Soccer 101

Latest Episodes:

#166 What is the Copa Libertadores and why are Brazilian clubs suddenly so dominant in it? Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Graham and Taylor head to South America to discuss one of the longest-running, most prestigious club competitions in world soccer: the Copa Libertadores. What is it, how does it work, who can play in it, and how do they qualify? Plus, which clubs have been the most successful historically, and how have Brazilian clubs come to dominate it more recently?

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#165 What are match programmes and why do they exist? Mar 30, 2024

Show notes

It's a Ripped-from-the-headlines-of-the-life-of-Graham Special! What are match programmes and why are they still around? Do they exist in other sports and in other countries around the globe? How long have they been a thing? What are some of Graham's favorites, and will anything ever top the one with John McGinn on the cover? Answer: no.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#164 What does a captain actually do? Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor don their respective armbands to discuss captains in soccer. What do they actually do? For how long has the role existed? What are the different types, and styles? Who are some of the most notable captains in soccer history? And, perhaps most importantly, who is the best Scotland captain to ever roam the pitch? Graham has thoughts!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#163 What are parachute payments, why do they exist, and what are their positives and negatives? Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

MONEY PLEASE! On this week's episode, we're discussing Parachute Payments! What they are, how they work, and why they exist. Plus, the benefits and drawbacks to their usage in England, the role they've played in further stratifying the English football pyramid.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#162 What is doping and how prevalent is it in soccer? Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode, Graham is fresh from some injections and ready to join Taylor in discussing doping in soccer. What is it? How many different forms of doping are there? How do players get tested and what happens if they get caught? How prevalent has it been in the history of the sport? And how widespread might it be in the present day? All that and more in a somewhat depressing but mostly enlightening conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#161 Hooligans and Football: where does the term come from, when did hooliganism first come to prominence, and how prevalent does it remain today? Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

This week, Graham and Taylor avoid fisticuffs to instead talk out the history of hooligans (and hooliganism) in football! We answer a variety of questions on the topic, including...

1) What does the word "hooligan" mean, and from where does it originate?

2) When were the peak years for hooliganism in football?

3) What are the most famous examples of hooligan activity in history?

4) How are hooligans and hooligan groups portrayed in media?

5) How big of a problem does it remain today?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode! The Can I Kick It podcast discusses the new joint Anti-Discrimination Policy by MLS, MLSPA, and Black Players for Change Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

A bonus episode this week! We're cross-posting an episode from our friends over at the Can I Kick It podcast. Host Elliot Bar sits down with Greggo from For the Culture to discuss the new joint Anti-Discrimination Policy by MLS, MLSPA, and Black Players for Change. They get into how the policy came to be, why it was necessary in the first place, how other leagues should take note, and much more!

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Can I Kick it is a podcast built on telling the stories of Black athletes, coaches, and owners that have impacted the game of soccer on and off the pitch. With all the wonderful footballers from Africa, Europe, The Caribbeans, and The Americas, it is shocking to see that no one has made a podcast dedicated to them. Each episode breaks down the career path of an individual person and focuses on their legacy and lasting impact on the beautiful game. Follow the show on Twitter at @CIKIFC or on Instagram @Canikickitfc.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#160 Everything you need to know about The Designated Player Rule in Major League Soccer Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

This week, Graham and Taylor discuss a topic that they somehow haven't yet discussed on the podcast... Designated Players!

What is a DP? Why does the concept exist in the first place? How has the reliance on DPs evolved over time? Who are the most notable Designated Players in MLS history? What does the future hold for the DP rule? Plus, Graham helpfully runs through the list of DC United's all-time DPs while Taylor silently weeps. Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#159 What is an interim manager, and who are the most successful examples in soccer history? Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

On this week's episode, Taylor (who could be sacked at any moment) and Graham (waiting to take over as Interim Podcast Host) discuss Interim Managers. When should a club appoint one? Are there different types? Is it always a bad sign when one comes in? And who are the most successful examples in soccer history? Graham also manages to get in multiple shots at Manchester United, much to Taylor's chagrin. Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#158 What are soccer's biggest conspiracy theories? Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Graham and Taylor don their tin foil caps to discuss soccer's greatest conspiracy theories, and attempt to determine which ones are completely fictional (most of them) and which ones have some truth to them (some of them). Topics covered include...

1) Nike forced Ronaldo to play the 1998 World Cup final

2) A swimming pool scandal ended Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands career

3) Colombia’s secret service stung Bobby Moore at the 1970 World Cup

4) The 1958 World Cup was faked by the CIA

5) An Arsenal-supporting chef was behind Tottenham’s Lasagna-gate

6) Steven Gerrard missed a penalty to get Roy Hodgson sacked

7) Argentina gave Brazil tranquilizers during a knockout round game at the 1990 World Cup

8) South Korea got favorable treatment to ensure the host nation advanced far into the 2002 World Cup

9) FIFA was bribed to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively (this one started as a conspiracy theory and is now... a little more than that)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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