Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots Sports Club officially announced the launch of Oakland Soul, a Purpose-driven, women’s soccer team debuting in the USL W League in 2023. The club will officially launch the Oakland Soul crest and brand identity at an event on June 23rd, the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the most important piece of legislation in the history of women’s sports.
“We’re thrilled to be taking the next steps in realizing our vision for soccer in Oakland, a sport that should be open and accessible to everyone”
Lindsay Barenz, President of Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul
“A women’s team in Oakland has been part of our purpose since day one. As part of the USL W League family, we want Oakland Soul to raise the bar for pre-professional development and continue harnessing the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good.”
Lindsay Barenz, President of Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul
The launch of Oakland Soul comes after a multi-year, community engagement campaign. The ‘Soul’ concept emerged from this process. Oakland’s soul, past and present, is art, music, food, culture and activism. Oakland Roots are what made us, Oakland Soul is who we are.
“We are building something truly special here in Oakland. The response to the club so far has been amazing, and a sign that this was the right idea at the right time. I believe the same is true for Oakland Soul. The opportunity right now in women’s sports is enormous and I encourage more women to join us in the investor group and help us create more opportunities for girls to succeed on and off the field”.
Alyssa Henry, Investor in Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul
“Oakland Soul is a tremendous addition to the W League for the 2023 season. Oakland is a special place with plenty of local pride and we know the heart of the community will come through with Soul.”
Amanda Vandervort, President of USL Super League and W League
Oakland Roots Members, members of the media, and our entire community are invited to join the family in celebrating the launch of Oakland Soul on June 23rd at The Loom, hosted by The Agency.
The event will include the reveal of the Oakland Soul branding and special performances celebrating the Soul of The Town. This will be followed by toasts from local community leaders, business owners, and our Roots Family. The party will continue into the Oakland Roots home game on Saturday June 25th with Oakland Soul Night at Laney College.
Oakland Soul Membership deposits are now available for the inaugural 2023 season at just $25 per deposit.
“When we first started talking with the community about the idea of bringing Purpose-driven soccer to Oakland, we knew it had to include teams for both women and men. We’re excited to be taking the next steps in our journey and by the USL’s commitment to embedding Purpose into the W League.”
Mike Geddes, Chief Purpose Officer of the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul
About Oakland Soul
Oakland Soul is a Purpose-driven, women’s soccer team debuting in the USL W League in 2023. The Purpose of Oakland Soul is to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good. Oakland Soul will be an elite pathway to pro soccer for women, providing not only a high-quality training environment but also protecting and empowering players so they are nourished both physically and mentally. Oakland and the greater Bay Area has always been a hotbed for women’s soccer and Oakland Soul will raise the bar in terms of local opportunity. Player by player. Supporter by supporter. Resident by resident. One day at a time. One game at a time. This is still about Oakland first, always.
About USL W League
The USL W League is a pre-professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in May 2022. The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The League and its member clubs are committed to investing in women’s soccer – through not only financial resources but also with time, energy, and attention – and are united in our mission to grow the women’s game.
The USL W League will serve as the nation’s premier pre-professional league, developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field, and enhancing the women’s soccer pipeline between college and professional soccer. With 44 teams across 20 states in its inaugural season, the USL W League will bring elite women’s soccer to communities across the U.S., creating more opportunities to play, watch, and work in the women’s game.