USL Unveils Step Up: The Bold Next Phase in the USL’s Women’s Soccer Strategy

Tampa, Fla. – The United Soccer League today unveiled Step Up: The Bold Next Phase in the USL’s Women’s Soccer Strategy, an evolution of the USL’s ongoing women’s soccer strategy that is designed to take the women’s game in America to the next level by maximizing player potential, delivering a world-class fan experience, and growing the business of USL clubs.

To ensure the most solid foundation for a positive and sustainable impact, the USL Super League, which was originally scheduled to begin in 2023, will now kick off in August 2024. As previously announced, the Super League will play on the international match calendar from fall to summer.

Developed over the past two years, Step Up provides a blueprint for the USL to build, operate, and grow the most comprehensive and powerful ecosystem in women’s soccer. It lays out a clear pathway from youth to professional, including the launch of the professional USL Super League, continued expansion of the pre-professional USL W League, and the establishment and growth of the USL Academy for girls.

“Our vision is to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The fully integrated women’s pathway we are building is transformational for the USL and for the game, providing thousands of additional opportunities for players, coaches, referees, executives, partners, and fans in professional women’s soccer and all the way through the American soccer pyramid. We have the committed ownership, infrastructure, and expertise to build a viable long-term business that brings the excitement of women’s soccer to more fans and more communities across the country.”

The strategic pillars of Step Up are designed with a long-term vision for both on-field competitive success and off-field business performance.

Build a comprehensive, clear, and aspirational pathway for all those who play, work in, and watch women’s soccer.

Ensure the long-term sustainability of the USL women’s soccer ecosystem.

Support the existing women’s soccer landscape while accelerating growth in new areas.

“Step Up is a collaborative effort, built with stakeholders throughout the soccer industry to develop one of the most impactful women’s soccer ecosystems in the world and to help shape the future of soccer in America,” said Amanda Vandervort, President of the USL Super League. “It states our ambitions clearly and puts a stake in the ground for what we believe…