Francesco Belcastro
@drfrancescobelc.bsky.social
Academic at Derby UNI (UK), trade unionist, activist, podcaster at
@footpolpodcast.bsky.social
Politics, Football, Football and Politics, Other Sports, More Politics, Bilad-Ash-Sham and Med.
@footpolpodcast.bsky.social
Politics, Football, Football and Politics, Other Sports, More Politics, Bilad-Ash-Sham and Med.
We are, indeed, back for a third season!
Yes, we're back for a third season! @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social and I are looking forward to bringing in plenty of guests over the coming months to talk football and politics over at @footpolpodcast.bsky.social. But for this first one, you'll have to listen to us both go over the summer's events!
We’re back! Season 3 of the FootPol Podcast kicks off: new format, new guests & Football Land’s summer politics—Gaza protests, women’s football struggles, FIFA & Saudi at the Club World Cup &CONCACAF Gold Cup. Subscribe, share & send us your best (and worst) ideas. www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
September 15, 2025 at 9:19 AM
We are, indeed, back for a third season!
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Well, I think it's turned out quite well, what about you @claptoncfc.co.uk 😉? #CrossStitch ⚽️🪡🏳️⚧️
July 13, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Well, I think it's turned out quite well, what about you @claptoncfc.co.uk 😉? #CrossStitch ⚽️🪡🏳️⚧️
"There are other more incendiary options. One would be for the UK and others to properly adhere to their obligations under international law." @profmabon.bsky.social on the Gaza genocide.
theconversation.com/gaza-is-star...
theconversation.com/gaza-is-star...
Gaza is starving – how Israel’s allies can go beyond words and take meaningful action
Israel’s allies should look at what was done to isolate South Africa during the apartheid years.
theconversation.com
July 25, 2025 at 9:20 AM
"There are other more incendiary options. One would be for the UK and others to properly adhere to their obligations under international law." @profmabon.bsky.social on the Gaza genocide.
theconversation.com/gaza-is-star...
theconversation.com/gaza-is-star...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Yes, the @footpolpodcast.bsky.social is taking a break for the summer. But @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social and I won't be disappearing entirely. We're going to be working on new episodes and welcome suggestions for episode topics, guests and possible collaborations with like minded podcasters!
That's it! Our last episode for the 2024-25 season is done! Hosts @guyburton.net and @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social review the episodes and the themes that came up within them. We also take a look at what to expect when we return in September. Thanks for listening! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
July 7, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Yes, the @footpolpodcast.bsky.social is taking a break for the summer. But @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social and I won't be disappearing entirely. We're going to be working on new episodes and welcome suggestions for episode topics, guests and possible collaborations with like minded podcasters!
Ciao! Il primo episodio d FootPol in italiano e' qui! Abbiamo intervistato Maurizio Affuso di RAGE Sport che ci ha raccontato la storia del brand di abbigliamento sportivo, il legame col @claptoncfc.co.uk e perche' sport e politica sono strettamente connessi!
www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
May 26, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Ciao! Il primo episodio d FootPol in italiano e' qui! Abbiamo intervistato Maurizio Affuso di RAGE Sport che ci ha raccontato la storia del brand di abbigliamento sportivo, il legame col @claptoncfc.co.uk e perche' sport e politica sono strettamente connessi!
www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
New limited edition Clapton CFC trans solidarity goalkeeper shirt is available to pre-order now 🔥
All profits go to the Trans Legal Clinic ✊
The one-off window to buy closes on May 30 then they will be manufactured.
www.claptoncfc.co.uk/2025/05/20/c...
All profits go to the Trans Legal Clinic ✊
The one-off window to buy closes on May 30 then they will be manufactured.
www.claptoncfc.co.uk/2025/05/20/c...
May 21, 2025 at 9:59 AM
New limited edition Clapton CFC trans solidarity goalkeeper shirt is available to pre-order now 🔥
All profits go to the Trans Legal Clinic ✊
The one-off window to buy closes on May 30 then they will be manufactured.
www.claptoncfc.co.uk/2025/05/20/c...
