New Women’s Excel Program (U-14/U-17) Director appointed

11 June 2013

The Canadian Soccer Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Beverly Priestman as the new Women’s Excel Program (U-14/U-17) Director. Priestman will handle coaching and leadership responsibilities in technical and national team areas for the 14-17 year-old age group, under John Herdman’s direction.

“Beverly brings with her a wealth of international experience including both coaching and technical development, which makes her ideal for this position,” said Women’s National Team Head Coach and Women’s Program Director John Herdman. “Her energy, passion and leadership at this crucial part of our system will help us achieve our long term goal of creating a world class talent development model for Canada.”

Formerly Head of Football Development with New Zealand Football, Priestman has experience working with players and coaches across levels from local club to international elite. Her career in coach education and women’s football development as well as her understanding of coach and player development will be valuable assets to the continued growth of Canada’s Women’s National Team program on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015TM.

“Coming to work in this capacity in a country that provides tremendous support to women’s football is a fantastic opportunity,” said Priestman. “I am looking forward to building the system to produce the next generation of national team players, which is crucial for sustained success such as what the Women’s National Team experienced at London 2012 when it captured the hearts of the Canadian public.”

Born in the United Kingdom and with a Science and Football Degree, Priestman’s career includes both coaching and football development. On the grass, she was involved in coaching at Everton Ladies and their centre of excellence, New Zealand U-15 Women’s Coach, supporting two U-17 Women’s Campaigns and other national team environments. She is also a FIFA Coaching Instructor for Women’s Football.

In a leadership and development capacity, Priestman started as a Women’s Development Officer in Oxfordshire for the English Football Association back in 2007. She then moved to New Zealand for a Regional Coach Development position, before stepping in to head office in the role of Women’s Football Development Manager and then Head of Football Development in 2011.

“Her role centres on leading system changes to develop new and existing talent development pathways nationally and regionally,” added Herdman. “As the Women’s Excel U-14/U-17 Program Director she will also lead our Women’s U-17 National Team into FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying in October this year.”

As an extension to the Women’s National Team, the Excel Program’s aim is to implement a new playing model and build a new identity for women’s soccer in Canada. The EXCEL program has been put in place by the Canadian Women’s coaching staff to help bridge the gap from the youth levels to the senior program.

Plenty of surprises on CanWNT roster for USA “rematch”

by squizz , 05-22-2013

When the Canada-USA “rematch” on June 2 was announced earlier this year, I asked Canadian head coach John Herdman if he was going to continue experimenting with new players, as he had been doing in Canada’s matches up to that point in 2013.

The first word of his response was a clear, unequivocal “no”. He went on to say that in a match of such a high profile, only players who were truly “ready” would be getting the call.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I saw that the roster includes at least four players who could reasonably be considered newcomers — including one who is, by every known metric, actually American!

Then again, at that same press conference, he also teased that sorta-kinda-retired Melissa Tancredi could be brought into the equation for the heavily-hyped showdown… and well, look whose name we see on the 18-player list…

While the core of the squad from the Olympic semifinal remains intact (including Tancredi, who hasn’t played since that tournament), clearly Herdman feels that a few Canadian youngsters are “ready” for the responsibility. Teenage centreback Buchanan has already become a fixture with the senior squad after impressing in 2013, while fellow teenager Lawrence is a midfield engine in the making.

Up front, Cameron will get another chance to show what she’s got with the senior team, while Christina “Corky” Julien is also back in the mix, having just missed out on being part of the full Olympic squad.

The biggest, most mind-boggling surprise, though, is Rachel Quon. The 22-year-old fullback was born in the USA, raised in the USA, went to school in the USA, and has represented the USA at the U17, U20 and U23 levels. Her connection to Canada is, as of this writing, unclear — but hopefully Herdman will provide some more insight.

THE WPSL ANNOUNCES NEW TEAMS TO JOIN THE 2013 LINE-UP

By Liz Quintana

The Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is pleased to announce the addition of 17 new teams to the 2013 roster. The teams range from all over the US, adding a significant amount of talent to the league. With 75 teams total, the WPSL is the largest women’s national soccer team in the world. Coaches, players and fans are all excited about the new recruitments and can’t wait for the 2013 season to begin.

The new teams are as follows:

AC Seattle (Washington). “We are really excited about this opportunity to join the WPSL,” said Emily Magnotto. “Our team this year is mostly made up of Italian girls, as well as local top-tier players. We’re really excited for the experience to have an inter-cultural soccer exchange. It will mean we train and compete with different styles of soccer on the field, and learn different cultural styles off the field.”

Alabama FC (Birmingham, Alabama). “We are very excited to join the WPSL as the league has a great reputation,” said Joel Person, Head Coach of the Alabama F.C. “Our Alabama F.C. WPSL team is a natural extension of our BUSA ECNL program and will provide our current and former players an avenue to be challenged and grow in the game! We are very honored and excited to have the opportunity to bring high level women’s soccer to central Alabama. We hope to create a platform through the WPSL for youth soccer players to look up to and aspire to play for the team one day.”

Boston Breakers College (Massachusetts), A group of amateur college players who are affiliated with the Boston Breakers Pro team.

Storm Elk Grove (California). This year, the Storm announced a couple of changes. There will now be a California Storm Elk Grove and California Storm Sacramento team, both with full schedules in the Pacific Northern California WPSL Division. “We’re excited about our move to Elk Grove,” said Jerry Zanelli, League Commissioner. “We’re receiving tremendous support from the city, and especially Mayor Gary Davis. We can’t wait to see where this season takes us.”

Des Moines Menace (Iowa), Des Moines Menace General Manager Matt Homonoff says, “We are excited for the challenge that the WPSL presents in 2013. Based upon the success of our inaugural campaign in 2012 and the great support our women’s team has received since its inception last spring, the Menace clearly needed to compete against a higher level of competition.” Head Coach Kevin Schalk couldn’t agree more. He said, “Our new league will provide us with more regional play along with a playoff format that will give our fans and players more opportunities to watch and play in quality matches. This season will give us a chance to play for two national titles, with the Women’s Open Cup and a league championship in California. I look forward to the challenges ahead in both league and non-league competition.”

Empire United Buffalo (New York). “I’m very excited about the level of interest here in New York,” said Peter Crofut, General Manager for the Reds. “When we held try-outs, we were very anxious to see how many players would show up, and if there would be enough for a team. We were quite surprised when well over 60 players contacted us, some players showing up who live over 100 miles away. The response was more than I anticipated and I’m thrilled with their level of commitment and interest in the league. It’s great to see women who are done with their college careers, but still want to play at a higher level and compete!”

FC LVU Sonic (Allentown, Pennsylvania), Michael McNeish, Lady Sonics General Manager said “The Lady Sonics are excited to be part of the WPSL this year. It has given the opportunity for many of our local college soccer players to continue playing during the summer months to enhance their skills and fitness, not to mention competing at a high level. We had a good turnout for tryouts, showcasing the very high talent of our players. It will make chance for a spot on our roster a very difficult decision!”

FC Surge (Miami, Florida). “We are very excited to be a part of the League and are looking forward to the upcoming season,” said Rochelle Wimbush of the FC Surge. “We hope to become a verifiable force to be reckoned with in the emergent world of women’s soccer, and look forward to joining the ranks of the top teams in the League!”

Fire and Ice Soccer Club (Belleville, Illinois). The team is being run by Lindsay Eversmeyer, former General Manager of the River City team in the midwest. The team is located very near St. Louis, and expects a good turnout.

Kansas City Shock (Missouri/Kansas). “I firmly believe we’re on the cusp of a new idea of women’s soccer,” Shawn Daugherty from the Kansas City Shock said. “Not only is our quality of play on the field going to be excellent under the guidance of Coach Ortiz, but our continued growing fan base and community involvement off the field will exceed expectations. For us, the sky is the limit and we know no bounds. 2013 is going to be an amazing year for us and the Women’s Premier Soccer League.”

LA Premier (Southern California), is delighted to be back in the WPSL and competing in the 2013 season. “We are excited to be back,” said Executive Director of Coaching, Barry Ritson. “With the youth club adopting this program we feel as though the environment should reflect the clubs philosophies. From professional coaches to opportunities for players to improve on the field and prepare for their next level; we aim to compete in every game. We will use this environment to show the youth players exactly what it takes to compete as college players by having our players train with and compete alongside the likes of Chelsea, Rosie and Megan as well as other top college and ex-pro players. We feel they will be ready to make an impact in their freshman year.”

Lions Swarm (Maryland), is being led by Head Coach Myron Garnes. This is a team from South Maryland and is currently recruiting players from the area.

THUSC Diamonds (Portland, Oregon) “The Tualatin Hills United Soccer Club finds the addition of a WPSL team to our club as a positive and logical next step. THUSC strives to compete on a national level in all youth age groups and are motivated to compete in the WPSL,” said Tom Atencio, Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Tualatin Hills United Soccer Club.

Tri-City Celtics (Albany, New York), “The Tri-City Celtics are very excited to be a new franchise in the WPSL,” Paul Rogan with the Tri-City Celtics said. “The league provides a wonderful opportunity for top flight players to get the chance to play high level games outside of their college season. In addition, it’ll be very beneficial for the youth players of New York’s Capital Region to be able to come out and watch such high quality soccer.”

Tucson Soccer Academy (Tucson, Arizona), Ted Schmidt, President of the Tucson Soccer Academy is thrilled to be part of the WPSL. “Establishing a WPSL team in Tucson is a dream come true for young women soccer players and their fans throughout the Southwest, and especially Tucson. The WPSL is the equivalent of FC Tucson on the women’s side. The Tucson Soccer Academy is proud to add this new opportunity for college age women to compete against top level teams in the West during their summer break from school. TSA wishes to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to Pima County and FC Tucson for making this dream come true.”

Westside Timbers (Portland, Oregon), “I was the 2009 pacific conference co-coach of the year, and very sad when we lost the funding and could not continue to play as we once had. I tried several alternatives to return in the league and they were never as successful as the first year,” said Stan Rodrigues, Director of Coaching for the Westside Timbers. “Now that the league has grown in the Northwest and the budget more manageable, we are so excited to be back in the best league out there.”

Yankee Ladies FC (Connecticut). They are a new team in Southern Connecticut. Very successful youth program that developed players who went onto playing college. Now this is the place to play during the offseason.

Although they are new to the organization, these 17 teams consist of a very talented core of experienced and highly skilled players. People are starting to recognize the level of athleticism these women possess, and after a lot of hard work, the league was able to significantly expand with much better funding and backing. These new additions are sure to increase recognition for the teams, players and the sport. Players and staff have been working tirelessly over the past few months preparing for the upcoming season, and all are anxious to see that hard work pay off.

The Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is the largest national Women’s Soccer League in the world. With more than 70-plus women’s soccer teams, the WPSL is the leading amateur soccer league in America. The league is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The WPSL’s mission is to provide opportunities to further the women’s soccer game for the aspiring professional, international-level players and passionate amateurs.

