IN THIS ISSUE

  • 📺 Introduction: So many soccer shows!

  • 🗓️ Career Tips: The first 30 days

  • ⚽️ Soccer Jobs: 15 new jobs in soccer

  • 📰 Extra Extra: New President & CEO of USL

INTRODUCTION

Hello again, Pathwayers!

This summer’s World Cup has led to what is - without question - the greatest amount of soccer entertainment in our country’s history.

The number of new soccer-specific documentaries and series continues to grow as the big streamers prepare to capture the wave of soccer interest that’s coming this summer.

Here are a couple I’ll be watching in the coming weeks (with direct links to each):

  • U.S. Against the World [HBO Max] - A unprecedented look at the 4-year journey for the USMNT leading into the 2026 World Cup (the first episode dropped last night!).

  • You Don't Know Where I'm From, Dawg [Paramount+] - One of my favorite USMNT players ever, this series tracks the life and career of Clint Dempsey.

  • Ronaldinho: The One and Only [Netflix] - I could watch Ronaldinho highlight reels on YouTube for days. What a player.

  • Summer of ‘94 [FOX] - The tournament and team that changed the course of history for soccer in America. The film debuts May 23.

And there are so many others, too!

Reply and tell us which one you’re most looking forward to or which ones we missed - we can’t respond to every message but we love hearing from you.

-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO

PS: My soccer marketing agency, Name & Number, is casting for an MLS commercial spot being shot in Chicago in June. If interested, click here to learn more. 👀

⚽️ CAREER TIPS: THE FIRST 30 DAYS AFTER YOU GET THE JOB

Getting a job in soccer is a big win.

But here’s something people don’t talk about enough:

Getting the job isn’t the finish line.

It’s the starting point.

What you do in your first 30 days can shape:

  • How people perceive you

  • How much trust you’re given

  • How quickly you grow

And in a fast-moving, high-pressure industry like soccer…

Those early impressions matter a lot.

🧠 THE GOAL: BUILD TRUST (FAST)

In your first month, your job isn’t to impress everyone.

It’s to build trust.

Trust that you will:

  • Show up consistently

  • Do what you say you’ll do

  • Care about the work

  • Be easy to work with

If you get that right, everything else gets easier.

🎯 WHAT TO PRIORITIZE EARLY

1️⃣ Learn Before You Try to Change Things

It’s tempting to come in with ideas right away. Don’t.

First:

  • Understand how things already work (or don’t)

  • Observe how decisions are made

  • Be aware of who is driving decisions

There’s always more context than you think.

2️⃣ Be Reliable (This Is Underrated)

Early on, the fastest way to stand out is simple:

Do what you said you would do.

On time. Every time.

No one expects you to know everything.

But they do expect you to be dependable.

3️⃣ Ask Good Questions

Not just more questions, better ones.

Examples:

  • “What does success look like in this role?”

  • “What tends to slow this process down?”

  • “Where can I add value quickly?”

This shows initiative without overstepping.

4️⃣ Take Notes on Everything

Meetings. Processes. Feedback.

Write it all down.

Why?

Because:

  • You won’t have to ask the same question twice

  • You’ll learn faster

  • You’ll come across as organized and intentional

5️⃣ Find Small Wins

You don’t need a massive project to prove yourself.

Look for:

  • Quick tasks you can complete well

  • Areas where you can help immediately

  • Ways to make someone else’s job easier

Momentum builds confidence for you and your team.

🚫 MISTAKES TO AVOID

❌ Trying to Prove Yourself Too Quickly

You don’t need to “win” in week one (or week two!).

Focus on consistency, not flash.

❌ Acting Like You Have All the Answers

Even if you’ve done similar work before…

Every club, organization, and team operates differently.

Stay humble. Stay curious.

❌ Overpromising

It’s better to:

  • Underpromise

  • Deliver consistently

Then the other way around.

❌ Staying Too Quiet

Yes, you should listen, but don’t disappear.

Speak up when you:

  • Have a thoughtful idea

  • Can add value

  • See something worth mentioning

⚽️ WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Your first 30 days aren’t about being perfect.

They’re about being:

  • Reliable

  • Curious

  • Consistent

If you can build trust early, you’ll:

  • Get more responsibility

  • Be included in more conversations

  • Create more opportunities for yourself

In a small industry like soccer, reputation builds quickly. Make sure yours starts strong.

-Kyle Sheldon, Co-Founder & CEO

NEW SOCCER JOBS

ICYMI: MUST-READ ARTICLES

📰 Extra! Extra! Here are a few quick reads to stay up to date with the latest soccer happenings...

ALSO…

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SEE YOU SOON, SOCCER FRIENDS

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