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.

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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/

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.

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/

Overview
In this episode, Emily and Kyle tackle two practical questions for summer 2026: how local businesses can prepare for increased visitor traffic, and what new soccer fans need to know to enjoy a match without feeling lost.

First, Emily talks with Tammy Dunn, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission, about why businesses across Snohomish County should start planning now. They cover watch parties, soccer-themed specials, how visitors may spread north of Seattle, and an important marketing rule: avoid using FIFA World Cup branding in titles or promotions unless you are an official sponsor.

Then Kyle walks Emily through beginner-friendly soccer basics, including the pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, player roles, and common formations. It is a useful primer for anyone who wants to follow the action with more confidence before June arrives.

Takeaways

• Businesses do not need to reinvent themselves to participate. Restaurants, breweries, and sports-friendly venues can start with simple watch parties and themed specials.
• Start planning now. Even if no one knows exact visitor numbers yet, early preparation gives businesses more flexibility.
• In marketing, avoid using FIFA World Cup or World Cup 26 in titles if you are not an official sponsor.
• New fans do not need to know everything. Learning a few basic soccer terms now will make summer matches a lot more fun.

In this episode

• Why Snohomish County businesses should be paying attention now
• How sports tourism can bring visitors into hotels, restaurants, shops, and local attractions
• Easy ways restaurants, breweries, and similar businesses can host watch parties
• What businesses can and cannot say in soccer-related marketing
• Where to find business playbooks and local resources
• Soccer basics: pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, and player roles
• A quick intro to formations like 4-4-2 and 3-4-3

Business resources mentioned

• Snohomish County Sports Commission World Cup resources at Snohomish County Sports Commission
• Seattle match resources and business guidance through SeattleFWC26
• Small business planning support through Seattle Metro Chamber
• Visitor-facing resources and messaging support through Visit Seattle
• Snohomish County Tourism toolkit and local messaging ideas

Soccer basics mentioned in this episode

• Soccer Field Guidelines
• Beginner's Guide to Soccer
• Soccer Terms

Call for listeners
If you have a beginner soccer question, or if your business is planning something around the summer matches, send it our way. If you want help getting connected to the right resource, or if you want to promote your event or business, reach out.

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/

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