New Woman’s Soccer League in Europe

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Hannah Potter

ECNL girls soccer showcase in Arizona

Richmond United U16 ECNL girls play So Cal Blues ECNL U16, the number one team in the country for girls soccer

Even though there is currently a woman’s soccer league in the US, it has had many problems throughout the years. A few years back, the league fell apart due to legal issues and inadequate resources, and they had to make a new one. The National Woman’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been holding on for now, but it hasn’t received a lot of attention. Recently soccer leagues in Europe have risen up. There has always been a budding league in Europe, but in the last year it has become very popular. Many of the star players of the US woman’s national team are going over to play in the new league in Europe.

There have always been strong male soccer leagues in Europe where the best men players form around the world play. Now, these clubs, which have been around far longer than any US men’s teams, are creating a woman’s division. The best women players from around the world are starting to flock to these European leagues in England (The Premier League), Spain (La Liga), France (Championnat de France), and Germany (Bundesliga). The teams will also play in a combined Champions League just like the Champions League for the men’s side. The European groups are the best because they contain the best competition and the best female players from around the world. Soccer is also more popular in Europe, therefore, the woman’s league will grow faster and become more successful than the American league. Many female players left the NWSL in America because of poor training conditions unequal treatment and low/unequal pay. The European clubs are more able to support the female players by providing better wages, living conditions, and training environments. Some of the highest profile “defectors” from the US are Heather O’Reilly (Arsenal), Alex Morgan (Olympique Lyonnais), Carly Lloyd (Manchester City), and Crystal Dunn (Chelsea). In Europe the women are able to use the same facilities as the men’s teams, and with the improved conditions in the European leagues, the players are able to focus more on their game.

Hopefully, one day these European woman’s soccer leagues will become as successful as their male counterpart teams. Many people think it’s great that woman are finally receiving the treatment they deserve for all the hard work they have put into their soccer careers. Now girls who play in clubs across America and at the college level will have something to work towards, a professional career in soccer.