Where Change Happens – Doing More For Women In Soccer
Lynn Berling-Manuel, Rachel Van Hollebeke, Lesle Gallimore, Chris Moore, Jeff Plush, Louise Waxler, Shannon MacMillan, Rosalie Kramm, Angela Hucles, Sam Snow, Steve Hoffmann, Jerry Zanelli, and Duncan Riddle come together to join Diane Scavuzzo, and Carrie Taylor to celebrate Women in Soccer and plan for the road ahead.
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), US Youth Soccer, Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) all have their TOP people – CEOs, Commissioners, Directors of Coaching speaking at this amazing event – Women in Soccer – Monday, December 7th at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar. Buy Ticket or More Info.
The beginning of the 20th century saw US women’s soccer gain high popularity and international acclaim. Organized women’s soccer in the US took off in the 1970’s, and Title IX Legislation in 1972 made gender equality mandatory. The first national women’s league was established in 1995 and the first professional women’s league took birth in 2001. But women’s soccer still has a way to go… and while 2015 is a year which will be remembered for winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the business of soccer in our country still has a long road ahead to reach an equilibrium with the men’s.
It is highly ironic — On the world stage of competitive soccer, America is known as the leaders in the women’s game, yet we have very few women who have successful penetrated this male-dominated world and seized real leadership positions in the sport. Although the US Women’s National Team has a history of success at the Olympics and at the FIFA World Cup — all too often, highly skilled female coaches walk on to the field and are asked if they are the team mom. Worse yet, female coaches seem to constantly have to prove their abilities in contrast to their male counterparts.
After countless interviews with top coaches, I wonder how in a sport where American women dominate the world can our own fields be littered with such out of date prejudice? Born in 1961, I grew up expecting the world to celebrate diversity and respect individuality and hearing that women had suffered a long time to bring about equality among the sexes. What I experienced was the remnants of the shattered glass ceilings. Then I became involved in the world of soccer.
The fact that any sentiment of sexism exists in American soccer is simply wrong — not only is it undeserved, but it is bad for the game loved by so many.
It is thanks to Sam Snow, US Youth Soccer’s Director of Coaching, that I met Carrie Taylor. Snow offered me the opportunity to audit the US National Youth License Course and Taylor was teaching it with Dr. Ron Quinn — and we became friends. Taylor is a well respected Director of Coaching at Laguna United FC and a talented, direct and persuasive soccer professional. When Taylor asked me to work with her on a symposium for women in soccer, neither of us knew where the road would take us but we were both committed to bringing attention to the issues and inspiring change.
It is with great pride that we embark on the inaugural Women in Soccer event this December 7th, 2015 at the San Diego Marriott in Del Mar. I am deeply impressed by the people who have been willing to work with us — all at their own expense — and forever grateful. Here is information on the special event:
SoccerToday’s Editor in Chief, Diane Scavuzzo, and US Youth Soccer/Cal South coaching instructor and Director of Coaching for Laguna United FC’s Carrie Taylor have partnered to create the Women in Soccer Symposium. Women in Soccer 2015 is a celebration of what has been accomplished and a commitment to the future. It is time to plan the road ahead. Women in Soccer brings the leaders in soccer together to discuss the women’s game and how to help it grow.
Join the leaders in soccer for an important afternoon and evening for women in soccer as they gather to explore the irony: our women are the best in world, but fewer than 10% of women hold leadership roles in soccer in America. Come and show your support for this very important event! Purchase a Ticket
The USWNT earned $2 million from this year’s World Cup victory compared to the Germany MNT who received $35 million after winning the 2014 World Cup. Even the USMNT, which was eliminated in the round of 16 that year, earned $8 million… this is only one example of the irony that exists. It is time to break the ridiculous glass ceiling.
What are the challenges and how can we plan for success? What can we do individually and collectively? Now is time to commit to doing more to help women in soccer.
Event Details:
When: Monday, December 7th – Buy Ticket or More Info
What: Symposium starts @ 2:00pm followed by a cocktail reception and awards dinner
Where: San Diego Marriott Del Mar at 11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA Limited discounted hotel accommodations are available
“Women In Soccer has an impressive list of speakers and panelists flying in from all across the country. Diane has jumped in the drivers seat with this idea and really worked hard to bring together a powerful combination of minds within the game. We hope to collectively get people in the game to formulate a long term plan of action in order to identify, mentor and continue to develop current and future women in soccer,” says co-founder Taylor.
To kick off Women In Soccer, Keynote speaker Lynn Berling-Manuel, the new CEO of National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), will speak on the 5 Ways Women Are Changing the Soccer World. Coaches, entrepreneurs, players, moms, business leaders and more…women are looking at soccer in new ways and changing the game at every level. Berling-Manuel will explain the five ways that women are turning the entire sport on its head, and the opportunities being created because of it.
The awards dinner includes a special presentation to Rachel Van Hollebeke – the powerful defender, #19 on the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team, who earned gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, starting in the 2011 World Cup.
Other symposium panels will include Men and Women in Soccer and The Road Less Taken – Women on Women in Soccer.
From the youth market to the world of adult soccer, including amateur as well as professional, the various aspects of women in soccer will be discussed and explored.