The WPSL season brings affordable and quality family entertainment to the community, displays positive role models for our youth and offers the essential connection between youth and pro women’s soccer in America.

For more information please visit http://www.WPSL.info

Dozen days until FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Qualifiers kick off in Asia

9 May 2013

Only a dozen days remain before FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Qualifiers kick off in Asia with the preliminary phase matches to be played in Bangladesh, Palestine, Bahrain and Jordan. The first matches will be played on 21 May 2013 in Dhaka, Bangladesh and West Bank, Palestine.

From 16 teams competing in the preliminary phase, four group winners will advance to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in May 2014. The 2014 eight-team competition will also feature Australia, China PR, Korea Republic and defending FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Japan.

As five teams are set to qualify out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2014, at least one team from this first round of Asian Qualifiers in 2013 will make it all the way FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015.

Group A in Amman, Jordan (starting 5 June 2013):
Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and host Jordan

Group B in Dhaka, Bangladesh (starting 21 May 2013):
Iran, Philippines, Thailand and host Bangladesh

Group C in Manama, Bahrain (starting 22 May 2013):
Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and host Bahrain

Group D in West Bank, Palestine (starting 21 May 2013):
Chinese Tapei, India, Myanmar and host Palestine

Details on the route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 can be found via the Qualifiers tab on the FIFA.com/Canada2015 competition landing page.

UEFA Draw for the U-19 Championship

This past Tuesday 7 May, eight teams were divided into two groups for the final phase of Europe’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 Qualifiers. The eight teams will compete for four available Canada 2014 spots via the 2013 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship from 19-31 August in Wales.

Group A will feature Denmark, England, France and host Wales while Group B will feature Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Details on the route to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 can be found via the Qualifiers tab on the FIFA.com competition landing page.

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 will run 5-24 August 2014. The 16-team competition will feature players born 1994 or later. The official host cities will be announced in June of this year.

Sinclair named NWSL Player of the Month

In women’s club football action in North America, Portland Thorns FC striker Christine Sinclair of Canada has been named National Women’s Soccer League Player of the Month for April 2013. Before this past weekend’s games, Sinclair was the league leader with two goals and one assist in April for the undefeated Thorns (now 3-1-0 after another win to kick off the May schedule).

In Spain, Barcelona won its second consecutive title after Kenti Robles of Mexico scored a memorable goal in a 2:1 win over Athletic Bilbao. Against 25,000 fans in attendance for the home side Athletic – who needed only a draw to secure the title – Robles upset the standings with a title-winning goal for visitors Barcelona in the 72nd minute.

For all the latest on women’s football, please visit FIFA.com.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is held every four years, with the next edition to be played in Canada in 2015. It marks the first major sporting event hosted in Canada from coast to coast, with matches to be played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal and Moncton. The FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature the 24 best women’s football teams in the world.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 will be preceded one year earlier by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one of two FIFA women’s youth tournaments. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup returns to Canada for the first time since 2002. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 will feature 16 teams featuring players born 1994 or later.

The National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 features Victor Montagliani (chair), Steven Reed, Janine Helland, Doug Redmond, Clare Rustad, Walter Sieber and Peter Montopoli.

Christine Sinclair wins inaugural NWSL player of month honour

Portland forward scored twice

, May 7, 2013

Christine Sinclair, playing for Portland, battles with Seattle Reign defender Kate Deines in an April game. (Don Ryan/Associated Press)

Canada captain Christine Sinclair has been awarded the first ever National Women’s Soccer League’s player of the month award.
The 29-year-old Portland Thorns forward scored two goals and had an assist over three games to help her team post a 2-0-1 record for the month.

Sinclair converted from the penalty spot to score the first goal of the season for the Thorns in a 1-1 draw with Kansas City in the inaugural NWSL game on April 13.

The Burnaby, B.C., native assisted on forward Alex Morgan’s goal in a 2-1 win for Portland against Seattle Reign FC in the Thorns’ home-opener on April 21. Sinclair then scored her team’s second goal in the Thorns’ next game — a 2-0 road victory over the Chicago Red Stars on April 27.

Alex Morgan’s Thorns draw at home and away

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By Paul Kennedy May 7, 2013

There should be little doubt who is the biggest draw in the new NWSL.

Alex Morgan‘s Portland Thorns drew a crowd of 16,479 fans at Jeld-Wen Field for their home opener, while all three Portland games on the road have been sell outs.

Portland drew an overflow crowd of 5,011 fans at Maryland SoccerPlex for their 2-1 win over the Washington Spirit on Saturday.

The Spirit drew crowds of 4,569 and 3,102 for its first two home games.

“We could not have asked for a better first three games,” Spirit owner Bill Lynch told the Washington Post.

In a preseason letter to fans, Lynch said the Spirit needed an average of 3,000 for financial sustainability.

The Boston Breakers also attracted a sell out crowd — albeit only 3,113 fans at Dilboy Stadium — for their 4-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars.

The winless Seattle Reign was the last NWSL team to open at home, drawing a disappointing crowd of 2,618 at Starfire Stadium. Two of its biggest stars, Hope Solo (recovering from wrist surgery) and Amy Rodriguez (pregnancy leave), were in the stands for the game; its third American star, Megan Rapinoe, is playing in France with Lyon.

The lowest crowd for a home opener was 1,255 at the Chicago Red Stars’ game in Lisle.

Buoyed by the big crowd in Portland, the NWSL is averaging 4,595 fans through Week 4, which is more than 1,000 fans a game higher than its predecessor, WPS, averaged in its last two years.

Average Attendance
AVG. LEAGUE
4,595 *NWSL (2013)
3,518 WPS (2011)
3,588 WPS (2010)
4,684 WPS (2009)
6,667 WUSA (2003)
6,969 WUSA (2002)
8,103 WUSA (2001)
*Through Week 4.

Send comments to letters@socceramerica.com. Please include your first and last name and hometown

More than just a game: Why girls soccer matters

by Carrie Serwetnyk

VANCOUVER—When the women’s Olympic qualifying soccer tournament started Jan. 19 in the UFO-style BC Place, barely a mention was apparent.

Despite Vancouver’s thousands of recreational soccer players, the qualifier brought just a quizzical nod and non-committal afterthought. Most people here had no idea Canada will host the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Fast forward to the semi-final matches Friday — when the U.S. will clobber Costa Rica and our women take on Mexico with fingers crossed — and the mood has shifted, like a strong West Coast espresso jolt to the system.

With Sportsnet running all the matches, the local media agreeing to a bit of non-Canuck coverage and our team winning, bums in seats jumped to 12,000 from 7,000 by the time Canada played its second game.

People are starting to like this “girls” soccer thing. They love having a hometown star like Christine Sinclair who seems to score goals in her sleep. They love the glamour of Hope Solo whisking into town from her Dancing with the Stars gig. I’ve given Cheer 4 Canada presentations to thousands of students at 33 schools and I can tell you just as many kids love soccer as they do seeing celebrities flounder on stilettos.

Vancouver is buzzing with patriotic fever. It may not be 2010 again but fans are gallivanting in with their Canadian flags and all the red and white Olympic souvenirs they boxed up ages ago. Competing sombreros are everywhere and face paint is back. The stands are packed with kids, soccer families and guys (and many women) checking out the hotties. The Olympic qualifiers have become a must-see event.

So why does all this matter?

This is what I tell the kids I visit: When I was inducted as the first woman in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame over a decade ago, a reporter asked with a tone of disapproval: “Why, why would a girl want to play soccer?”

His incredulous attitude left me silent for a while. Finally I responded: “You know, your question is like asking me why a girl would like Italian food or Chinese food or chocolate cake or pizza, as if girls are born missing a chromosome and unable to appreciate the things in life that give us spice and zest like running around with a ball, scoring goals or high-fiving friends and feeling good and fit in our bodies.”

The kids nod. They get it.

What I didn’t articulate to them, I wrote in a blog: “Factor in all the statistics and global challenges you have ever read about the plight of girls and women, from economic neglect to teenage pregnancies, rape, genital mutilation, domestic abuse, limited educational opportunities and the absence of representation in political matters, and we are just scratching the surface of why sports and physical activity can make a difference.

“A girl who plays sports gains confidence in her body, she learns to connect and be empowered through her efforts with the people around her. She learns that she can accomplish goals, take on leadership roles and make healthy choices for herself that may help steer her away from abusing alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and participating in gangs or crime. She may make stronger relationship decisions and become a positive role model for her children.

“Women athletes can be fantastic employees or business owners because they understand the values that drive sports: commitment, integrity, cooperation and overcoming adversity. Given the intrinsic zest stimulated in their bodies from playing and having fun, they are more likely to be creative, intelligent, appreciate the environment and make wiser dietary choices because they are in tune with themselves.

“Quite frankly, they look a heck of a lot better than the majority of the population that has dozed off on the couch with a bag of Doritos. They don’t need to read as many books searching for happiness because they ARE happy. And besides the odd broken bone, bruise or sprain, they are mentally tougher, they probably cost the health care industry bundles less, and they are just as sexy as the Beckhams and Ronaldos we all pay millions to see.”

Every night, I have been billy goating around BC Place interviewing players and fans on “why the World Cup matters, why it’s important that girls play sports.” The question seems incomprehensible now, as if I were to ask why a girl would like pizza.

People in the stands aren’t pondering such thoughts. They’re here to cheer on their country and watch amazing role models — those we all know and the ones we don’t, like the Haitian women who have overcome hell on earth to wear cleats and a uniform in our land.

And for girls in the stands, their lives have shifted. They have been awakened. Whatever dormant dream might be whispering to them, they will have a newfound belief that their hopes are possible.

I am sure that a future Canadian star — whether she is 5, 6, 10 years old — will walk through the gates of BC Place this week and her life will be saved. I’ve asked many women, even national players from most of the countries, if soccer saved their life. They think about it and they nod. They know.

This is why girls soccer matters.

Carrie Serwetnyk is a former national player originally from Hamilton and now the publisher of FreeKick magazine.

Debutants pass first test en route to Canada

11 April 2013

Between 4-9 April 2013, UEFA got the ball rolling for FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ qualifying, kicking off Europe’s 18-month campaign with preliminary tournaments in Lithuania and Malta. The latter, along with Montenegro, the Faroe Islands and Albania took significant steps towards reaching the showpiece event.

FIFA.com rounds up the action from the continent’s first Canada 2015 qualifying games, at which two newcomers were swift to announce their arrival on the international scene.

The first four nations eliminated from FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers were Lithuania, Georgia, Luxembourg and Latvia.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014

Qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 also took place in Europe from 4-9 April 2013, with seven nations progressing from Stage 2 of the UEFA Women’s U-19 Championship.

The seven European nations that advanced to the final stage in Wales were Sweden, France, Denmark, England, Norway, Finland and Germany. Those seven nations – along with host Wales – will be divided into two groups of four via the tournament draw on 7 May.

The UEFA Women’s U-19 Championship final round runs 19-31 August in Wales.

