The exploration of key moments in US Soccer history has revealed the importance of media and then social media in amplifying the beauty of the game and connecting fans to it in a variety of ways. Cable sports helped expose the American public to highlights. YouTube let fans see world class goals at the same time Messi emerged on the global stage. Twitter gave American soccer fans the ability to connect, cheer and celebrate Abby Wambach's miracle goal against Brazil in the 2011 Women's World Cup.

Instagram continued and then magnified the value of social media in the growth of soccer in the United States. The visual nature of the content lent itself to the beautiful game. Importantly, images and videos also gave players another way to use their voice. That let fans into their world and, in particular with the women's players, forged a bond that made more people fans. Soccer players have become the most followed personalities on the entire platform and their posts the most liked as well. Soccer Instagram has given rise to a player culture, a highlight culture, a trainer culture and a creator culture.

Kelley O'Hara played at a time when social media and, in particular, Instagram were changing the way fans found soccer and soccer players. She was part of two World Cup winning teams in 2015 and 2019 that used the platform to build an even bigger following and fan base. The ability to visually curate their lives to connect with various communities and bring even more people into the game of soccer. O'Hara joined the show to talk about how social media enabled the team's activism. She shares how she approached balancing Instagram's importance, with contnued piortization and focus on the game. O'Hara also discusses how social media has given rise to her second career.

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.

Visit our website for more information: ⁠⁠FoundingFutbol.com. Email us at kent@foundingfutbol.com.

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Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Kelley O'Hara (Former USWNT and NWSL Player)

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