tool so that others could easily find the places to do the same. Yes! Ed Ball is the 'Qatar Alcohol Map Guy'! In this episode, Colin & Mike sit down with Ed to dive deep into the background and process of the map's creation, Ed's plans for future maps and footy travels, and perhaps a few bubbly beverages themselves. Cheers! Foot(y)notes: If you're heading to Doha yourself and wondering where to find a drink, check out Ed's map. Here's a Deadspin article that perfectly articulates the ridiculousness of Qatar's thoughts on alcohol at a World Cup. Here's a great guide to alcohol (i.e. rules to know) in Qatar post-World Cup 2022. In Doha for awhile and thinking about applying for a liquor consumption permit? Good luck! Here's how to get to the QDC (Qatar Distribution Center). The American at Leyton Orient that Ed mentions? Charlie Kelman.

The march through World Cup 2022 footy traveler groups reaches its penultimate episode. This week, Mike & Colin look back at their time in Doha with fellow traveling soccer fans from Brasil, Switzerland, Serbia, & Cameroon. Were the caipirinhas or the Brasilian confidence stronger? Do we finally know what it takes to emigrate to the beautiful land of the Suisse? What's on tap outside of footy for someone visiting Serbia? And did Colin randomly meet Samuel Eto'o's grandmother? It's all here in this episode! Foot(y)notes: Brasil Perhaps this is where that Brasilian confidence started. The recipe for a good caipirinha is pretty straightforward, but if you'd like something a bit fruitier, perhaps a Mike-style 'caipi-fruta'... Switzerland We found this interesting as we looked deeper into Deiter's industry of hemp-based building materials. Serbia Our Serbian guests humbly claimed that Belgrade has a "really good nightlife." What they didn't tell us was that it's been called the 'best in the Balkans.' However… Check out the comments on their specific recommendation, River nightclub, one of Belgrade's many 'splavs', before you head there as a footy traveler :-| Cameroon If Cameroon is on your bucket list, we'd recommend the 'know before you go' policy. You can read up on travel to Cameroon here, and here, and here.

We did it! We made it to the 1-year mark!!! Thanks to everyone who helped make this first year possible: our listeners, our guests, our fellow footy travelers all over the world. You all are an incredible group, and we can't wait to meet more of you in our travels over this next year and in years to come. In this episode we also continue our look back at our World Cup 2022 experience through interactions and conversations with Group F footy travelers from Belgium, Canada, Morocco, & Croatia. What do Belgians think about the Golden Generation? Is soccer bigger than hockey now in Canada? Can you really go skiing in Northern Africa? And what was up with all the water polo gear fans were wearing at Croatia games? It's all here in the latest episode! Foot(y)notes: Belgium Haven't seen (or heard of) one of Mike's favorite movies of all time? Check out this teaser and you might understand why he loves it so much. Canada Wondering what the best ski resort in Canada is like Colin? Depends. Are you going for snowiest? Snow reliability? Most terrain? Morocco Speaking of skiing... YES, you can ski in Morocco! Here's proof. Who is you favorite Moroccan footballer of all-time? Croatia Here's that Moja Domovina video from Hrvatski Band Aid (Band Aid Croatia) We talked lightly about this song and Slovkav's singing it to us when we chatted with him, but it has much deeper roots than we two bozos give it credit for in the episode. It was released in the initial stages of the 1991–95 Croatian War of Independence, and was often played to boost morale either among soldiers on the battlefield or civilians in their shelters. Learn more about its history and meaning here.

What was it like traveling to Qatar just to watch the World Cup 2022 Final? To journey halfway around the world to see your favorite player, the GOAT - the greatest of all time - win the sports world's most coveted trophy for the country that bestowed your heritage upon you? How much would you pay to witness what some have called the greatest sporting event ever played? Shirley C (IG: @betweenthenotes) has the answer to all these questions and more in our latest episode. It's one of the best Footy Travelers stories you'll ever hear. Visit Shirley's Insta page for more content from her trip. Relive what Shirley witnessed at the World Cup 2022 Final.