Elite duo shine, Euro contenders joust

Club football took a back seat over the past week as a host of high profile international teams claimed the spotlight. On centre stage was a classic billing between heavyweights Germany and USA with the world’s top two ranked nations unable to be separated in yet another high-quality encounter. England and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ hosts Canada continued an ever-growing rivalry, while numerous UEFA Women’s EURO contenders honed their form ahead of July’s continental showdown.

UEFA Draw for FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

The draw for the group stage of the UEFA qualifying competition will take place on 16 April 2013, with group matches to be played between 21 September 2013 and 17 September 2014. The decisive play-off fixtures, which will determine the continent’s eight Canada 2015 participants, will take place between 25 October and 27 November 2014.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

Canada WNT wraps up European trip

7 April 2013

Canada has wrapped up an eight-day European camp during the most recent women’s international break in 2013, drawing even 1:1 with France on Thursday 4 April before falling 0:1 to England on Sunday 7 April. The team will come home with players returning to their clubs in the week leading up to the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League season.
Canada successfully built towards added-time heroics against France (courtesy Kaylyn Kyle’s fifth international goal), but had the trick turned on them three days later when England’s Ellen White scored a 92nd-minute winner in Rotherdam, England. White’s 13th international goal was the lone marker of the Canada-England rematch from the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup final, also a 1:0 victory for England.

“We are still trying some new things, so it may take us awhile to gel, but we are lucky because we have 2-3 years before we play in that FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada,” said Canadian head coach John Herdman. “It is nice to be able to test a few things at this stage.”

Of note during the trip to Europe, Diana Matheson made her 150th appearance for Canada on 7 April while debutant Kylla Sjoman made her first-ever appearance in the same match. Goalkeeper Erin McLeod was Canada’s player of the match in the 1:1 draw with France while teenaged centre back Kadeisha Buchanan was Canada’s player of the match in the 0:1 loss to England.

Canada’s next Women’s International Friendly match is Sunday 2 June at BMO Field against CONCACAF rival USA. The upcoming match will serve as Canada’s international homecoming following the bronze-medal performance at the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. The 2 June match will be followed by an away international against Germany on 19 June.

Last-minute heroics for Canada WNT

4 April 2013

It was a tale of last-minute heroics as Canada and France traded goals at the end of each half in a 1:1 Women’s International Friendly match. France thought for sure it had a winner with an Élodie Thomis goal at the end of the first half, but Kaylyn Kyle cancelled it out with her tying goal on the last play of the match.

The Canada-France international was the first match between the two sides since the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament – a memorable match in which Canada capture the bronze medal after a last-minute goal by Diana Matheson. That last encounter was top of the mind for both clubs, even though France was equally focused on the upcoming European Championships in Sweden.

“As the half went on in the second half, you could see that confidence started to grow,” said Canadian head coach John Herdman. “Once that momentum was built, people started performing at the level that they can. I have to say, I was really impressed with the last 30 minutes.”

Canada’s goal scorer Kaylyn Kyle had several chances in the last 30 minutes, including a pair of headers that were cleared off the line. In the end, there was no mistake on her chance in the 94th minute as she put it past the French goalkeeper for the 1:1 draw.

As it was against France at London 2012, goalkeeper Erin McLeod was Canada’s player of the match. The 4 April 2013 match was played in front of 5783 fans at the Stade Municipal du Ray in Nice, France.

U.S. soccer star says World Cup on turf will hurt game

Kelly Whiteside, USA TODAY, March 27, 2013

Abby Wambach celebrates following the game against Japan during the London Olympics at Wembley Stadium on Aug. 9, 2012. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

When it was announced last week that the women’s 2015 World Cup final in Vancouver would be the first championship game played on artificial turf, U.S. players quickly responded. They made their opposition known on Twitter. Now they plan to reach out to international stars to bring about change.

“We have to mobilize leadership around the world, it can’t be the U.S.’s fight,” Abby Wambach, the 2012 FIFA women’s world player of the year, said Wednesday. “This has to be an issue that all players take on as a responsibility.”

Wambach said she felt the move was a “slight” against women.

“I think it could cross the line to a gender discrimination issue and it’s something we can’t stay quiet on, and our national team will do whatever we can,” she said. “At the very least we want to be heard.”

Other national team members have strong opinions as well. U.S. forward Carli Lloyd tweeted: “Had a nightmare that the 2015 World Cup was going to be played on turf! … Wonder if the men’s World Cup would ever be played on turf? … Always more injuries on artificial turf. Bad enough we played our 2012 Olympic qualifying games on artificial turf. Never thought about WC”

Some games at the men’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa were played on a natural grass pitch reinforced by synthetic fibers and FIFA, the sport’s governing body, has a defined standard and rating system for artificial turf fields.

Vancouver’s B.C. Place Stadium, which seats 55,000 and has a retractable roof, will host the World Cup final.

“We wanted to maximize the number of participants, the number of people that are in the seats. B.C. Place obviously has that capacity,” Steve Reed, a national organizing committee member, said last week.

Canadian Soccer Association general secretary Peter Montopoli was not available for comment Wednesday.

Though artificial turf has certainly evolved since the days of the Astrodome, most players find the surface unforgiving.

“It wrecks your body and changes the way the game is played,” Wambach said.

Wambach hopes that a coalition of international stars can bring about change — grass fields for at least the knockout rounds – while there is still time. One option would be to lay grass over the turf fields.

Though it’s an expensive option, Wambach said FIFA has enough cash to foot the bill. Last week FIFA reported a profit of $89 million for 2012 and reserves of $1.378 billion.

“FIFA prides itself on making its world championships the best,” Wambach said. ” I think that’s what we deserve. You’ve seen growth in the game over the last decade, not only in U.S. but in Japan and Germany. This would be detrimental for the women’s game. That’s going to be the kicker. Is FIFA going to step up to the plate and do the right thing?”

FIFA however has never been accused of being progressive when it comes to women’s soccer. After all its president, Sepp Blatter, once suggested that to make the sport more appealing female players could wear “tighter shorts.”

Canada WNT v USA Rematch

18 March 2013

The Canada-USA match, presented by Canadian Tire, will take place on Sunday, June 2nd at BMO Field in Toronto, ON (kick off 16:30 local).

“It is a real coup for us to have USA coming to play on Canadian soil; it will be a special occasion,” said John Herdman, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s National Team. “This will be the biggest game of the year for many of our players.”

Fans will be able to purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1-855-985-5000 or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets or the BMO Field box office. For more information on tickets, visit the event page at canadasoccer.com/rematch.

“We are thrilled to see such a high level of enthusiasm from our Canadian supporters and look forward to hopefully selling out BMO Field,” said Peter Montopoli, General Secretary, Canadian Soccer Association. “We are looking forward to having the stadium filled with loud and demonstrative fans to support our Women’s National Team for this great Rematch.”

“We have built this event to be an affordable and accessible soccer experience for all,” Montopoli added. “Canada Soccer will continue to work with our partners, provincial members and clubs to ensure June 2nd is a memorable celebration of Women’s soccer in Canada for our athletes and fans.”

Tickets for the June 2nd Rematch start as low as $25 (plus applicable fees), with almost 70% of all tickets available priced below $30.

Similar to the successful initiative that was started in 2011, community soccer clubs and group discounts are available and offer a reduced rate ranging from 20%-30% off regular price (based on volume). Details on clubs and groups offers are available on canadasoccer.com/rematch or by contacting marketing@canadasoccer.com.

Fans can sign up on canadasoccer.com to get access to an exclusive pre-sale offer. A limited offer will also be circulated via Canada Soccer’s Twitter (@CanadaSoccerEN) and Facebook (facebook.com/canadasoccer) channels.

Fans are invited to extend their soccer day by participating in a pre-match Fan Fest that will take place outside BMO Field. Further details will be unveiled as the event draws closer.

The June 2nd match will also be broadcast nationally on all four regional Sportsnet channels.

The match against the Americans will be the first time the two teams have clashed since a dramatic semi-final at the Women’s Olympic Football tournament at the London 2012 Olympics. In a drama-filled affair on 7 August, 2012, captain Christine Sinclair handed Canada the lead on three separate occasions but the Americans ultimately prevailed with a 123rd-minute winner in extra time. Canada rebounded from the devastating loss against USA to claim the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in Women’s football and Canada’s first summer Olympics medal by a traditional team sport since 1936.

Boston Breakers Launch Girls’ Instructional Video Project

By: SoccerNation News – Pro Soccer News

Wednesday, March 13

Women’s Soccer News: Boston Breakers Launch Kickstarter Campaign for Instructional Soccer Videos Designed Exclusively for Girls

“Beautiful: Teaching Girls Soccer the Boston Breakers Way” will focus on key training aspects for girls

The Boston Breakers of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are creating a ground breaking instructional video series for parents and coaches, combining expert advice on the unique coaching needs of girls with the latest training advances for preventing the serious injuries increasingly associated with young female athletes.

In support of the project, the Breakers, one of America’s premier women’s professional soccer teams, have launched a campaign on the crowd funding website Kickstarter to support the project.

“We believe this project will address a critical need,” said Breakers General Manager Lee Billiard. “America has the best female soccer players in the world, and soccer gives girls benefits that last a lifetime. But only if it’s taught the right way.”

There are currently hundreds of books, videos, courses, and online resources devoted to coaching youth soccer. Remarkably, almost none of it is aimed specifically at girls – despite a growing body of research that shows girls have unique needs when it comes to successful coaching techniques and injury prevention.

The Kickstarter campaign: “Beautiful: Teaching Girls Soccer the Boston Breakers Way” can be found by following this link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ralphranalli/beautiful-teaching-girls-soccer-the-boston-breaker.

The campaign will fund two versions of the project, a Coaches Edition and a Parents Edition. The project will be available in both DVD and online format and will address issues including:

How girls process coaching information differently than boys.
Why differences in their motivations for participating in sports are important.
How girls mature socially faster than boys, making team dynamics critical.
Why soccer girls get more concussions than any young athletes except boys who play football (more than boys who play soccer, lacrosse, or even ice hockey).
Why teenage girls are up to 8 times more likely than boys (especially in soccer) to suffer significant knee injuries, and how early prevention can reduce risks.

Boston Breakers Head Coach Lisa Cole will play a key role in creating the project, along with nationally-recognized experts in the fields of coaching and sports medicine. Current Breakers and U.S. Women’s National Team stars like Sydney Leroux, Heather O’Reilly and Cat Whitehill will also be featured.

The Kickstarter campaign follows this year’s announcement of the new Boston Breakers Academy, a developmental program that partners with local soccer organizations to provide high-quality, girl-specific instruction.

“When you teach soccer, you’re not just teaching a game, you’re teaching about life,” Cole said. “It’s not just techniques and tactics – it’s about teaching girls to love sports and make soccer a healthy part of their lives. It’s about teaching the complete girl.”

The Breakers restart word-class soccer play next month – the inaugural season of the new National Women’s Soccer League – with star players drawn from the women’s national teams of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. While the national soccer federations of the three countries are supporting the league by paying player salaries, initiatives like the “Beautiful” Kickstarter campaign are also critical to the long-term success of both the Breakers and the league.