All profits go to the Trans Legal Clinic ✊
The one-off window to buy closes on May 30 then they will be manufactured.
www.claptoncfc.co.uk/2025/05/20/c...
It's out! Our latest episode on football and politics in Indonesia with Andy Fuller is here!
Our new episode is out! Podcaster, publisher and researcher Andy Fuller talked about football and politics in Indonesia. For Guy, this was one he's long wanted to do, having spent some of his youth in the country. A fascinating conversation and worth your time! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
May 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
It's out! Our latest episode on football and politics in Indonesia with Andy Fuller is here!
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Starmer's Britain.
Not even subtle.
Not even subtle.
May 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Starmer's Britain.
Not even subtle.
Not even subtle.
With @leogoretti.bsky.social and Bluesky-less Emidio Diodato, we are putting together a panel on sport and international relations for next SISP in Naples. Deadline is 25th of May. All details are available here: www.sisp.it/en/conferenc...
Please get in touch if you want to discuss!
Please get in touch if you want to discuss!
Call for papers 2025 – SISP
www.sisp.it
May 13, 2025 at 5:55 AM
With @leogoretti.bsky.social and Bluesky-less Emidio Diodato, we are putting together a panel on sport and international relations for next SISP in Naples. Deadline is 25th of May. All details are available here: www.sisp.it/en/conferenc...
Please get in touch if you want to discuss!
Please get in touch if you want to discuss!
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
With it being non-league finals day in England yesterday, this week's episode is a highly topical one, looking at the issues and challenges associated with non-league football with journalist Paul Caulfield. Have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
May 12, 2025 at 7:31 AM
With it being non-league finals day in England yesterday, this week's episode is a highly topical one, looking at the issues and challenges associated with non-league football with journalist Paul Caulfield. Have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
And as an aside, hosts @guyburton.net and @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social were in the Wembley crowd that saw @theshots.bsky.social win the Trophy. Guy is still celebrating this morning!
May 12, 2025 at 7:34 AM
And as an aside, hosts @guyburton.net and @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social were in the Wembley crowd that saw @theshots.bsky.social win the Trophy. Guy is still celebrating this morning!
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Our latest episode is now out where we talk to the @sepad.bsky.social team at @lancasteruni.bsky.social about their new report on politics and identity and football in the Middle East. Do have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Football and identity in the MENA region ft. the SEPAD research group - The FootPol Podcast
This week, Francesco switches seats—co-hosting and guesting—as he and Guy dive into a lively discussion about football in and from the Middle East, inspired by a brand-new report from the Sectarianism...
www.buzzsprout.com
April 21, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Our latest episode is now out where we talk to the @sepad.bsky.social team at @lancasteruni.bsky.social about their new report on politics and identity and football in the Middle East. Do have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Great! Do you have a link?
April 14, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Great! Do you have a link?
Please help if you can! Cardiff Dragons do so much for inclusivity in football ♥️🏳️🌈
My club Cardiff Dragons 🏳️🌈⚽️🏳️⚧️ are urgently calling for donations as our training venue has added £85 per week costs without informing us!
We currently have £170 in our account- training now costs over £200 per week so anything you can offer is appreciated more than you know 🙏
gofund.me/8d34f0ab
We currently have £170 in our account- training now costs over £200 per week so anything you can offer is appreciated more than you know 🙏
gofund.me/8d34f0ab
Donate to Support Cardiff Dragons FC ️⚽️️⚧️, organised by Charl Galloway
Football is for everyone!
