A step towards equal pay? US men and women’s teams agree to mediation over pay dispute

In a recent report from English-based news outlet Soccerex, the United States’ men and women’s soccer teams have come to an agreement to resolve their ongoing pay disputes.

The news comes as we reach the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup in France, with the USA set to face the hosts in the quarter finals after a 2-1 win against Spain.

In the last week or so, reports emerged that the women’s side generate more revenue for the sport of soccer in the USA than the men do. Despite the World Cup being far from over for the American girls, they clearly see this as an opportunity to prove why they should be on the same page as their male counterparts.

A statement regarding the timing of this mediation request can be found below from governing body, US Soccer.

‘While we welcome the opportunity to mediate, we are disappointed the plaintiffs’ counsel felt it necessary to share this news publicly during the Women’s World Cup and crate any possible distraction from the team’s focus on the tournament.’

As many male American players play in different countries (for example, Borussia Mochengladbach’s Fabian Johnson and Chelsea’s newest signing Christian Pulisic), bridging the pay gap is always going to be a challenge, despite the women being the reigning World Cup holders.

The announcement of this mediation process, which will begin following the conclusion of the Women’s World Cup on July 7, is a step in the right direction not just for soccer in the USA.

But it is a positive sign for other countries to also consider the possibility of equal pay. Countries like Australia and Norway, both of whom have numerous male players on club duty across the globe, could take a hint and pick up what the US it putting down.

The mediation isn’t a guarantee that the US women will be granted equal pay, but it is, once again, a very positive sign.

 

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football NSW 2025 Registrations Surge as Season Approaches

Avatar
Image credit: Football NSW website

Football NSW community registrations have rocketed beyond the 200,000 marks, keeping pace to eclipse the record numbers set in 2024, as the code’s popularity continues to boom across the state.

Australia’s most populous state has been breaking records the last couple years with rising participation numbers. This year continues to solidify that trend.

Junior participation is leading the charge with more than 115,000 children aged 5-12 already signed up with local clubs as the winter football season draws near.

This sustained growth follows an exceptional 2024 season that witnessed a 9% increase in overall player registrations, with female participation skyrocketing by an impressive 17%.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas was particularly proud with the increased junior and female representation.

“It’s pleasing to see the healthy number of juniors registering for the upcoming community football season,” Tsatsimas commented via official Football NSW Press release.

“It’s equally great to once again see female participation at the forefront of our growth.

“Our club volunteers and Associations have done a tremendous job in overseeing registrations within their local communities and we’re looking forward to seeing the new season get underway in April.”

Not just grassroots football in NSW, but nationwide, football participation has seen huge growth in youth and female participation.

A strong NSW football environment at the forefront of this surge is key to maintaining and cultivating participation.

Though with every increase in participating numbers, the community-based clubs bear the brunt of more demand.

Now more than ever, associations and clubs need sufficient support from the state Football federation if they want to continue these exciting results.

Though time will tell how much of an increase in players there will be, the report is promising.

How to maintain the players and bring more into the footballing community in the coming years will be the next big questions for all levels of football in the state and in the country.

Manchester City Begins Work on New Women’s Training Facility

Avatar
Image Credit: Manchester City website

Manchester City is in the development stage of building the Manchester City Women’s team a new purpose-built training facility at the City Football Academy, known as the club’s training centre.

The project, valued at up to $20.5 million, is set to open next season and marks the latest chapter in the club’s ongoing investment in top-tier facilities for the team.

Once completed, the facility will include a hydrotherapy area, a high-performance gym, and a circular dressing room designed to enhance player development.

In addition to their purpose-built facility, the Women’s First Team will continue to benefit from being an integral part of the $409 million City Football Academy, allowing them to utilise the organisation’s extensive resources and expertise.

To mark the beginning of construction, club captain Alex Greenwood was joined by Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill, Director of Football Therese Sjögran, and Director of Performance Services Emma Deakin for the official groundbreaking ceremony.

Club Captain Alex Greenwood reflects on the current facilities at the club and her excitement for the new development that is on the rise.

“Right from the start we’ve been involved quite a lot so we could discuss what’s going to be in there and what’s necessary. From what I know the facilities are going to be the best, which is nothing short of what I expect. I’m excited to see how it’s going to look,” she said via press release.

The facility has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of the team, with extensive consultation undertaken during the planning phase, including input from First Team Multi-Disciplinary experts and members of the playing squad.

The 17,000-square-foot building has also been designed with future expansion in mind as the team continues to grow.

Managing Director at Manchester City Women Charlotte O’Neill commented on the new facility and the beginning of its construction.

“Over the past decade, the team has benefited from being a part of the high-performance environment here, working with some of the very coaches, practitioners and support staff, as well as accessing some of the best facilities,” she said via press release.

“But the time feels right for the team to move into our own purpose-built home, and we think we’ve designed something really special that will help us in our efforts to consistently challenge for major titles.”

The new facility reaffirms Manchester City’s commitment to women’s football, aiming for success and growth through providing an environment to support the team’s future ambitions.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend