First Up: Football Podcast Launches | Daily Global Football News in 10 Minutes
The global football landscape is evolving, not just on the pitch but also in how fans consume news. In a world where football lovers are constantly on the go, time-efficient content is no longer a luxury but a necessity. To fill that demand, a new podcast has stepped into the arena — First Up: Football, a daily 10-minute show delivering the latest football stories from across the globe.
Produced by London-based Footwork Media, the company behind the award-winning Men In Blazers: Early Kick Off, this new venture promises to keep fans updated every weekday morning with all the must-know updates from the Premier League, Champions League, European football, and international scenes.
Unlike lengthy football talk shows and in-depth analysis podcasts, First Up: Football provides:
Concise 10-minute episodes designed for daily listeners.
Worldwide coverage: Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and key international competitions.
Timely updates: Episodes released overnight UK time, so fans wake up fully informed.
Filling the Void After Early Kick Off
The announcement comes after Men In Blazers: Early Kick Off ended on 2 June 2025, leaving a noticeable gap in the football podcasting market. That show had been a staple for thousands of listeners and had received critical acclaim, winning Bronze for Best Sport Show at the 2025 Radio Academy ARIA Awards and securing a nomination for Best Daily Show at the 2024 British Podcast Awards.
Now, Footwork Media aims to capture that same loyal audience and expand even further with a more modern and multi-platform approach.
Meet the Voice of the Show: Sammy James
The podcast will be hosted by Sammy James, a well-known presenter who fronted Early Kick Off. His engaging, conversational style makes him a familiar voice to football fans who appreciated his previous work.
Sammy shared his excitement about the project:
“We’re so delighted to be back making a daily football podcast. We loved the audience that we cultivated on Early Kick Off and we were hugely grateful for the hundreds of messages we received when that show ended. We hope First Up: Football can build up a similar community of football lovers.”
James highlighted the importance of a concise football update format that caters to “time-poor” fans who still want to stay informed without dedicating hours to analysis shows.
Multi-Platform Strategy: Beyond Audio
Footwork Media isn’t just launching a podcast. They’re building a multi-channel football news ecosystem, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.
Platforms Covered
Audio Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other major platforms.
Video Podcast: Fully visualized versions released daily on YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.
Social Clips: Short-form snippets published on Instagram Reels and other bite-sized content platforms.
This approach guarantees maximum reach, ensuring football fans can access content in their preferred format.
Independent Funding and Community Building
One of the most striking aspects of First Up: Football is its independent funding model. Rather than relying on large media conglomerates, Footwork Media is taking a community-first approach.
Support via Substack
Ad-free episodes for subscribers.
Exclusive Telegram community for fans to discuss matches, transfers, and football culture.
Twice-weekly newsletter with deeper insights and editorial perspectives.
This strategy emphasizes listener involvement, creating not just a podcast but a global football community.
The Need for Quick, Reliable Football News
In today’s fast-paced world, fans demand short, sharp updates rather than lengthy breakdowns. Some reasons this format is gaining traction:
Time efficiency: 10 minutes is perfect for a commute, workout, or morning routine.
Daily updates: Fans won’t miss out on overnight transfer sagas, match results, or viral football moments.
Balanced coverage: From the Premier League giants to surprise underdog stories, everything is included.
Comparing First Up: Football to Other Podcasts
While the podcasting world is flooded with football shows, most focus on long-form analysis or club-specific updates. Here’s how First Up: Football differentiates itself:
BBC Football Daily – Often longer and analysis-driven.
The Athletic Football Podcast – In-depth storytelling, less emphasis on daily bite-sized news.
Football Ramble – Entertainment-focused, but not always concise.
First Up: Football – Unique in delivering global news, quickly, daily, and multi-platform.
Impact on Global Football Media
The rise of this podcast signals a broader shift in sports journalism and fan engagement:
Shift to bite-sized content: Football fans consume highlights, memes, and quick updates more than ever.
Cross-platform consumption: Podcasts are no longer audio-only; video and social media are key.
Community-driven media: Independent creators are building loyal fanbases that rival traditional broadcasters.
What to Expect in Each Episode
Episodes of First Up: Football will feature:
Top headlines from European and international football.
Transfer news and verified updates.
Match previews and reviews.
Behind-the-scenes stories.
Fun, lighter moments from football culture.
A Daily Must-Have for Football Fans
With its fast turnaround, engaging host, and multi-platform reach, First Up: Football is set to become the go-to daily briefing for football fans worldwide. Whether you’re a Premier League fanatic, a Champions League follower, or simply a football enthusiast who wants to stay updated, this podcast ensures you’re never out of the loop.
As football continues to dominate global conversations, First Up: Football positions itself not just as a podcast but as a daily ritual for fans.
