In A Sea of Constant Flux on When College Soccer Will Start, UWS Cancels Season
“Canceling because of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic was a very tough decision, but the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) looks forward to the 2021 season and maintaining its commitment to the women’s game,” said Joe Ferrera, Jr. Commissioner and Founder. “We will be back.”
The United Women’s Soccer (UWS) national pro-am league has announced the cancelation of a full regular season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the current circumstances, it is an unrealistic time frame for the league to provide a complete season.
The safety and well-being of UWS players, staff, and supporters continue to be of the highest priority throughout their decision-making process.
“I would like to thank all of our clubs for what was truly a team effort,” said League Commissioner Joseph Ferrara Jr who founded the league when he broke off from the WPSL years ago.
“The feedback, communication, and willingness to adapt during a difficult time speak volumes to what we have all created here with UWS. Furthermore, the economic impact on each club’s business model created by this pandemic is something that each of us at the league office took to heart,” said Ferrara, Jr. “As such, we felt that a remedy for our member teams was of paramount importance.”
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After talking to Ferrera, Jr. this morning, he sent me the following quote.
“After careful consideration of a multitude of factors, it was in the best interest of the league, teams, players, coaches, staff, and fans to cancel the regular season,” explained Ferrera, Jr.
“With constant communication and feedback from our member teams, the league office was extremely sensitive to the effect on the business model of our member clubs that this pandemic created. Therefore, it was paramount that the league provided the necessary financial relief to the teams,” added Ferrera, Jr.
“It is with great pleasure to state that all teams are committed to returning to UWS next season.”
Joe Ferrera, Jr.
United Women’s Soccer is bucking the trend by crediting their member teams the vast majority of the 2020 fees to ensure the continuation of their unwavering support for women’s soccer while maintaining the financial viability of the league. In lieu of this, all teams will receive approximately 80% credit towards next season’s fees.
UWS Bucks The Trend, Gives Money Back
Stephanie Cleaves, UWS Executive Director
“Historically, women’s sports teams have always been undervalued and inequality existed before COVID-19. That is all the more reason to do our part in helping clubs bounce back after the impact of the epidemic,” stated UWS Executive Director Stephanie Cleaves.
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“Giving our member teams a chance to not only survive but thrive has been our goal since day one. Crediting teams their league fees and exploring alternative options to keep our 2020 season alive are just a few ways UWS is responding to the obstacles we are all facing,” said Cleaves who was looking forward to her new role this season. “We are excited to share some of these initiatives with the public soon.”
United Women’s Soccer prides itself on providing financial transparency to its member teams and prioritizing the long-term sustainability of teams.
Since the inception of the league, UWS has strived to support all of its member teams in their shared commitment to advance women soccer.
United Women’s Soccer looks forward to returning even stronger in 2021 with a full season of high-level competition.
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