Hometown FC EP #27: Coach Rafaz

Hometown FC Podcast EP #28: Alex Tejera & Christian Hernandez

What does world-class player development actually look like? And what can the biggest tournament in football teach us about developing the next generation? On this episode of Hometown FC, we sit down with Alex Tejera and Christian Hernandez from Barça Residency Academy for an in-depth conversation on elite coaching, player development, and the biggest tactical trends emerging from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this episode we discuss: *  What the World Cup is teaching us about the modern game  *  The tactical trends every coach should be watching  *  How Barça develops intelligent, creative players  *  Why some talented players reach the top while others don't  *  Technical ability vs. decision-making in elite development  *  Lessons players, coaches, and parents can apply immediately  Whether you're chasing the next level, coaching the next generation, or simply obsessed with football, this episode is packed with insights from two coaches developing players every day while breaking down the biggest tournament in the world. 🎙️ Hometown FC — From local streets to global stages.

Hometown FC EP #27: Coach Rafaz

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 players, coaches, and parents can learn from watching the world's best compete on the biggest stage. Do tactics matter more than principles of play? What traits consistently show up in successful World Cup teams? How can youth players apply those lessons to their own development? Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or soccer junkie, this episode will completely change how you watch the World Cup. Topics include: • The favorites and dark horses • The tactical systems most likely to succeed • Why principles often matter more than formations • Key players who could define the tournament • Common traits shared by World Cup winners • Lessons youth players can take directly from the world's best • How the international game differs from club football • What coaches should be watching beyond the scoreline From local streets to global stages, this is your complete tactical guide to the World Cup.

Hometown FC Podcast EP #26: Matt Sheldon

What does it actually take to go from college soccer… to the pros… to building one of the biggest soccer platforms in the world? On this episode of Hometown FC, we sit down with Matt Sheldon — former Division 1 player, professional footballer, and the face behind Become Elite, a platform that’s impacted millions of players worldwide. We get into: *  The real jump from D1 soccer to the professional level  *  What separates players who make it… and the ones who don’t  *  The truth about consistency, discipline, and daily habits  *  How he built Become Elite into a global brand  *  The balance between chasing the pro dream and building something bigger  No fluff. Just real insight from someone who’s lived it at every level — on the field and off. If you’re serious about the game, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ Hometown FC — from local streets to global stages

Hometown FC Podcast Ep #25- Jason Collinsworth

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 the world  *  What soccer people get wrong when defending the game  This isn’t an echo chamber. It’s a real conversation that challenges assumptions from both sides. 🎙️ Hometown FC — from local streets to global stages

Hometown FC Podcast EP #24- Andrew May

What actually separates elite performers from everyone else? In this episode of the Hometown FC Podcast, we sit down with Andrew May, a leading expert in human performance, leadership, and high-performance psychology. Andrew has worked with Olympic athletes, professional sports organizations, and major global companies to help individuals unlock their full potential. We dive deep into the science behind performance, discipline, and sustainable success. Topics include: ⚽ The real drivers of elite performance  🧠 The psychology behind high achievers  📈 How top athletes manage stress and pressure  💥 Why recovery, energy management, and routines matter  🏆 What separates good performers from world-class ones Whether you're an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, or someone chasing excellence, this conversation is packed with insights on how to perform at a higher level in sport and in life. From Local Streets to Global Stages. If you want, I can also write: • a more viral YouTube version • an SEO-optimized version • a short Instagram caption • a hook for the first 5 seconds of the episode • a viral clip caption from the interview. Andrew May has coached at lafc academy, la galaxy academy, and rsl academy. he has devleoped and coached multple players who have gone pro. Here’s a refined description that highlights Andrew May’s credibility and makes the episode stronger for YouTube/Spotify: Episode Title: Developing Pro Players: Inside MLS Academies with Andrew May | Hometown FC Podcast Description: What does it really take to develop professional soccer players? In this episode of the Hometown FC Podcast, we sit down with Andrew May, a highly respected academy coach who has worked with some of the top youth development environments in the United States, including LAFC Academy, LA Galaxy Academy, and Real Salt Lake Academy. Andrew has helped develop and coach multiple players who have gone on to sign professional contracts, giving him a unique perspective on what separates players who make it from those who fall short. In this conversation we break down: ⚽ What MLS academies are really looking for in young players  🧠 The biggest development mistakes youth players make  📈 The pathway from academy soccer to the professional level  🔥 The traits that consistently show up in future pros  🏆 What parents and players misunderstand about elite development If you’re serious about player development, academy soccer, or understanding how top environments build professionals, this episode delivers real insight from inside the system. From Local Streets to Global Stages.