If We Only Fund the Top, Who Lifts the Bottom?
Why the future of women’s soccer depends on investing in youth development and mental well-being
Women’s soccer is on a thrilling rise. From the global stage of the Women’s World Cup to record-breaking attendance in leagues like the NWSL and WSL, the momentum is undeniable. But while the spotlight shines brighter at the top, there’s a crucial part of the game being left in the shadows: the grassroots system and the mental health of young athletes.
The Development Gap in Girls’ Soccer
Professional success in women’s soccer doesn’t begin at the top—it begins with access, opportunity, and support from the very first kick. And right now, too many girls are being left behind.
Across the country and around the world, young girls in soccer often lack the same infrastructure, resources, and support that boys enjoy. Community fields go unfunded. Coaching development for girls’ programs remains limited. And travel teams—often the only path to higher-level play—come with costs many families can’t afford. These barriers don’t just limit talent; they exclude it entirely.
The Mental Game Is Just As Important
But the challenge goes deeper than physical access. Mental well-being is now one of the most pressing, yet under-addressed, aspects of youth soccer—especially for girls.
From early specialization and performance pressure to body image issues, anxiety, and burnout, girls in soccer are navigating intense emotional terrain with very little formal support. Many young players are expected to perform like pros without being treated like full humans. Meanwhile, stigma around mental health still lingers, making it hard for athletes to speak up, seek help, or even recognize what they’re experiencing.
It’s no surprise that more elite players—like Abby Wambach, Christen Press, and Naomi Girma—are now openly discussing mental health. But if we’re only responding at the pro level, we’re missing the bigger picture. What support systems are in place for the 13-year-old girl questioning whether she’s good enough to keep playing? Or the 16-year-old quietly struggling under pressure to earn a scholarship?
Building From the Bottom Up
Real investment in women’s soccer must include more than signing star players or expanding pro leagues. It must mean:
Funding local clubs and non profit programs so girls can play without financial or geographic barriers.
Training coaches to support mental well-being, not just tactical skill.
Creating safe, inclusive environments that value character as much as competition.
Normalizing mental health conversations from youth levels up—not just when someone reaches the top.
Because soccer is more than a sport—it’s a space where girls learn resilience, leadership, and confidence. But only if we give them the tools, resources, and emotional support to thrive in it.
If we only fund the top, who lifts the bottom?
If we want to see women’s soccer reach its full potential, we need to build a system where every girl, at every level, feels seen, supported, and empowered — on and off the pitch.