- Five-year financial commitment is the largest ever made to US Soccer by a woman
- Funds to support organisation’s women’s and girls’ soccer programmes
- Kang hopes investment will encourage others to “follow suit”
Serial women’s soccer investor Michele Kang has pledged US$30 million to US Soccer over the next five years, which the national governing body says will “transform” the game for women and girls in the country.
The commitment from Kang, owner of the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Washington Spirit, French top-tier outfit Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and English second division side London City Lionesses, is the largest donation ever made to US soccer by a woman.
It is also the largest philanthropic investment to date in US Soccer’s women’s and girls’ programmes.
The investment from Kang will scale competitive opportunities for youth players, expand and improve talent identification, and fuel professional development for female players, coaches and referees.
“Michele Kang’s gift will transform soccer for women and girls in the United States,” said US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone.
“It will impact generations of women and girls in our game, including players, coaches, and referees. I know firsthand the power soccer can have in someone’s life and thanks to Michele, we will be able to provide more support and opportunities for women and girls.”
Kang added: “Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long. I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women’s soccer – both on and off the pitch – by delivering the resources female athletes need to reach their full potential and surround them with the professional support they deserve.
“I hope this investment serves as ‘seed capital’ and spurs other donors to follow suit.”
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