Hometown FC Podcast

In this episode of Hometown FC, we're joined by tactical analyst Coach Rafaz to break down the 2026 FIFA World Cup from every angle. We dive into the biggest contenders, surprise nations, key players, and the tactical trends shaping the tournament. From pressing structures and defensive blocks to transition play and positional freedom, we explore what separates the teams that survive from the teams that lift the trophy. But this isn't just a World Cup preview. We also discuss what young playe...

On this episode of Hometown FC, we sit down with Jason Collinsworth, host of the I Hate Soccer Podcast — a show built around one simple idea: questioning the game from the outside looking in. We dive into: Why soccer struggles to connect with certain American audiences The real reasons people say the game is “boring” Youth soccer culture in the U.S. — what’s broken and what’s misunderstood College soccer, development pathways, and the gap vs. the rest of...

Everyone says they want to get faster. Very few actually measure it. Oscar — known across Instagram as “The GPS Guy” — is helping change the way players, coaches, and academies understand performance by using real data, GPS tracking, and movement analytics to expose what training alone can’t. This episode breaks down: Why most speed training is guessworkHow GPS data reveals true match intensity and work rateThe metrics elite environments actually monitorWhat acceleration really is — and...

This episode isn’t about hype. It’s about standards. Pa-Modou Ka is a former professional footballer who came through the European system, played at the highest levels of the game, and now operates on the front lines of real player development in the U.S. In this conversation, we go past the highlight reels and get into: What elite environments actually demandWhy most players are training hard but developing wrongThe difference between exposure and preparationWhat separates players who ...

José Campos, Director of the Orlando City SC Academy, joins Hometown FC to share what it takes to build one of the most respected player development programs in the country. With years of experience shaping elite youth environments, Campos offers a deep look into how Orlando City identifies, develops, and elevates top talent to the professional level. In this episode, we dive into how MLS academies are redefining player pathways in the U.S., what true development looks like behind the scene...

Christian Hernandez returns to Hometown FC to share his experiences inside one of the most prestigious youth environments in the country — Barca Residency Academy in Arizona. In this conversation, Christian opens up about what life is really like training under the Barca model, how it’s shaped his development, and what he’s learned since joining one of the top academies in North America. We dig into the differences between club soccer and elite academies, the daily standards that separate the...

Mario Ornelas is the founder of the Playmaker Development Program, one of Southern California’s most respected training systems, known for producing intelligent, technical, and creative players. Beyond the training ground, Mario also works as a scout, connecting top young talent with MLS and Liga MX academies, giving players real access to professional pathways on both sides of the border. In this episode, Mario shares how he’s built a program that blends elite training with real opportunity....

David Dawood is the founder of DD8, a high-performance player development program that connects U.S. talent to opportunities in Spain and France, and a coach with Phoenix Rising Academy. A former professional player and Iraq National Team member, David’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, accountability, and vision. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to lead by example, from his own playing days to building a culture of professionalism in young athletes. David shares h...

Devin Franklin is building a movement in West Phoenix through Franklin Sports Performance. Where faith, culture, and next-level training collide. Known for his motto “Grind & Give Glory to God,” Devon has carved out a lane where athletes don’t just work harder, they work smarter, with purpose. In this episode of Hometown FC, we dive into: How Devon shapes youth, college, and pro athletes through creative, engaging trainingThe meaning behind his philosophy of grinding with discipline while...

On this episode of Hometown FC, we sit down with Valerie Vargas, rising star at UCLA Women’s Soccer and a key player for the Mexico U23 Women’s National Team. Valerie opens up about what it really takes to succeed at one of the top college programs in the country while chasing international dreams with El Tri. From balancing academics and national team call-ups, to handling pressure, sacrifice, and self-belief — this episode is a masterclass in what it means to grind with purpose. We get into...

Description: In this powerful episode of Hometown FC, we sit down with Coach Joe from SoccerViza — a game-changer in the world of player development and international opportunities. Coach Joe shares his raw journey from the traditional system to founding a platform that gives overlooked players a real shot at going pro. We dive into the realities of chasing the dream, the flaws in the current U.S. development model, and how SoccerViza is opening doors across the globe. Whether you're a playe...

From Red Bulls Academy to Pro Grind In this episode, Coach Eric Capone sits down with Alex Tejera, a player whose path through the soccer world has been anything but ordinary. From growing up in the competitive environment of the New York Red Bulls Academy to navigating the highs and lows of college and professional soccer, Alex shares raw insight into what it really takes to make it in the game. We talk development, setbacks, the mental side of the sport, and what’s next for Alex in his jou...

Hear stories about youth development, enjoying the game, building a game model and stories of Didier Drogba from Phoenix Rising Coach Rick Shantz (2018-2022).