Teddy Wagnac - CEO & Founder | Wadi Gaitan - Co-Founder and communication strategist at SoccerPath

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Teddy Wagnac, CEO & Founder of SoccerPath, and Wadi Gaitan, Co-Founder and Communication Strategist, for a forward-looking conversation at the intersection of technology, youth development, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As North America prepares to host the world’s biggest sporting event, Teddy and Wadi break down what the World Cup moment truly means for youth soccer in the United States. The discussion explores how rising excitement will reshape parent decision-making, accelerate youth participation, and expose long-standing structural challenges within the U.S. soccer ecosystem.

Drawing from their work building SoccerPath, the conversation dives into how automation, analytics, and streamlined communication can transform academy operations-helping clubs handle increased demand, reduce friction for families, and refocus coaches on player development. The episode also tackles the realities of the pay-to-play model, infrastructure gaps, and why the post-World Cup window represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for sustainable growth in American soccer.

This episode is essential listening for club owners, academy directors, investors, and operators preparing for the surge of interest that 2026 will bring.

Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 World Cup is expected to drive a major surge in youth soccer participation.
- Parents will become more discerning when evaluating academies post-World Cup.
- The U.S. soccer system must improve infrastructure and long-term development pathways.
- Seamless parent and player experiences are now a competitive advantage for academies.
- Technology can dramatically improve communication, enrollment, and operations.
- SoccerPath helps families identify the right academies while supporting clubs operationally.
- Analytics and automation are becoming essential tools in youth development.
- The World Cup presents a rare inflection point for U.S. soccer’s growth trajectory.

Website: SoccerPath.us
Teddy Wagnac LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/teddywagnac
Wadi Gaitan LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wadigaitan

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👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering?

Reach out directly via email to Kareem Rae: kr@onesoccernation.com

One Soccer Nation Website: onesoccernation.com

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

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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.

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Chapters:
04:05 Emotional Narratives and Youth Aspirations
08:06 Preparedness for the World Cup: Infrastructure and Academies
16:10 Transforming Short-Term Excitement into Long-Term Engagement
20:12 Understanding the Academy Market: Operations vs. Coaching
25:29 The Future of American Soccer: Capturing Talent and Revenue
28:01 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Connection
32:36 The Importance of Speed and Efficiency in Communication
35:44 Real-World Examples of Technology Impacting Academies
42:12 Expanding Soccer Path: Growth Strategies and Market Insights
49:29 Preparing for the Post-World Cup Surge in Interest