Letter from Michele Kang

The past few weeks have once again provided an incredible opportunity to showcase world-class female talent in soccer…

Men and women alike have been captivated by the incredible athletes who have thrilled millions on the field and in living rooms around the world.

We must capitalize on this momentum and continue to invest in women, health, and younger generations. Only 6% of sports science research worldwide focuses on women, and we also know that 45% of girls drop out of sport before the age of 14. This is 40% higher than the rate for boys of the same age. These figures are staggering and must change.

Investing in women creates a positive virtuous circle in schools, our youth, communities, and the future. Ninety-four percent of senior female executives played sports when they were younger.

So let’s be clear: investing in women’s sports is not charity, and my investment in women’s soccer, the Washington Spirit, London City, and OL Féminin is not charity.

It is an important economic activity, a good economic activity, and a respectable economic activity. It is up to us to create the next leaders; improve physical and mental well-being, mentoring, and education; and keep girls in sports.

The data we read every day will not change unless we change:

• 85% of female athletes have not received education on aspects related to women’s health
• 1.3 million female athletes have fewer opportunities than their male counterparts
• Two out of three young people are inactive every day
• The risk of injury is significantly increased just before menstruation

To achieve this, our commitment to Washington Spirit, London City, and OL Féminin is as follows:

• Accessibility: Investment in programs to increase the number of female athletes worldwide.
• Science: Investment in sports science data to understand the female hormonal cycle and develop techniques to revolutionize women’s training.
• Education: Investing in sharing research with as many people as possible to improve their physical and mental health.
• Coaching: Investing in new coaches, new coaching techniques, and a significant effort to bring more women coaches into the sport.
• Programming: Investing in programs to develop more leaders, mentors, and healthy life outcomes for all.
• Join us today. Together, let’s champion change.

Photo: Lyubomir Domozetski