What a wild World Cup group this was! Over the course of two hours during the last set of group matches, there were nine changes to the final table, and all four teams — Germany, Japan, Spain, and Costa Rica — occupied one of the two qualification spots at one point. After the final whistles blew, despite winning their match against Costa Rica, 4-time World Cup champions Germany were out. Despite losing against Japan, 2010's World Cup champs Spain were in. And Japan, the first team out of Asia, Africa or Oceania with multiple wins against former champions at the World Cup, reached the knockout stages in consecutive World Cups - another first. But how would the Footy Travelers' time spent with fans from these nations stack up? Would there be as much drama? Would VAR have to step in? Find out in the latest episode of the best podcast out right now (when it comes to sharing stories and experiences around footy travels, that is.)! Foot(y)notes: Germany If this website is any proof, Oktoberfest can be found in more than just Munich. Japan Here's a good pros and cons breakdown for the Hakuba vs Niseko debate. Spain Yes! Spain has skiing. Here's a look at their ski resorts. Costa Rica It's not all surfing and Imperial in Costa, check out this guide to all the rainforests in the land of Pura Vida.

This episode is brought to you by the letter 'D'. You know, as in 'Drama.' Boy has there been some in the USMNT camp! 'D' is also the World Cup group whose fans we chat with here. Dive into Mike & Colin's Dialogue with fellow footy travelers from the Destinations of France, Australia, Denmark, & Tunisia. It'll be Delightful! Group D Foot(y)notes: Since we'll tease you at the beginning, here's a rundown of the the Berhalter-Reyna drama, and one explanation for how it got this far. Australia The Sydney vs Melbourne debate is surely everlasting. Here's one perspective on it. Here's another one. And another one. Hell, why not one more? Denmark Hummel and the Danish made a statement with their kits at this World Cup, but World Cup organisers fired back. This is Michael Laudrup. France The USMNT isn't the only team that's experienced some turbulence dealing with blackmail and in-team shithousery. Perhaps we're more like France than we like to think. Tunisia Find Tunisia Ligue 1's international ranking among the other domestic leagues of the world. Explore the northern most point of continental Africa.

The holidays have wound down, but the Footy Travelers World Cup 2022 series rages on! Up next are our moments with Fellow Footy Travelers from Group C nations: World Cup Champions Argentina, Dos a Cero runners-up Mexico, the White Eagles of Poland, and the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia. Foot(y)notes: Every Argentina goal on their way to World Cup 2022 glory ARG v KSA highlights MEX v POL highlights ARG v POL highlights KSA v MEX highlights ARG v MEX highlights POL v KSA highlights

Sadly, World Cup soccer is on pause until mid-2023 (who's going Down Unda'?!). The good news is, club football is back, and so are our BONUS episodes! In this one, we bring you an exciting (if you're a Chelsea FC fan), US-based footy travel experience to tide you over: BLUESDAY! From February 3-5, 2023, Carefree Louisiana, one of the largest Chelsea supporters groups in the US, will be hosting their annual event in conjunction with the city's annual Krewe du Vieux parade. For more details, including travel options, visit www.CarefreeLouisiana.com.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has just concluded with what was inarguably not only the best World Cup Final ever, not only the best soccer game - EVER!, but the greatest sports game the world has ever witnessed! Is there even any need to continue the Messi v Ronaldo GOAT debate? Regardless, the Footy Travelers Podcast "World Cup 2022" series DOES continue, with Group B fellow footy travelers (FFTs) from England, Wales, Iran, USA... Foot(y)notes: GRANT WAHL A note from Grant's wife, Céline Gounder. The last "World Cup Daily" entry (Day 25) we received from Grant's Substack. ENGLAND Check out Toyan, aka (DJ) Chino of Vinyl Vandals. WALES Blow your mind with some Brains Beer! What exactly are Welsh cakes? WTF is Yr Wyddfa?! IRAN Keep up with the situation in Iran. Here are a few suggestions for how to support Iran from afar. Here are some things that are already being done. USA Consider joining us in LA for USMNT vs Colombia. Consider joining your local chapter of American Outlaws.