We are raising funds so that we can continue to play … Charl Galloway needs your support for Support Cardiff Dragons FC ️⚽️️⚧️
gofund.me
April 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Please help if you can! Cardiff Dragons do so much for inclusivity in football ♥️🏳️🌈
Even mainstream media has now admitted that Israel was lying. Medics were executed in cold blood. This is the umpteenth time it happens, and the media is allowing this to happen by knowingly failing to report/hiding the truth.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Israeli military changes account of Gaza paramedics’ killing after video of attack
Phone footage contradicts IDF claims vehicles were not using emergency lights when troops opened fire
www.theguardian.com
April 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Even mainstream media has now admitted that Israel was lying. Medics were executed in cold blood. This is the umpteenth time it happens, and the media is allowing this to happen by knowingly failing to report/hiding the truth.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Our new episode is out! We talked to @seanmccaba.bsky.social sky.social of member-owned Irish club @bfcdublin.bsky.social about what it's doing for climate justice in its community as well as other social and political issues it cares about. Do check it out! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
April 7, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Our new episode is out! We talked to @seanmccaba.bsky.social sky.social of member-owned Irish club @bfcdublin.bsky.social about what it's doing for climate justice in its community as well as other social and political issues it cares about. Do check it out! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Words can't describe what we are allowing to happen. Shame, shame, shame.
www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
Israel says 10 projectiles fired from Gaza after it killed 43 people today
Residential buildings and makeshift tents sheltering forcibly displaced families targeted in latest Israeli attacks.
www.aljazeera.com
April 6, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Words can't describe what we are allowing to happen. Shame, shame, shame.
www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
March 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Pleasure to host @charlgsport.bsky.social on FootPol. Today marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, and we should really not forget the daily struggle of our LGBTIQA+ friends and comrades in the current political climate. Their battles are our battles.
Our latest episode is out and examines LGBTIQA+ inclusivity in football and the need for further activism with activist @charlgsport.bsky.social. Appropriately enough, it falls on the same day as the International Transgender Day of Visibility. Do have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
March 31, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Pleasure to host @charlgsport.bsky.social on FootPol. Today marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, and we should really not forget the daily struggle of our LGBTIQA+ friends and comrades in the current political climate. Their battles are our battles.
This is beyond belief. Genocide broadcast for everyone to know, and still our cowardly leaders don't do anything to stop it. Shameful, shameful.
This is a statement of genocidal intent. There is nothing “voluntary” about migration compelled by literal violence and destruction.
March 31, 2025 at 3:37 PM
This is beyond belief. Genocide broadcast for everyone to know, and still our cowardly leaders don't do anything to stop it. Shameful, shameful.
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
We're really pleased to welcome back @carriesparkle.bsky.social in our new episode to talk about her new book, "Flying the Flag", which explores how and why British women travelled abroad over the years to follow their footballing dreams. Do have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
March 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM
We're really pleased to welcome back @carriesparkle.bsky.social in our new episode to talk about her new book, "Flying the Flag", which explores how and why British women travelled abroad over the years to follow their footballing dreams. Do have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Our new episode with the one and only @carriesparkle.bsky.social is out! Please check it out!
We're really pleased to welcome back @carriesparkle.bsky.social in our new episode to talk about her new book, "Flying the Flag", which explores how and why British women travelled abroad over the years to follow their footballing dreams. Do have a listen! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
March 26, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Our new episode with the one and only @carriesparkle.bsky.social is out! Please check it out!
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
A pleasure to join @footpolpodcast.bsky.social again to talk about some of the environmental and sustainability implications of the multi-country (and multi-continent) 2030 men's World Cup: www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
March 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
A pleasure to join @footpolpodcast.bsky.social again to talk about some of the environmental and sustainability implications of the multi-country (and multi-continent) 2030 men's World Cup: www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
Reposted by Francesco Belcastro
Our latest episode on the 2030 World Cup is now out! We look at Morocco's precarious economic situation and occupation of Western Sahara while Open University's @ljmabon.bsky.social discusses environmental and sustainability issues and concerns. Check it out! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
March 17, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Our latest episode on the 2030 World Cup is now out! We look at Morocco's precarious economic situation and occupation of Western Sahara while Open University's @ljmabon.bsky.social discusses environmental and sustainability issues and concerns. Check it out! www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
This is not war. It's a genocide. Shame on those who keep finding excuses to justify this carnage.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...
www.aljazeera.com
March 19, 2025 at 7:11 PM
This is not war. It's a genocide. Shame on those who keep finding excuses to justify this carnage.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...