Unlock the Potential of Jacksonville's Women's Soccer Future

Opportunity and Excitement

On Tuesday, girls practicing with Florida Elite Soccer Academy jerseys were part of a significant collaboration. This initiative is being hailed as one of the largest youth-to-pro soccer pathways in the country. The announcement that the team will play at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida and kick off next fall has set the stage for something truly remarkable.

Sean Bubb, the executive director of Florida Elite Soccer Academy, emphasizes the game-changing nature of this development. He points out that in the past, girls and women had to leave the area if they wanted to pursue professional soccer careers. "Before here it was play college and then there was no pathway unless you left, went somewhere else around the country or to a foreign country," said Bubb.

Hope and Aspiration

Bubb holds high hopes for the girls practicing on Tuesday. He believes that some of them have the potential to play professionally and is proud to note that eight of them have already done so in the last two years. "For us to have the world's game here in Jacksonville and the support it's going to get, the opportunities for our kids and this community, I think it's just amazing," said Bubb.

Khloe Roberts expresses her eagerness, stating, "Now I want to play for Sporting Jax." Sara Franklin echoes this sentiment, saying, "I think it's a great thing to look up to and be able to have stepping stones to get there." Sydney Auxier shares her initial perception, "Before, I really thought that all the clubs were gonna be difficult to get into. But once I heard that Sporting Jax was gonna be a pro team, I was very happy."

Hard Work and Determination

Team members are well aware of the hard work required. Roberts emphasizes, "It's really fun but you definitely have to work really hard." Linder adds, "I just feel like the opportunities just keep coming and I'm hoping to be a part of one of those teams one day."

Sporting Jax season tickets for both the women's and men's teams are already on sale, showing the community's support and anticipation for this new chapter in Jacksonville's sports landscape.