America's Fastest Fighter Pilot Played Soccer in France

The first man to break the sound barrier learned how to play soccer after crash-landing in France during WWII. This week, we look back at the incredible story of Chuck Yeager, the US Air Force pilot who broke the speed of sound, and discovered the beauty of soccer while escaping enemy forces in Europe. Plus, we check out a royal soccer visit, experience a spooky street soccer tournament, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 👑 A Royal Soccer Visit From Norway

• 🗣️ Stories From the 9000+ Mile Journey

• 🛩️ America's Fastest Fighter Pilot Played Soccer in France

• 🎃 A Spooky Street Soccer Tournament

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

TOURISM
A Royal Soccer Visit From Norway

Yup, that’s the Crown Prince of Norway with Jakob Glesnes and Alejandro Bedoya, visiting one of the oldest continuously-running soccer club in our country.

It’s definitely one of the most random pictures you’ll probably see this year, but there is a pretty wholesome story behind it.

Shoutout to Kyros for being there to capture it!

CLUBELEVEN
Stories From the 9000+ Mile Journey

This was a really special one.

In the past, we’ve had the honor of interviewing both Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey. Two legends of the game who—among all the incredible things they already do in the soccer space—also host the Soccerish Podcast together.

Last week, they flipped the script and invited me on the show to tell a few stories from the road and chat about the state of American soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

It was a surreal and super fun experience with two of my biggest idols. A huge thank you to both of them for having me! Check out the episode HERE.

COVER STORY
America's Fastest Fighter Pilot Played Soccer in France

On a day like today in 1947, US Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound.

The history books all remember that incredible feat, as well as his daring escape from Nazi-occupied France during WWII to then return to combat a few months later. Two enormous accomplishments, so it’s no wonder his brief experience with soccer is often forgotten.

The story goes that while on the run from German troops after crash-landing in France, a brave French couple took Yeager into their home and housed him for a week. During those stressful days, the couple’s young son, Jean, got Yeager to play soccer, and it seemed to be a therapeutic pastime for the American pilot.

Here are some excerpts from Yeager’s diary documenting that particular week.

March 8, 1944: “At night, a couple of men take me to a farm where I spend a week with a young couple with a young son. It’s off the beaten path. The house is beyond some tall hedges and fairly far in from the road. I spend a lot of time playing soccer with their young son.”

March 9, 1944: The next two days, the 5-year-old, whose name I later learned was Jean-Pierre, took me fishing in their pond and we kicked a ball around. I was itching to go fight Germans even if I had to do it on the ground.

March 12, 1944: “More fishing, playing soccer, hiking in the woods.”

March 13, 1944: “Day 8 after I was shot down. The couple hiding me tell me to get some rest; I’m leaving tonight. My little friend with whom I've been kicking a ball around & fishing & hiking in the woods: Jean, looks a little sad – his new friend (me) is leaving […] I can’t stay too long in one spot….on the run tonight…Don't know where.”.

The whole story really makes me wonder how many important figures in our country’s history may have had brushes with the beautiful game in their life that we’ll probably never know about. Thankfully, Yeager kept a diary 😅

GRASSROOTS
A Spooky Street Soccer Tournament

Scary good!

Samba x PDP shut down a portion of Capitol Street in downtown Concord, NH, to host their 2nd Annual Samba Halloween Tournament.

A record 20 youth teams from all across the state signed up to participate in this soccer tournament that felt like right out of FIFA street, but straight in the heart of New Hampshire.

Three courts of 4v4 games played on ‘til the sun went down, but the energy never stopped.

We’ve got nothing to be afraid of—the future of soccer in New Hampshire seems to be in good hands! Here’s how it all looked through the lens of the great and tireless Luke Stergiou.

I don’t know how he does it but if there’s anything cool going on with soccer in New England, he’s always there 💪

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know your thoughts! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Trionda Lamp: No better way to celebrate the launch of the 2026 World Cup ball than with this masterpiece from Tuesday Pickup. Check it out here.

Unexpected: Is this the biggest Galatasaray fan in the entire United States? Maybe.

Another Chance: If you haven’t seen Meg Reyes’ “Between Two Worlds” now you have another chance. This time at Black N’ Gold Fahm Night over in LA this Thursday.

Return of the Shield: After last week’s curious story about the Supporters’ Shield, it only felt right to take a look at some of the best shots from its return to Philly. As always, the amazing Rodolfho Chona covered it beautifully!

Cape Verde Madness: The second-smallest country ever to qualify to the World Cup unleashed some huge celebrations all over the US. Just check out the scenes at this bar in Boston.

EVENTS
Pink Game in Brooklyn

This Saturday, October 18, is Brooklyn FC’s annual Pink Game in partnership with the American Cancer Society.

Part of the proceeds from each ticket will go directly to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving work, and sales from the limited-edition Pink Game shirts designed by Brooklyn-based artists Kylie Rae Brown and Frank Ape will also go towards the cause.

Here’s all the info and amazing programming for the night. Don’t miss out!

EXPANSION
Infinite USL

This is awesome. I’ve said it before but it really feels like every week we’re getting new team announcements.

The latest ones in USL: Port St. Lucie and Space Coast.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Sofia Huerta was announced as part owner of Athletic Club Boise last week. Peak.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What is the best-looking trophy in US Soccer? Here are some of your answers:

• “The previous US Open Cup that the Chicago Fire won in 1998 [the Dewar Cup]. Big. Heavy. Unique. History on the trophy like the Stanley Cup.” - Mario

• “The new NWSL trophy is gorgeous. Very elegant.” - LH

In the poll, the “US Open Cup” won with about 42% of the vote, while “MLS Cup” followed with about 33%.

I wholeheartedly agree with Mario.

UP NEXT
Leaving California

It was a long, exciting, grueling, and rewarding week of shooting over in California. We can’t wait to show y’all the final product, and thanks to the whole crew in the Golden State for making it possible!

Now, we’re currently back in Austin, TX, to pick up the Soccer Bus and drive it all the way back to Orlando. At least three full days of driving ahead of us…

Onwards!!

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo