Pacific Sports Network (PSN) is a team of freelance gig workers that organize and report on sports events. PSN was founded by Chris Rael who has been a freelance journalist since 2015.
A Brief History
In 2015, Chris Rael graduated from San Diego State University and began his career as a freelance journalist for SoccerToday. From the start, Rael covered futsal and soccer in Southern California. His coverage addressed youth development, semi-professional soccer and the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). In addition to journalism, Rael assisted with organizing youth futsal programs in San Diego.
In 2017, Rael attended Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands for his master’s program. The emphasis of the one-year program was Media, Culture and Society. During his time in the NL, Rael reported on Feyenoord Rotterdam’s youth program as well as Excelsior Rotterdam Women. He also traveled to report on the UEFA Futsal Euro 2018 in Slovenia.
Following his return to California in 2018, Rael continued his work as a freelance journalist and youth futsal organizer. In 2019, Rael took on the role of Communications Director for United Futsal (North Carolina). The primary responsibility of the gig was being the on-site journalist at United Futsal’s events in the United States as well as Barcelona. Following the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, Rael transitioned to a freelance journalist and copyeditor for United Futsal. Rael returned to California and continued his work as a youth sports organizer, which led to taking on coaching responsibilities.
In 2021, Rael started to work for Sports Promotions Group (SPG) and Soccer.com on a freelance basis. The gig consists of being a retail associate at youth soccer tournaments across the United States. Now as manager, Rael is responsible for recruiting freelance retail associates in the Southwest. This gig requires networking with youth soccer club directors and tournament organizers, which relates to Rael’s experience as a journalist since the beginning of his career.
Following the 2021 summer tournament season, Rael connected the dots above and founded Pacific Sports Network (PSN). This network provides services related to writing, marketing, organizing and merchandise. PSN works with freelancers that seek employment opportunities in the football/futsal industry.
The above was written during my travels to the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 in Lithuania. I am lucky to have experienced the above circumstances by 30 years old. I look forward to sharing these opportunities with others that have the same passion for the sport.
Cheers,
Chris Rael