Everything You Need to Know About The New USL Super League
Women’s soccer takes another leap forward with the formation of the USL Super League. The USL Super League is a new professional Division II women’s soccer league expected to begin to play in 2023.
The National Women’s Soccer League is the only Division I women’s soccer league in the United States. However, the NWSL has limited opportunities for women players with only ten teams and 28 roster spots per team. Hence, the USL Super League will be a viable option for players cut from NWSL rosters to play professionally in the U.S.
USL Super League Mission
The USL Super League embodies four main objectives:
- Provide new opportunities in professional women’s soccer for players, fans, coaches, referees, staff, and executives.
- Create an unprecedented pathway for U.S. women’s soccer players–from youth to professional–within one ecosystem.
- Deepen USL’s commitment to equitable treatment of our women’s and men’s leagues.
- Become globally recognized and admired for its community-building, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.
USL Super League President
In a historic move, Amanda Vandervort was appointed the first Super League president.
VANDERVORT: “It’s such an exciting privilege to be in this position. Together we’ll build a competitive environment for elite women players, coaches, and referees at the professional level. We’ll create opportunities for fans to experience the women’s game in their local communities and provide value to those investing in this high-growth platform. I’m excited to be helping the USL realize the Super League’s potential and drive the women’s game forward.”
Vandervort, a four-year scholarship soccer player for the University of Wyoming, boasts a diverse soccer resume. Vandervort’s accomplishments include:
- Chief Women’s Football Officer of FIFPRO, the global representative for professional soccer players.
- Co-author of the 2020 Raising Our Game Report detailing the growth of the women’s soccer industry.
- Major League Soccer Vice President of Customer Relationship Management, Social Media, and Vice President of Fan Engagement.
- Women’s Football Development Consultant for FIFA.
- Fifth female President of United Soccer Coaches (2016), the most prominent non-profit coaches’ association in the world
- Head Coach of New York University’s women’s soccer program for four years.
Vandervort’s experience and knowledge are valuable assets to advance the league’s initiatives on and off the field.
The Growing of Women’s Soccer in the U.S.
Betsy Haugh, USL Director of Women’s Soccer Operations, expressed her excitement over the league’s impact on women’s soccer.
HAUGH: “In our country, there are seven times as many professional soccer teams for men than there are for women. We are going to improve that ratio, and we invite players and fans to join us in building a new, outstanding level of women’s soccer.”
The Super League is required to have at least six teams for sanctioning from U.S. Soccer. Due to growing interest, the USL Super League expects that number to double before the inaugural season in 2023. The USL Super League is not only committed to opportunity but also financial equity. The league has set forth a compensation structure and professional standards comparable with the USL men’s professional leagues.
As women’s soccer continues to gain momentum, opportunities increase for young girls and women to turn their dreams into reality.
Featured image via @USLSuperLeague on Twitter
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