The video series will be produced by The Word Syndicate, a Newton-based production company that specializes in buzzworthy and inspiring video content.

Ralph Ranalli, The Word Syndicate’s owner and executive producer, is a soccer parent, a soccer coach and the president of Newton Girls Soccer, a non-profit, municipal-based soccer club that is the largest girls-only program in New England.

The Breakers open their NWSL season on Sunday, April 14, against the Washington Spirit before going on the road against FC Kansas City on April 20 and Western New York Flash on April 27. The team returns home on May 4 to host the Chicago Red Stars. The Breakers play their home games at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville.

National Organising Committee for FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

18 July 2011

Former national player Clare Rustad has joined the National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. The addition of Rustad expands the committee to seven members, with Victor Montagliani (chair), Steven Reed, Janine Helland, Doug Redmond, Walter Sieber and Peter Montopoli previously announced.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 is the largest single-sport women’s event in the world. The competition will feature 24 teams, with qualification matches beginning in April of this year.

The National Organising Committee is responsible for approving policy and providing direction, providing financial oversight, developing policies, and ensuring that the promotional and legacy opportunities are capitalized to further develop women’s soccer.

Ms. Rustad is one of two former players on the Canada 2015 National Organising Committee. She won a youth silver medal at the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship in 2002 (now known as the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup) and represented Canada a the Beijing 2008 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. The other former player is Ms. Helland, who was Canada’s captain at the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 1999. She has since served on the FIFA Committee for Women’s Football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup committee.

Mr. Montagliani is the President of the Canadian Soccer Association while Mr. Reed is Vice-President, both of whom were elected to their positions this year. Mr. Montagliani was also a committee member for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007. Mr. Redmond has long been involved in soccer in Newfoundland Soccer and serves as President of the NLSA.

Mr. Sieber is a renowned expert in the organisation of sporting events and has served as a FIFA General Coordinator at six FIFA World Cups and three FIFA Women’s World Cups. Mr. Montopoli serves as the General Secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association and Chief Executive Officer of the National Organising committee for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. He previously served as the National Event Director for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 and was a FIFA General Coordinator at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is held every four years, with the next edition to be played in Canada in 2015. It marks the first major sporting event hosted in Canada from coast to coast, with matches to be played in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal and Moncton. The FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature the 24 best women’s football teams in the world.

Canada come up short in Cyprus Cup final

13 March 2013

Canada suffered heartbreak for the second consecutive year in the final of the Cyprus Women’s Cup – losing 0:1 to England on this occasion on Wednesday 6 March, 2013 at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus.

England’s Rachel Yankey scored the lone goal of the game in the 70th minute and it proved to be the winner as Canada could not muster any clear-cut chances as it fought to get back in the game.

“England were the better team tonight – give them credit,” said Canadian Head Coach John Herdman.

“We will have another opportunity against them next month in England.”

Jonelle Filigno had Canda’s best chance of the game but she could not hit the target with a first-half effort from close range.

Next up for Canada is a Women’s International Friendly against France in Nice, France on 4 April.

The Canadians will then travel to Rotherham, England for another fixture against England on 7 April.

Canada beat Finland, book place in Cyprus Cup final
8 March 2013

Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair scored the goals to help Canada to a 2:1 win over Finland on Wednesday 6 March at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus.

The win gives Canada a maximum six points from its first two games at the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup and clinches the team’s place in the tournament final as winners of Group B.

“I was happy with our overall performance today,” said Head Coach John Herdman after the game.

“We knew Finland would be a good team and they gave us some nervous moments.

“Thankfully Sinclair and Filigno scored the goals to take us to the final.”

Emmi Alanen gave Finland an early 1:0 lead in the 6th minute when she collected a loose ball and beat Karina LeBlanc with an effort from inside the area.

Filigno then brought Canada back to level terms when she fired home a shot to the top right corner from the top of the box in the 30th minute. Diana Matheson and Sophie Schmidt combined well in the build-up to the goal, with Schmidt providing the final lay-off for Filigno.

Canada then took the lead from the penalty spot seven minutes later.

A long-range strike from Matheson was handled in the area and captain Sinclair converted the penalty to the bottom left corner.

Finland mounted a late charge in the final 10 minutes of the match and hit the post in the dying stages – but ultimately Canada held on for the win.

The Canadians will close out group play at the tournament with a Monday fixture against the Netherlands (local kick-off 17.30: 10.30 ET / 07.30 PT).

Canada will then make its third consecutive appearance in a Cyprus Cup final on Wednesday 13 March. The team will take on either New Zealand or England pending the result of the final Group A match between the two teams on Monday.

The win over Finland was Sinclair’s return to competitive action following a four-match FIFA suspension.

Substitute Christina Julien earned her 50th cap on the day.

Nigeria ‘lesbian football ban’ reports examined by Fifa

Football’s world governing body Fifa has written to the Nigerian Football Association over claims lesbians are now banned from playing football there.

Dilichukwu Onyedinma, chair of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), was quoted as making the statement.

“Any player associated with it will be disqualified,” she is quoted as saying.
While contravening Fifa’s anti-discrimination policies, the situation is made more complicated because homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria.

Activist Rashidi Williams: ‘It is very difficult to live as a gay man in Nigeria’

Currently, a Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill that specifically outlaws same-sex unions is awaiting a signature from president Goodluck Jonathan to go in to law.

If that occurs, gatherings of homosexuals or any other support for gay clubs, organisations, unions – whether in secret or in public -will be banned, with same-sex couples facing up to 14 years in prison.

In a speech at the NWFL’s recent annual general assembly, Onyedinma is reported to have said that lesbian players would no longer be eligible for the Nigeria women’s national team and would “be sacked” from their club sides.

The Super Falcons have won the Africa Women’s Championship eight times, but exited the 2011 Women’s World Cup at the group stage and did not qualify for London 2012.

Host City Venue General Managers announced for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015
7 March 2013

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 National Organising Committee has named the six Venue General Managers that will lead the six Official Host Cities in their preparations for the competition. The six new members of the Canada 2015 team have been brought together for a five-day Venue General Manager Workshop in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, from 4-8 March 2013.

The six Venue General Managers are Rita Rogers for Vancouver, Trisa Zimmerman for Edmonton, Chad Falk for Winnipeg, Valerie Hughes for Ottawa, Francis Millien for Montréal, and Stéphane Delisle for Moncton.

“We have gathered a great team of venue general managers that will help bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to life in 2015,” said Peter Montopoli, National Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer. “They will be key players on our team that engages a nation – from coast to coast – like never before.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 will be preceded one year earlier by the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one of two FIFA women’s youth tournaments. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup returns to Canada for the first time since 2002. Host cities for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 will be announced later this year.

MORE ABOUT THE VENUE GENERAL MANAGERS

In Vancouver, Ms. Rogers brings 20-plus years of event management, most notably as Senior Manager, Events at Canucks Sports & Entertainment and Rogers Arena. She was the lead project manager during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games for the hockey venue. During her career, she has worked at numerous high-profile sporting events.

In Edmonton, Ms. Zimmerman brings more than 15 years of event experience in Canadian sport. She has worked in numerous sports, including athletics, figure skating and soccer, as well as working at two Olympic Games (Salt Lake 2002 and London 2012). She previously served as Event Manager for the Coaching Association of Canada and also served as the Venue Operations for the Toronto Site at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007

From Winnipeg, Mr. Falk has already built more than 10 years in event experience, including a recent position as Director of Public Relations & Special Events for Volleyball Canada. He has worked for Sport Manitoba and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. He is well placed in the Winnipeg and Manitoba markets, having also served as a board member for the Manitoba Games.

In Ottawa, Ms. Hughes brings more than 15 years of experience in sport, including the upcoming 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships in Ottawa this April. Her event experience includes two major FIFA tournaments in Canada, working at both the highly-successful FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship Canada 2002 and, as the National Event Manager, at the record-setting FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007.

In Montréal, Mr. Millien has more than 35 years of experience in sport, with his involvement dating back to the Montréal 1976 Olympics when he worked as a broadcaster. He previously served as Venue Technical for the Montréal Site at the FIFA U-16 World Tournament in 1987 and the president of the Montréal site at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007.

For Moncton, Mr. Delisle brings nearly 20 years of experience in sport. He has served in a variety of positions in the Canadian sport system and has been to five Olympic Games dating back to the Salt Lake 2002 Olympics. He was part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games through both the Bid Corporation and VANOC, eventually serving as Operations Manager, Venue Management (Whistler) for the Organising Committee.

Official Website and Media Channel
The official website for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 is www.fifa.com/canada2015. The site will provide both pre-competition and competition coverage, including links to ticket information and ticket sales. Coverage will be provided in six languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Arabic and Portugese).

The FIFA Media Channel (http://extranet.fifa.com/MediaChannel/) provides all information relevant to journalists such as training sessions times, referee assignments and team press points as well as a wealth of statistics will be accessible through login and password (managed by the FIFA Media Department).

Schmidt, Matheson lead Canada to win over Switzerland
6 March 2013

Canada started its campaign at the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup with 2:0 win over Switzerland at the GSZ Stadium in Larnaka, Cyprus on Wednesday 6 March, 2013.
Sophie Schmidt scored a second-minute winner on the day she made her 100th appearance for Canada.

Diana Matheson sealed the win with a second goal in the 79th minute.

“It was good to get a win in our opening match of the tournament,” said Head Coach John Herdman after the game.

“We scored early which gave us the advantage – but the Swiss did well during spells of the match so we know we have some things to improve on as well.”

Canada stunned Switzerland when an early attack led to Matheson playing a pass to Schmidt at the edge of the area. Schmidt, Canada’s captain on the day, made no mistake in placing the finish in the top right corner in the second minute.

The Swiss attempted to mount a comeback early in the second half – but the game was ultimately killed off in the 79th minute when Matheson ran clear through on goal and chipped the keeper to make it two-nil.

The win takes Canada to the top of Group A.

The Canadians will next take on Finland at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Friday 8 March (17.30 local kick-off; 10.30 ET / 07.30 PT.)

Canada WNT adds France match to April European visit
25 February 2013

Canada has added a Women’s International Friendly Match against France to its European visit this spring. The match will take place on Thursday 4 April, 2013 (18.30 local / 12.30 ET / 9.30 PT) at the Ray Stadium in Nice, France.

This will mark the first time the two squads face off since the hard fought bronze medal match at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at London 2012, when veteran Diana Matheson scored in the dying minutes of the match to help the Canadians win Olympic bronze.

Canada WNT has an all-time record of 4W-2D-3L against the French dating back to 1995.

This match will be followed by an International Friendly against England on 7 April in Rotherham, England.

Canada’s next scheduled action is the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup to take place at various locations in Cyprus from 4 to 13 March.

Canada’s first fixture at the tournament will be a 6 March (14.30 local kick-off) encounter with Switzerland as the GSZ Stadium in Larnaca, Cyprus.

