November 20 – Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit that plays in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has donated $30 million to the US federation’s women’s and girls’ programmes according to United States Soccer (USSF).
This incredibly generous donation will help scaling competitive opportunities for youth players, improving talent identification and fueling professional development, according to the USSF’s news release.
This windfall will allow the Federation to double the number of national team camps for its youth teams to six per year as well as handing development opportunities to an extra 70,000 female coaches and referees.
The donation by Kang, who has a growing portfolio of clubs including Lyon in France and the London City Lionesses in England, is the largest-ever donation to the USSF by a woman.
Kang said: “Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long. I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women’s soccer – both on and off the pitch – by delivering the resources female athletes need to reach their full potential and surround them with the professional support they deserve. I hope this investment serves as ‘seed capital’ and spurs other donors to follow suit.”
Cindy Parlow Cone, US Soccer President added: “Michele Kang’s gift will transform soccer for women and girls in the United States.
“It will impact generations of women and girls in our game, including players, coaches, and referees. I know first-hand the power soccer can have in someone’s life and thanks to Michele, we will be able to provide more support and opportunities for women and girls.”
New USWNT boss, Emma Hayes, was equally impressed saying it has the potential to “change the trajectory of the sport.”
Kang who has deep pockets recently announced a $50 million global investment in improving the health of elite female athletes with the launch of Kynisca Sports International Ltd, the first organisation focused exclusively on women’s soccer across multiple teams.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734894474labto1734894474ofdlr1734894474owedi1734894474sni@o1734894474fni1734894474