FootyPop: Washington Spirit Making Moves with Youngest Signing and New Kit
It’s already March of 2023, which means it’s Women’s History Month and time to celebrate and honor all of the inspirational women in soccer! In this week’s news, a young player got her big break, FIFA drama continues, the Spirit and Pride update their kit, and more. Keep reading to learn about this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
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The Washington Spirit broke the record for the youngest player signed! Chloe Ricketts, at only 15 years old and 283 days, signed with the team for three years with an option for 2026.
Olivia Moultrie previously held the record when she signed with the Portland Thorns at 15 years and 286 days back in 2021.
Low of the Weekend
FIFA could be set to abandon plans for Saudi Arabia’s tourism arm to sponsor the Women’s World Cup after a ferocious response from co-hosts Australia and New Zealand and some of the highest-profile players in the women’s game https://t.co/Ips7ofkG5S
— The Sydney Morning Herald (@smh) March 6, 2023
FIFA could drop the Visit Saudi sponsorship for the women’s World Cup. Australian and New Zealand players voiced their opinions against the sponsorship. Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe called it “bizarre” due to Saudi Arabia’s strict restrictions on rights for women and same-sex relationships.
Fortunately, it seems like FIFA will have to address this since many high-profile players and figures have spoken against it for the Women’s World Cup. However, it’s still a “low” regarding the questionable nature of FIFA’s leadership and allowing this sponsorship to come about in the first place.
News of the Weekend
Tis the season for new #NWSL kits! A glimpse at the Washington Spirit’s 2023 jerseys, featuring a revamped crest/colors and a cool badge.
Owner Michele Kang says this new look is the first step of the Spirit’s rebrand process. pic.twitter.com/6apRNK6Mi3
— Ella Brockway (@ellabrockway) March 1, 2023
A new look for the Spirit was released this past week… and the kits are fire. It features a blue and gold shiny reflective crest on sleek black jerseys.
Michelle Kang announced this as part of a Spirit rebrand, with a possible name change in the cards.
In addition to new numbers, we will become the first NWSL team to update to dark shorts due to period concerns, continuing our investments in providing first-class player experience and care.
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) February 28, 2023
Additionally, in kit news, the Orlando Pride switched their white shorts to black to promote player welfare around periods concerns. The Pride isn’t the first club to do this, but they are the first team in the NWSL.
Win of the Weekend
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018…
2023! WE’VE DONE IT AGAIN! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nL59ZyNFsq
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 5, 2023
This past weekend, Arsenal won the FA Women’s League Cup championship. They beat Chelsea 3-1 after Sam Kerr put the Blues up a goal in the third minute. Arsenal came back strong, though, scoring a goal, a penalty, and getting an own goal.
Player of the Weekend
👑 moves.
Megan Rapinoe named one of @TIME's Women of the Year for 2023 👩🎤 pic.twitter.com/148ALPtdTV
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 4, 2023
Megan Rapinoe is one of Time’s Women of the Year! They honored her for how she fought for equal pay for the USWNT and how she continues to inspire other women and girls to know and fight for their worth.
What to Look Forward To
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FIFA 23 will include all 12 NWSL teams in just a couple of weeks! From the sneak peek, seeing our favorite players, goal celebrations, and kits is amazing.
Social Media Post of the Weekend
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Christen Press, the queen of breaking the internet, just posted on Instagram about her knee injury journey with three surgeries over eight months. Although it doesn’t look like she will return anytime soon, all our support goes to her as she continues her recovery.
Featured image via @washingtonspirit on Instagram
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