Kyle named Saskatchewan Athlete of the Year for 2012
13 February 2013

Canada WNT midfielder Kaylyn Kyle has been named Saskatchewan’s 2012 Female Athlete of the year as part of the overall Saskatchewan Sport Awards.

Kyle, who was announced as the winner 13 February 2013, was a mainstay in the Canadian team during the 2012 season. The Saskatoon native featured in all 22 of Canada’s matches during the year – including all six games during the team’s bronze-medal run at the London 2012 Olympics.

The Canadian midfielder was nominated for the award by the Saskatchewan Soccer Association.

Canada WNT will next be in action when the team kicks-off the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup on 6 March against Switzerland in Larnaca, Cyprus.

National Women’s Soccer League announces inaugural regular season schedule
12 February 2013

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has unveiled the schedule for the inaugural 2013 season, which kicks off on Saturday, 13 April when the Portland Thorns FC (Karina LeBlanc, Christine Sinclair) visit FC Kansas City (Desiree Scott, Lauren Sesselmann).

The remaining six clubs in the league will begin their respective campaigns on Sunday, 14 April, with Seattle Reign FC (Kaylyn Kyle, Emily Zurrer, Tiffany Cameron) visiting the Chicago Red Stars (Erin McLeod, Carmelina Moscato), the Western New York Flash (Bryanna McCarthy, Jodi-Ann Robinson) at Sky Blue FC (Sophie Schmidt, Melanie Booth), and the Washington Spirit (Robyn Gayle, Diana Matheson, Candace Chapman) at the Boston Breakers (Adriana Leon, Rhian Wilkinson).

Complete 2013 NWSL Schedule

Each of the league’s eight clubs will play a total of 22 games during a 19-week span, with a schedule consisting of 11 matches at home and 11 away, and a high percentage of games being played on weekends and holidays. At least eight of the 11 home games for each team will take place on a weekend or a holiday.

The schedule will ensure adequate time for travel, rest and recovery so that all teams are being showcased at their highest level of competitiveness. All games have been scheduled with no fewer than two full days of rest between them for both teams. In many cases, teams traveling from the Eastern Time Zone to the Pacific Northwest will play Portland and Seattle on the same trip.

The regular season will conclude the weekend of 18 August with all eight clubs in action during the final two days of the campaign. Leading up to the regular season finale, every team will host at least one game in August and no team will travel outside of its own time zone during the season’s final week.

The top four teams will qualify for the NWSL playoffs and compete in the semifinals Saturday, 24 August. The NWSL will crown its inaugural champion after the final on Saturday, 31 August.

Broadcast information for the league will be announced in the near future.

The NWSL is an eight-team league organized and administered by the U.S. Soccer Federation that will begin play in the spring of 2013. U.S. Soccer is subsidizing the salaries of the 23 American players, while the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federation of Mexican Football will each do the same for 16 players. The eight founding clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC (New York/New Jersey), the Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash.

Karina LeBlanc bears witness to the lasting impact of Canada’s Olympic soccer bronze

Sean Fitz-Gerald | Feb 9, 2013

Peter J. Thompson/National Post
Karina LeBlanc, 32, is still hoping to be with the team when it hosts the World Cup in 2015, and hopes to appear at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
TORONTO — He smiled sheepishly and admitted he had never really followed soccer before the Olympics. The man, in a grey pinstripe suit, had nearly walked out of the convention centre before he noticed Karina LeBlanc standing in the lobby in her Canadian Olympic sweater, her bronze medal nearby.

It didn’t feel like these were Canada’s Olympics, because they weren’t, and they were never going to be. In 2010 Vancouver was an escalating staircase of triumphs, but even more, of moments: they were our Games, right up until Sidney Crosby finished them. We lived those Olympics; we felt them. It was never going to be like that again.

Even so, midway through the 2012 Olympics in London it felt like Canada was wandering along, a little lost. It’s not that there had not been triumphs; Rosie McLennnan had won what would be our one gold medal in trampoline. But that feeling was oddly ephemeral, and it didn’t feel like Canadians had anything to hold on to. If you had to pick the moment you would remember, you would choose Paula Findlay’s face, a mask of agony and bewilderment and humiliation, saying “I’m sorry” as she crossed the finish line, last in the women’s triathlon. Everything else was a flare in the darkness, and gone.

And then Canada went to Manchester to play the United States in soccer in the semi-finals on a chilly Monday night. The Canadian women had finished last in the 2011 World Cup, and they had won three of their last 51 meetings with the Americans, who are the sport’s Goliath. Canada had a new coach, John Herdman, but it was hard to expect too much.

LeBlanc had just posed for a photograph with another, older man, and was quite happy to repeat the cycle. She waited for the man to drop the three boxes he was carrying, and then offered him a chance to hold her medal as the picture was snapped.

“You guys,” the man in the grey suit said, “you captivated us.”

He gathered his boxes and left.

“That guy, as he’s hugging me? He was shaking,” LeBlanc said after he left. “It’s incredible.”

After winning that bronze medal as a member of the Canadian women’s soccer team at the London Olympics, it seems to have become part of her life. Six months have passed since the team rallied from a heartbreaking loss to the United States to capture bronze, and players are bearing witness to the impact that win made on an almost daily basis.

“It’s the little things like that where, it’s surreal, but you’re like, ‘this is what makes the journey that much better — to see how Canadians have reacted to us having this medal,’” LeBlanc said of the man in the suit. “It’s the reaction. People come up to us, and they’re in tears.”

Players have held teaching clinics in Halifax, Ottawa and Edmonton. In Halifax, parents sold out the 400 available spots within 48 hours, and one organizer claimed a woman offered to pay double the price of admission to get her grandchild an audience with the likes of LeBlanc, the veteran goalkeeper, and Christine Sinclair, the captain.

On Thursday, LeBlanc was in Toronto. It was the fourth Canadian city she visited in a little more than a week, after stops in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. In Edmonton, the Vancouver Canucks — in town to play the Oilers — approached members of the women’s team to say hello, and posed for photographs.

In Calgary, LeBlanc visited a treatment centre for children and families struggling with addiction. She was given a brown leather bracelet that she now wears on her left wrist, with the inscription: “Your existence gives us hope.”

“They’ve had tough lives,” she said. “And they’re sitting there telling us the stories of how we inspired them. Every day they wake up, they’re battling life and death. We’re battling a soccer game.”

Peter J. Thompson/National PostOn Thursday, Karina LeBlanc was in Toronto. It was the fourth Canadian city she visited in a little more than a week, after stops in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.

In Vancouver, while waiting for a chance to meet one of her own idols, Oprah Winfrey, a fan approached LeBlanc. Soon, another fan approached, and then another. When LeBlanc reached for her mobile phone, she noticed she had missed several calls and text messages, as well as her chance to meet Winfrey.

She did not mind.

“I never want to be that person who crushes anybody,” she said. “I could be in the middle of doing anything, and I’ll stop and I’ll smile and I’ll have that moment with that person.”

LeBlanc estimates she has been on an airplane at least once a week since returning from London last summer. On Friday, she was due to fly to Honduras for a three-day visit as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF Canada, The United Nations Children’s Fund.

The Cyprus Women’s Cup begins next month. There are plans to stage another camp for children somewhere in Canada. And there will almost certainly be more autographs to sign in between.

“It’s surreal to all of us,” LeBlanc said. “We’ll be out working out, just ready to almost puke, and someone’s like, ‘Hey!’ And you’re like, ‘Oh, hi.’ It’s like, how did you recognize me right now? I look like a hot mess.”

LeBlanc, 32, is still hoping to be with the team when it hosts the World Cup in 2015, and hopes to appear at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. (She injured her ankle last year and did not play in the final, decisive games at the London Olympics.)

A future in television almost certainly beckons, as would a full complement of corporate speaking engagements. But being a celebrity — as unexpected as that term might sound on a soccer player in Canada — is what LeBlanc is doing right now.

“It’s the greatest 24-hour job you could ever want in your life,” she said. “I’m playing a sport I love to play. I’m interacting with people who are the most genuine and kind and giving. They motivate. They inspire us.”

International Women’s Soccer Symposium

“I am very excited at the opportunity to come to Vancouver to speak at this event,” says Eli Landsem, Norway’s National Team coach from 2009-2012

February 5, 2013

Vancouver, B.C. – The Western Canada Soccer Showcase (WCSS), recognized by college coaches across North America as the top girls-only Showcase in the country, is back for its sixth edition this upcoming Easter Weekend, March 29-31, 2013, at Burnaby Lake West, in Burnaby, British Columbia.

With a full slate of top club teams, as well as the Alberta Provincial Teams, scheduled to play; top schools such as 2010 NCAA Champion Notre Dame on the roster of programs confirmed to have representatives at the event; and Olympic Bronze Medalist and Canadian National Teamer Carmelina Moscato scheduled as the keynote speaker, this year looks like it will be the best edition yet.

“We take pride every year in putting together a quality experience for the players that allows every girl at the event to have a legitimate chance of getting seen by all the schools,” says Ciara McCormack, WCSS director and founder. “Education on how the process works is an important component of getting a college scholarship, so again this year we have an emphasis on that, to give players at our event an edge over others, in understanding how to be successful in the recruiting process.”

In addition of a large number of first class schools and teams already committed to attend, the WCSS will be accompanied by other events for the first time, including a Thursday night Charity Gala to benefit the girlsCAN Foundation, an international women’s soccer symposium hosted by Our Game Magazine, and the FISU World University Games team training camp.

The girlsCAN Foundation Charity Gala will be held on Thursday, March 28, from 8:00-11:30pm at the Hilton Metrotown, and will include appearances by Canadian Olympians, live music, and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the girlsCAN Foundation, which is currently sponsoring five players from Nigeria to attend the WCSS pending visa clearance.

For the women’s soccer symposium, a panel of speakers will talk throughout Friday, March 29 at the Hilton Metrotown. Eli Landsem, Norway’s National Team coach from 2009-2012, is among those presenting.

“I am very excited at the opportunity to come to Vancouver to speak at this event,” says Landsem. “I look forward to sharing my perspectives on the women’s game from Norway and Europe.”

Other speakers will include Randy Waldrum, Notre Dame and US U23 Head Coach; Maureen Mmadu, Nigeria’s most capped international player; Lisa Cole, Head Coach of the Boston Breakers in the new women’s pro league NWSL; and Andrea Neil, one of Canada’s most heralded female players who spent time on staff with the Canadian National Team and now is the head coach at UBC. Following their presentations, lecturers will be answering questions on the topic of “Developing the Women’s Game.”

From March 27-March 31, the FISU World University Games team will hold their training camp at the WCSS venue, giving high school players an opportunity to watch the top Canadian university team players at work. University of Alberta Head Coach Liz Jepsen will be training the squad of players from across Canada, who are hoping to be picked for the 2013 World University Games that will be held in Kazan, Russia. “I enjoy coming to this event every year,” says Jepsen, “I thought in having the FISU training at the WCSS, it would be a good opportunity to allow the high school players to see first hand what the top university level that they are aspiring to looks like.”

