Football is more than a game. It’s culture, community, identity, and a shared language that connects people across the world.

In this episode, Stuart is joined by Jaume Canals to explore how football helps us understand people and places beyond the pitch. From Jaume’s earliest memories of falling in love with the game to his journey through coaching, travel, and football cultures across different countries, this conversation looks at what football reveals about who we are.

Together, they discuss football’s role in shaping community and belonging, how coaches can better understand players as people, and how local identity shows up in the way the game is played and experienced. The episode also touches on the growing commercialization of football, the cultural significance of the World Cup, and why creating meaningful experiences matters more than simply winning.

🎙️ Key Topics

✅ Jaume’s early memories and lifelong connection to football

✅ How football reflects culture, identity, and everyday life

✅ The role of community and belonging in the global game

✅ Understanding players as people, not just performers

✅ Coaching philosophy, adaptability, and player dynamics

✅ How commercialization is changing football’s relationship with communities

✅ Why the World Cup is more than a tournament — it’s a cultural moment

✅ Creating meaningful football experiences beyond winning

🎧 If you’re interested in football as a lens to understand people, culture, and community — this episode is for you.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Pitchside Perspective for thoughtful, in-depth conversations on football, culture, and the stories that shape the game we love.

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