From Pro Soccer to Purpose: Fixing Youth Soccer in America

What if youth soccer in the U.S. wasn’t pay-to-play? Former MLS striker and USL MVP Matt Fondy joins Offside in the Bay to share his journey from professional soccer to building a movement in Oakland. Through Oakland Genesis, he’s creating free access to elite soccer, transportation, and academic support for underserved youth. In this episode: ⚽ The reality of becoming a pro soccer player ⚽ Why the pay-to-play model is failing ⚽ How Oakland Genesis is changing lives ⚽ The future of U.S. Soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup This is more than soccer. This is about opportunity.