Michele Kang Pledges $30 Million to U.S. Soccer Women’s Programs
The funds will expand opportunities and drive development for players, coaches and referees
Posted On: November 19, 2024 By :Businesswoman Michele Kang has pledged to give U.S. Soccer women’s programs $30 million over the next five years, the largest philanthropic investment in U.S. Soccer’s women’s and girls’ programs ever received.
Kang is the founder and chief executive officer of Kynisca, a multi-team global organization dedicated to women’s soccer. She owns the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in France and London City Lionesses in England. Kang has also donated to the USA women’s rugby sevens team.
“Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long,” said Kang. “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.”
Kang’s investment will allow U.S. Soccer to double the number of national team camps it currently runs, equating to six camps per age group for youth national teams and will specifically fund camps for women and girls. It will also help build out U.S. Soccer’s digital talent identification platform, giving access to 100,000 female players.
“A gift like this will change the trajectory of the sport,” said U.S. Soccer women’s national team coach Emma Hayes. “We’re in a pivotal moment for soccer in the U.S. and this will help us support more female players, coaches and referees in the game.”
Her investment will scale opportunities for youth players, expand and improve talent identification, plus drive professional development including education and mentorship, to an additional 70,000 female coaches and referees.
“Michele Kang’s gift will transform soccer for women and girls in the United States,” said U.S. 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.”
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