World Cup 2022's Round of 16 has just finished, leaving 8 teams to battle it out for the most prestigious prize in international sports. But our 'FTP at WC22' series has only just begun, bringing you 1 episode from each of the tournament's 8 initial groups. Follow along as Colin & Mike talk with fellow footy travelers from all 32 participating countries (and maybe a few others), learn something new about a place you've never been, and enjoy the connections being made all in the name of the beautiful game! Our first group is Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, and Netherlands. What's the best national park in Ecuador? Do all Dutch people really wear wooden clogs? Find out by listening now! Foot(y)notes: Why does the Dutch team wear 'oranje'? Follow the Dutch Oranje Bus Are 'Holland' and 'the Netherlands' actually synonymous? Who has Senegal produced other than Mane? This is the Ecuador/Qatar incident

The Footy Travelers are at World Cup 2022! And so is Morgan Freeman. In the first episode of the 'FTP at WC22' series, Colin & Mike spill the full details on the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony and match - inclusive of flights and accomodation - on the tournament organizers' dime. Along the way, the media picked up on the tournament's 'Fan Delegation' program and labeled participants as 'spies' for the Qatari state. But what was the Footy Traveler's first-hand, on-the-ground experience? Listen now to find out! Foot(y)notes: Our World Cup Qatar 2022 reading list: A Message to Everyone Going to Qatar World Cup Brings Epic Culture Clash to Qatar The World Cup's Forgotten Team The media explores World Cup Qatar 2022's 'Fan Delegation' program: ESPN NY Times NPR The Times (UK) DutchNews.nl (Netherlands)

WORLD CUP 2022 IS DAYS AWAY!!! Get hyped, and get ready with American Outlaw and US Soccer diehard, Ray Noriega. Colin & Mike discuss Ray's recent travels to Europe to see the USMNT in their pre-World Cup friendlies, the best and the worst of his past travels (he's been to every World Cup qualifier since 2005!), and get Ray's insights on what to expect from this and the next two upcoming World Cups (Women's 2023, Men's 2026). Get in now, and listen to Ray Noriega drop some serious footy travel experience. Foot(y)notes: Not clear on the Andrés Escobar reference? Check this out. Find the Futbology app on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Still looking for World Cup 2022 tickets? Start here. Want to "buy the dips" and get in now on your US Soccer fandom? You can join US Soccer's Insiders program for free, or join the American Outlaws supporters club.

Rob & Ryan who?! No. The best bromance in global footy is between FTP co-hosts Colin & Mike. At last, their separate footy traveler origin stories combine, as they recall the pivotal moments that led to the birth of the original Footy Travelers duo. Listen in for the story of Mike's big proposal to Colin in 2008 (one he needed time to warm up to), of their first World Cup experience at South Africa 2010, and the greatest consecutive 24 hours they've ever had traveling the globe for the beautiful game. Spoiler Alert: it involves a lot of Russian vodka. This episode also includes two special announcements, so be sure to listen through to the end! Foot(y)notes: Follow the Footy Travelers on Instagram to keep up to date with their upcoming World Cup travels. While we don't know all the details surrounding the opening ceremony, here's a few things we know so far. Relive the greatest game the Footy Travelers have been to (so far) -or- Listen to the iconic Ian Darke call.

Quick episode this week to tie up some loose ends folks have been asking about when it comes to traveling to Qatar for World Cup 2022. Wondering if COVID is still a thing? Hint: it IS! Foot(y)notes: Qatar's Ministry of Public Health "Travel and Return Policy": https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx The official "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 COVID-19 Protocol": https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/Documents/PDFs/FWCQ22%20COVID19%20Healthcare%20Protocol%20V28%20English.pdf More juice from someone who's been to Qatar recently (subscripition needed for full article): https://grantwahl.substack.com/p/premium-the-qatar-chronicles-part FIFA's page for ticket resale (keep an eye on this closer to the tournament): https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/ticket-resale-en FIFA's overall ticketing page for the 2022 World Cup: https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/tickets

This episode is H-U-G-E... HUGE! You can read all the articles and write-ups you want, but the Footy Travelers are bringing you lived experience in Qatar, in the form of expat Seth Osborne, to answer all your questions about food, culture, tips to stay cool in the desert, and of course, everyone's #1 need-to-know - how to find alcohol in Qatar. Country-specific travel tips abound in this one for the world's most avid Footy Travelers heading to the World Cup in 2 months. *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* FTP is now one of the 60 BEST SOCCER PODCASTS (#39) according to FeedSpot!!! https://blog.feedspot.com/soccer_podcasts/ Foot(y)notes: Info on the planned fan zones in and around Doha FIFA Time Out Doha.com The World Cup Guide.com Additional info on drinking rules at World Cup Qatar 2022 ESPN Sports Illustrated 90min.com

