How the Oakland Soul is Changing the Game Before its 2023 Launch
If there is one thing we love, it’s the expansion of professional women’s soccer teams! Oakland Soul is coming to the United Soccer League. Debuting in 2023, the team will launch on June 23rd, the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
Oakland Roots Sports Club
The Oakland Roots is the California-based club behind the new USL W Team.
The men’s side, Oakland Roots, was formed in 2018. Oakland Roots has succeeded as a relatively new team and has competed in the USL Championship League twice. The club quickly jumped on the opportunity to form a women’s league team in the USL discussions.
Why Oakland Soul?
Oakland Soul’s name is meant to pay tribute to the area of Oakland, California. During the team’s creation, the concept of “soul” kept coming up in reference to honoring the community and history of the area.
Living Up To The Name
The team is living up to its name and promoting local artists and activists in the Oakland Area.
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Their Twitter hashtag, #soulofthetown, is being used to promote a new series focusing on local youth and diverse community programming.
Oakland Soul Leadership and Vision
In all the chaos surrounding women’s soccer coaches and management decisions, it’s essential to know: who’s at the top? So far, leadership for Oakland Soul seems positive and committed to fair and safe play.
“A women’s team in Oakland has been part of our purpose since day one. As part of the USL W League family, we want Oakland Soul to raise the bar for pre-professional development and continue harnessing the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good.” Lindsay Barenz, President of the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul, told USL W League in an article on their website.
Club president since January 2022, Barenz previously worked for the NWSL, focusing on securing broadcasting rights and partnership deals. In addition, she was the Vice President of Strategic Business Development and General Counsel for Utah Royals FC, Real Salt Lake, and Real Monarchs SLC. She also served as Real Salt Lake’s Alternate Governor on Major League Soccer’s Board of Governors.
Barenz brings vital experience as an activist, a lawyer, a digital media trailblazer, and a political organizer to the organization.
How Many Teams are in the USL W League?
There are 44 teams currently in the W League. South Georgia Tormenta FC won the first playoff.
USL W League Details
How is the USL pre-professional league different? We’ll knock out some facts below.
- USL kicked off in May 2022.
- There are six divisions in the league.
- This national platform will create more opportunities for women in soccer as it forms a pipeline between college and professional leagues, plus be a force for societal change and good.
- The league’s focus is on increased career development and gender equity.
- Players will be able to join the club without losing college eligibility.
Look out for Oakland Soul debuting with the USL in 2023!
Featured image via @oaklandroots on Instagram
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