Stone by Stone headed to the Chicago Fire FC wildcard playoff match to talk to supporters about the evolution of soccer culture in Chicago, and with Jake Payne to explore multi-national soccer fandom.Website | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/LinkTree | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle—✅ Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences with international soccer.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations!#chicagofire #SoccerFandom #bundesliga #AmericanSoccer #mls #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #RedLineSG #mlsplayoffs #ecfc #GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰
In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with longtime friend and coaching leader Tom Roe, Director of Coaching at Northwind Soccer Club. From his childhood in Scarborough, England to building a youth soccer culture in Chicago, Tom shares insights on coaching philosophy, youth development, and how his background in psychology helps shape his approach on and off the field.
💬 Topics covered include:
Whether you're a coach, parent, player, or just love the game, find out what it really takes to grow soccer stone by stone.
Website | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/
LinkTree | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle
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✅ Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences in youth sports or coaching.
🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations!
#YouthSoccer #CoachingPhilosophy #ManchesterUnited #AmericanSoccer #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #NorthwindSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #GrassrootsSoccer #GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰
Local artist Kadin McGreevy talks about his late blooms into art and soccer, two things that now play major roles in his life. Learn the story behind the Idaho-native responsible for ECFC’s beautiful matchday posters and exclusive merch on this episode of Stone by Stone, presented by Tightrope Recording.
#GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰
In the most recent episode of Stone by Stone podcast, Andrew Swanson sits down with Lamont Lynn and Senad Drpljanin, the co-founders of Chicago’s PXM Fitness. The pair share how they transformed an Edgewater CrossFit box into today’s thriving full-service gym.
Listeners hear the founders’ inspiring backstories: Lamont, a lifelong Chicago athlete, recalls playing football and running track through high school and channeling early childhood hardships into the drive to support others.
Senad describes moving from Macedonia in 2012 to chase a fitness career, leaving law school, and even earning the title “2020 Fittest in Macedonia” after qualifying for the 2020 CrossFit Games.
Find out more about them at pxmfitness.com
Andrew Swanson welcomes former pro soccer player David Abidor to Stone by Stone. They discuss David’s childhood in Lincolnwood as the son of Ukrainian immigrants, his introduction to soccer through his father's influence, and his development as a youth player in Chicago. David recounts his college soccer career at Dayton and Creighton, and the rollercoaster ride of his professional career, including playing in the U.S., Sweden, Finland, and Israel. Now a coach at the Chicago Fire Academy, David shares insights on youth development, coaching philosophies, and how his playing days inform his approach to mentoring young athletes. The episode wraps up with David’s predictions for the 2026 World Cup and what the future holds for U.S. soccer.
Key Topics:
Growing up as a Ukrainian-American in Chicago
Transitioning from youth soccer to college and professional play
Experiences playing in Sweden, Finland, and Israel
The challenges and rewards of a journeyman soccer career
Moving from playing professionally to coaching
Youth development in the U.S. and the Chicago Fire Academy
2026 World Cup predictions
In this insightful episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson welcomes Sean Phillips, the Head Coach of the UIC Flames men's soccer program. Journey with Coach Phillips as he recounts his formative years in the heart of Texas, tracing his early passion and development through the youth soccer landscape. From the fields of his childhood to the sidelines of a prominent NCAA Division I program in Chicago, Phillips shares the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped his career. Discover the dedication and vision that have defined his long-standing leadership of one of the city's top collegiate soccer programs, and learn more about his perspective on the game as a whole in our country in this engaging conversation.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation on Stone By Stone this week! Host Andrew Swanson welcomes Ben Lindau, who shares his remarkable journey from childhood soccer dreams in the Windy City to navigating a life-altering stroke at a young age. Ben opens up about his formative years, his passion for the beautiful game, his experience as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, finding Edgewater Castle FC in Chicago and his experiences representing his country for the United States Men's CP National Team. Tune in to hear Ben's powerful story of resilience, positivity, and the unwavering spirit that has shaped his extraordinary path.
To learn more about getting involved in the United States Extended National Teams, visit the following webpage: https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/mens-cp-national-team
"The CP MNT is for eligible qualifying players with Cerebral Palsy, stroke or traumatic brain injury. If you or someone you know qualifies for the Men’s CP National Team and plays at a high level, you can contact us via email at ExtendedNT@ussoccer.org for more information on potential playing opportunities." - USSF
Step into the history (and the present) of Chicago Fire FC with Episode 17 of the Stone By Stone Podcast, where we sit down with the club's seasoned Sr. Vice President, Paul Cadwell.
Journey back to his roots in the north of England, hearing tales of youthful ambition and the intensity of club football trials that shaped his early aspirations. Paul then shares his initial experiences of moving to the vibrant city of Chicago, a world away from his upbringing. The heart of the episode lies in his remarkable 27-year tenure with Chicago Fire FC, a captivating story of dedication and growth.
