League One Fun – Episode 69 – Kickers & NTSC Readying to Play
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Following last week’s episode where USL League One’s Steven Short talked about return to play (listen here), the show moves down to the team level. This week Ira jumps on the phone with Richmond Kickers President Matt Spear and North Texas SC General Manager Matt Denny.
You can find Jason on Twitter @homesweetsoccer, Ira is @irajersey and the show is @league1fun.
Readying to Play: Matt Spear of the Richmond Kickers
Our first Matt talks about how the team is handling the transition from isolation into full team training. He discusses the challenges for the players, team and staff, noting how the Kickers were able to keep all their staff onboard during the Covid-19 experience. Ira asks about how the team has come together with #BlackLivesMatter. The two get deep into the relationship the Kickers have the local television station. Finally they discuss how the Kickers mission to stay in the community has evolved.
Readying to Play: Matt Denny of North Texas SC
After Ira notes the disproportionate number of Matthew’s in League One leadership roles, Matt gives details on how the team’s move to Arlington, TX is going – the benefits and the challenges. The discussion turns to the depth of the squad necessary when the first team is being sequestered in Orlando for at least part of the League One season. As the team is Readying Play, Ira asks where the USL League One Cup is located – and Matt lets everyone know where they’ll be able to find it.
What is League One Fun
League One Fun is the Beautiful Game Network podcast that covers the entirety of USL League One. Jason and Ira discuss the third tier and lowest tier of professional soccer. The two conduct player, coach and front office interviews as well as review matches and league news. Independent franchises include Greenville Triumph, South Georgia Tormenta, Richmond Kickers, Chattanooga Red Wolves, Forward Madison and Union Omaha. The league also includes USL Championship second team FC Tucson. There are now five MLS2 sides. These include Fort Lauderdale CF (InterMiami), New England Revolution II, Toronto FC II, North Texas SC (FC Dallas), and Orlando City B.