Back in August, Colin & Mike traveled to the "house that McConaughey built" - the beautiful Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. They also explored the footy pubs of the Texas capital city, as well as some recommended 'hot spots' to help them cool down from the Texas heat. Listen in to hear their insights on one of America's most quickly growing cities. You'll also get some great footy travel advice from two heavily active Austin FC supporters and an opinionated Uber driver or two. Insider tips abound for foodies, music lovers - even that pitiful friend of yours who's a Tottenham fan. Colin & Mike also discuss the upcoming World Cup and one of the major changes that has already affected the tournament's schedule. Foot(y)notes: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/11/sports/soccer/fifa-world-cup-qatar.html https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2022/8/10/23300155/qatar-screwed-up-world-cup-schedule https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4717953/world-cup-set-to-start-a-day-earlier-with-qatar-vs-ecuador-moved-forward-to-nov-20-sources Austin IG accounts to follow: @bridget.dunlap @LosVerdes @LaMurgaATX @EAntu12 @rico.charlie_adventures @Pollo.FC @PaprikaATX @TacoFlats

Once again we turn inward, this time diving deep into co-host Colin's origin story. From young pee-wee days in New Jersey, to two influential trips to soccer's birthplace, all the way to using the sport to forge relationships in the Asia Pacific region, Colin walks us through his formative experiences and explains how the sport influenced him from an early age. Like our first "FTP Origins" episode with Mike, Colin gets just as profound, sharing his sense of responsibility and purpose to share the joys and gifts that footy and travel have given him so far in his life. Foot(y) notes: Catch the highlights (including the infamous Alan Shearer PK) of Colin's first Premier League game. Here's a brief history of how USISL became the USL. This is what the South Jersey Barons are today. And if you didn't know that Thailand has its own Premier League...

We know, Mike says it a lot: "This episode is a good one." But THIS episode… is FIRE! As we sit down with Emily Agueda of the Craig Willinger Fund, we learn what footy travel with a purpose looks like, as Emily discusses the fund's mission (Spoiler Alert: it's all about footy travel and making dreams come true). Other topics include Emily's take on the women's game, her carry-on bag travel advice, and a clever way to arrange a personal meeting with the G.O.A.T. Foot(y)notes: Check out the Craig Willinger Fund's approach to footy travel with a purpose: https://cwfund.org/ Apply to CWF: https://cwfund.org/application/ Help CWF: https://cwfund.org/ways-to-help/ This is the video of Diweni Jituboh with Wayne Rooney we mention in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz4aELPadrs And one of Hannah Smith's experience with the CW Fund in Natal, Brasil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QTSpd2GBlM Last but not least, an awesome write-up and news story on Travis Hackett's experience with Leicester City: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local-teenager-scores-lifetime-dream/509-d089dbbc-58b9-47dc-8d00-2db0e32d6faa

*FTP TRAVEL ALERT* We'll be in Austin, TX August 5-7. If you're in town, going to the Austin FC v San Jose match, or are from the area, we'd love to connect - either ahead of time for travel recommendations, or during our stay to share a frothy beer and talk footy. Reach out to us through our Instagram account (@footytravelers). *END ALERT* As for this week's episode, we welcome special guest host Rob Cervantes (IG: @bnceo), a fellow footy traveler and La Blanquirroja fan, as we discuss Qatar 2022 accommodations, flights to and from the desert, and in-country transportation once we all reach the smallest nation (city) to host a World Cup - ever! Foot(y)notes: If you still need lodging or to apply for your Hayya card, head over to the official portal for all that business: www.qatar2022.qa. You'll need your ticket application number handy. Flight research is on you, but here's something helpful we found as we researched Qatar metros for once you arrive: https://www.qr.com.qa/metro-tram?code=AboutMetroAndTram And if anything changes leading up to the tournament, FFTs can follow @RoadTo2022 (Arabic), @RoadTo2022en (English), @RoadTo2022es (Español), or @RoadTo2022News on Instagram to stay up to date.

