Footwork

On this episode, we sat down with the team behind Kicks for CHiPS an annual high school soccer tournament in Brooklyn that’s using the game to make a real impact off the field. Founded by Saint Ann’s students Repin Minoff, Leif Moen, and Dempsey Gonya, Kicks for CHiPS brings together players from across the borough for a competitive 5v5 double-elimination tournament, all while raising money for CH...

Professional soccer in the United States is growing fast but behind the scenes, things aren’t always as stable as they seem. In this episode, Jake and Sean sit down with veteran pro Conor Doyle to talk about the shocking news that South Georgia Tormenta FC will not compete in the upcoming USL League One season just weeks before kickoff. Conor, who started his career at Derby County F.C. and later...

nsights into USL League One: Pay, Trials, & What People Don’t Know In this episode, Sean Vinberg and Jake Keegan break down the real reality of USL League One. We answer the questions players and fans actually want to know but rarely hear discussed. Topics like USL League One pay and salaries, trials and contracts, league standards, fan support, insurance, field conditions, and what life is re...

The full video version of this episode is available on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/Nc8XB4Wchvc Sean Vinberg and Jake Keegan sit down with Ollie Wright to explore the twists and turns of his unique football journey. Coming off a breakout year with the Portland Hearts of Pine, Ollie looks back on the challenges that shaped him. From limited minutes in his first pro season to a tough i...

In this episode, Sean and Jake sit down with Brecc Evans, an American defender currently playing in USL League One with FC Naples. Over the past seven years, Brecc has carved out a steady career in U.S. soccer, logging six seasons in League One and a season in the USL Championship. We dive into what it really takes to stay ready at the professional level: the details of his preparation, how he fue...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube at Footwork Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynrmfdp_Zvg&t=2186s In this episode, Sean Vinberg and special co-host Jake Keegan sit down with Mikey Lopez, a seasoned professional and former MLS midfielder, for a raw and thoughtful conversation about the highs and lows of football. From youth national team appearances to the grind of staying relevant in...

We sat down with José Galán , the ultimate football journeyman whose career has taken him across more than 16 countries (without counting trials!) and countless cultures. From the pitches of Spain to the far corners of Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, Galán has lived the dream in a way few others have, through adaptation, resilience, and an unshakable love and passion for the game. Just look at...

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube at Footwork Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0phL3mSfBKU In this episode, Sean Vinberg sits down with Nathan Messer , professional soccer player for Portland Hearts of Pine , for an honest and inspiring conversation about his unique path in the game. From early challenges to breakthrough moments, Nate shares the ups and downs of his journey and what it tru...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mael Corboz, captain of 3. Liga side Arminia Bielefeld, who are making headlines with one of the most remarkable DFB Pokal runs in recent memory. Against all odds, Bielefeld have knocked out one 2. Bundesliga team and four Bundesliga giants — including title contenders Bayer Leverkusen — to earn a place in the final. We dive into the mindset behind this underdog st...

2025 is off to an interesting start! We know we haven't been publishing new episodes so often but that's all about to change. BUT FIRST, we get an update from the boys and a Footwork favorite and USL League One legend Jake Keegan. Sean and Jake have both recently signed new contracts for the new club Portland Hearts of Pine. A fantastic organization, making waves for it's pride, marketing, and com...

Welcome back to Footwork. Sean and Dylan have enjoyed a decent career up until this point. But you're only as good as your last game and for our hosts, it is no different. The boys talk about the journey that they are currently on, trying to get a new contract in the USA after playing abroad or playing for a team that folded and all the things that come with it. From open to invite-only trials, US...

Professional footballer Justin Rennicks is currently playing for AC Oulu in Finland's Veikkausliiga. He has played in the MLS, USL Championship and USL League One as well as taking the field for the USA in the U-20 World Cup. Having over 30 appearances in the MLS for the New England Revolution, Justin decided to leave the comfort of his hometown and make the bold move to Finland, where he is now t...

