“We are all thrilled to announce the official launch of our women’s program,” states director, Nathan Chwalik. ”Women’s soccer has been an aspect of the sport that we have wanted to be involved with since the club’s inception. There needs to be more support for women in soccer, not just from a fan perspective, so we are glad DRFC can create new opportunities for the women in our area.”
“Delaware Rising’s mission is centered on the premise of providing opportunities for all and this is a huge step forward in acting out that mission,” adds board chairman, Andrew Chwalik.
The Delaware Rising will be hosting tryouts for the women’s side this December 17th and 18th to determine the inaugural squad for the 2023 season. The league the team will be competing in is TBA, regardless the team will have around an 8 game season. Expect details to be made public when available.
Read what it means to Delaware native and DRFC board member, Elise Schneller.
“It is really inspiring to me to have a minor league women's team in my own hometown. I really thought that after high school my days in soccer had come to an end, since I chose not to play in college and being on the USWNT was a little too far out of reach for me. This is a new opportunity for me and other women in Delaware and the surrounding areas to rekindle their love for soccer. It also brings hope and inspiration to the younger female athletes in Delaware, that there is something you can do to continue your love of soccer, without having to go pro. My younger self would have probably pushed myself harder and continued to play soccer because there was a next step after college to look forward to. Giving equal opportunity to female athletes, bringing Delaware County a small hometown team they can cheer for, while bringing in the support of small businesses and giving people the chance to continue their career, especially when some athletes may have thought it was over. It instills pride in the player and the community.”
She asks that in your support you, “give women a chance. Women are incredible!”
You can catch the new Delaware Rising team in action this summer! Stay tuned to learn more about the inaugural squad, coaching staff, and when and where the team will be competing.
#HerGame #UpTheRising