In this week's episode, Colin takes back the reign (spelling & use intentional) as he shares his recent experience in the land of the good Queen Mother. Listen in for a review of North London hot spots Swains Lane, Dartmouth Park, and of course, the Emirates (R.I.P. Highbury). Colin also discusses some travel tips for anyone attending a match at Wembley, he and Mike duke it out over just whose Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds actually is, and we hear from (probably) Arsenal's biggest fan! Foot(y)notes: Whatever happened to Highbury anyway? Watch this. Check out Conor's sick new drop. Or Mike's. Or both, whatever. Get yourself to the Emirates stadium tour. Make sure you know the deal with your Wembley event's beer policy. And if you find yourself in North London, we highly recommend the Bull & Last for accomodation, and Swains Wine Bar for some proper wine & proper food.

This episode is a special one, as we turn inward and dive deep into co-host Mike's beautiful mind, pulling out his own origin story. From growing up in rural New Hampshire, to cementing himself in podcast history as one of the founding Footy Travelers, Mike walks us through his upbringing and explains how the sport influenced him from an early age. With great mentors along the way, Mike navigated the world of a young soccer player while fighting high school awkwardness, cancer, college decisions, and everything in between. In this episode, Mike gets profound, coming to the realization that both soccer and travel were contributing factors in some of his most significant decisions. Foot(y) notes: Want to support kids and young adults battling cancer? Check out these two organizations near and dear to Mike's heart: Ulman Foundation Craig Willinger Fund Learn more about the great Shawn Griffin: https://athletics.plymouth.edu/honors/plymouth-state-athletic-hall-of-fame/shawn-griffin/3 Nostalgia Alert!! Relive one of Mike's most influential soccer memories in the '94 World Cup Final penalty kick shootout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLPM_JSbGvI Mike's a huge footy kit nerd (we know!). Check out some of our favorite vintage and custom footy kit accounts from Insta: SaturdaysFootball ClassicFootballShirts IcarusFootball

In this episode, Colin travels solo to Seattle and chats with Cameron Collins from the Gorilla FC supporters' club, just ahead of the Sounders' Cascadia Cup match against the Vancouver Whitecaps last season (October 9, 2021). The two discuss what Cascadia Cup is, the power of soccer to unite the community, and Cameron's insights on some fun, non-footy activities to take on while in Seattle. Foot(y)notes: What is the Cascadia Cup? https://www.cascadianow.org/the-cascadia-cup Learn more about Seattle Sounders supporters groups: https://www.soundersfc.com/supporters/groups/ Cameron's urban tourist recommendation: https://www.spaceneedle.com/plan-your-visit Cameron's nature tourist recommendation: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/what-to-do

In this follow-up BONUS episode to our conversation with the lads from Sporting Serotonin, we get Jack and Paul's take on the City of Brotherly Love - and some 4-4-4 breathing to start us off.

FFTs! It's May. Which means... It's Mental Health Awareness Month. In support of a topic we all need to get behind, Colin & Mike chat with a few members of Sporting Serotonin, an amateur footy club out of Philadelphia, about what mental health means to them and the unique way they're spreading their message of positive energy and good vibes - one golazo at a time! Foot(y)notes: If you or a loved one are in distress or want free, confidential support, you can dial 988, or call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to a caring professional. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also provides more resources on its website. You can also check out NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Check out and follow Sporting Serotonin for all things footy and mental health... ...and Icarus FC too!

You can't have an international footy tournament without footy stadiums, now can you? Although, those stadiums apparently don't need to actually exist for you to be named the host of such a tournament - who knew?! Yes, the stadiums of the Qatar World Cup 2022 have been much talked about, for a lot of negative reasons. As the tournament draws near though, and the Footy Travelers prepare for their fourth consecutive World Cup experience, they can't help but wonder, "What should we all expect?" Join Mike and Colin as they explore each of the 8 stadiums hosting matches later this year. Foot(y)notes: Curious what these stadiums actually LOOK like? Check out this visual preview. Khalifa International's air conditioning system explained. Here's the ArchDaily write-up that had Colin raising his brow (and chuckling in despair). The gahfiya explained in more depth.