For more information on the event contact wcshowcase@girlscanfootball.com, or check out www.westerncanadasoccershowcase.com

Canada WNT adds two European friendlies
4 February 2013
csa
Canada Women’s National Team has added two European friendlies to its growing international schedule for the 2013 season.

Canada will first take on England in a Women’s International Friendly on Sunday 7 April, 2013 at the New York Stadium in Rotherham, England.

While Canada faced members of the England team in a quarter-final win over Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics – the last official meeting between the two sides was a 2:0 win for Canada on 7 March, 2011 at the 2011 Cyprus Women’s Cup.

The Canadian women have an all-time record of 5W-0D-1L against the English in six matches dating back to 1995.

Canada will then take on Germany in a Women’s International Friendly on 19 June, 2013, at a to-be-determined venue in Germany.

The match will be the first encounter between the two sides since Canada and Germany met in the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ in front of a crowd of 73,680 at the Olympia stadion in Berlin.

Canada WNT has never earned a result against Germany. The team has a record 0W-0D-10L in matches dating back to 1994.

Canada’s next scheduled action is the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup to take place at various locations in Cyprus from 4 to 13 March.

Canada’s first fixture at the tournament will be a 6 March (14.30 local kick-off) encounter with Switzerland as the GSZ Stadium in Larnaca, Cyprus.

Sustainability is key to new women’s league
Friday, Jan. 25, 2013

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By Paul Kennedy

In contrast to WUSA and WPS, which burned through millions in startup money and never made it past the third season, the National Women’s Soccer League is starting out slowly. Perhaps too slowly for the likes of many. But NWSL executive director Cheryl Bailey says the goal of the league, managed by U.S. Soccer in its startup phase, is sustainability.

“We need to be fiscally responsible and show how to grow the league,” said Bailey, a former college athletic administrator and general manager of the U.S. women’s national team.

The NWSL’s challenge will be to manage expectations.

Stars like Alex Morgan, Hope Solo and Abby Wambach may be among the most popular women’s athletes in the country — as popular as Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Kristine Lilly were in the aftermath of the 1999 Women’s World Cup — but the league will be — by necessity — a low-budget operation.

By subsidizing the salaries of U.S. national team players allocated NWSL teams, U.S. Soccer assured the new league it could sign the stars it needed sign without having to pay them.

WUSA and later WPS attracted many of the world’s top women’s players and paid them accordingly. Indeed, Brazilian Marta was the marquee player in WPS.

NWSL teams will each be able to sign only two foreigners besides the Canadians and Mexicans they already have, but they will have to pay them within the confines of the league’s cap on individual and team salaries. (Bailey would not reveal the individual or team salary cap for non-national team players, but each team’s cap is believed to be in the range of $200,000.)

WPS died a slow death as teams cut back spending to the bare minimum — the bare minimum its survivors will start off spending in the NWSL.

WUSA was a spectacular failure, burning through an estimated $100 million with massive overspending, and suffered an ignominious demise on the eve of the 2003 Women’s World Cup.

The 2003 Women’s World Cup was notable because, like the NWSL, it was a U.S. Soccer project. The tournament was supposed to be played in China, but FIFA moved it to the United States five months before it was supposed to begin because of the SARS threat.

The NWSL is hiring a technical director and operations manager, but much of its initial staff support comes from U.S. Soccer staff, much like the 2003 Women’s World Cup and 2010 men’s D-2 League the federation managed.

After the failures of WUSA and WPS, the pressure is on U.S. Soccer not to let another women’s league fail. Bailey sees the NWSL as much an opportunity as a challenge.

“It’s an opportunity to show off what we have,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to show what women’s pro soccer can be.”

She admitted the federation’s reputation is on the line — which explains the baby steps it is taking and the costs it is keeping to a minimum.

There was no glitzy event to showcase the league’s initial allocations. The college draft was a closed event held at the NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis.

“It is a model we believe can work,” Bailey says.

There is no expectation U.S. Soccer will operate the league forever. (The D-2 League was a stop-gap measure before teams spun off into the NASL and USL PRO in 2011.)

Bailey says the goal is for the NWSL to become a free-standing league operated and owned by its investors.

For now, U.S. Soccer is happy to get the show on the road.

LeBlanc: Canadian women drawing their NWSL battle lines

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By Steven Zandor
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Karina LeBlanc
It’s fair to use the term “frenemies” to describe the members of Canada’s women’s national team.
A little less than two weeks ago, 16 members of the women’s national program found out where they would be playing in the new NWSL, including keeper Karina LeBlanc. Each of the eight teams got two members of the Canadian national program, whose salaries will be paid by the Canadian Soccer Association.

And, as soon as the women found out where they’d be spending the summer, the jawing began.

“We were in China (for the Yongchuan Cup), so we didn’t find out live,” said LeBlanc, who was on a media conference call Tuesday promoting her upcoming visit to Edmonton with national teammates Christine Sinclair, Rhian Wilkinson and Diana Matheson. “But we all looked at our e-mail to find out where we were going, and then the trash talking started right away.”

Of course, LeBlanc probably has more reason to feel confident than others. She was allocated to the Portland Thorns, who look to be the league power. She’ll team with Sinclair, Canada’s all-time goal-scoring leader, and American star Alex Morgan.

“It was a huge relief,” said LeBlanc of the NWSL allocations. “We don’t have the uncertainty… We’re playing with the best players in the world. Ad we are all very excited to have the opportunity to play in the States again, in a great league.”

The four national teamers will be in Edmonton Feb. 4 and 5; 400 youth soccer players will attend clinics at the Commonwealth Stadium Fieldhouse under the watch of Sinclair, LeBlanc, Matheson and Wilkinson. Spots sold out six hours after the Alberta Soccer Association put them up for grabs. The women will also be part of a press conference at Edmonton’s City Hall on Feb. 4.

The response even surprised ASA executive director Richard Adams. “I underestimated the popularity that Karina and the other ladies bring with them,” he said.

And it’s a sign of just how popular the women’s soccer team remains, even though six months have passed since it won bronze at the London Olympics.

“We want to get as many kids to touch the medal as possible,” said LeBlanc.

And, as well, this is a chance to sell the Women’s World Cup to a city that, quite frankly, haven’t quite grasped the magnitude of what it will host in 2015. The renovations to Commonwealth Stadium are still being debated, and cost estimates are coming in at lower and lower figures. The buzz isn’t there yet.

But that changes when the women’s team comes to town — the cult of personality that surrounds the team transcends the sport. And it’s a powerful marketing tool.

LeBlanc says she is confident that Edmonton will be a great host city. She was too old to play for the squad that competed at the 2002 U-19 championship, which saw Commonwealth packed for the final between Canada and the U.S. But she still hears her teammates, including Sinclair, referencing how amazing that tournament was — when women’s soccer caught lightning in a bottle.

“The women who played in that U-19 have great memories of being in the city,” said LeBlanc. “It’s a great city for soccer.

“The players who played in those games haven’t forgotten about that.”

England women footballers secure central contract increase

15 January 2013
By Alistair Magowan BBC Sport

The England women’s football team are set to receive a £4,000 pay increase following successful negotiations with the Football Association.

Players are said to be satisfied with the deal, with their central contracts rising from £16,000 to £20,000 a year.

The new package, set to be confirmed in the next few days, also increases the number of hours players can work in secondary jobs to 24 a week.

England players’ part-time jobs

Sophie Bradley – Care worker

Eniola Aluko – Lawyer

Rachel Williams – Plasterer

A liaison committee and a bonus scheme have been introduced.

The 20 players under central contracts have been represented by the Professional Footballers’ Association and were not paid in December while talks took place – though the FA said it always expected a satisfactory resolution.

The union covered the December shortfall and contributed money to the new contracts, which England players earn on top of semi-professional deals with their clubs.

At club level, Women’s Super League rules mean teams are only allowed to pay four players £20,000 or more a year.

PFA chief Gordon Taylor called the previous package “embarrassing” and England defender Sophie Bradley told BBC Sport that if players earned more money, they would be able to focus on training without the distractions or stress of work.

She also argued that players should be rewarded for the part they had played in English football’s recent success.

If players wish to continue working, the new deal increases the part-time hours they are permitted from 18 to 24 per week.

Canada’s Yongchuan Cup win over China ain’t pretty, it just looks that way

BY STEVEN SANDOR

Adriana Leon

National women’s-team coach John Herdman warned that the bronze-medal-winning program would take some steps back as new blood needed to be worked into the system.

For 74 minutes into the opening match of the Yongchuan cup, his warnings looked to be bang on. Canada and the hosts were locked at 0-0. But Canada hadn’t threatened the Chinese goal — and the hosts had a couple of golden chances to take the full three points. China dominated possession, while the Canadian struggled to get across half.

But then a moment of individual brilliance from Adriana Leon gave Canada a 1-0 lead — and an eventual victory by that same scoreline. Leon, who scored a hat trick against Argentina at last year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup, walked to the top of the Chinese penalty area, was able to shuffle the ball to get past a defender and then hit a low drive inside the far post to give Canada the goal that no one saw coming.

In a game that saw Herdman start a youthful lineup, including 17-year-old Kadeisha Buchanan and Christabel Oduro, who was Leon’s teammate at the U-20 World Cup in 2012, it was the Canadian veterans who stuck out, for the wrong reasons.

Defender Lauren Sesselmann, used as a centre back, endured a difficult first half. Chinese striker Zhang Rui blasted over the bar after she eluded Sesselmann’s mark. Before the game was 20 minutes old, Rui forced Canadian keeper Erin McLeod into a diving save after Rui got her foot to a cross into the box. Again, Rui had shrugged off te mark of Sesselmann, who was neither goal side nor ball side of the striker.

Sesselmann, who did have the only thing that resembled a shot on goal for Canada in the first half, a header off a Sophie Schmidt corner that went tamely wide of the Chinese goal, had one more misadventure. Late in the first half, Sesselmann came to the top pf the box to challenge Li Ying; Ying skipped inside of Sesselmann, but her shot was palmed away by McLeod.

Sesselmann wasn’t the only returnee from the Olympic team to struggle. Neither Desiree Scott, working in the back of the midfield, or Diana Matheson, named team captain as captain Christine Sinclair begins her four-game suspension, could get any kind of hold in the game. Scott went off just after the one-hour mark.

In the second half, Oduro did have a golden chance to help Canada steal three points it didn’t deserve. She got in behind the backline, running on to a through ball. But instead of shooting from the right channel, she hesitated and tried to square the ball — but ended up giving the ball away cheaply. She was trigger shy in a position where she had to shoot the ball.

But Leon took her off the hook with her goal — and, after a sluggish 74 minutes, Canada roared to life, spraying the ball around the park — when, for most of the match, it struggled to put three passes together.

Nichelle Prince, who won’t be 20 till 2015, the year the Women’s World Cup comes to Canada, had a great chance to make it 2-0, but was denied by a great save.

Young Canada WNT earns win over China PR

12 January 2013

Adrian Leon scored her first international goal to lead Canada to a 1:0 win over China PR in the opening match of the 2013 Yongchuan Cup in Yongchuan, China.