From his early days as a ticket sales representative to his current role in the club's leadership, Paul offers invaluable insights into the evolution of the club, the passion of its fanbase, and the enduring spirit that defines Chicago Fire FC.
In Episode 16 of Stone By Stone, host Andrew Swanson has a compelling conversation with James Kitia, beloved co-founder of Edgewater Castle FC.
James shares his incredible journey, from growing up in Tanzania, the founding of Edgewater Castle FC and the unwavering support the club receives from the Tanzanian community in Chicago.
This episode also takes a heartfelt moment to celebrate the life and legacy of the late GSan, a renowned Tanzanian Hip Hop artist and devoted supporter of the club, reflecting on his impact and the community's collective remembrance.
👤 Guest: James Kitia
📍 Co-Founder & Vice President - Edgewater Castle Football Club
In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Ryan Helgeson, immigration attorney at McEntee Law Group, to dive into the world of U.S. immigration law.
Ryan breaks down key visa types like the O-1 for extraordinary ability, H-1B, L-1, and EB-1 green cards, while also sharing his passion for immigrant rights and how his personal background fuels his work. Whether you're an artist, startup founder, or just curious about immigration law, this episode has something for you.
👤 Guest: Ryan Helgeson
📍 Firm: McEntee Law Group
🎓 J.D. from DePaul University College of Law
🔥 Stone by Stone – Ep. 14: Chatting with Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Chris Brady 🔥
In this episode, host Lauren Hall sits down with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady to talk about his journey from youth soccer to the professional stage. We dive into his experiences in MLS, the challenges of being a young goalkeeper, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
🚀 Topics We Cover:
✅ Chris Brady’s path to becoming a pro goalkeeper
✅ The mental and physical demands of the position
✅ His experiences with the U.S. Youth National Team
✅ Advice for aspiring academy players
✅ "Cars"
🔥 In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Lauren Hall sits down with @chi_kacee, a professional video game player, content creator, and host working with Manchester City and EA Sports FC! From growing up in Chicago to making a career out of playing video games, @chi_kacee shares her incredible journey, the challenges of being a female streamer, and her passion for soccer. ⚽🎮
🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ How @chi_kacee turned her love for gaming into a full-time career
✅ Working with Manchester City & EA Sports
✅ The challenges women face in esports & streaming
✅ Her deep connection to Chicago & the local soccer scene
✅ Advice for aspiring content creators
🔴 Welcome back to Stone by Stone! 🔴
In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Professor Andy Markovits, a leading expert on sports culture, nationalism, and soccer’s evolution in the U.S. They discuss:
⚽ Andy’s journey from political sociology to becoming a leading voice in soccer studies
⚽ Why soccer has struggled to reach mainstream status in the U.S.
⚽ How globalization and technology are changing fandom
⚽ The impact of nationalism on sports culture
⚽ The 2026 World Cup and what it means for soccer in America
⚽ Andy’s deep-rooted love for Manchester United and key moments that shaped his fandom
This conversation is packed with insights on the history, culture, and future of soccer—both in the U.S. and globally!
📖 Books Mentioned:
Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism
Gaming the World: How Sports Are Reshaping Global Politics and Culture
In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with John Dorn, a veteran soccer coach, Chicago soccer legend, and current executive with Peoria City in USL2. John shares his incredible journey—from growing up in Chicago’s Southwest Side to playing in the city’s ethnic soccer scene, transitioning into coaching at a young age, and eventually playing a key role in youth development with the Chicago Fire.
John also opens up about his experience coming out professionally in 2022 and the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in soccer. Plus, we dive into the growth of MLS, the evolving soccer landscape in the U.S., and what the Fire and other clubs can do to better engage with their communities.
🎙 Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ Growing up in Chicago’s Irish Catholic and multicultural soccer scene
✅ Coaching at 14 and the transition from player to mentor
✅ The evolution of MLS & U.S. soccer development
✅ His time with the Chicago Fire and shaping youth pathways
✅ Coming out as a gay man in the soccer world
✅ His current role with Peoria City and building sustainable soccer projects
✅ The future of the Fire and Chicago soccer culture
Welcome back to Stone by Stone, the Edgewater Castle podcast where we explore the beautiful game from every angle! In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Ross LeBeau to discuss his journey from growing up in Chicago to playing professional soccer. They dive into the challenges of the U.S. soccer system, the evolution of the game, and what the future holds for young players. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with passion, nostalgia, and plenty of great stories from the pitch! ⚽🔥 #StoneByStone #SoccerPodcast #ChicagoSoccer #WelcomeToEdgewater #GoRooks #VamosRooks
Welcome back to Stone by Stone! In this episode, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Jake Campbell, founder of the Red Line Supporters Group, to dive deep into Chicago’s thriving soccer culture. ⚽
Jake shares his journey from casual fan to community leader, his experiences with supporting both the Chicago Fire & Red Stars, and the importance of amateur and pickup soccer in growing the game. We also discuss the Fire’s exciting 2025 season, key roster changes, and how you can get involved in Chicago’s supporter scene!
