Professional women’s soccer has expanded throughout the globe in recent years. From the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) stationed in the United States to the UEFA Women’s Champions League in Europe, professional women’s soccer is inspiring fans and enthusiasts, including young girls. Whether they want to play soccer like their role models or professional players is just a hallmark of inspiration for achieving their goals.
With the NWSL season just starting, there is likely a team in a city near you that you can get behind. At the moment there are fourteen teams across the country! You don’t need to be a season ticket holder to catch some of the magic. With Amazon Prime, ESPN, CBS and ION now showcasing the league, you never have to miss a game. It’s even possible to bet on games now in the NWSL if that gets you more connected to the sport. There are sites like Novibet soccer betting that offer services like this. Select a favorite team or player and place your bets after collecting historical data, listening to expert opinions, and drawing informed conclusions based on this information.
Professional Women’s Soccer Athletes Are Role Models
Witnessing players dominating the pitch, such as Alexia Putellas for FC Barcelona Femeni, Sam Kerr of Chelsea FC Women, and Sophia Smith of Portland Thorns FC, gives young ladies examples of what they could aspire to achieve. Each player’s story of perseverance, hard work, and determination to excel in their current positions on the team can be inspirational for girls who want to enter sports.
Expanding Opportunities for Girls in Sports
Rising popularity in global women’s soccer leagues has contributed to their investment in youth academics to help girls interested in soccer craft their skills from a young age. Clubs and national federations are recognizing its best to develop female talent early. It’s best to do so at the earliest possible time to refine their skills accordingly so they can grasp concepts with sharper minds.
Showcasing Women’s Soccer As a Viable Career
Audiences spectating and becoming fans of global women’s soccer are helping to increase financial backing from various sponsors. Hence, these sponsorships are contributing to star women’s soccer players maintaining viable careers as professional soccer players.
Professional contracts, endorsements, and sponsorship deals are becoming more common when a team foresees a young lady showing promise on the soccer field. This will motivate young ladies to keep practicing hard with training drills and during youth sports games to eventually climb to the top as professional players.
In March 2024, Sophia Smith of the Portland Thorn FC was known as the highest-paid professional of the NWSL when she signed a two-year contract extension with the team. Her official earnings were not revealed, but it showcased the league’s commitment to retaining the best talent in women’s soccer.
Back in 2021, Olivia Moultrie signed a three-year contract with the Portland Thorns FC. This deal made her the youngest professional player in history for the NWSL.
Breaking Stereotypes and Promoting Equality
Global women’s soccer leagues continue to challenge gender norms, break stereotypes, and promote equality for everyone in professional sports. Some young girls may feel that their gender or personal weaknesses may hinder them from being successful sports professionals.
By witnessing dynamic female professionals play in a male-dominated sport, aspiring young girls can feel empowered to achieve their goals whether it’s on the field or in other personal areas of life.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
Today’s women’s professional soccer players will eventually have to retire as the years go on, which is when the next generation of leaders in global women’s soccer will take their place. Female soccer professionals like to utilize their social media platforms to empower, inspire, and motivate girls of all ages to work hard to achieve their goals.
Players such as Megan Rapinoe and Ada Hegerberg have discussed various topics of interest on their platforms including gender pay gaps, inclusion, and diversity. As more players continually advocate for what’s right for young and aspiring women’s soccer professionals, they help them chase their dreams and stand up for their beliefs.