• Concacaf W Football Summit included engaging discussions on growth of women’s game
• Coaching Workshop and Skills Challenges also highlighted the Confederation’s Women’s Football Development

San Diego, CA (Saturday, March 9, 2024) – In a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day, Concacaf demonstrated its ongoing commitment to women and girls’ football across the entire region. The day’s events, building up to the Concacaf W Gold Cup final between the women’s senior national teams of the United States and Brazil on March 10 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA, were a powerful showcase of Concacaf’s commitment to expanding access to the game through competitions, development, and community engagement.

The day commenced with the action-packed Concacaf W 2024 Football Summit – a series of enlightening panel discussions. These conversations delved into the growth of women’s football in Concacaf since the Confederation’s W Strategy was launched in 2019 and celebrated the pivotal role of women in football in the region.

The inspiring morning began with a conversation between Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani and award-winning ESPN host Katia Castorena. President Montagliani reflected on the launch of Concacaf W in 2019 and emphasized the Confederation’s ongoing commitment to the growth of all aspects of women’s football under his leadership. President Montagliani also highlighted his and the confederation’s pride at six Concacaf teams qualifying for last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, the outstanding efforts of all 15 participating teams in this inaugural W Gold Cup and Concacaf’s plans to launch a women’s club competition in the near future.

The subsequent spirited panel, moderated by soccer journalist Carmen Boquin, included San Diego President and double FIFA Women’s World Cup winning Head Coach, Jill Ellis, Concacaf’s General Secretary Philippe Moggio and FIFA’s Head of Women’s Competitions, Sara Booth. The panel discussed the work being carried out to grow women’s football at the global level and plans that Concacaf and FIFA have to deliver competitions that will elevate clubs and leagues.

Providing expert insights on the development of women’s football locally, within the Concacaf region, the event included an excellent panel discussion moderated by TUDN sports journalist Ana Caty Hernandez and including Monique Andre, Member of Haiti’s Normalization Committee, Anya James, the President of the Bahamas Football Association, and Concacaf Refereeing Committee Member, Kelehsa Antoine. The group of inspirational leaders from Caribbean football spoke about their personal growth stories in football and how they inspire women and girls to develop a passion for the game in their countries and the region.

Concacaf Chief Commercial Officer Heidi Pellerano continued the event with an engaging conversation with Julie Uhrman, President and CoFounder of Angel City, Sr. Director Americas Marketing Hilton Jennifer Drapisch, and Susie Piotrkowski, Vice President of Women’s Sports Programming & espnW. The group provided expert insights into the growing business power behind investing in women’s football and their belief that the women’s game will continue its significant growth trajectory in our region and globally.

The afternoon concluded with a passionate discussion focused on former professional players now in leadership roles in the development of women’s football. Moderated by Soccer Analyst and Commentator Lori Lindsey, the panel included notable figures Cindy Parlow Cone, President United States Soccer Federation, Karina LeBlanc, General Manager and President of Operations of NWSL’s Portland Thorns FC, and Mentor and Content Creator Lauren Sesselmann. The group provided excellent insights into how they each took their learnings and experiences as elite players into their off pitch careers that now see them driving forward the game for the next generation of players.

Coaches Education Workshop Creates Impact

Concacaf’s Bigger Game, the Confederation’s social impact strategy, in partnership with She Wins, hosted a coaches education workshop for over 45 women coaches from all levels – from professional, semi-pro, college and grassroots. This initiative addressed skills development tailored to the unique challenges faced by girls in football, contributing to the overall growth of the game. 

Concacaf W Gold Cup Skills Challenge

The day culminated in the exhilarating Concacaf W Gold Cup Skills Challenge, a spectacle of talent, teamwork, and competition. Held at Snapdragon Stadium in partnership with CBS Paramount+, the challenge showcased an array of skill-based contests, with teams playing to support local charities. This entertaining event not only celebrated the sport but also raised awareness for local causes close to the community’s heart.

Fans were invited to tune in LIVE on Golazo Network and Paramount+.

Players included Tashana Vincent, Daniela Duran, Melissa Ortiz, Lauren Sesselmann, Jess McDonald, Leslie Osborne, Lori Lindsey, Jenny Chiu, Darian Jenkins, Joy Fawcett, Lorrie Fair, and Shannon McMillan.

The event helped raise awareness for the great causes of the following charities: YMCA of San Diego, Chicano Federation, Challenged Athletes Foundation, and Rady Children’s Hospital.

Through these initiatives, Concacaf underscores its commitment to women and girls in football, ensuring that the beautiful game remains accessible, inclusive, and empowering. The day’s activities were a dynamic expression of Concacaf’s ongoing efforts to elevate women’s football at every level.