Number 50
Kynisca Innovation Hub and US Soccer Advance Women's Sport Research
Featured Focus:
Innovation, Women’s Sports, Health & Wellness
Scope of Impact: National
U.S. Soccer's Soccer Forward Foundation is teaming up with the Kynisca Innovation Hub, led by multi-team team owner MIchele Kang, to push the boundaries of women's soccer. Here's the breakdown:
Innovation Focus: The Kynisca Innovation Hub, a female-owned, multi-club organization, will bring its expertise in women's health innovation and high-performance culture to the partnership.
Global Standards: Together, they will work on developing standards and providing business and technical support to strengthen the ecosystem for women's soccer both in the U.S. and internationally.
Advancing the Game: This initiative signifies a commitment to elevate the women's game by focusing on research, development, and establishing best practices.
U.S. Soccer, and especially the US Women’s National Team, have always been at the forefront of pushing for equity in sports, especially in terms of pay, infrastructure, recognition, and media coverage. So, it makes sense that U.S. Soccer's Soccer Forward Foundation would partner with the Kynisca Innovation Hub to continue to be a trailblazing force for women’s soccer — and women’s sports in general.
And yet…we love this initiative because it’s actually BIGGER than sports.
Every facet of our society is designed for men (and mostly by men), which makes many everyday things more challenging, or less accessible, for women — from phones being too big for many women’s hands or pockets, to gaps in critical medical research and treatments because trials were only conducted with male patients. If you don’t believe us, we suggest you read “Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado-Perez (and go buy it at a local bookshop, please!).
This partnership and investment are an incredible step towards raising awareness about some of these inequities, leveling the playing field, and elevating standards and expectations for women’s inclusion in research and design. Kynisca’s Innovation Lab is the perfect partner for the task, not only in the US, but also around the world. This has the potential to truly be a game changer.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
This one’s easy. Support women’s sports!
Get to know the Washington Spirit owner, including her journey and accomplishments before her most recent US Soccer investment.
Official website of US Soccer’s “Soccer Forward Foundation,” whose mission is to help expand access to the sport, and make a positive impact in the world.
More about the nonprofit’s focus on developing female-focused training, technology, and sports advancements.
More coverage from SportsBusiness.com on Michele Kang’s $25M investment in US Soccer.
The 2023 law that ensures all Team USA athletes—including future World Cup players—receive equal pay and benefits regardless of gender.
50 years of advancing women’s sports through research, advocacy, partnerships, and community impact.