We sat down for the second time with sport psychologist Dan Abrahams. Dan has worked some of the world's best athletes including premier league players and most recently with Arne Slot at Feyenoord during their title winning season. Even Gareth Bale said Dan's book "Soccer Tough" was life changing. It's been over 2 years since we had him on and he has furthered his insights into how athletes tick....

We sat down with the powerful Satara Murray, a professional soccer player for Sheffield United whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Austin, Satara's love for the game propelled her to a national championship with the UNC Tar Heels, marking the beginning of an impressive career. From her debut with Liverpool to stints in the NWSL with Houston Dash and Racing...

THE FULL VIDEO VERSION IS AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI7ss7b7BWU&t=2180s Sean sits down with Ashkanov Apollon, a Haitian international who defied the odds to carve out a successful career in professional soccer despite starting at the age of 17. Ash shares the fascinating story behind his late start, explaining how his love for the game ignited and how he managed to...

We sat down with American professional soccer player Sam Rogers. At 25 years old, Sam has spent time playing in the USL Championship, Norway's First and Second tier, US Youth National Team and has made 1 appearance for the US Men's National Team. Sam shares his unique journey with us, from deciding to pursue the professional route instead of college, playing a few seasons in the USL Championship,...

Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from our episode with Caleb Stanko, the former Bundesliga and MLS player who was most recently in Greece's top league. We discuss some of the best advice he's ever received on how to approach games in a calm manner and how to respond after making mistakes. All from two legend of the game, Frank Lampar...

Dylan and Sean talk about the new Pro deal Sean signed recently. After spending 1 season in Mongolia and almost 7 years in Germany, Sean is finally back playing in the US. They talk about the importance of staying game ready, networking and how it lead to this opportunity for Sean, having confidence going into a trial, Sean's debut this past weekend, USL League One as a whole, what Sean misses abo...

Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from our episode with Peter Swinkels, the former USL League One goalkeeper who recently decided to retire from the sport of soccer. In this snippet we talk about that transition into the business world and the similarities that he found. As well as the topic of self-identity as a footballer and having...

We recently connected with American professional soccer player Caleb Stanko. At 31, Caleb has experienced the highs and lows of a soccer career that spans multiple countries and leagues. A current free agent, Caleb has played across 4 countries and even has a cap for the USMNT. Caleb shares his journey from moving to Germany as a teenager to join SC Freiburg, making his Bundesliga debut, and adapt...

We sat down with Joe Gyau, a professional American soccer player whose journey has taken him from Silver Spring, Maryland to the soccer pitches of Europe and beyond. At just 17, Joe made the bold decision to leave his home and pursue his dream in Germany, joining the ranks of TSG Hoffenheim. In Germany, Joe spent time with renowned clubs such as FC St. Pauli, Borussia Dortmund, SG Sonnenhof Großas...

Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from our episode with Jordan Bender, the former Orlando City, Cape Town City, and Charlotte Independence midfielder who is now playing in the Latvian first tier. We talk everything Flow State. Entering it, keeping it, the differences we find in our game, tricks and tips and comparing to the best athle...

We sat down with Peter Swinkels, the former USL League One goalkeeper who recently decided to hang up his boots and explore life beyond the soccer field. Peter's career has seen him play for teams like One Knox and Spokane Velocity, with formative experiences in the Netherlands shaping his professional journey. We delve into Peter's decision to retire and how he knew it was the right time to step...

In this exciting episode, we're joined by Chris Griebsch, the co-founder of Warubi Sports and a former professional soccer player with an enlightening journey. 🌏⚽️ Chris shares his unique story of transitioning from the soccer fields to the entrepreneurial world. We'll dive into his soccer career that took him to playing at Hofstra University in New York, the sunny shores of Australia, the beaut...

In this exciting episode, we're joined by Chris Griebsch, the co-founder of Warubi Sports and a former professional soccer player with an enlightening journey. 🌏⚽️ Chris shares his unique story of transitioning from the soccer fields to the entrepreneurial world. We'll dive into his soccer career that took him to playing at Hofstra University in New York, the sunny shores of Australia, the beaut...