JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the first time, Jacksonville will have its first ever women’s soccer team.
Sporting Club Jacksonville will be a part USL Super League. It consists of eight teams across The United States. The 2025-2026 season will start in August. The games will be played at UNF'S Hodges stadium. Amanda Vandervort, president of the USL Super League, says this is one step closer to her vision for the super league.
“You know, it is creating opportunities in more communities across The United States for women to be professional players, but especially coaches, front offices staff, to really grow the women’s game," Vandervort said.
"Whatever they want, to pursue that opportunity, they have it," Zarra Siassi, a University of North Florida alumni, who played soccer and has coached youth teams, said. She says Sporting Club Jacksonville now having a women’s team opens a lot of doors.
"There’s a lot of excitement around the game in this area, so just to have a team here as an opportunity for experienced players but also the young players to know they have a pathway," Siassi said.
Siassi said the vision looks more clear than ever for those who want to pursue a career in women’s soccer. This is the message she has for young athletes who want to pursue their dream of playing professional soccer.
“I would just encourage all the little girls that are hearing this message that there is an opportunity for you, and to just own your path," said Siassi.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said as a woman and sports fan, she could not be happier this milestone is happening while she is Mayor of Jacksonville.