If you’re excited about the World Cup but wondering how to make it work with kids, this episode is for you.

Emily and Kyle share two easy, family-friendly entry points that don’t require you to be a soccer expert: the hands-on, high-energy Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett (with a soccer skills experience kids can play, not just watch), and the community-centered Sno-Isle Libraries, including their big “Kick It at the Library” event and a bunch of smaller ways to join in.

You’ll also hear from Dr. Elee Wood, CEO of Imagine Children’s Museum, on why interactive spaces help kids connect big events to real life — and from Katie Leone, marketing and communications manager at Sno-Isle Libraries, on how the library is building welcoming, all-ages programming (plus reading lists, summer reading tie-ins, and even a FIFA Wii party).

In this episode

• A simple framework for planning a “World Cup Day” with kids: pick your vibe (big energy, movement + structure, or calm)
• What the Imagine Children’s Museum soccer experience includes (penalty kick challenge, dribble course, and more)
• Why the library might be the most underrated way to join the World Cup community
• How to get ready if you’re new to soccer: reading lists, events calendars, and low-pressure ways to learn the lingo

• Imagine Children's Museum
• Sno-Isle Library Events Page
• Kids Reading List - Here Comes the World Cup
• Sports Fiction Reading List
• Giants of Soccer Reading List

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Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Everett Chamber

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Emily and Kyle talk directly to Snohomish County business owners (and the locals who want to support them). The message is simple: you don’t need to become a soccer expert — you just need a plan.

First, we break down what “activation” really means for most local businesses: hospitality. Small, visible signals that say “we’re ready for you” during the predictable moments of a big soccer summer — pre-game planning, between-match wandering, and post-match celebrating.

Then we bring in real examples from people already doing it: Wendy Poischbeg (Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce) on how to connect what you already do with what people are excited about, Nikki Koth (Stoup Brewing) on scaling watch parties and marketing with newsletters and community partners, Cheryl Rose (Soccer Post) on simple take-home ideas that bring customers back, and Jamie French-Bialek (Snohomish Sports Dome) on getting small-town businesses involved.

Takeaways

• The best activations are not complicated — they’re specific and repeatable.
• “Activation” is mostly hospitality: one or two small choices that make it easier for people to choose you.
• Any business can participate (not just bars and restaurants).
• Use the playbooks and toolkits so you don’t have to guess what’s allowed.

In this episode

• The three customer moments businesses can plan for: pre-game planning, between-match wandering, and post-match celebrating
• Wendy Poischbeg’s core advice: connect what you already do with what people are excited about
• A menu of easy options: watch parties, matchday specials, early openings, window displays, jersey discounts, trivia, and neighbor partnerships
• How Stoup Brewing is approaching watch parties, marketing, and partnerships with local soccer communities
• How The Soccer Post is using brackets and free posters to create repeat visits
• How Snohomish Sports Dome is surveying local businesses and building community-wide participation
• Where to find the playbooks and toolkits (including language and licensing guidance)

Business resources

• Everett Chamber “Game On Everett” playbook + toolkit: www.everettchamber.org
• Snohomish County Sports Commission business engagement resources: snocosports.org
• Seattle World Cup resources: https://www.seattlefwc26.org/resources/playbooks

Call for listeners

If you’re a business owner doing something fun — big or small — send us a note. We want to highlight local spots that are welcoming people well this summer. And if you’re an event-goer, make it a goal to support a few local businesses while you’re out enjoying the watch parties and community events.

Disclaimer

Always follow posted rules, licensing guidance, and on-site staff direction, and use official sources for the most up-to-date information.

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Emily and Kyle give you a practical, local guide to Everett’s official fan zone — the Waterfront Watch Parties at Boxcar Park. If you’ve been wondering how to plug into the energy without tickets or insider knowledge, this is your walkthrough.

First, we hear a quick reminder from Tammy Dunn (Snohomish County Sports Commission) on why official fan zones matter: they give visitors and locals a place to gather, watch together, and make a full day out of the experience.

Then we go deeper with Cat Soper (Port of Everett) and Tyler Chism (City of Everett) on what the Waterfront Watch Parties are designed to feel like — a family-friendly waterfront festival with a big screen, food trucks, music, and a kid zone — plus the simple logistics that make the day smoother.

