Fun & Games in Women’s Soccer: How Parkside is Playing Its Cards Right

Trading cards, once reserved for baseball and basketball players, now feature women’s soccer superstars. Thanks to Matt Peek and Eric Christensen, Co-Founders of Parkside Trading Cards, collectors and players can now buy their heroes in the trading card space. And why shouldn’t they? Women’s soccer has never been cooler, and the world has finally caught on. It’s no surprise that collectors are clamoring for cards of legends like Marta and Sinclair and budding stars like Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith.

Parkside is creating trading cards that are not just collectibles but also a way to remember some of the most impactful moments and players in women’s soccer. He attributes trading cards to music, a keepsake that takes you back to a special time. When young players are at NWSL games, holding their Parkside trading cards out for players to sign them, that is what it’s all about. “It’s this connection, says Matt. “It’s this moment where you can inspire greatness in someone one by letting them have a brief experience with greatness.” 

And they’re having fun with it. Their high-end product, the luxurious linen vibe of the Paramount series, is truly a thing of beauty. They’ve also gone digital, launching their new platform, Keepr, where fans can gain access cards, such as the Paramount Charcoal Signatures, exclusively through the platform. It also features NWSL Chibi’s, which are essentially digital avatars you can purchase for $25 and receive a unique player that is yours only! It’s a lot of fun stuff they’re doing, and it’s just the beginning of their evolution.

NWSL CHIBI’s

When asked about his favorite, Matt played his “cards” right and said he doesn’t have favorites. He did mention a few, though, including the Utah 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup set–one of their first to be released, their very first signature card, Bethany Balcer, and getting Diane Matheson’s signature card before she retired. 

And it’s not just trading cards that are gamifying the women’s game. She Plays, the first fantasy app platform for women’s sports, launched last December to allow players and fans to create their own NWSL dream team. Unlike other fantasy apps, you can join at any point during the NWSL season, create a league with family and friends, and draft your fantasy team of NWSL stars to start racking up points. It’s a huge investment opportunity for the women’s game, not only to increase player name recognition but to increase sponsorships and fan engagement as well. 

So what does all of this mean for investing in and growing the game of women’s soccer? It means that the game is not just on the field anymore. It’s in the hands of fans and players who are collecting and trading cards, creating digital collectibles, and playing fantasy games. It means that the NWSL and women’s soccer are no longer a niche market but a growing industry that deserves attention and investment. It means that fans can connect with their heroes in new and exciting ways and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In the end, gamification is not just about making things more fun and exciting. It’s about creating a community, a culture, and a sense of belonging. It’s about investing in something that we all love and creating a brighter future for the game of women’s soccer. So let’s keep the games going, and let’s keep investing in the game we all love. Because when it comes to women’s soccer, it’s not just a game, it’s a way of life.

You can listen to more of our conversation with Matt from Parkside on the latest episode on our Give N’ Go podcast.

Visit Parkside.com and use promo code GSN25 to get 25% off all NWSL sets and promo code SBC to receive $5 off the SheBelieves set.

Check out Matt’s predictions for NWSL and World Cup winners. Do you agree?

•  NWSL Champion: Gotham (emotional choice)
• NWSL MVP:  Allie Long (Gotham) or Sophia Smith (Portland)
• NWSL Rookie of the Year: Penelope Hocking (Chicago)
• World Cup Winner: Parkside: “I believe in 5 stars my friend.”
• Julie Ertz: USWNT impact player?: If she makes the roster, yes.
• World Cup Golden Boot: Trinity Rodman

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