The One Soccer Nation Podcast

One Soccer Nation
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The One Soccer Nation Podcast, hosted by Kareem Rae, delivers trusted intelligence, strategic insight, and curated access to investors, operators, and cities navigating the professional soccer ecosystem.

  1. Andrew Swanson - President & General Manager at Edgewater Castle FC

    May 10

    Andrew Swanson - President & General Manager at Edgewater Castle FC

    Edgewater Castle FC founder Andrew Swanson shares his remarkable journey from a soccer fan inspired by Champions League to a community-driven club climbing the ranks of U.S. professional soccer. In this in-depth conversation, explore how a grassroots approach, focused on partnerships with local schools and civic organizations, creates a sustainable model for ambitious clubs navigating the evolving U.S. soccer landscape. Andrew reveals the tactical challenges of expanding through U.S. leagues, securing investment, and building a long-term presence in Chicago, America’s third-largest market for soccer development. You’ll discover how community values shape the identity of Edgewater Castle and why patience and local engagement are essential for sustainable growth. Learn about the strategic decisions behind league jumps, from Midwest Premier League to USL2 and USLW, and the financial realities of running a semi-professional club without charge to players. Andrew discusses the importance of grassroots partnerships, civic engagement, and community culture in establishing a resilient business model, avoiding high infrastructure costs in a dense city like Chicago. The conversation also dives into the broader future of U.S. soccer, including the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the potential rise of pro rel, and the opportunities for clubs like Edgewater to succeed in an expanding ecosystem. Andrew’s story exemplifies the grit and authenticity needed to turn a small idea into a major community asset, with eyes set on USL League One and beyond. Perfect for investors, operators, city officials, and soccer entrepreneurs, this conversation offers strategic insight and practical lessons for building a thriving club in America’s soccer boom.Subscribe to The One Soccer Nation Podcast for trusted intelligence on the business of professional soccer. ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast? Apply Here: https://onesoccernation.com/apply ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    50 min
  2. Mark Dillon - Chief Executive Officer at The Talentprojekt

    Apr 30

    Mark Dillon - Chief Executive Officer at The Talentprojekt

    Mark Dillon, Chief Executive Officer of Talentprojekt, operates at the intersection of player development, global talent mobility, and long-term asset creation within professional soccer. With decades of experience working across European club systems, his perspective provides a structural view into why development environments, not just talent, determine outcomes. This conversation examines the systemic gap between North American and European player pathways, and how infrastructure, culture, and daily standards shape professional readiness. Dillon outlines how Talentprojekt was built to replicate a European academy model while navigating regulatory constraints that limit international player movement. Key themes explored include:• Structural differences between U.S. and European development systems and their impact on player readiness• The role of environment, cultural adaptation, and language in reducing risk for professional clubs• How training volume and competitive intensity accelerate player development timelines• The limitations of pay-to-play and the absence of a clear domestic pathway for families• The economics of player development and how value is created through the global transfer market• Why mindset, patience, and long-term development outperform early performance indicators The discussion highlights a fundamental shift in how talent should be evaluated and developed. For investors, operators, and club builders, it reinforces that player development is both an infrastructure challenge and a capital allocation strategy. Environments that replicate professional standards earlier in a player’s lifecycle create measurable advantages in both performance and market value. ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering? Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    1h 2m
  3. Wolfgang W. Muller - Founder & Acting CEO at F2O Sports | A Mission to Enable Fans to Own The Game

    Apr 28

    Wolfgang W. Muller - Founder & Acting CEO at F2O Sports | A Mission to Enable Fans to Own The Game

    In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Wolfgang W. Muller, Founder and Acting CEO of F2O Sports, to unpack a fundamental question facing global football: Is the traditional club ownership model broken? Wolfgang shares a candid perspective on why the current football business model is outdated, how the relationship between clubs and fans is under real strain, and why fan engagement is no longer optional for long-term sustainability. The conversation dives into the growing influence of American investors in European football, the role of storytelling as an under-utilized asset, and why clubs must rethink how they build trust, relevance, and community. With the 2026 World Cup approaching in North America, Wolfgang explains why this moment represents a turning point for the sport, and how regulatory shifts and blockchain-enabled technology are making fan ownership models more viable than ever. He also outlines how F2O Sports is using technology to help clubs adapt to changing fan expectations and create deeper, more durable connections with their supporters. This episode is a must-listen for club owners, investors, operators, and anyone interested in the future of football ownership, fan economics, and the next evolution of the global game. ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering? Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    48 min
  4. Rod Underwood - Decoding Success in Soccer: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation

    Apr 14

    Rod Underwood - Decoding Success in Soccer: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation

    In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Rod Underwood, a seasoned leader in global soccer with experience spanning the Portland Timbers, Sacramento Republic, Montego Bay United, and Chattanooga FC. With decades of experience as a head coach, technical director, and academy architect, Rod shares a deep, practical perspective on what it truly takes to build sustainable, high-performing football clubs across different markets. This is a decision-grade conversation focused on leadership, infrastructure, and long-term club development. Key Topics Covered: How Rod Underwood got started in the game and witnessed soccer’s evolution in the United StatesLeadership principles that translate across clubs, cultures, and levelsWhy emotional intelligence is the most important skill for modern leadersBuilding a fully integrated club model across technical and business operationsLessons from launching and scaling academies with a clear youth-to-pro pathwayHow player development connects directly to business outcomes and revenueThe role of data in modern football and where clubs often misuse itWhat investors, owners, and operators must prioritize to build sustainable clubsWhy community, culture, and infrastructure drive long-term success This episode is built for investors, operators, and decision-makers looking to understand how professional soccer clubs are actually structured, financed, and scaled. ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering? Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    45 min
  5. Jozy Altidore - Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Owner of Sogility | Sports Investor | Former Pro Athlete

