RI Summer of Soccer Podcast
The Rhode Island Summer of Soccer podcast shares news and insights about how the Ocean State is preparing to welcome the world for international soccer play in June 2026. We’ll share what we’re doing, our history of soccer and why Rhode Island is a great place to visit.
Episode 1: Small State, Big Welcome
International soccer is coming to New England in the summer of 2026—and Rhode Island is ready to welcome the world. In this debut episode of Rhode Island Summer of Soccer, we talk with General Treasurer James Diossa and Ocean State 2026 Executive Director Liz Tanner about how Rhode Island is preparing to showcase its culture, community, and hospitality during a once-in-a-generation summer.
Episode 2: Beyond the Pitch: RI’s Soccer Culture
In Episode 2 of the Rhode Island Summer of Soccer podcast, host Joe Kayata sits down with East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva and Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera to explore how Portuguese and Hispanic traditions have helped define Rhode Island’s soccer culture — from youth leagues to the electric atmosphere of international matchdays.
Episode 3: Prepare for the Pitch – RI’s FIFA Base Camp
Host Joe Kayata sits down with Bill Smith, Vice President of Athletics & Recreation at Bryant University, and Cory Kramer, General Manager of Graduate by Hilton Providence, to explore why both institutions were selected for the official FIFA Base Camp brochure — and what that recognition means for Rhode Island.
Episode 4: Legacy Beyond the Game
In Episode 4 of the Rhode Island Summer of Soccer podcast, we explore how soccer’s global moment can create lasting local impact. Leaders from the Rhode Island Sports Commission and Project GOAL join us to discuss economic opportunity, youth access, and how the summer games can help build a meaningful legacy for communities across the Ocean State.
Episode 5: with Geoff Cameron
In Episode 5 of the Rhode Island Summer of Soccer podcast, former U.S. Men’s National Team player Geoff Cameron reflects on his journey from local fields in Rhode Island and southern New England to the global stage and why grassroots development still matters today.
Episode 6: Small State. Loud Support.
We spotlight the fans who bring the game to life. Kyle Lindsay, President of the American Outlaws Providence chapter, joins us to discuss Rhode Island’s growing soccer culture, what makes matchday watch parties so electric, and why the Ocean State is ready to show up loud when the U.S. takes the pitch next summer.
brought to you by
Ocean State 2026

Ocean State 2026 is a nonprofit organization that was created to facilitate business sponsorships of 39 days of events across Rhode Island, to entertain soccer fans from around the world, and to celebrate the international matches being played in nearby Massachusetts next summer.