Women In Soccer Speakers Include:
Lynn Berling-Manuel, CEO of National Soccer Coaches Association of America
Berling-Manuel is the chief executive officer of National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and the first female to lead the World’s Largest Soccer Coaches Organization in its storied 75-year history. Lynn joins the NSCAA after nearly eight years as chief marketing officer of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). Lynn is one of the few women in the world to lead two major soccer organizations.
Lesle Gallimore, Head Coach, University of Washington
Gallimore started in 1994 at University of Washington, and is now in her 22nd season with the Huskies. This is the longest tenure of any coach in the Pac-12. Gallimore has a record of 251-196-46 at UW. Gallimore coached Hope Solo and Tina Ellertson (Frimpong) as well as Kate Deines and Veronica Perez. Last year Gallimore served as a member of the U23 US Soccer Women’s National Team Coaching staff. Previously, Gallimore served as head coach of the West Team for the U.S. Olympic Sports Festival in both 1994 and 1995 and as the head coach of the Region IV Olympic Development Program.
Christopher Moore, CEO of US Youth Soccer
Moore is the Chief Executive Officer of US Youth Soccer. Moore has more than 10 years of experience in business development and leadership positions, and he has been a proponent of improving health and wellness among the nation’s youth — reaching over 38 million kids in 73,000 schools through GENYOUth’s Fuel up to Play 60 program in partnership with the National Football League and National Dairy Council.
Sam Snow, Director of Coaching, US Youth Soccer
Snow is a tremendous advocate for proper player development, with a strong interest in the importance of small-sided games and “street soccer” to help players grow. He holds a USSF ‘A’ License, a National Youth License, and a Premier Diploma and National Goalkeeping Coaching License. Snow is also Goal Nation’s contributing columnist.
Louise Waxler, Executive Director, McLean Youth Soccer & Former President of NSCAA
Waxler is widely recognized and respected for her experience running youth and professional sports as well as soccer events. She served as Director of the Washington Area Girls Soccer Tournament 1999-2001 and as Director of Operations for the WUSA Washington Freedom from 2001-2003.
In 2006, Waxler was elected as the 58th President of the NSCAA. In 2009, she was the Director of Operations for the WPS Washington Freedom and led the Philadelphia Independence as the General Manager in 2010. That same year, she was also the recipient of the NSCAA Women’s Committee Award of Excellence.
Shannon MacMillan, Former US Women’s National Team player and Director of Operations, DMCV Sharks
MacMillan is an phenomenal former professional soccer player who is now the Director of Operations for one of the country’s leading youth soccer clubs, the San Diego based DMCV Sharks. A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics and brought home the gold again at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, Shannon was US Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2002. MacMillan enjoyed a career with the US Women’s National team for 12 years; playing in 176 games and scoring 60 goals. MacMillan, always happy to give back to the game of soccer, was a member of the US Soccer Envoys that conducted clinics in South Africa and Guatemala emphasizing the value of teamwork, respect, and leadership.
In 2007, MacMillan became an assistant coach for the UCLA women’s soccer team currently holds a USSF National “B” license and in 2014, was inducted into the Cal South Hall of Fame.
Rosalie Kramm, First Female Soccer Referee, Founder of The Futbol Factory
Kramm was a fanatic about soccer as a little girl, but because girls didn’t get to play organized soccer in the ‘80s in San Diego, her father suggested she become a referee since she was always on the soccer field. In 1983, at the age of 13, Kramm began refereeing for AYSO Division 6 games. She graduated to refereeing high school games, men’s leagues, and college/NCAA games. At the age of 18 Kramm was invited to be a fourth official in the North American Soccer League (NASL), and in 1981 was an official in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and continued on to the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL) in 1993. Kramm was the first female professional soccer referee in the MISL and CISL.
In August of 2013, Kramm with three partners, founded The Futbol Factory, a soccer school in Chula Vista, California.
Steve Hoffman, Director of Coaching Education, Cal South
Hoffman is Cal South’s Director of Coaching Education and Player Development and has been involved in Southern California youth soccer since he arrived from England more than three decades ago. Hoffman has dedicated his life to soccer and growing the game and has always been a strong supporter of women in soccer.
Carrie Taylor, Director of Coaching, Laguna United Football Club
Taylor is the Director of Coaching for Laguna United FC and a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘A’ Coaching License. Taylor teaches the US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Youth Coaching License course and classes for US Soccer Licensing Staff for E and D Licenses. As a USYS National Youth License Instructor Taylor has inspired many coaches from all across the USA. Taylor holds a Masters, Sports Administration from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University Michigan. Taylor is also a coach for the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (“ODP”) since 1996 and is the Varsity Head coach & program director to Dana girls soccer at Dana High School Girls.
Taylor is one of few women who has been a NCAA Division III Full time Head Coach for both the Men & Women Programs. Taylor was also the NCAA Division I – Temple & Xavier University, Assistant Coach. Taylor is a columnist and Women’s Editor for SoccerToday.
Jerry Zanelli, Commissioner of WPSL
Zanelli is a long time pioneer of women in soccer and one of the strongest proponents of the women’s game.
Duncan Riddle, Executive Director/CEO of United States Adult Soccer Association
Riddle is the Executive Director/CEO of United States Adult Soccer Association since 2011 – Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Riddle believes strongly in the USASA mantra is “Soccer — your game for life.” Riddle has consistently promoted the women’s and men’s side of the game equally. Riddle was formerly the Head of Community at Aston Villa Football Club.