    Mar 25

    Jozy Altidore - Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Owner of Sogility | Sports Investor | Former Pro Athlete

    A new class of soccer ownership is emerging and Jozy Altidore is at the center of it. In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, Kareem Rae sits down with the former U.S. Men’s National Team star turned investor, operator, and Chief Strategy Officer at Sogility to break down how modern soccer assets are being built and scaled. This conversation goes beyond the typical athlete transition story. It explores how capital, infrastructure, and development are converging across the U.S. soccer landscape, particularly as the 2026 World Cup approaches. From his role in the OKC USL Championship expansion project to building a technology-driven player development ecosystem, Jozy shares how he evaluates opportunities, backs teams, and identifies assets with long-term value. The discussion also dives into:• Mixed-use development as a revenue engine• USL’s push toward promotion and relegation• The evolution of U.S. soccer markets• Data and technology in youth development• How to build a scalable soccer ecosystem This is a decision-grade conversation for investors, operators, and stakeholders looking to understand where the next wave of soccer opportunity is forming. Sogility Website: www.sogility.com / SogilityGo Website: www.sogilitygo.com / ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering? Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    24 min
  6. Christopher Corey - Owner & President at Walton & Hersham FC

    Mar 24

    Christopher Corey - Owner & President at Walton & Hersham FC

    Inside the realities of modern football ownership, very few voices operate across both the U.S. and UK ecosystems with true, first-hand experience. In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, Kareem Rae sits down with Christopher Corey, Owner & President of Walton & Hersham FC, to break down what actually works in football, what is fundamentally broken in the United States, and what real structural change could look like ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This is not theory. This is an operator-level conversation on sustainability, governance, cultural differences, and the future of the global game. Key themes include:• Why most U.S. soccer clubs struggle to survive• The reality of running a sustainable football club in England• Cultural gaps between U.S. and UK football ecosystems• Promotion & relegation vs closed league systems• The “murder pyramid” and why grassroots clubs disappear• Media, community, and building a modern football club• What must change in American soccer right now For investors, operators, and leaders across the game, this is a clear look at how football is actually built, financed, and scaled. ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering? Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    1h 8m
  7. Thomas Sowinski - President & Chief Executive Officer at United Soccer Camps

    Mar 23

    Thomas Sowinski - President & Chief Executive Officer at United Soccer Camps

    In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae speaks with Thomas Sowinski, President & Chief Executive Officer of United Soccer Camps, about the structural challenges shaping youth soccer development in the United States. Drawing on experience across governance, grassroots leadership, and player development, Thomas shares his perspective on how the current system influences how players are developed. The conversation explores the incentive structures within youth soccer, the long-standing debate around the pay-to-play model, and how mechanisms like training compensation and solidarity payments could reshape development pathways. Kareem and Thomas also discuss why small-sided environments such as 1v1 and 3v3 can accelerate technical growth, how data and performance metrics could improve player development, and how grassroots programs can complement traditional club structures while focusing on individual skill progression. Thomas explains the philosophy behind United Soccer Camps and why he believes meaningful reform in American soccer must start at the grassroots level. For investors, operators, coaches, and leaders across the soccer ecosystem, this episode provides a clear look at the incentives and structural dynamics shaping youth player development in North America. The One Soccer Nation Podcast produces decision-grade conversations across the global soccer ecosystem documenting how clubs, leagues, and development systems are actually built, financed, and scaled. ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Follow & Stay Connected 👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering? Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    1h 6m
  8. Wendy Damonte - Co-Founder & CEO of Reno Pro Soccer | $350,000,000 Mixed-Use Development in Reno, NV

    Mar 10

    Wendy Damonte - Co-Founder & CEO of Reno Pro Soccer | $350,000,000 Mixed-Use Development in Reno, NV

    In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae speaks with Wendy Damonte, Co Founder and CEO of Reno Pro Soccer, about the structural decisions involved in launching a professional soccer club and stadium anchored mixed use development in Reno, Nevada. Damonte is leading one of the most ambitious emerging projects in the USL ecosystem. The initiative centers on a mixed use district valued at roughly $350 million that combines a professional soccer stadium, entertainment district, hospitality assets, and commercial real estate in the heart of the city. Her path into ownership is unconventional. With experience spanning broadcast journalism, healthcare leadership, and philanthropy, Damonte brings a community first philosophy and a storytelling mindset to building a professional sports organization.   The conversation explores several structural themes shaping modern club development How local ownership and community accountability influence long term sports infrastructure projectsWhy mixed use real estate has become central to the financial sustainability of professional clubsThe strategic transition from a USL League One expansion concept to a USL Championship projectHow stadium design is evolving into year round civic infrastructure rather than single purpose sports venuesCapital formation strategies for projects that combine professional sports assets with real estate developmentLeadership lessons from building a professional club outside traditional sports industry pathways  For investors, operators, and city leaders evaluating professional soccer expansion, the Reno project illustrates how modern clubs are increasingly built as integrated civic developments rather than standalone sports franchises.   Wendy Damonte Contact info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-damonte-842209113/ Email: wendy@renoprosoccer.com ------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected   👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering?   Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com   -------------------------------------------------   © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.   -------------------------------------------------   DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion.   This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC.   The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

    54 min
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The One Soccer Nation Podcast, hosted by Kareem Rae, delivers trusted intelligence, strategic insight, and curated access to investors, operators, and cities navigating the professional soccer ecosystem.

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