Rite of Passage: FSIN, Res Tournaments, and the Story of Raymond Fox
In this episode, goalkeeper, coach, and community builder Raymond Fox joins host Jacob Powell to share the story of Indigenous soccer from the fields of Sweetgrass First Nation to elite competition and coaching at Blue Mountain Community College.
Raymond talks about growing up between North Battleford and res tournaments, FSIN as a true rite of passage, and the family and community leaders—like his grandfather Donald and “Grandma” Ethel Stone—who used a 15-passenger van and a ball to keep kids on a better path. He reflects on legendary games, the European scout who once showed up in Sweetgrass, trips to the Gothia Cup, and what it feels like to win FSIN after years of heartbreak.
Raymond also speaks candidly about racism in the game, why so much Indigenous talent never gets seen, and his mission now: building intentional spaces and pathways so the next generation of First Nation players can use soccer to see the world—and be seen by it.