IN THIS ISSUE

  • 🤝 Introduction: Smashing records

  • ⚽️ Soccer Jobs: MLS, USL, NWSL…

  • ‼️ Do This Now: How to get started in soccer

  • 📰 Extra Extra: A change to the offside rule?

INTRODUCTION

35 days.

That’s all we have left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America.

The lead up over the last few months has undoubtedly been messy but we’re finally starting to see some of the hype and excitement ramp up.

I’ll admit, a lot of my positivity is due to the epic 5-minute film “Backyard Legends” that adidas dropped this week.

Chalamet. Messi. Yamal. Bellingham. Rodman. Beckham. Zidane.

And so many others.

It’s a must watch and immediately goes into the pantheon of great World Cup promos.

This World Cup won’t be perfect but we’re getting closer to everything that has made it special over the decades - the emerging superstars, the unexpected upsets, the absolute golazos, the global fans, and the celebration of the world’s game.

I can’t wait.

-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO

NEW SOCCER JOBS

⚽️ CAREER TIP: THE 10 CONVERSATIONS YOU SHOULD BE HAVING

When people think about networking, they usually think:

“I just need to talk to the right person.”

But that’s too vague.

And when something is vague… it usually doesn’t happen.

So let’s make this simple.

If you’re trying to break into the soccer industry (or take the next step), here are 10 conversations you should actively be working toward.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Most opportunities in soccer don’t come from applications.

They come from:

  • Conversations

  • Relationships

  • Being top of mind when something opens up

The goal isn’t to “network.”

The goal is to learn, build familiarity, and create momentum.

FIRST 10 CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE IN SOCCER

1. Someone in Your Dream Role

This is the clearest signal.

Find someone doing exactly what you want to do.

Learn:

  • What their day-to-day actually looks like

  • What skills matter most

  • What they wish they knew earlier

2. Someone 2–3 Years Ahead of You

This might be the most valuable conversation on the list.

Why?

Because they were in your shoes recently.

They can give you:

  • Practical, current advice

  • Specific steps that actually worked

  • A realistic path forward

3. Someone in a Different Department

Soccer organizations are more complex than people think.

You might be interested in marketing… but someone in partnerships, operations, or ticketing might be able to:

  • Open your eyes to new paths

  • Give you a broader understanding of the business

  • Help you find a better fit

4. Someone Who Recently Got Hired

This is one of the most overlooked conversations.

They just went through the process.

Ask them:

  • What stood out in interviews

  • What they did differently

  • What actually helped them land the role

5. Someone at a Smaller Club or Organization

Don’t just focus on the biggest names.

Smaller clubs:

  • Offer more hands-on experience

  • Often have less competition

  • Can accelerate your learning

6. Someone Who Left the Industry (or Pivoted)

This gives you a perspective most people never get.

Learn:

  • Why they left

  • What they’d do differently

  • What challenges they faced

It helps you make better long-term decisions.

7. Someone You Have a Real Connection With

Same school. Same hometown. Mutual connection.

Start here.

These conversations are:

  • Easier to initiate

  • More natural

  • More likely to turn into real relationships

8. Someone Whose Work You Respect

Maybe it’s:

  • A campaign

  • A piece of content

  • A project they led

Reach out and tell them specifically why it stood out.

That alone puts you ahead of most people.

9. Someone Early in Their Career (Like You)

Networking isn’t just “up,” it’s also sideways.

Your peers today:

  • Grow with you

  • Move into roles

  • Become decision-makers over time

10. Someone You’ve Already Spoken To (Follow-Up)

This is where most people drop the ball.

One conversation is good, but staying in touch is what creates:

  • Trust

  • Familiarity

  • Real opportunity

Follow up, check in, and stay top of mind.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

You don’t need to “know the right people” to get started.

You just need a plan.

Start with one conversation, then another, then another…

Over time, you’re doing more than networking, you’re building a presence in the industry.

If you want a simple challenge:

👉 Aim for 2–3 conversations per week

That’s 100+ conversations in a year.

And in a small industry like soccer…

That changes everything.

-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO

ICYMI: MUST-READ ARTICLES

📰 A few soccer-specific articles to keep you in the know.

  • 🤝 USL & Players Union Reach Landmark CBA Deal - [via USL Championship] After 21 months of negotiations, the USL and USL Players Association reached a tentative CBA agreement. On the financial side, the minimum salary for USL Championship players will rise to $42,000 — an increase of $11,000 — while players in the new USL Premier tier will earn a minimum of $67,500. The deal runs through 2030

  • ⚽ Kei Kamara Announces Retirement - [via MLS] The legendary MLS striker played for a record 12 MLS clubs - Kamara’s 147 goals rank 2nd in MLS history. Amazing career.

  • 📅 NWSL Calendar Flip Tabled - [via CBS Sports] A vote that nearly reshaped the entire league was pulled from the agenda just days ago. The NWSL will continue its spring-to-fall schedule through 2028, 2029, and 2030.

ALSO…

  1. If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up here to ensure you get every issue (sent on Tuesdays!) directly in your inbox.

  2. And, if you’re a club or brand looking to get in front of ambitious talent in soccer, drop us a line.

FOLLOW ALONG

SEE YOU SOON, SOCCER FRIENDS

Keep Reading

© 2026 Pathway LLC.
Report abusePrivacy policyTerms of use
beehiivPowered by beehiiv