Following the success of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, many Americans wanted to keep the momentum of the women’s game growing. However, when it came to soccer as a career, many women struggled with similar obstacles that left them feeling alone.
The idea to create a network that represents women and underrepresented individuals in the industry was born in 2019. The network is now nationwide and growing on an international level. The collective that is now know as Women in Soccer (WIS) is changing the game for the better with their community of over 4,000 members.
Women in Soccer is a network increasing the agency and representation of women and underrepresented ... [+]
Diversity & Inclusion Meets Action
Women in Soccer was co-founded by Courtney Carroll Levinsohn, Rachel LaSala, and Pip Penman with a focus on increasing the representation of women and underrepresented individuals working in soccer.
Some of the resources provided in their free membership network include professional development tools, over 400 jobs a year on their job board, and events and panel discussions with players and industry leaders.
As the network has grown, players from the U.S. Women’s National Team and the National Women’s Soccer League have also become more involved as they see the correlation between industry equity and the importance of growing the game.
Women in Soccer hosts an online quarterly segment called, ‘Brandi’s Corner,’ which features USWNT legend, Brandi Chastain, as she interviews key figures in the game to create insightful conversations for members.
Former U.S. Women's National Team player, Brandi Chastain, is a key supporter and advocate in ... [+]
“I’ve been involved in women’s soccer since the 70’s,” Chastain told Forbes. “I’m a connecting the dots kind of person. For me, the WIS network is an actual place where we can send people for resources to reach different places. Women in Soccer value what the players are doing and the need for women to be everywhere in that system. They are also supporting them in their job search, with coaching resources, or even players needing a job once they’re done.”
The network has also hosted events featuring conversations with NWSL players such as Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, and Jess McDonald. While their conversations provide insight, inspiration, and actionable change, Women in Soccer is taking their growth a step further with the support of Major League Soccer (MLS).
MLS Joins Forces With Women in Soccer
Since its inception, the network has provided an annual career fair to showcase a variety of jobs within the industry. However, this year’s career fair will kick off on February 2 and includes a four-day event that are sponsored by the MLS.
“The sponsorship with the MLS came about quite organically,” said Women in Soccer Co-founder and Executive Director of Content and Marketing, Pip Penman. “We have some amazing WIS members who work for MLS, and they're very passionate about diversity in the game. It was a seamless alignment with what our network does and the equity and inclusion MLS is also promoting in the industry. So, MLS decided to come in and really elevate the impact of our career fair!”
The 2024 Career Fair hosted by Women in Soccer is the only opportunity specifically for recruiting ... [+]
The career fair is currently the only opportunity designed specifically for recruiting women and people with marginalized gender identities to work in soccer. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from the United Soccer League, U.S. Soccer Foundation, NWSL clubs, and other organizations.
“The MLS knows the value of women’s soccer and that’s the first motivation,” said Chastain. “Another aspect of that is that there’s fandom everywhere and so, you can’t just look for support in the places that just look like you or sound like you, you have to look everywhere. I believe that women and Women in Soccer’s network is the deepest and richest well of talent that has yet to be tapped into. So, the MLS is recognizing the depth of what already exists and that’s why they’re getting involved.”
As an organization that strives to provide accessibility within the game, attendees will also have the option to attend either virtually and/or in-person. The career fair will focus on coaching (Feb. 2 and 8) for the first two days followed by more industry-wide roles (Feb. 12 and 13) within soccer.
To participate or learn more about the upcoming career fair, more information is available from Women in Soccer, here.