Chelsea FC has been in the news a bit more than some other Premier League clubs recently. Their ownership has been a hot topic for almost two months now, as Roman Abramovich, a well-known Russian oligarch, was sanctioned by the British Government following the invasion of Ukraine. On the positive end of things, the men's first team just placed into the FA Cup Final for the third season in a row, where they will look to vindicate themselves for two straight Finals losses. So what better time than RIGHT NOW to share a conversation Mike & Colin had with Chelsea in America member, and Charm City Blues chapter head, Phil Williams?! Mike, Colin, & Phil discuss all things Chelsea, including the perks of being a part of an official supporters group for a team abroad, Phil's experience as a Chelsea fan in the 90's, his feelings on being called a "plastic," and of course, his thoughts on the club's current ownership saga. Foot(y)notes: Visit the Chelsea in America webpage for more info on this group. Check out the Charm City Blues page too! Here's the Roman Abramovich statement from March, before the Blues started seeing red following his sanctioning by the UK Government. Here's a bit of an update on the sale of Chelsea FC. We'll see what happens soon! Can Chelsea redeem a season of turmoil with an FA Cup trophy?

ICYMI: A LOT has happened since the last episode! World Cup match tickets, World Cup qualifications, trips to Orlando to see the USMNT. We cover it all in this two-part episode with guests we met in Mickey's backyard. Part 1 (previous release): Moe Paquette talks about his conversion from a gridiron football player to a dedicated lover of the beautiful game, and shares his experience at the Azteca for what was most likely the last consequential USA v Mexico game to be played there (for awhile). Part 2 (THIS RELEASE!): Max Croes 'capos' us through some conversation on what it's like to be a member of the American Outlaws National Team, indulges us in our own game-chant proposals, and highlights a US Soccer jersey trend we're surprised we haven't taken up ourselves yet. Foot(y)notes: The USA has QUALIFIED! Check out theirs and everyone else's groups and match schedule as they were drawn on Friday, April 1. The latest sales phase for World Cup 2022 Qatar (Phase 2's Random Selection Draw period) is open until April 28, 2022. You can apply for tickets directly through FIFA here. OR… Apply through the US Soccer Insiders program. Here is that program's World Cup ticketing FAQ. The American Outlaws chants WILL BE a staple during the upcoming holidays. Start rehearsing now! The US soccer jersey trend we should all follow.

FTP Fam! Fellow Footy Travelers (FFTs)? FFT Army? Anyway, we'll sort it out… A LOT has happened since the last episode! World Cup match tickets, World Cup qualifications, trips to Orlando to see the USMNT. We cover it all in this two-part episode with guests we met in Mickey's backyard. Part 1 (this release): Moe Paquette talks about his conversion from a gridiron football player to a dedicated lover of the beautiful game, and shares his experience at the Azteca for what was most likely the last consequential USA v Mexico game to be played there (for awhile). Part 2 (next release): Max Croes 'capos' us through some conversation on what it's like to be a member of the American Outlaws National Team, indulges us in our own game-chant proposals, and highlights a soccer jersey trend we're surprised we haven't taken up ourselves yet. Foot(y)notes: The USA has QUALIFIED! Check out theirs and everyone else's groups and match schedule as they were drawn on Friday, April 1, 2022. The latest sales phase for World Cup 2022 Qatar (Phase 2's Random Selection Draw period) is open until April 28, 2022. You can apply for tickets directly through FIFA here. OR… Apply through the US Soccer Insiders program. Here is that program's World Cup ticketing FAQ. The American Outlaws chants WILL BE a staple during the upcoming holidays. Start rehearsing and practicing now! The US soccer jersey trend we should all follow.

That USA-Mexico World Cup Qualifier at the Azteca… bit of a dud eh? After a game like that, it would be easy for Mike & Colin to dive into their and others' thoughts on being USA fans, but let's be real - they're Footy TRAVELERS. They like exploring and examining other perspectives, which is why in this episode, they explore CONCACAF's biggest rivalry through the experiences of a Mexican National Team supporter: Felipe Vieyra. Foot(y)notes: Re-live the origins of 'Dos A Cero' - "The game that put the US and Mexico on a level playing field." If you're curious about what happened between Queretaro and Atlas fans, you can check this out, but fair warning… it's NOT pretty! Satisfy your craving for culturally authentic, delicious, and spicy Latin adventure food by visiting Felipe and friends' OsoMeals.com. If you reaalllly want to nerd-out on pulque (the drink Felipe mentions), check out this scholarly journal article (otherwise, just read the abstract)! Be sure to check out the boys' new Instagram handle: @footytravelers.