👉 Topics Covered:
✅ Jake’s journey into soccer culture & supporter leadership
✅ How Red Line Supporters are shaping Chicago’s soccer scene
✅ The Fire’s offseason moves & what to expect in 2025
✅ The rise of amateur & pickup soccer in the city
✅ How you can get involved—whether as a diehard fan or casual player
✅ Where to watch the Fire’s season opener & join the fun!
📍 Join Red Line Supporters – https://www.redlinesg.com/join-us
📍 Find RLSG at Weeds Tavern for Fire Watch Parties
📢 Welcome back to the Stone by Stone Podcast! In this episode, host Gareth Mullins, Director of Communications at Edgewater Castle, sits down with Jhamie Chin, Senior Director of Sporting Communications for Chicago Fire FC, to talk about his journey in sports media, the growth of soccer in America, and what it takes to succeed in the industry. ⚽🔥
🔹 Topics Covered:
✔ Jhamie’s background and how soccer shaped his life
✔ The rapid growth of soccer in the U.S. and MLS’s role
✔ His transition from aspiring pharmacist to sports communications
✔ Inside the PR world at Chicago Fire FC
✔ Flying to Switzerland within 24 hours for Xherdan Shaqiri’s signing announcement
✔ The impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soccer
✔ Advice for breaking into the industry
✔ Fun rapid-fire questions, including dream players to watch live!
In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with Ally Schlegel, forward for the Chicago Stars, to talk about her incredible journey from a soccer-loving kid in Colorado to a professional athlete. Ally shares insights on her competitive childhood, college soccer career at Penn State, and the challenges of transitioning to the pros.
She also opens up about her advocacy for gender equity in sports, her experience speaking before the Chicago City Council, and what drives her to keep improving on and off the field. Plus, we wrap up with some rapid-fire questions, including her toughest opponents, dream soccer destinations, and more!
🔥 Topics Covered:
✅ Growing up in Colorado’s strong soccer culture
✅ Her recruitment & success at Penn State
✅ The draft process & transition to professional soccer
✅ Advocating for women’s sports equity
✅ Goals for the upcoming season & leadership growth
#WelcomeToEdgewater #GoRooks #VamosRooks #AllySchlegel #ChicagoStars #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #NWSL #PennState #WomenInSports
🎙 Welcome to Stone by Stone – Episode 6!
In this episode, host Tom Arnison sits down with John Garcia, a local video professional and the creator of G in Tech Sports, an Instagram page dedicated to showcasing the best soccer plays in the Chicagoland area.
🚀 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🔹 How G & TACC Sports Started – John’s journey from player to content creator
🎥 Content Creation Insights – How John and his brother capture and edit soccer highlights
⚡ The Meaning Behind "G & TACC"
🥅 John’s Soccer Journey – From late starter to competitive goalkeeper
📈 Challenges & Growth – Gaining access to games and growing to 20K followers
👟 Future Plans – Expanding the brand and entering new verticals
🔥 Rapid-Fire Q&A – Goal celebrations, favorite plays to capture, and more!
📲 Follow G&Tacc Sports: @gntacc.sports
📌 Follow Edgewater Castle:
Instagram: @EdgewaterCastle
Twitter: @EdgewaterCastle
Website: www.edgewatercastlefc.com
#EdgewaterCastleFC #FootballStories #StoneByStonePodcast
Welcome to Stone by Stone, the official podcast of Edgewater Castle! 🎙
In Episode 5, host Lauren Hall sits down with Chicago Fire star Kellyn Acosta to dive into his journey from Plano, Texas, to becoming a professional soccer player in the MLS. Kellyn opens up about his experiences as a multiracial athlete, the challenges he faced in his youth, and how he found his identity both on and off the field.
Discover Kellyn's passion for fashion, his mission to empower underprivileged youth through the Kellyn Acosta Foundation, and his exciting plans with Edgewater Castle. Plus, hear his advice for young people looking to make a difference in their communities.
🔗 Highlights of this episode:
Kellyn’s introduction to Edgewater Castle
Growing up in Plano, Texas, and discovering soccer
Overcoming challenges as a youth player
Kellyn’s unique identity and societal perceptions
Launching the Kellyn Acosta Foundation
Advice for young changemakers
Give episode 5 of Stone by Stone podcast a listen - available now!
#StoneByStone #WelcomeToEdgewater🌊🏰 #SoccerPodcast