Interview

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Mark Franek’s book and YSC Academy Profiled in Inquirer Article Written By Matt Breen

June 19, 2026

Award-winning sports journalist Matt Breen profiles YSC Academy teacher Mark Franek, whose efforts to replace negative soccer-history readings inspired him to write American Soccer Nation

WHYY News: American Soccer Nation and author Mark Franek appear at FIFA’s Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, Philadelphia

June 12, 2026

WHYY’s Studio 2 broadcasts live from FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill, capturing Philadelphia’s World Cup excitement and the growing place of soccer in American culture

Matt Cole Sports: Author Mark Franek shares his book American Soccer Nation  with a waning soccer curmudgeon

June 12, 2026

Author Mark Franek convinces host Matt Cole that soccer is on a roll—and a quest—to become the second most popular sport in North America

That’s So MLS: American Soccer Nation  and Canada Share Similar Goals

June 10, 2026

Mark shares insights on modern youth development in the U.S. and Canada, shifting global perceptions, the evolution of MLS-haters to MLS-likers (and lovers), and the future of soccer in North America