In this follow-up bonus to Episode 5, Mike and Colin reveal the status of their ticket applications, submitted during the Phase 1 Random Selection Draw Period. They also discuss some details on the next period of Phase 1 (first-come, first-served), set to occur before the World Cup final draw in April. If you're looking for more info on World Cup 2022 tickets, head to the FIFA website.

The decision to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup having been made, Colin & Mike discuss ticket application strategy, why and when applications are even necessary, the types of World Cup match tickets available, and a few more insightful nuggets from their previous experiences scoring access to the world's greatest party. Foot(y)notes: FIFA 2022 World Cup tickets main page How to apply for World Cup tickets World Cup ticket products (types) explained World Cup tickets FAQs Colin's nerdy ticket spreadsheet (types, categories, prices, and stadium series breakdown Want to learn how to spit fast like an auctioneer too? Check out this guy!

Colin & Mike began their footy traveling adventures together at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Since then, a lot has changed. No longer the youthful, starry-eyed backpacker types (should we say 'naive'?), they've increasingly had to discern the harsh realities of global footy - realities that seem to get heavier and heavier. In this episode, Colin & Mike discuss their own dilemmas in deciding whether or not to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a tournament riddled with controversy from day one. If you've found yourself thinking through the same predicament, you're not alone. Foot(y)notes: The Qatar World Cup has been criticized for years now, since its awarding in 2010. National football teams have protested, but so far no one seems to be boycotting. Over a year ago (early 2021), a Guardian report described an analysis that revealed over 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since it was awarded the World Cup. Later that year (August 2021), Amnesty Int'ntl and others released a statement on Malcolm Bidali, A Kenyan migrant worker who was "forcibly disappeared…and held in solitary confinement." Are you debating whether or not to attend or watch the upcoming World Cup? What are your thoughts? Is this just another example of "sportswashing?" Reach out to us on Instagram (@fypermedia) or on our webpage (www.fypermedia.com).

One needs not to go far for footy travel. In today's episode, Colin is joined by two fellow Denver-based footy fans, Juan Fernandez and Jared Geisler. Juan and Jared discuss their favorite non-US clubs, the world-famous Centennial 38 supporters' group pre-match tailgate, and provide their take on all the fun Colorado activities available to both tourists and locals alike. Foot(y)notes: If you're a Rapids supporter (or not), check out Juan and Jared's podcast. Visiting Denver as an away supporter or neutral? You're still welcome to join the pre-match tailgate. Info here. Looking for some legit pick-up soccer in Denver? Check these guys out! As Juan and Jared said, Denver is a great place for live music.

NYCFC fans keep the stage as we talk with Felix Palao: president of the Bronx chapter of the Third Rail supporters' club, tifo artist, and… the graphic designer behind our show's cover art! Join us as Felix recalls his inspiration for drawing as a young kid, what goes into creating tifos, and his favorite designs so far. Foot(y)notes: Who is Keith Haring? Everything you need to know about TIFOs, from COPA90 Football. Check out Felix's portfolio.

As we launch The Footy Travelers Podcast just before the start of the 2022 MLS season, let's pick up where the last season ended (with NYCFC). In this episode, Colin travels to the Bronx and meets three faithful NYCFC fans who all share the same concern - their home field. Join us as we hear from them on the good, the bad, and the ugly of life in the stands of a baseball stadium, and the obstacles faced in the quest for a place to call 'home.' Foot(y)notes: Support for a new stadium seems to be waning. In the meantime, NYCFC has to host home games at alternative venues. So where does NYCFC's current stadium rank in relation to other MLS stadiums?

What exactly is The Footy Travelers Podcast (FTP)? Colin and Mike explain. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow us on Instagram (@fypermedia). Get in touch with FYPer Media.