Why Girls Should Watch Women's Soccer: 3 Reasons Every Youth Player Needs to Know

When I ask the girls that I coach who their favorite soccer team or professional player is, the answers are almost always the same. Most players say their favorite team is Arsenal, Manchester City, or another English club. But when I ask whether they watch their men's or women's team, many of them don't even realize that those clubs have professional women's teams.

That's surprising, considering clubs like Arsenal Women are the 2025 winners of the UEFA Women's Champions League and Chelsea Women are among the most decorated clubs in the women's game.

It's a similar story when we talk about favorite players. The names I hear most often are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah. When I ask if they have a favorite female player, the answer I hear most often is Alex Morgan—even though she retired almost two years ago.

To be clear, when it comes to young players watching soccer, my philosophy is simple: the more soccer they watch, the better. The men's game is full of generational talents who deserve to be celebrated and studied by young athletes.

However, it's just as important—especially for youth female soccer players—to watch the women's game. So, in honor of Women's History Month and the kickoff of the 2026 National Women's Soccer League season, here are three major reasons why girls should be watching more women's soccer!

1. Women's Soccer Role Models Build Confidence in Young Girls

You've probably heard the phrase "you have to see it to be it." When it comes to girls in sports, there is a lot of research supporting this idea. Seeing female athletes compete at the highest level can be incredibly powerful for young players developing their identity both on and off the field.

When a girl watches someone who looks like her succeed on the biggest stage, it reinforces the belief that she can achieve the same things!

The women's game is full of players who bring skill, creativity, confidence, and personality to the field. Moments like when Racheal Kundananji put her defender on skates are exactly the kinds of highlights that inspire young players to go practice in the backyard!

How Social Media Connects Youth Players to Their Heroes

Social media has changed the way young athletes connect with their role models. Players now have unprecedented access to professional athletes and can see what their lives look like both on and off the field. Through platforms like Instagram or TikTok, young soccer players can follow the journeys of athletes like Trinity Rodman, Rose Lavelle, or Lucy Bronze.

These players openly share their challenges, whether that's recovering from injury, dealing with setbacks, or balancing life outside of soccer. Seeing those struggles makes professional athletes feel more human and relatable. It also shows players that success doesn't come without obstacles—and that perseverance matters.

For girls developing confidence in their soccer abilities and in themselves, watching women's soccer can be one of the most powerful sources of inspiration!

2. Women's Soccer History Shows Girls the Power of Fighting for Equality

Another reason it's important for girls to watch women's soccer is the history of advocacy and resilience within the sport.

Many people are familiar with the six-year equal pay battle fought by the United States Women's National Team. That fight concluded in 2022 with a historic settlement with U.S. Soccer that helped establish equal pay between the men's and women's national teams.

But the fight for equality in women's soccer actually goes back much further.

The Pioneers of Women's Football

In 1884, a player named Nettie Honeyball founded the British Ladies' Football Club, widely considered the first official women's football club. At the time, many people believed soccer was too rough or "unsuitable" for women. Early matches sometimes ended with pitch invasions because fans were outraged that women were playing the sport.

Despite these challenges, the women persisted. By 1921, England had more than 150 women's football clubs, and some matches drew crowds of up to 45,000 spectators.

The 50-Year Ban That Set the Game Back

Unfortunately, that progress came to an abrupt halt when the English Football Association (FA) banned women from playing on FA-affiliated fields in 1921. This ban lasted for 50 years, forcing women's teams to play in public parks and severely limiting the growth of the game.

Thankfully, women's soccer has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. The success of the England women's national team—commonly known as the Lionesses—has helped bring unprecedented attention to the women's game in Europe. Their victories at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 and again in 2024 helped fuel massive interest in the Women's Super League.

When young players watch these teams compete, they aren't just watching great soccer—they are witnessing the ongoing story of women fighting for opportunity, respect, and equality in sports!

3. Why Girls Dropping Out of Sports Is a Problem Women's Soccer Can Help Solve

Participation in sports offers benefits that extend well beyond the soccer field.

According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, 69% of women earning more than $100,000 annually who hold leadership roles played competitive sports during their youth. Even more striking, 91% of women in executive positions say their success in business is connected to skills they developed through sports.

These skills include leadership, communication, resilience, problem solving, and the ability to manage stress under pressure.

The Dropout Crisis Facing Female Athletes

Despite these benefits, girls drop out of sports at nearly twice the rate of boys by the age of 14. Common reasons include lack of confidence, limited access to resources, negative social stigmas, and a shortage of visible role models.

This is where professional women's soccer can make a huge difference.

When young girls watch elite female athletes competing at the highest level, it reinforces the idea that sports are a place where they belong! Supporting women's soccer increases visibility for the game, attracts investment, and creates more opportunities for future players.

The Ripple Effect of Female Athlete Development

And the ripple effect is real!

• More visibility leads to more fans.
• More fans leads to more funding.
• More funding leads to stronger youth soccer programs.
• Stronger youth programs lead to better development opportunities for girls.

Ultimately, this will result in more girls staying involved in soccer, building confidence, and carrying those leadership skills into the rest of their lives.

Women's soccer is growing faster than ever before, and the next generation of players has more opportunities than any generation before them. By watching, supporting, and celebrating the women's game, young girls can gain inspiration, confidence, and a deeper connection to the sport they love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important for girls to watch women's soccer?

Watching women's soccer gives young female players visible role models, builds their confidence, and reinforces the belief that they belong in sports. Research shows girls who see women competing at the highest level are more likely to stay active in athletics long-term.

Why do girls drop out of sports more than boys?

Girls drop out of sports at nearly twice the rate of boys by age 14. The main reasons include lack of confidence, limited resources, social pressure, and a shortage of female athlete role models. Increasing visibility of women's professional soccer helps address several of these factors.

When does the 2026 NWSL season start?

The 2026 NWSL season kicks off in spring 2026. It's the perfect time for youth female soccer players to pick a team, follow players on social media, and start building a connection to the professional women's game.

Who are the best women's soccer role models for young players?

Current standout role models include Trinity Rodman, Rose Lavelle, Lucy Bronze, and Racheal Kundananji. These players are known for their skill on the field and their openness about challenges off it, making them relatable and inspiring for youth players.

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