Kick Like a Girl: Why We Support Women in Soccer

“Kick like a girl.” For too long, it was used as an insult. But today, it’s a badge of honor—one that represents strength, speed, leadership, and fire.

This May, in honor of Women’s Health Month, we’re celebrating the girls and women who shape the game of soccer—from world champions to local legends right here in Latrobe.

Why Representation Matters

When girls see women in coaching positions, on the sidelines, and leading national teams, they believe they belong in the game too. Visibility builds confidence—and confidence builds participation.

That’s why we believe it’s so important to recognize and support the women who continue to push boundaries in our sport. From U.S. Women’s National Team stars like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, to the moms and mentors in our own community, leadership takes many forms.

Local Role Models

Here in Latrobe, we’re fortunate to have women involved in coaching, managing, organizing events, supporting fundraisers, and guiding our players on and off the field. Many of them are former athletes themselves—and all of them are fierce advocates for youth development.

When boys grow up seeing women as respected leaders in sports, they learn that inclusion isn’t a slogan—it’s a standard.

Building Respect Early

We want our players to carry the same respect they show their teammates into every arena: school, friendships, future teams, and eventually the workplace.

That starts now—with how we talk about women’s soccer, how we treat women leaders, and how we challenge outdated stereotypes when we hear them.

In fact, research by the Women’s Sports Foundation shows that girls who play sports are more likely to have high self-esteem, graduate from high school, and pursue leadership roles later in life.

We’re All on the Same Team

We support the Latrobe Girls Soccer team, and we’re proud of what they accomplish every season. Whether it’s cheering from the stands, attending joint events, or celebrating their wins online, we stand together as a soccer community.

We’ve seen firsthand how boys and girls alike benefit from training together in the off-season, learning from one another, and pushing each other to be better players—and better people.

Breaking Barriers and Raising the Bar

The women’s game continues to grow in incredible ways. In 2023, the FIFA Women’s World Cup saw record viewership and shattered attendance numbers. Female athletes are now commanding major sponsorship deals, media coverage, and fan support worldwide.

But there’s still work to do. Supporting equal access, fair funding, and opportunities for women in all levels of soccer remains critical. And that starts in youth programs like ours—with the values we teach, the respect we model, and the platform we give to women’s voices.

How You Can Help

Support girls’ teams at your school or local club by attending games and cheering them on
Invite female speakers or alumni to talk to your team about their soccer journey
Challenge stereotypes when you hear them—be an advocate for equity
Celebrate achievements of women in soccer on your platforms and in conversations

A Final Word to Our Players

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the phrase “kick like a girl”—it’s time to rethink it. To kick like a girl is to train like a champion, play with passion, and lead with heart. That’s the kind of soccer we believe in.

So to the women in our soccer family: thank you. We see you. We support you. And we stand with you—every step of the way.

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