Canada held firm during an early spell of pressure from China PR and rebounded with an assured second-half performance that was capped off by Leon’s goal in the 75th minute.

Leon, one of six players who earned their first senior caps on the day, intercepted a stray pass and charged to the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a firm drive past the Chinese keeper.

Head Coach John Herdman had stressed to the media in the build-up to the tournament that Canada could struggle to find its feet as the team readjusts to begin its long-term preparations for Canada 2015 – but he was presently surprised by the composure of the team’s young players.

“I didn’t think we would come this far today,” said Herdman following the match at the Yongchuan Olympic Center.

“China could have scored a couple goals in the first half if we’re honest, but in the second half we took the performance.

“There was some really good football played in the style we’ve been working on. It was a good step forward.”

Canada currently occupies second place at the Yongchuan Cup after the opening-day win.

Norway defeated Korea Republic 2:0 in the day’s other game.

The Canadians will next take on Korea Republic on 14 January before closing out the round-robin competition with a match against Norway 16 January.

National Women’s Soccer League announces allocation of 55 national team players to eight clubs

11 January 2013

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced the allocation of 55 National Team players to the eight clubs as 23 Americans, 16 Canadians and 16 Mexicans found out their teams for the inaugural 2013 season.

The allocation process was conducted with assistance from a panel of experts familiar with the player pools, including individuals from the collegiate level, recent professional and semi-professional clubs, and the youth and senior national team level in North America.

Along with the panel’s collective input on the technical ability of the players, in preparation for the allocation, players selected their preferred destinations and the clubs also provided their preference with regard to specific players and qualities of players desired. Based on the input from the panel of experts and the teams, players were assigned numerical values on quality and desirability.

“This allocation process is obviously a big step in building the foundation for this league and each of the teams will benefit from a group of very talented players,” said NWSL Executive Director Cheryl Bailey. “This is always a difficult process, but we believe there was a fair distribution of talent across all eight teams and with the NWSL College Draft coming up in Indianapolis on Jan. 18, the rosters of the clubs will really start to take shape.”

U.S. Soccer is subsidizing the salaries of the American players, while the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federation of Mexican Football will each do the same for their players. All 18 U.S. players on the gold medal-winning 2012 Olympic team are included in the allocation, while 13 of the Canadian players were part of the bronze medal-winning team.

With 23 U.S. players available for the allocation, all but one of the eight teams received three U.S. Women’s National Team players with the Western New York Flash getting two Americans in Olympic heroes Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach, who last Monday was named the 2012 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.

Following are the team-by-team allocations:

Boston Breakers

Sydney Leroux (USA)

Heather Mitts (USA)

Heather O’Reilly (USA)

Adriana Leon (CAN)

Rhian Wilkinson (CAN)

Anisa Guajardo (MEX)

Cecilia Santiago (MEX)

Chicago Red Stars

Shannon Boxx (USA)

Amy LePeilbet (USA)

Keelin Winters (USA)

Erin McLeod (CAN)

Carmelina Moscato (CAN)

Maribel Dominguez (MEX)

Dinora Garza (MEX)

FC Kansas City

Nicole Barnhart (USA)

Lauren Cheney (USA)

Becky Sauerbrunn (USA)

Desiree Scott (CAN)

Lauren Sesselmann (CAN)

Renae Cuellar (MEX)

Marylin Diaz (MEX)

Portland Thorns FC

Rachel Buehler (USA)

Tobin Heath (USA)

Alex Morgan (USA)

Luz Saucedo (MEX)

Marlene Sandoval (MEX)

Karina LeBlanc (CAN)

Christine Sinclair (CAN)

Seattle Reign FC

Megan Rapinoe (USA)

Amy Rodriguez (USA)

Hope Solo (USA)

Kaylyn Kyle (CAN)

Emily Zurrer (CAN)

Jenny Ruiz (MEX)

Teresa Noyola (MEX)

Sky Blue FC

Jill Loyden (USA)

Kelley O’Hara (USA)

Christie Rampone (USA)

Sophie Schmidt (CAN)

Melanie Booth (CAN)

Monica Ocampo (MEX)

Lydia Rangel (MEX)

Washington Spirit

Ashlyn Harris (USA)

Ali Krieger (USA)

Lori Lindsey (USA)

Robin Gayle (CAN)

Diana Matheson (CAN)

Alina Garciamendez (MEX)

Teresa Worbis (MEX)

Western New York Flash

Carli Lloyd (USA)

Abby Wambach (USA)

Bryana McCarthy (CAN)

Jodi-Ann Robinson (CAN)

Veronica Perez (MEX)

Pamela Tajonar (MEX)

The NWSL is an eight-team league organized and administered by the U.S. Soccer Federation that will begin play in the spring of 2013. The eight founding clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC (New York/New Jersey), the Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash.

England women deserve better contracts

AAP, Thu Jan 10

Players’ union chief Gordon Taylor has branded the Football Association’s £18,000 ($27,363 US)-a-year contract offer to England’s top women players as “embarrassing”.

On the advice of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Hope Powell’s squad have opted not to sign their central contracts as Taylor looks to sort out a wrangle over how much time players are able to devote to second jobs in order to supplement their incomes.

It is amazing such arguments are taking place in a sport where top men’s players sometimes earn more in a day than their female counterparts get in a year.

After a successful Olympics and with England among the 12 finalists for Euro 2013, which will be held in Sweden in July, the women’s game is receiving more publicity than it has ever done.

And Taylor feels it should be reflected in their salaries.

“I am surprised the FA have not been more responsive to the girls’ reasonable demands,” he said.

“In some ways, they have done a lot for the women’s game, which now has increased TV coverage and obviously the facility at St George’s Park is available for both male and female players.

“But they are offering to move these central contracts up from £16,000, which has been the figure since 2009, to £18,000.

“Come on. That figure is embarrassing. Top Premier League players are earning more in a day.”

There is never going to be anything like an equitable salary distribution between male and female football, with the latter still attracting attendances measured in the hundreds for many Women’s Super League games.

However, as Taylor noted, the Olympics were a phenomenal success, with 70,584 at Wembley for Team GB women’s win over Brazil, more than the men got for their victory over Uruguay in Cardiff the following day.

There can be little doubt either that, unlike with the men, the international game is the pinnacle of the women’s game as well as the main vehicle for increased interest and participation.

And Taylor would like to see that reflected in the earning power of England’s players.

“Basically, these girls are having to commit themselves to England on a full-time basis,” he said.

“One player is training to be a lawyer and instead of two years to qualify, it is going to take four.

“When you consider the progress the women’s game has made in recent years, and in these days of equality, it is not doing any of us any credit that negotiations have reached an impasse over sums like this.”

The situation has not reached such a low point that strikes are being spoken of, and England will head to La Manga for a warm weather training camp later this week as scheduled – the start of their long-term planning for Sweden, which has seen them pitted in a group that also contains Spain, Russia and France.

Yongchuan Cup schedule announced

China PR has announced the schedule for the upcoming Yongchuan Cup – Four-Nation Women’s Tournament 2013 China PR. The tournament runs 12-16 January with matches played every second day. The four competing teams are Canada, Korea Republic, Norway and host China PR.

Canada’s matches are 12 January against China PR (14.00 local / 03.00 ET / 00.00 PT), 14 January against Korea Republic (19.00 local / 08.00 ET / 05.00 PT), 16 January against Norway (17.00 local / 06.00 ET / 03.00 PT). All three matches will be played at the Yongchuan Olympic Center.

This marks the fourth time Canada has traveled to China PR for a Four-Nation Women’s Tournament (2004, 2008, 2011 and 2013). In 2011, Canada finished second after posting two wins and one loss in three matches.

These three matches mark the start of Canada’s 2013 international season. Following the Yongchuan Cup in January, Canada will participate in the 2013 Cyprus Women’s Cup from 4-14 March (with the schedule yet to be announced).

Female soccer stars work to grow game

Canadian women are real heroes of sport

OTTAWA — I’m talking soccer with Christine Sinclair, Diana Matheson, Rhian Wilkinson and Karina Leblanc and, almost immediately, the elephant in the room crowds out all other discussion.

What about the great Sinclair snub?

The most important individual honour available in soccer is the Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the world player of the year.

Trouble is, one of the best women of all time has not made the final three from which the winner will be named on January 7.

FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and a group of experts from France Football made the choice and left out Sinclair, one of the most prolific scorers in the game. No room, they said, for the woman who, among other things, scored a hat-trick against the mighty U.S. in the Olympic Games semifinals. Some experts.

I wanted an honest reaction to what the rest of us consider an outrage. What I got was one word and a shrug.

“Whatever,” said Sinclair in that typically modest fashion of hers.

Not her compatriots.

“John (Herdman the Canadian coach) said exactly what we felt,” said Wilkinson. ” It’s crazy. We need to keep being successful as a national team and we need to keep putting her in the spotlight. They can’t ignore her for ever.”

There we are. Everyone may be appalled, but winning individual titles is not high on Sinclair’s agenda. Besides, she has won the Lou Marsh award as Canada’s top athlete 2012 and was on Thursday named The Canadian Press female athlete of the year. So let’s change the subject.

These women and their teammates have other things in their mind — like the 2015 World Cup finals Canada is hosting. They know their efforts in London made them sporting heroes and they are determined to use that status to sustain momentum for the game established by their astonishing showing against the U.S., not to mention their lung busting Olympic bronze at France’s expense.

For a while they are off the competitive field, travelling the country, holding clinics, meeting players, coaches, parents. They are determined to use the spotlight to keep inspiring the nation. That is why they were in Ottawa, funded by the West Ottawa Soccer Club, why they were moving on to Halifax, why they will be looking for other spots to pass on the word to wide-eyed kids from coast to coast.

And they are not the only ones. Their teammates are doing the same closer to home. Leblanc points out there were 21 girls in the squad — all of whom understand the market. All of them are playing their part.

One of Canadian Soccer Association general secretary John Montopoli’s favourite mantras suggests there is absolutely nothing like a successful national team for inspiring a country. He believes winners in inpidual sports are viewed fleetingly in the public eye.

But soccer teams must play maybe six or seven times to win a medal. That means tremendous exposure and a unique opportunity to continue to capture the imagination of the nation.

The Olympics proved him right. It made these women heroes, and they are determined to use it for the good of the game.

“Everyone in Canada did fall in love with us, although we were not aware of the extent of it until we got home,” said Leblanc. “It made us all so proud to be Canadian.

“We all remember meeting a hero,” said Wilkinson. “Maybe that is the spark. It’s scary to say you’re a hero out loud. Even dreaming big is.”

Sinclair is pragmatic.

“In a two-hour session, we’re not going to change a soccer player,” she said. “But we can have them realize that anything is possible, that 10 years ago, that was us.”

Of course, finding the funds to spread the word is always the challenge and I would have thought the Olympic experience would have had sponsors falling over one another.

Matheson says that has not been the case. One or two inpiduals have deservedly landed deals, she says. But potential backers have been scratching their heads, apparently unable to dream up a way to back the team concept.

