Soccer for Kids

Discover the inspiring story of Sergino Dest, one of the fastest and most exciting defenders in world soccer and a star for the United States men’s national soccer team. In this episode of Soccer For Kids, we explore how Dest grew up playing street soccer in the Netherlands, joined the famous Ajax academy, made history at Barcelona, battled through injuries, and found joy again at PSV Eindhoven.

Kids will learn about choosing their own path, staying brave when things get tough, and why having fun on the pitch matters more than anything. Perfect for young soccer fans, parents, and families who love inspirational sports stories, this episode shows how confidence, patience, and kindness can take you all the way to the World Cup stage.
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In this episode of the Soccer for Kids podcast, Darren Rees tells the remarkable true story of Ricardo Pepi, one of the most exciting young forwards in world football and a player widely tipped to shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States men's national soccer team.

Perfect for children, families, young football fans and anyone searching for inspiring soccer stories, this episode dives deep into Ricardo Pepi’s journey from the US Mexico border to the biggest stages in world football.

You will hear how Pepi grew up between two countries in El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, learning his football on dusty pitches, in street games and youth leagues, guided by a calm but determined father who believed hard work mattered more than hype. This is a story about family, sacrifice, patience and belief.

The episode explores Pepi’s breakthrough with FC Dallas, where he became one of Major League Soccer’s youngest stars, broke teenage scoring records, delivered clutch playoff goals and announced himself as one of the best young strikers in the league. It also explains his huge decision to represent the United States internationally and his unforgettable USMNT debut where he scored and assisted in a World Cup qualifier.

There is honesty too. Kids will learn that football careers are not always smooth. Pepi’s move to Germany brought challenges, self doubt and a painful World Cup omission. But instead of giving up, he reset, rebuilt and rediscovered his confidence in the Netherlands before earning a move to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, where he became a feared super substitute in domestic football and the UEFA Champions League.

Along the way, this episode touches on identity, resilience, humility and staying grounded, including Pepi’s pride in his Mexican American heritage, his close bond with his family and the promise he kept to bring them all back together.

If you are searching for kid friendly football podcasts, soccer biographies for children, USMNT player stories, 2026 World Cup content or inspirational sports stories, this episode is a must listen.

Big dreams. Hard work. No shortcuts. This is the story of Ricardo Pepi, El Tren, full steam ahead.

Listen now on Soccer for Kids ⚽
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The Football Time Machine: ⁠https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/J4UBBKU3JNDC8⁠

or email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ to receive a link to purchase.

This Christmas, Darren Rees and The Football For Kids podcast bring you something truly special... the first ever limited edition collector’s release, signed and numbered by Darren. Each exclusive pack includes: ⚽️ 1 x Football For Kids framed artwork with a Golden QR Code The frame looks brilliant wherever you listen to the show...on your wall at home, in your room, or even by your match-day setup. The Golden QR Code unlocks three incredible surprises:

🏆 The first and only video podcast ever made by Darren

⭐️ A Kids vs Adults exclusive play-along with three games to play at home

📖 A brand new audio story: Teddy and the Tale of the Football Time Machine!

Only 250 will ever be made. If you manage to get one, you’ll be part of less than 1% of the global Football For Kids audience to own a true piece of show history. For any listener who loves the podcast, this is the ultimate collectable Christmas gift.

Terms & Conditions The image shown has been created using artificial intelligence and is for illustrative purposes only. The final product will be presented in a white frame, although its appearance may differ slightly from the image displayed. This product is available for delivery within the United Kingdom and Ireland only. Orders placed after 15 December may not arrive before Christmas.
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Soccer for Kids by Darren Rees.

This week we dive into the epic, bruise-covered, ice-cold journey of U.S. Men’s National Team number one goalkeeper – Matt Freese. From smashing his shins on the bedframe while practicing dives as a kid, to saving three penalties in a row at the 2025 Gold Cup, Matt’s story is packed with determination, laughs, and pure goalkeeper magic.

We’ll explore:
⚽ How Matt’s scientist family thought about brains while he dreamed about saves.
🧤 The weird backyard training that gave him bruises but built his toughness.
🥅 His big leap from Harvard University to MLS with Philadelphia Union and then NYCFC.
🔥 The night he denied Lionel Messi and became a hero for New York.
🇺🇸 And how he turned into “Matty Ice” – the U.S. national team’s coolest shot-stopper.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon (right here in North America!), find out why kids everywhere are copying Matt’s saves in their back gardens and why he’s the goalkeeper with ice in his veins.

Plus, shout-outs to Rockies FC in Canada! 🇨🇦🙌

🎧 Perfect for young soccer fans who dream big, dive fearlessly, and maybe sneak in a few chicken nuggets after training.
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In our first ever episode of Soccer For Kids, we dive into the incredible journey of Christian Pulisic – from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Champions League glory.

Find out how a year in England helped spark his soccer obsession, how he smashed records in Germany, and why he’s now a fan favourite at AC Milan.

⚽ First American in a Champions League Final
⚽ Youngest Chelsea player to score a perfect hat-trick
⚽ Over 100 appearances for the USA

Follow, rate 5 stars, and tell your soccer-loving friends – and don’t forget to check out Football For Kids for more stories from around the world!
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