Missouri-based soccer journalist Brian Landry urges fans, families, and communities to look beyond the scoreboard and support the people shaping the game.
ST. CHARLES, MO / ACCESS Newswire / June 17, 2026 / Brian Landry, a Missouri-based journalist, reporter, and podcast host focused on soccer, is raising awareness about the need for deeper storytelling, stronger youth development coverage, and broader community support around the sport.
As soccer continues to grow across the United States, Landry believes the conversation must move beyond scores, standings, and highlight clips. He says the future of the game depends on telling fuller stories about players, coaches, families, and local programs.
“The score only tells part of the story,” Landry said. “I’m interested in the decisions, the preparation, and the people who make those moments possible.”
Youth sports participation in the United States rose to 58% in 2024, according to Project Play. At the same time, access gaps remain a concern, especially for families facing higher costs and fewer local opportunities. FIFA has also reported that many talented young players around the world go undiscovered due to gaps in planning, education, infrastructure, and financial resources.
For Landry, those figures show why soccer journalism matters.
“Every player has a different journey,” he said. “Understanding those pathways helps explain where the game is heading and what opportunities exist for future generations.”
Landry has spent much of his career covering professional leagues, youth development programs, college soccer, coaching, player development, and the growing influence of soccer in the United States. Through reporting and podcasting, he has interviewed people across the sport, including athletes, coaches, executives, and fans.
His message is simple. Soccer grows stronger when more people understand the stories behind it.
“I’ve always believed the most interesting part of soccer is the people behind it,” Landry said. “The players, coaches, and leaders all have stories that help explain why the sport continues to grow.”
Landry is encouraging fans and communities to pay closer attention to local soccer. That can include following youth and college programs, listening to long-form interviews, learning about coaching and development systems, and recognizing the work being done outside the spotlight.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings more attention to soccer in North America, Landry believes this is an important moment for the sport’s culture.
“Technology changes the delivery,” he said. “But people still connect with authentic stories and meaningful conversations.”
Landry says fans can help by becoming more informed. They can learn about the challenges young athletes face, support local matches, value community programs, and seek out reporting that explains the full picture of the game.
“I want people to leave a story knowing something they didn’t know before,” Landry said. “If a conversation helps someone better understand the game or the people involved, that’s meaningful.”
Through his work, Landry continues to highlight soccer as more than a sport. He sees it as a way to understand leadership, development, culture, and community.
Call to Action: Fans, families, and local communities can support soccer’s growth by learning more about the people behind the game, attending local matches, following youth and college programs, and seeking out thoughtful soccer journalism that goes deeper than headlines.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Brian Landry
Brian Landry is a Missouri-based journalist, reporter, and podcast host focused on soccer. His work covers professional leagues, youth development, college athletics, coaching, player development, sports media, technology, analytics, and the growing impact of soccer across the United States. Known for thoughtful reporting and in-depth conversations, Landry focuses on the people, organizations, and stories that shape the game.
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SOURCE: Brian Landry soccer
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