9 Have you noticed how women’s soccer is making big waves worldwide? If you’ve missed it, get ready for a quick trip into a sport that’s growing fast, breaking barriers and making history. In the past, women’s soccer faced many challenges. It was often overshadowed by men’s soccer, getting less attention in the news and less money. But the passion and talent have always been strong. Big names from the past, like Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach, and today’s stars, like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, have shown amazing skills and hard work. Let’s think about the 2019 Women’s World Cup. It wasn’t just a soccer tournament; it was a game-changer. So many people watched it, over a billion from all over the world! The cheering in stadiums showed how much people loved and supported the female players. When the US Women’s Team won, it was a big moment not just for the US, but for women’s sports everywhere. In 2023, the hype was even bigger when Spain won the World Cup. And there’s more to the story. Women’s soccer is now a place where important talks happen. Talks about getting paid fairly and treating everyone equally, no matter their gender. Players are now known not just for their soccer skills but also for standing up for what’s right. In 2023, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation resigned after a scandal involving kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth without her consent. After a boycott of the Spanish women’s national team, a series of agreements were reached including changes in Spanish soccer regarding gender equality policies, equal pay and quality of infrastructure for sport. Nowadays, soccer leagues for women, like the NWSL in the US and the WSL in England, are growing bigger and stronger. These leagues help young players become better and bring together fans who love to watch and cheer. And guess what? You can be a part of this exciting journey. Whether you play soccer, cheer from the stands, volunteer or just enjoy watching – every bit helps. If you’re thinking about playing, there are many chances to join teams at schools or in your community. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become one of the next big soccer stars! But if you don’t want to play, that’s OK! You can still show you’re a fan. Watch games, support teams near you or wear team jerseys. In today’s world, even a simple post or share online can help spread the love for women’s soccer. In the end, women’s soccer is more than just a game. It’s a movement that celebrates hard work, talent and the fun of playing soccer. Whether you’ve always loved soccer or you’re just starting to get interested, there’s a spot for you in this world. Women’s soccer Reading: The rise of women’s soccer a) Read the text about women’s soccer, then choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) for questions 1–5. Put a cross ( ✘) in the correct box. The first one (0) has been done for you. Kicking it with women’s soccer 1 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 0 In its formative years, how was women’s soccer often perceived in comparison to its male counterpart? a) as an overlooked and underrepresented segment b) as a dominant force in media c) as a globally celebrated phenomenon d) as the leading revenue generator in sports ✘ 1 Which event in 2019 marked a pivotal moment for women’s soccer, garnering significant attention? a) the Olympic Games women’s soccer final b) the Women’s World Cup c) the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final d) the Super Bowl halftime show featuring soccer stars 122 Sports Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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