Football Unknown with Kerel

In this episode of the Football Unknown Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Marlo Sweatman! Marlo was born and raised in the U.S., where her passion for the game of football began. Starting with her local club and high school teams, her skills quickly got her noticed by both the U.S. and Jamaican youth national teams. After committing to play Division 1 soccer at Florida State University, Marlo later transferred to the University of Oregon to continue her collegiate career. Her international career took a pivotal turn when, after attending multiple camps, she committed to representing the Jamaican national team. In 2018, Marlo made history as part of the Jamaican women's team that qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever! After her college career, Marlo went pro and signed contracts with clubs in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Hungary. Her journey is a story of determination, passion, and breaking barriers on the world stage. Tune in to hear Marlo Sweatman’s full story and get inspired by her journey in football. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football stories from around the world!

We are excited to welcome Papa Ndoye on this week's episode of the Football Unknown Podcast. Papa's journey begins in his native Senegal, where his early passion for soccer was kindled by familial encouragement and the magnetic allure of professional athletes on television. From eagerly hitting the practice fields in his village to his formative years at the renowned Diambars academy, Papa’s dedication never wavered. His soccer prowess led him from local fields to international attention, attracting scouts from Europe and the U.S. Choosing to chase his dreams in America, Papa embraced the opportunity to play Division 1 soccer on a scholarship, skillfully navigating cultural shifts and language barriers while excelling on the field. Now a professional player for Houston Dynamo, Papa shares invaluable insights into managing the demands of a sports career and education abroad. His story is not just one of sporting achievement but also of profound personal growth and perseverance. Tune in to dive deep into Papa Ndoye’s compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and pursuing excellence on and off the soccer field.

Join us for another thrilling episode of the Football Unknown Podcast, as we welcome back Giacomo Sanvitale for a captivating part two discussion. Giacomo, with his deep-rooted experiences in both American and European soccer, takes a deeper dive into the nuances between the soccer systems of the US, Italy, and Switzerland. He compares the structural and cultural differences that influence the path of young athletes across these regions. In this episode, Giacomo also shares his personal journey through the US college soccer system, offering invaluable advice for aspiring soccer players. Whether you're aiming for a college career or dreaming of going pro, Giacomo's insights are tailored to help you navigate the complexities of soccer pathways. Tune in to gain a unique perspective from someone who has lived the journey and is eager to guide the next generation of soccer talent.

In this inspiring episode of the Football Unknown Podcast, we dive into the journey of Shakur Abdul Mohammed. Born and raised in Ghana, Shakur's soccer talents were nurtured at the prestigious Right to Dream Academy, setting him on a path of athletic and academic excellence. His prowess on the field soon earned him a scholarship to a U.S. boarding school, where his skills caught the eyes of scouts from Duke University. Committing to Duke and leaving high school a year early, Shakur faced the challenges of injuries and adaptation but quickly proved himself by scoring within the first five minutes of a crucial conference game where he got his first college start. Despite interest from MLS clubs in his freshman year, Shakur chose to hone his skills at Duke for another season, a decision that paid off as he shattered his own records in his sophomore year. His outstanding performance led him to be a first-round pick in the MLS draft by Orlando City. Tune in to hear how Shakur's determination, coupled with a unique blend of talent and resilience, propelled him from the fields of Ghana to the spotlight of American soccer.

In this episode of the Football Unknown Podcast, we journey with David Balyeat. Born in the United States but raised in the passionate soccer-loving environment of Argentina, David's early exposure to the game in South America deeply influenced his love for soccer and set the stage for an international career. David's return to the US during his adolescence was marked by cultural shocks and challenges. Struggling to adapt to a different lifestyle and social norms, he found solace and identity on the soccer field. It was here that David not only honed his skills but also began to truly understand his place in both worlds. His dedication to improving his game paid off, eventually leading him beyond high school fields to the professional pitches of Bolivia. After the end of his contract, David returned to the US to pursue college soccer, where he not only furthered his career but also met his future wife. The journey didn't stop there; his talent and passion for the game took him to Spain, where he played professionally, embracing the rigorous demands and vibrant culture of European football. Transitioning from professional play, David found a new avenue to express his love for soccer: freestyling and content creation. These platforms not only showcased his soccer skills but also his creativity and charismatic personality, captivating fans worldwide. Today, David has embraced his role as a motivator and public speaker, using his experiences and faith to inspire others. His mission is to minister for Christ through soccer, demonstrating how the beautiful game can be a powerful medium for change and personal growth. Tune in to hear David Balyeat share his inspiring story, and don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe!