Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Athletes

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance”- Title IX

While the Title IX statute made no explicit mention of sports, it was this key phrase that changed our landscape and opened a world of opportunity for female athletes. From June 23, 1972, onward, women quite literally took the ball and ran with it. Nearly 40 years later, the path for female professional athletes has been laid and iconic moments abound.

Last Sunday, marks one more epic story to add to the history of women’s sports.  The U.S. Women’s soccer team pulled off a miraculous win against Brazil for its World Cup quarterfinals match. One of the most striking characteristics of this game was the level of perseverance displayed by the U.S. women’s team, despite the series of setbacks.

Their determination remained steadfast. When Abi Wambach reached above her opponents with a minute to go and headed the ball into the goal, it was a despite-all-odds moment that will likely inspire underdogs for years to come.

It was a jump out of your seat, did you see that, awe-inspiring moment, reminiscent of glorious stories such as when Katherine Switzer crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon in 1967, despite an attempt by the race official to physically eject her during the race, or when Brandi Chastain delivered the final penalty kick against China at the 1999 Women’s World Cup final.

Perseverance is what has allowed women to arrive at this place in sports history. That, and lest we forget, the volunteers—behind every female superstar athlete is a dedicated cadre of volunteer mentors who stepped up along the way to send her down the road to success. 

As an adult who still loves every opportunity to compete athletically, I can only say thank you to those who took the time throughout my years to instill a love for sports. Such activity helped me establish a healthy sense of self and develop confidence as a young person, and sports continue to bring balance to my hectic life as an adult.

I want to give a shout-out to our local women’s soccer community and extend an invitation to share your passion.

As recreational soccer players, we are willing to head out to the pitch in heat that leaves our feet flaming from the rubber on the turf, or push the ball through pooling puddles in a torrential downpour. We are willing to tackle men twice our size or take one for the team. Our glory days are gone, but the love of the “beautiful game” still lingers. Let’s take that level of dedication and give it to another. Each of us can think of a coach, parent or neighbor who spurred and cultivated our passion for the sport

Sunday’s game had me running out the door to grab my soccer ball, and it made me beam with pride for women in sports. I can’t wait to share this feeling. I will be out in my community this year coaching, and I hope you will consider giving back as well.

A few options for getting involved:

The Breakaway College Access Project exists to increase the number of local students who pursue a four-year university education and foster a culture of higher learning. Their Soccer Academy serves to inspire confidence in young people through intensive soccer training and academic tutoring.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a national soccer program created to train young people with disabilities in a caring coaching environment. Volunteers at the local level generally carry out the program, with financial support from US Youth Soccer and local youth soccer organizations.  

The Women’s Sports Foundation was established in 1974 to advance the lives of women and girls through sports. Today they provide scholarships and grants to aspiring athletes. They fund groundbreaking research and public awareness campaigns, educate and advocate. 

Make your passion for soccer international with this “voluntourism” opportunity. Soccer Without Borders uses volunteers to run community-led, year-round youth development programs in under-served areas in the USA and abroad.

Volunteer sports opportunities abound, so feel free to contact the Volunteer Center if looking for additional referrals at 831-427-5070, or visit scvolunteercenter.org.