| The groundbreaking professional women’s football league - WUSA - suspended operations on 15 September - the eve of the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003. But the spirit in the U.S. camp – where all but one of the 20 women were making their living as professional footballers in the WUSA - is one of never-say-die determination, tinged with a touch of sadness.
“On the field, you still have the greatest players in the world competing in this competition,” said U.S. Soccer Federation President Robert Contiguglia. “They are professional players and they know how important this tournament is, not only to them, but the growth of women’s soccer around the world…If anything, something like this could inspire the players to be even better.”
The players’ perspective
"I wish we did not have this distraction,” said U.S. captain and WUSA founding player Julie Foudy. “But the reality of the situation and our team is that we are not genetically pre-disposed to giving up. You never know. The odds are stacked against us, but I think there is a distinct possibility that we can keep it alive.
"The great thing is this league represents more than soccer to us,” said Foudy. “There is an element to this that is unique. There is something special about not just young girls, but young boys watching women play and learning to respect that they are professional athletes…is a tragic loss for a lot of kids out there."
U.S. central midfielder Joy Fawcett was in a bold mood upon hearing the news. "We’re not going to go out without a fight here,” the veteran defender said. “I know there are people that love the game and want to get involved, so hopefully we can restructure and re-organize and get the league back on its feet."
Keeping focused
“It is heart breaking,” admitted U.S. striker Shannon MacMillan. “It’s hard and it is the last thing you want to be focusing on, but at the same time we can use this to roll into the World Cup. We can be ambassadors and say, ‘hey, we need help.’ We’re not ashamed to ask for help. We need more big-time investors to step up, and fuel our dream by believing in us."
U.S. head coach April Heinrichs was philosophical upon hearing the news. "Our women are eternal optimists,” she said. “We are all very disappointed with the league’s collapse, but we’re also optimistic. We have 30 days where everybody is sticking microphones and cameras in front of us. These women are well spoken and if there are investors out there, I think this group can inspire them.
"I think that we will be discussing it and answering questions by the media, and I think players are concerned,” she added. “I think there will be a few days that we will have to deal with the black cloud and then we will have to put it behind them. I have great faith in these women and know they will be able to handle it during the World Cup.”
Mia Hamm – a star without a galaxy
As far as role models for aspiring young female footballers go, there is none with the brilliant appeal of ageless American striker Mia Hamm. The league’s suspension of operations spells disaster for her as well.
"I haven’t given up. There is too much good in this league,” she told reporters. “So much of that good is the players that show up every day…We will push through and hopefully this World Cup will provide new potential investors and sponsors.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of the WUSA,” Hamm added. “We are not giving up by any means. The economic times are not as favourable now as they were in '99, but hopefully we can push forward and rally from it."
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