Takeaways

• You don’t need to be a soccer expert to enjoy an official fan zone — it’s built for everyone.
• The Waterfront Watch Parties are designed to feel like an Everett waterfront festival, with a soccer theme.
• The easiest plan is park once, shuttle in, follow the crowd.
• Small details (like choosing the westbound stop on Hewitt) can save you time and stress.

In this episode

• What an official fan zone is and what it’s meant to provide
• Waterfront Watch Party dates and the “arrive two hours early” tip for pre-game fun
• What you’ll find on-site: big screen viewing, MC + DJs, giveaways, live entertainment, and kid activities
• How to get there using the free shuttle from Everett Station or Hewitt Avenue (and which direction matters)
• A simple on-the-ground layout of Boxcar Park: screen location, food truck zone, kid zone, pop-up pitches, and seating areas
• How partners across the region make the event possible (Port, City, Sports Commission, transit, community orgs)
• A quick note for local businesses: be welcoming, be clear, and pick one simple way to join in

Official fan zone resource

• Official Seattle FWC26 Fan Zone (Visit Everett): https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone

Call for listeners

If you go to an Everett Waterfront Watch Party, send us a note: what did it feel like, and what surprised you? And you may even see us there.

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Emily and Kyle focus on access and belonging: how people in Snohomish County find their way into soccer through small, real entry points like rec teams, carpools, public spaces, and community programs.

First, we hear from Peter Hattrup, former pro and longtime coach, who shares what it looked like to grow up in a different era of the game — including the story of his first “soccer shoes,” and why those early experiences still matter.

Then they talk with Alex Ko from Sound Transit about access in the practical sense: how transportation, station support, and wayfinding help everyday residents take part in a major soccer summer. Whether you’re traveling into Seattle or staying closer to home, this episode offers a grounded look at how to plan ahead.

Takeaways

• Access is not just about tickets — it’s about belonging.
• Soccer grows when communities keep building ways into the game.
• Recreation leagues and affordable entry points matter more than most people realize.
• Transportation and clear information can be the difference between feeling included and feeling shut out.

In this episode

• How soccer becomes something a community can grow into over time
• Peter Hattrup’s story of early gear, early teams, and learning the game in a different era
• Why recreation-level play is a huge part of access and long-term participation
• What “access” looks like today: watch parties, family-friendly spaces, libraries, museums, and local programs
• How Sound Transit is preparing with station support, security, maintenance, and staff ambassadors
• Where to find updated transit maps and guidance for getting around the region

Transit resource

• Sound Transit soccer tournament resource: https://www.soundtransit.org/soccertournament

Call for listeners

Know someone who thinks this summer won’t really affect Snohomish County? Send them this episode. And if you’re still deciding how you want to take part, this is your reminder: you don’t need a match ticket to be part of the experience. Try a watch party, a fan zone, or a trip into the city just to take in the atmosphere.

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, Emily and Kyle connect two big parts of summer 2026: the deep soccer history that makes Western Washington one of the strongest soccer regions in the country, and the real transit planning needed to move people through a major international soccer summer.

First, we hear from Peter Hattrup, former pro, longtime coach, and one of the people who has lived Seattle soccer history from the inside. He explains how the original Sounders, local legends, and decades of player development helped build a lasting soccer culture across the region.

Then they talk with Alex Ko from Sound Transit about what it takes to move hundreds of thousands of people safely and reliably during a global event. From special Sounder trains to four-minute light rail service and station planning, this episode gives listeners a practical look at how to prepare now.

Takeaways

• Western Washington did not suddenly become a soccer region. It has been building this culture for decades.
• Summer 2026 will feel bigger than a game. For many people, it will feel more like a regional festival.
• Transit will be a major part of the experience, especially for riders coming from Snohomish County.
• Planning early will make June much easier, whether you are going to a match, a fan zone, or just moving through the region.

In this episode

• Why Seattle and the Puget Sound already have deep soccer roots
• How the original Sounders helped shape the region’s soccer culture
• Why the 1990 and 1994 tournaments were major turning points for soccer in the United States
• What the 2026 soccer tournament may feel like for fans, visitors, and local communities
• How Sound Transit is preparing for six Seattle matches
• What Snohomish County riders should know about Sounder, Link, and station planning
• Why this event is as much a regional operations challenge as it is a sports event

Transit resource

• Sound Transit Soccer Tournament Resource

Call for listeners

Know someone who still thinks this tournament will not really affect Snohomish County? Send them this episode. And if you are still deciding how you want to take part, this is your reminder: you do not need a match ticket to be part of the experience. Try a watch party, a fan zone, or a trip into the city just to take in the atmosphere.

