Hometown FC EP #13- David Dawood

David Dawood is the founder of DD8, a high-performance player development program that connects U.S. talent to opportunities in Spain and France, and a coach with Phoenix Rising Academy. A former professional player and Iraq National Team member, David’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, accountability, and vision.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to lead by example, from his own playing days to building a culture of professionalism in young athletes. David shares how he’s helping players chase their dreams overseas, the mindset it takes to stand out in elite environments, and what true leadership looks like on and off the field.

Follow David’s work at @dd8football and listen as we explore how passion, purpose, and persistence create the next generation of hometown heroes.

From local streets to global stages, this one’s for the players and coaches chasing something bigger.