The One Soccer Nation Podcast

From being told he’d never make it, to signing his first pro contract at 19, Heath Martin has built his career on resilience, discipline, and a growth mindset. Today, Heath is not only a professional soccer player, but also the founder of NSP Soccer, a global training brand with over 500K followers and 10M monthly views.

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae and co-host Channing Chaston sit down with Heath to uncover:

- How rejection fueled his path to becoming a pro

- The secrets behind his “best at getting better” mindset

- Nutrition and training strategies every serious player should know - The evolution of USL League One and the future of promotion/relegation

- How NSP Soccer is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Whether you dream of going pro, want to sharpen your training, or are inspired by athlete-entrepreneurs, Heath’s story delivers powerful lessons on what it takes to succeed in soccer and in business.

Don’t miss this conversation with a player who proves that perseverance beats talent when talent stops improving.

-------------------------------------------------

© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

One Soccer Nation:

Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation

Twitter: https://x.com/osnationllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osnationllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesoccernation/?ref=page_internal

-------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER:

Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC.

The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

How does a Google veteran and venture capitalist approach investing in professional soccer?

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Kevin Willer - tech leader, investor, and owner with stakes in clubs across the USL, NWSL, England’s EFL, and Canada’s Northern Super League.

Kevin reveals how he built his soccer investment thesis, why women’s soccer is one of the fastest-growing markets in sports, and what he’s learned from working with both startup clubs and historic institutions.

Highlights include:

- Building an investment framework for professional soccer

- Insights from One Knoxville, Rhode Island FC, Leighton Orient, and AFC Toronto

- The business case for women’s soccer and its global growth potential

- Stadium projects, public-private partnerships, and real estate as long-term drivers

- The 2026 FIFA World Cup and the coming impact of promotion/relegation in U.S. soccer

This conversation offers a rare inside look at the intersection of venture capital, sports ownership, and community building. Essential viewing for investors, entrepreneurs, and fans looking to understand how the business of soccer is evolving in North America and abroad.

Subscribe to One Soccer Nation for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of the game.

-------------------------------------------------

© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

One Soccer Nation:

Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation

Twitter: https://x.com/osnationllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osnationllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesoccernation/?ref=page_internal

-------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC.

The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Nicholas Edwards, former professional athlete and Co-Founder of Champion Venture Partners (CVP), a sports investment firm changing the way athletes and fans engage with ownership.

Nicholas shares his journey from athlete to entrepreneur to investor, and how CVP is opening the doors of sports ownership to both accredited and everyday retail investors. He explains why the real opportunities in sports extend beyond the pitch—into stadiums, fan zones, real estate, and entertainment districts—and why now is the perfect time to invest in soccer and the broader sports asset class.

Topics we cover in this conversation:

- Nicholas’s transition from MMA athlete to investor

- The vision behind Champion Venture Partners

- Why athletes and fans should be in the ownership seat

- The rise of crowdfunding and fan-owned clubs in the U.S. and Europe

- Comparing U.S. vs. European club valuations and opportunities

- The importance of mixed-use developments in sports ecosystems - The surge of investment into women’s soccer and emerging leagues

- Why private equity and institutions are entering sports now

- The intersection of physiology, athlete performance, and fan engagement

- What the future of global soccer investment could look like in 5–10 years

Whether you’re an athlete, investor, or passionate fan, this episode will give you valuable insights into the evolving world of sports ownership and the massive opportunities ahead.

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of soccer and sports business.

-------------------------------------------------

© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

One Soccer Nation:

Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation

Twitter: https://x.com/osnationllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osnationllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesoccernation/?ref=page_internal

-------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER:

Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC.

The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

How are real estate, technology, and global events reshaping soccer in the U.S.?

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Brett McCormick of Sports Business Journal to explore the evolving business of soccer. They discuss the rise of mixed-use developments around stadiums, the expected impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and how venue utilization drives long-term value for clubs and communities.

The conversation also covers the future of promotion and relegation in U.S. soccer, the shifting schedules of MLS and USL, and how youth engagement, sustainability, and technology are redefining fandom.

Whether you’re an investor, club operator, or passionate fan, this episode delivers insider insights into where the game is headed.

Key Takeaways:

- Brett McCormick has worked at Sports Business Journal for six years.

- Mixed-use developments are fuelling soccer growth in the U.S.

- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will accelerate soccer’s rise nationwide.

- Real estate and venue strategy are crucial for long-term club success.

- Promotion and relegation could reshape the soccer pyramid.

- Youth engagement is key to sustaining future fandom.

- Technology is transforming how fans consume the sport.

- Sustainability is becoming essential for sports venues.

- Soccer’s accessibility makes it family-friendly entertainment.

- Goals remain one of the sport’s greatest emotional draws.

#SportsBusiness #Soccer #USSoccer #USL #MLS #FIFAWorldCup #SportsTech #SportsMedia #MixedUseDevelopment #PromotionAndRelegation #SustainabilityInSports #youthengagement

-------------------------------------------------

© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

One Soccer Nation:

Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation

Twitter: https://x.com/osnationllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osnationllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesoccernation/?ref=page_internal

-------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC.

The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

What does it take to succeed in soccer journalism while covering the rise of MLS, USL, and U.S. soccer?

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, Kareem Rae speaks with veteran journalist Simon Evans, who has been covering the sport since the early 1990s.

Simon shares how technology and AI are reshaping media, why networking is essential for journalists, and how global stars like Messi have transformed the profile of Major League Soccer. He also explains the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. soccer, from investment in USL to the impact of the 2026 World Cup.

Whether you’re passionate about soccer, journalism, or the sports business, this episode delivers valuable insights for professionals, fans, and aspiring journalists.

Key Takeaways

- The evolution of soccer journalism since the 1990s

- How AI and technology are enhancing media

- Why networking is the lifeblood of journalism

- Messi’s impact on MLS and U.S. soccer’s global perception

- The role of USL and 2026 World Cup momentum in shaping the game’s future

-------------------------------------------------

© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

One Soccer Nation:

Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation

Twitter: https://x.com/osnationllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osnationllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesoccernation/?ref=page_internal

-------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC.

The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.