Colorado Embraces Women's Soccer as USWNT Shines
Women's sports are on the rise, and Colorado is at the forefront of this movement, particularly with soccer. The excitement surrounding the sport is palpable, especially as the National Women's Soccer League prepares to establish a presence in Denver by 2026.
A recent Nielsen Sports report forecasts that women's soccer could attract 800 million fans globally by 2030, positioning it as the fifth largest sport worldwide. This potential was on full display Thursday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, where fans gathered to witness the U.S. Women's National Team dominate Ireland with a 4-0 victory.
"I think it's really cool because whenever I watch these girls play, I'm like, 'Oh, they're going to win'," expressed Lucy Brower, a young fan and aspiring soccer player, capturing the spirit of optimism that filled the stadium.
For many attendees, the match transcended mere competition. "The passion that the women have, the creativity, the non-robotic movements that the men don't have," noted Hutch Brower, a dedicated soccer enthusiast. "I like to watch that." This sentiment resonates deeply with young players who find motivation in the women's team's achievements.
"It kind of motivates me to want to be better so I can someday be like them," said Maci Falk, reflecting the aspirations of many young athletes inspired by their role models.
Erika, another fan, emphasized the broader impact of women's sports: "To not only inspire young generations but to also remind all of us who are more adult and aged, that we can all be women who support women." This collective enthusiasm is evident in the growing fervor for women's soccer across the metro area.
Jen Millet, President of the Denver NWSL, highlighted the grassroots efforts that led to this moment. "This is really where it started, where there was a group of fans, women's soccer fans in Colorado, that campaigned the NWSL to get a club here, and they succeeded," she stated. Her presence at Thursday's match underscored the importance of listening to fans as preparations for the new team and stadium progress.
Millet also pointed out the significance of representation in sports: "We talk a lot about women's sports being important for girls, but it is equally important for boys to see female athletes on the pitch competing at the highest level." This perspective fosters a more inclusive environment for all young athletes.
As spectators cheered for their favorite players, it became clear that a shared love for soccer unites this community. "I think it's really cool to see how much these women have bonded over the years and how far women's sports has come," Brower remarked.
Looking ahead, Millet confirmed that plans are underway to unveil a team name and logo for Denver's NWSL franchise in the coming months, promising an exciting future for women's soccer in Colorado.
