Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a soccer club that serves players, families and an entire region?

In this episode of the Pink and Green Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Smith, President of Vermont Fusion Soccer Club, to explore the growth of soccer in southern Vermont and the work required to create meaningful opportunities for young players.

Brandon walks us through Vermont Fusion’s structure, its relationship with local recreational programs and the challenges of bringing players together from communities spread across a large geographic area. We discuss the importance of cooperation between clubs and towns, creating pathways for players who want a more competitive experience and making soccer accessible to as many families as possible.

The conversation also explores what success should look like for a youth soccer organization. Winning matters—but Brandon explains why a club’s impact must also be measured by the environment it creates, the experiences it provides and the kind of teammates and people its players become.

Brandon also shares the behind-the-scenes realities of leading a soccer organization, from facilities and tournaments to marketing, volunteers and the many different roles required to keep a club moving forward.

In this episode:

• How Vermont Fusion grew and whom the club serves
• The relationship between recreational and competitive soccer
• Creating opportunities for players across southern Vermont
• Why cooperation between communities strengthens the game
• Building memorable tournament and game-day experiences
• Measuring club success beyond wins and losses
• The importance of culture, attitude and being a good teammate
• The volunteer work that happens behind the scenes
• Brandon’s own connection to soccer and what makes the game so compelling
• The future of Vermont Fusion and soccer throughout the state

This episode is a thoughtful look at youth soccer not simply as a competition, but as a community—and at the people working to give more Vermont players a place to experience the game.

Vermont Clover FC is home to both men’s and women’s semi-professional soccer teams, with sponsorship opportunities ranging from jersey placement to match-day, digital, and community partnerships. Interested in becoming a Vermont Clover FC sponsor? Contact us at info@vermontclover.com.

Vermont Clover FC
We are focused on creating opportunities for VT's top players.

Capelli Sport
The official uniform sponsor for all Vermont Clover FC teams.

Slide In Pub
The Office Pub of Vermont Clover FC! Located at 3762 Shelburne Rd Ste 6, Shelburne, VT

S1 Goalkeeper Gloves
The Best Goalkeeper Gloves! Pro quality, cost effect. Worn by all Vermont Clover FC Keepers!

Support the show

Follow the Pink and Green Podcast for more conversations about Vermont soccer, community, and culture.

Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pinkandgreenpodcast/

Follow Vermont Clover FC
https://www.instagram.com/vermontcloverfc/
https://www.youtube.com/@VermontCloverFC

Get tickets to the next Vermont Clover match!
https://tickets.vermontclover.com