To that I say: How dumb are you?

Surely there must be a company out there with enough brains to take Squad Canada, equip it with distinctive uniforms and send it out on a mission to captivate thousands of young wannabe soccer stars at clubs from Newfoundland to British Columbia.

Are they too blind to see the potential of backing a squad of women who are the first Canadian team to win a team medal in any Summer Olympic sport since 1936? That’s 14 Olympic Games ago.

They really are heroes. They really do have love for their country embedded in their hearts and it is high time the Canadian corporate sector stepped forward to embrace them. We host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in cities across Canada, Ottawa included. Could the timing ever have been better?

NWSL allocation details trickle in

Jeff Kassouf, Examiner, December 20

The National Women’s Soccer League is formally unveiled, even if the U.S. women’s national team players gave a collective lukewarm welcome to it (more on that later).

There still are not any players on any teams, but the allocation process of U.S., Canadian and Mexican players will be completed sometime prior to the start of the NSCAA Convention on Jan. 16, 2013. Of note: the matching of players to their desired teams is supposed to be done by a third party (not teams and not U.S. Soccer), according to a source close to the situation. The process will be much like WPS, where U.S. players submitted requests of three places they’d like to play, and they were matched to those cities as best as possible (this time around might get a little more interesting with a perceived high interest in Seattle and Portland).

Of course, we can’t overlook the fact that U.S. players still need to sign on with this new venture.

A report from Examiner suggests that other international federations may try to subsidize players, but one team source said that no other country will have “direct involvement” like the three North American federations.

The NWSL Draft will take place at the Convention and will likely be Friday, Jan. 18. The Friday of the Convention served as WPS Draft day from 2009-2012 (despite the 2012 season being suspended just two weeks after that draft).

A $200,000 salary cap — which is the number referenced in the above piece — would be interesting. Let’s crunch some numbers:

Hypothetically, let’s call it three U.S. players, two Mexican players and two Canadian players per team for a total of seven subsidized players (MLS’ term of “Designated Players” — “DPs” — flows way better). Call it a roster of 24 players, meaning 17 need to be paid by teams. That leaves for an average of about $11,765 per player. Say the roster is 20-deep and you’re looking at $15,685 on average, to go around among 13 players not funded by a federation.

Clearly, those aren’t liveable standalone wages, but they are also for a season that will last approximately seven months. That means there are opportunities for players to continue pursuing coaching and training gigs in the postseason, as well as off-season loans overseas so they can continue to play through the winter.

One more link from Kansas City: Ben Palosaari from The Pitch has a piece on FC Kansas City stating that the team is searching for a stadium that seats 5,000 fans, minimum. Yes, you read that correctly — not maximum, but minimum. When Ben told me that during our conversation, I was shocked. A 5,000 seat venue is perfect and plentiful for this league. To try to fill anything larger would be overly-ambitious and end up cavernous (surely Kansas City fans remember the days of the Wizards at an empty Arrowhead Stadium. Scale that down, and that’s the vibe you would have with a women’s crowd of 3,000 or so in, hypothetically, a 10,000 seat stadium

http://equalizersoccer.com/2012/12/20/nwsl-allocation-details-trickle-in/

Canadian women may have roster say in new pro soccer league

U.S.-based league with 8 teams set to begin next spring

The Canadian Press

Dec 18, 2012

Brazilian striker Marta, middle, of Western New York Flash, holds up the trophy after the team defeated the Philadelphia Independence in the WPS championship soccer game on Nov. 29, 2011. (Dan Cappellazzo/Assoc)

John Herdman would like to think that a player of Christine Sinclair’s caliber will get her pick of teams when it comes to selecting the squads for the new National Women’s Soccer League.

Canada’s women’s coach said Sinclair and her teammates could have some say in where they end up when the rosters for the eight teams in the U.S.-based league are announced next month.

“I think there will be a draft system going on, I’m not 100 per cent sure how it’s going to work,” Herdman said from his team’s training camp in Vancouver.

“But I know the girls get their top-three choices of where they would like to go. But whether you get that, it’s a lottery.”

Herdman will select 16 national team members to play in the league and must submit his list to the United States Soccer Federation by the end of December.

The eight teams in the league are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit, Western New York Flash and Seattle, which has yet to announce its name.

The U.S. will place up to 24 international-calibre players in the league, while Mexico will contribute at least 12.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Emblem Unveiled

The Official Emblem for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 was unveiled across Canada and around the world via a live event in Vancouver on Friday, 14 December 2012. The event, hosted by the Canadian Soccer Association, was broadcast on national television by FIFA Media Rights Licensee TSN, with corresponding live events unveiling Host City composite emblems in five more cities that spread from coast to coast across Canada.

Just like the event itself, the Official Emblem reflects the core concept of “coast to coast” that will embody the FIFA Women’s World Cup in less than three years’ time. To help unveil the emblem, Canada’s national team was on hand in Vancouver, including national head coach John Herdman and captain Christine Sinclair.

Earlier this year, Canada announced the six Official Host Cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015: from coast to coast, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton. This competition marks the first time that a single-sport tournament has been hosted across Canada, from Vancouver near the Pacific Ocean to Moncton near the Atlantic Ocean.

“Today’s emblem launch marks a milestone leading up to a monumental event for Canada, when we host the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “As a huge soccer fan, I couldn’t be more proud of our Government’s support for this prestigious event, which will bring world-class soccer to six cities across our great nation

“The emblem of a competition is an important step on the road to the first game,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter in a recorded message for the event. “It symbolises and conveys the values of a country. One could say that it represents the beat of the host country’s heart with all its history and emotions. Organising the FIFA Women’s World Cup with 24 teams for the first time in 2015 will give a greater international dimension to this competition. I am also convinced that, with its diversity, the Canadian population will be a great support to all the teams and will add once again a special atmosphere to the tournament.”

Along with the Official Emblem, the Canadian Soccer Association also unveiled the tournament’s official look, which extends the “coast to coast” concept by showing Canada as a multifaceted and multidimensional host country. The design of both the Official Emblem and the official look features an abstract interpretation of characteristic elements of Canadian nature, such as local fauna and flora, the sky, the mountains and the cityscape, aiming to portray Canada as an ambitious, modern and passionate host country.

Name and Logo of new Women’s soccer league unveiled

The new eight-team women’s soccer league will be called the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The league, which will be administered by U.S. Soccer, will begin in the spring of 2013.

The new league logo is appropriately red, white and blue and features the silhouette of a female soccer player about to strike a shot.

With the confirmation of the league name and logo, the National Women’s Soccer League has also launched its official pages on Facebook and Twitter. Fans are encouraged to like the league at facebook.com/NWSLsoccer and follow on Twitter @NWSL_soccer. A league website will be launched in the near future.

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati announced on 29 November that former U.S. Women’s National Team General Manager Cheryl Bailey had been named the Executive Director for the new league.

“We are working on finalizing a number of league items, but we now have a name and a logo that we think the fans will identify with and enjoy,” said Bailey. “This is a league we have to build from the bottom up and we have a group of dedicated owners and talented support staff at U.S. Soccer to keep this process moving in a positive direction while slowly growing the brand.”

U.S. Soccer will subsidize the salaries of up to 24 U.S. Women’s National Team players while the Canadian Soccer Association and Federation of Mexican Football will each do the same for up to 16 players.

The eight teams in the league are: Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit, Western New York Flash and Seattle, which has yet to announce its team name.

More information on the details of the league will be released as they become finalized.

Source: U.S. Soccer

Why Aren’t More Soccer Moms Soccer Coaches?

BY KATHERINE SHARP LANDDECK , ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AT TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY.

The puzzling gender disparity in coaches of youth sports teams

Anyone who has spent a Saturday morning at the soccer fields has seen it: dads coaching their hearts out as their young players run down the field. My own dad was one of these fathers and, like many of them, he was terrific. These men are actively involved in their children’s lives and are often a role model for their young teams. While it is important for these fathers to coach, I can’t help but wonder: Where are the mothers, the former girls of Title IX? Where are the women who came of age with the benefit of the 1972 law that said all education programs, including sports, must be equally available to both genders?

Before Title IX, fewer than 300,000 American girls played high school sports. Last year over 3 million did. Title IX, despite some flaws and continuing challenges in the 40 years since its inception, was transformative. And yet today, according to an eight-year study of youth sports by sociologist Michael Messner, fewer than 14 percent of youth soccer coaches and 6 percent of baseball and softball coaches in his study group were women. Where have all those girl athletes gone, and why aren’t they coaching their own children?

I am one of those “lost girls”. While in 1972 there were only 16,000 female intercollegiate athletes, in 2012 there were some 200,000 women playing college sports. Thanks to Title IX and lucky timing, I was fortunate enough to play NCAA Division I soccer. I was far from a star, but I was a smart player and while still in school I earned a national coaching license. I coached a high school team during my time in college, and for a few years after graduation I coached a youth team and helped run some coaching clinics with my local league. And yet now, years later with a seven-year-old of my own who plays soccer, I do not coach.

Messner and others have argued that the lead position of head coach reflects the leadership position of men in the family and in society. Nearly all “team parents,” the support positions, are, in reality, “team moms.” A “soccer mom,” that coveted political animal, isn’t an athlete or a coach. She’s the one who organizes the treat schedule and cheers from the sidelines each week. Whatever the image of the moms, the social image of a soccer coach is an enthusiastic dad. Scholars argue that this perception is a powerful, unintentional force that is keeping women out of coaching.

As anyone who’s ever taught or coached can tell you, coaching takes a lot of focused time. It’s not just the time on the field, it’s planning the practice, analyzing the games, and reorganizing plans when a player gets sick. It’s volunteering for the league when they need you. Much of this cannot be easily interrupted by care for younger children, making dinner, or the hundred other things that are part of daily life for many mothers. Yet many women find time for other volunteer activities. How many women do you know who have spent hours and hours organizing the selling of cookies or putting together a fall festival or book sale for their child’s school? How many of those women played sports as a girl and could spend that time coaching instead?

Here’s my challenge to myself and my fellow Title IX girls: Let’s figure out some ways to get back out there. Let’s watch each other’s younger children on the sideline during practice so mom can be coach. Let’s show our kids who we were, who we still are deep in our hearts. Let them know that we are more than workers and housecleaners and chauffeurs: We are athletes, and we know a thing or two about our sports. Let’s show our daughters that being a mom doesn’t have to mean giving up the sports they love. Let’s show our sons (and their fathers) that women can lead in all environments, even athletics. Let’s not let the opportunities we gained from Title IX stop with us. Let’s finish the revolution, put on the whistle, and have some fun with our kids.

Official FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 Mascot

A young, sporty and cool girl has been selected to act as the ‘friendly face’ of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012. She is talented, fast, smart and is therefore the perfect ambassador of the Host Country and football in general.

She will welcome all visitors to Azerbaijan, embracing them with her friendly expression and will ensure that they will live an unforgettable experience.

Women Soccer

Official FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 Mascot

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