The Women's World Cup has generated a tremendous upsurge of interest in soccer, in particular among girls. We'd like to focus on two aspects: role models for young girls and Title IX and the importance of programs.

Role Models

As a parent of a young girl, one of the steps you can take is to provide your daughter the opportunity to see women athletes compete, to see their fiery spirit, their willingness to play aggressively and to assert themselves physically.

This experience sends a message to our daughters that no words can - that they can choose their own path, unfettered by the stereotypes and norms of ‘acceptable’ behavior that many of us adults grew up with.

'We’ve showed that women can be powerful and graceful in athletics,” said U.S. goalie and Anoka High graduate Briana Scurry ... We showed the basic trait of American women is not frail and fragile.'

'Tiffany Milbrett knew the women's World Cup was big. She didn't know how big until she saw tears streaming down the face of a young girl clutching a soccer ball and a pen. Milbrett paused, wondering whether the girl...had been passed over for an autograph. Then she realized they were tears of joy. 'That,' said Milbrett, a forward on the team, 'is when the enormity of all this suddenly hit me.'

'A soccer fantasy .. is being replayed in ... parks and in the bedrooms of little girls across America as the World Cup came to a frenetic conclusion...' Star Tribune

But while role models can stir a child's emotional desire, the right programs must exist for young girls to participate in. Step Up To Soccer, and programs like it, provide early, positive physical experiences for both girls and boys.

‘By age 8, children make up to 70% of their decisions to participate in activities based upon self-perceived competence’. Hebron

If a child has fun playing, and the experience builds their self confidence, the foundation is built for a lifetime of participation in physical activities.


Title IX and the Importance of Programs

'World Cup Fever seemed to signal that 27 years after Title IX ... women’s team sports have truly arrived.’ Newsweek

Until the passing of Title IX in 1972, facilities and programs were not available for girls to compete in athletics at the high school and collegiate level. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in education programs that receive federal funds. There should be no controversy about the impact of Title IX - the facts speak for themselves:

Before Title IX - Only 1 in every 27 girls played high school sports. - Girls were just 1% of all high school athletes, and fewer than 32,000 women competed in intercollegiate athletics. - Athletic scholarships for women were virtually nonexistent. - Athletic opportunities for female students frequently were limited to cheerleading - Female college students received only 2 percent of overall athletic budgets Since Title IX - 1 in every 3 girls plays high school sports - Girls account for 40% of all high school athletes and 37% of all college varsity athletes. - Female athletes receive 23% of athletic scholarship dollars - 100,000 girls took up soccer between 1990 and 1997

In it for the long haul

'One thing we learned in the ‘94 World Cup (also played in the U.S.) is that the circus comes to town and then it leaves.' Alexi Lalas, U.S. Men’s Team

As the media spotlight fades, Children’s Learning will continue to be steadfast in building and growing Step Up To Soccer. World Cup Fever or not, we will be there, planting the seeds of athletic self-confidence in young girls and boys.