The growth of MLS in the past 25 years is undeniable, but its the lower levels of American soccer where some of the most impactful success stories live. A great example of that is Chattanooga FC, an MLS Next Pro and WPSL club that has set attendance records and has a hold on their local city.

In Episode 64 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Derrall Stalvey, SVP of Strategy for the club. For the last 4 years, Derrall has been leading the club’s long-term vision, strategic initiatives, and brand growth. CFC is a club that has been around for 16 years but has done some pretty exceptional things in that time and is a great example of what soccer can do for American communities, especially at the lower level.

Derrall talks about how the club selectively markets to key fan groups, how their mission statement drives everything they do, and how a career in TV news production prepared him to enhance and leverage the powerful story of CFC and its fan base in order to ensure success on and off the field.

Connect with Derrall:

LinkedIn

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Chattanooga FC Website

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Anne Song is the Captain of Gritty FC, a grassroots adult soccer team in the Philadelphia area.In this episode of the Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media, Anne tells us about how the team helped her make friends and settle in a new city after moving from Cleveland, as well as the origin of the team's name and how it mirrors their collective personality.She shares about how winning the Icarus Cup last year was the highlight of her soccer life and details the team's gritty (sorry....) comeback in extra time to lift the pedantic and singular Icarus Cup trophy.The Icarus Cup Podcast Series in collaboration with Because Football Media is intended to tell the personal stories that celebrate the vision that CASA Soccer and Icarus FC share in creating community and impacting culture through the game of soccer. The Icarus Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of soccer, community, and summer fun held each summer in Austin, Philadelphia, and Boston. As CASA’s premier 7v7 event in collaboration with Icarus Football, dozens of teams compete in custom-designed jerseys for a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable experiences. Beyond the pitch, enjoy Opening Ceremonies, Evening Socials, a Beer Garden, food vendors, a DJ, and partner giveaways. With divisions for Open, Mixto, O-30, and Women’s Inclusive, there’s a spot for everyone, whether you seek competition or a fun, inclusive weekend. Because Football is a digital media brand dedicated to uncovering the heart of football through original podcast and video storytelling. We produce human-centered content that highlights individual journeys, fan culture, and the community histories shaped by the beautiful game. Our stories are shared through podcast platforms, cultural vlogs on YouTube, and immersive social content across Instagram.Learn more about Icarus Cup:https://www.icarus-cup.com/https://www.instagram.com/theicaruscupLearn more about CASA Soccerhttps://www.casasoccerleagues.com/homehttps://it.linkedin.com/company/casa-soccer-leagueLearn more about Icarus FChttps://icarusfc.com/https://www.instagram.com/icarusfootball/?hl=enFollow Because Football

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If your youth club could make more money from sponsorships, there is a good chance that money could be used to provide more access for players who can't normally afford youth soccer.

But how do you develop that revenue? Well, you need a gameplan.

In Episode 64 of the Because Football Podcast, we interview Madrid-based American Ben Gunduz. As a player and administrator for his local neighborhood club ADC MALASAÑA, Ben has been able to make a difference on and off the pitch.

With the cooperation of club leaders and local businesses, ADC MALASAÑA has expanded their scholarship programs in order to share the beautiful game with more kids in their community.

But the problem is, due to field and geographical constraints, they can't grow anymore. They are at their limit.

So, Ben and co-founder started Tod@s Juegan, a social organization that connects players with local clubs AND consults with clubs on how to leverage their social capital into more robust revenue. There is so much gold in this episode and what Ben shares can be utilized in grassroots, youth and amateur clubs around North America.

Follow Ben and his clubs/orgs:

https://linkedin.com/in/benjamin-gunduz

https://www.instagram.com/adcmalasana/?hl=en

https://www.todosjuegan.org/

Follow Because Football:

https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/

https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/

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