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A Letter From Betsy Haugh

By Betsy Haugh - Director of Operations, Women's Soccer, 06/08/21, 11:28AM EDT

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Betsy Haugh

  • Director of Operations - Women's Soccer

Soccer is a beautiful game with a powerful ability to unite people of all backgrounds around a common goal and a common passion. The women’s game embodies all there is to love about the sport, with an inclusive spirit and deep commitment to supporting women both on and off the field. As anyone reading this letter can attest, there is an overwhelming and profound excitement surrounding the women’s game, and those feelings certainly resonate throughout the USL and our family of clubs. With that in mind, we’re thrilled to publicly announce the USL W League, a pre-professional league kicking off in 2022 that strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development.

One of the best things about women’s soccer is the community that surrounds the game. The culture and philosophy of women’s soccer is that of competition on the field and collaboration off it, with everyone united by the mission of growing the women’s game. As the saying goes, if you want to go far, go together. This is the mindset the USL has embraced since day one and it represents a very intentional approach to engage key stakeholders in the women’s game along every step of this process. We’re creating a platform for thousands of players, coaches, executives, fans, and communities to come together to fight for equality, united through a desire to support women and advance the women’s game, and that’s a beautiful thing for us to be a part of.

To the world champions, current professionals, soccer executives, governing bodies, partner organizations, USL clubs, and countless others who have graciously provided their time and expertise as we’ve worked to develop this league – thank you for your support of the W and our mission. We’re blessed to be on this collective journey working alongside so many great people who love women’s soccer and truly want to see the game continue to advance.

To the fans – we are so excited to finally introduce you to the USL W League! We look forward to the impact you will have in advancing women’s soccer and fostering a community that reflects and strengthens the spirit of inclusivity that is synonymous with the women’s game. Our aim is to grow women’s soccer for all who love it, and fans are such a big part of that. From a young girl attending her first women’s game to the supporters groups that never miss a match and everything in between, we could not be more excited to welcome fans into the USL W League family. We eagerly await all the moments we’ll share and memories we’ll create together.

While today we commemorate this moment for the women’s game, we acknowledge our journey is really just beginning. There is tremendous work to be done, and we’ll strive to continually reaffirm our commitment to investing in and supporting women, with opportunity and equity remaining at the heart of everything this league does. As we count down to kick off in May 2022, we look forward to many more moments to celebrate #ForTheW.

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