Ep 373: European Club Owner, Joe Funicello, On a Multi-Decade Soccer Odyssey

Inside SoccerViza with Joe: Club Ownership Challenges and Success Stories

In this episode, we have a special guest, Joe Funicello, the founder of SoccerViza and owner of a third division professional Romanian club.

Joe shares his journey from aspiring professional soccer player to club owner, discussing the challenges and rewards along the way.

We delve into the obstacles of owning a club in Romania, the harsh realities players face, and the cultural differences between American and European soccer.

Joe also highlights the importance of education and realistic expectations for young players aspiring to go pro. Additionally, we cover the systemic issues within U.S. soccer, the true nature of being an agent, and the importance of a strong developmental environment.

This episode offers a candid look into the often unseen world of professional soccer and club ownership.

00:00 Intro
04:11 Intro to Joe’s Playing History
12:16 European Perspective as a Player or Owner
15:13 Will pro/rel Come to American Soccer
23:27 Making Money as a Club Owner?
27:48 How did Joe Purchase a 3rd Division Team?
33:36 Where to Find Players to Sign?
39:10 What Drives One to Do Soccer-Related Businesses

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Premium Education for either Coaches or Parents

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

For Coaches

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.
If you’re coaching 7v7, we’ve got you covered at 7v7coaching.com.

For Parents

You don’t have to be lost and confused.
Learn to properly guide and develop your kid through the maze and pitfalls that is American soccer (from the folks who have actually done it).
Gain access at 343masterclass.com.

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Parent Education Program