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

First, Emily and Kyle set the scene: Everett is about to host four big waterfront watch parties in June 2026 — and the goal is bigger than “put up a screen.” It’s about creating a place you can land, eat, explore, and watch soccer on the waterfront.

Then Kyle zooms out and tells the origin story of soccer in Snohomish County: early youth-soccer organizing, a real-life example of inclusivity and rule-making, and the unglamorous (but essential) infrastructure that turns soccer from a moment into a community.

Finally, you’ll hear clips from Everett’s 2026 State of the City address, where Mayor Cassie Franklin lays out what the waterfront fan zone experience will look like, who’s partnering to make it happen, and the long-game vision for an Outdoor Event Center that could bring USL men’s and women’s soccer to Everett.

Takeaways

• Everett isn’t “just north of Seattle” — it’s building a full-day waterfront fan zone experience for June 2026.
• Hosting is a team sport: city staff, the Port, county partners, tourism, and community groups are all involved.
• Snohomish County’s soccer story is deeper than people think — it’s been organizing, adapting, and building for decades.
• If you’re planning to attend watch parties, start tracking dates now and watch for official updates as details drop.

In this episode:

• Everett’s 2026 waterfront watch parties: what they are and why they matter
• How Snohomish County helped organize youth soccer early (1966)
• A story of inclusivity: a rules exception that helped a teen play safely (1978)
• The “governance” side of soccer growth: facilities, leagues, and places to play
• Everett Soccer Arena history (including ties to Sounders leadership)
• A local referee honored for officiating 40,000+ matches
• Everett’s State of the City clips: partners, logistics, and the long-game vision

Featured clips (Everett 2026 State of the City)

• Everett is an official FIFA World Cup fan zone
• Four waterfront community watch parties: June 11, 12, 18, and 19
• Festival-like setup: giant outdoor screen, family-friendly activities, local food and drinks
• A free shuttle to keep things moving
• Countywide partners (including the Tulalip Tribes) hosting additional watch parties
• The Everett Outdoor Event Center: a future home for AquaSocks + USL men’s and women’s soccer

If you’re planning to attend

• Official Everett Fan Zone page: https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone
• Get updates + sign up for the From Pitch to Puget Sound newsletter: https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound

Call for listeners
Have a Snohomish County soccer memory (an old team name, a field you remember, a tournament that felt like a big deal, a coach everyone still talks about)? Or a story about Everett Soccer Arena or local watch parties?

Send it in — we want to collect these “you had to be there” moments and feature them.

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

2026 Everett State of the City address from City of Everett Website

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Mentioned in this episode:

Everett Chamber of Commerce

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

This is a great “start here” episode for From Pitch to Puget Sound.

First, we sit down with State Representative Julio Cortes (38th Legislative District) to talk about what’s happening behind the scenes right now: planning and coordination, transportation pressure on the I-5 corridor, public safety, and what it takes to welcome a massive visitor season. Rep. Cortes also shares how Washington is thinking about fan zones and watch parties across the state—including planning for Everett at the Port of Everett.

Then we zoom out. Kyle delivers a story-driven, high-level sprint through Washington’s soccer roots—how the game arrived with immigrant communities, organized into early leagues, survived major disruptions, and grew into a culture that’s been building for more than a century.

Takeaways

• If you’re visiting: consider staying north of Seattle for easier access, more space, and a real local scene.
• If you’re local: expect weekend surges as summer ramps up.
• Watch party hotspots will fill up fast—plan ahead and keep an eye on local announcements.
• If you’re bringing family: look for daytime viewing options and community events—there will be a lot beyond bars.

In this episode:

• What’s happening behind the scenes for 2026 (planning, coordination, and what people don’t see)
• Transportation realities: moving visitors up and down the I-5 corridor
• Watch parties and fan zones across Washington (including Everett planning at the Port)
• A quick, memorable history of soccer in Washington (no homework required)

Call for listeners

Have a Snohomish County soccer memory (an old team name, a field you remember, a tournament that felt like a big deal)? Or a question about 2026 (getting around, where to watch, what to expect)? Email us at info@snohomishpodcasts.com.

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/