Professional soccer players run between six and nine miles in a match. So the term “walking soccer” may seem odd. But the vast majority of soccer players are not pros. An increasing number are older than their 20s and 30s. Sometimes, they’re decades past. Others love the game. But illness, mobility issues or other challenges […]
Dan Woog
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
Steve Davis on the World Cup’s North Texas legacy: ‘Celebrate the game, build confidence and community’
The speeches had been made, and the ribbon cut, at a new mini-pitch a mile from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Now the mayor and soccer officials were giving interviews. Steve Davis — a former Dallas Morning News sportswriter, longtime FC Dallas radio analyst, now Director of Legacy Programs for FIFA World Cup 26 Dallas […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
Sandra Cress lifts the curtain on Atlanta’s World Cup 2026 operation
It’s a good bet that in the thousands of stories written about the 2026 World Cup, not one mentioned the stores selling branded merchandise inside a stadium. Or the importance of managing the movement of VIPs, so they did not interfere with players and coaches. Or how to handle FIFA’s requirement that the locker rooms […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
Philadelphia hosts unique USA vs. England amateur cup amid World Cup 2026 and America250 celebrations
On June 26, West Chester United meets Arthurian League. The first-ever Trans-Atlantic Cup features the amateur champions of both countries.
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
World Cup host San Francisco Bay Area: Through the eyes of Jeff Carlisle
The longtime ESPN soccer writer has lived in Northern California since 1991 — and has coached at various levels.
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
World Cup host Seattle: Through the eyes of Frank MacDonald
The soccer community is both large and tightly knit, MacDonald says. It supports the professional game, several colleges, and strong youth programs.
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
Embedded with the USMNT: HBO docuseries provides ‘an emotional on-ramp’ to the USA’s World Cup quest
Part of the power of the World Cup is the matches. Just as important, though, are the teams themselves. Each has a story. Some are well known. Others must be uncovered. Rand Getlin was not a soccer fan. But after meeting Tyler Adams, the California filmmaker realized the rising star had a strong personality, and […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
Dan Helfrich: U.S. Soccer’s COO focuses on access, alignment and ambition
His new role as U.S. Soccer’s chief operating officer is a way to give back to the sport that, “has given me so much, as a leader, colleague, competitor – and human being.”
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
From player to coach to scout: Dan Donigan helps U.S. Soccer’s Talent ID cast a wide net
As U.S. Soccer’s talent identification manager for 11 states, he leads a staff tasked with finding the nation’s top players, then stocking the pool for national teams.
Posted inSoccer America Confidential
Ben Gucciardi on Soccer Without Borders’ 20 years of play, education and community
Since its founding SWB has impacted over 60,000 young people from 122 countries, speaking 112 languages. Their high school graduation rate is 95 percent.