GB women's football hopefuls left without a club for Olympic Games 2012 run-in
Head coach Hope Powell's preparations for the GB women's football team have suffered a blow after the 2012 Women's Professional Soccer League in the United States was cancelled.
England striker Kelly Smith is one of five British players now without a club with just under six months until Team GB's opening game at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on July 25.
Smith's colleague for Boston Breakers and England Alex Scott and Sky Blue FC pair Anita Asante and Karen Bardsley are also in need of new contracts, following the decision, which was taken as a result of a legal dispute with former magicJack team owner Dan Borislow. Ifeoma Dieke of Scotland, is also on Boston's books, but is currently on loan in Sweden.
Smith, who has made 109 appearances for England, said she was stunned to receive the news in a year that should see her involved in Euro 2013 qualification games, as well as the London Olympics.
"It was a total shock to receive the email from the league," she said. "It's a big year for women's football with the Euros and Olympics.
"If a professional women's league was going to happen anywhere it's the US but that seems to have failed, so maybe that's not the way forward. They play semi-pro in Sweden, Germany and England."
England's record goal scorer is unlikely to be without a club for too long, however, and admitted that she had already received some offers.
"I've already had phone calls [with offers]," she told the BBC. "It's about playing regularly ahead of the Olympics and Euros. I'll sit down and sort the best option.
"The deal has to be right and to be playing regular football in order to get you seen for England and also for the Great Britain team."
Source: telegraph.co.uk (Nick Pearce)
Full Story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/football/9051214/London-2...
Tags: 2012, Alex, Anita, Asante, Bardsley, GB, Games, Karen, Kelly, London, More…
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dağhan Irak on -
This sure is a major blow for anyone and it was coming. WPS had unfortunately proved to be a very fragile organization for the last couple of years and they tried to keep it going instead contemplating on a whole new system, like men's soccer in the US did in the 1990s when they had to construct a new body for their game. The women's game in the US needs to be replanned. Hopefully this whole Magic Jack disaster will lead to it.
Regarding the English players, they won't be out in the cold, the English league system is more promising than ever, I'm sure they will all get signed up soon. The Scandinavians won't suffer either. The US players, that's another chapter. The US Soccer organization will have to support their NT till the Olympics as they have a major shot in winning it. Maybe WPS's suspension will prevent tension within the squad (between MJ and non-MJ players), so it may even be good for the team.
I hate to lose my regular WNY shot as I really enjoyed the last season but hey, as I said, it was coming...
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on -
Completely agree with you! After the first WPS season there were already problems, how can the league champions fold and then the same happened the following year. Before magicJack/Borislow joined there were a lot of problems with the league structure.
I sincerely hope that lessons have been learnt and they will build a new system. I will miss not following the US league this season and hope that all players/staff are able to find alternative clubs during this period. The European clubs will certainly gain some top class players who are looking for teams.
It could be a good thing for the USWNT we will have to see how they choose to prepare for the Olympics.
Dağhan Irak said:This sure is a major blow for anyone and it was coming. WPS had unfortunately proved to be a very fragile organization for the last couple of years and they tried to keep it going instead contemplating on a whole new system, like men's soccer in the US did in the 1990s when they had to construct a new body for their game. The women's game in the US needs to be replanned. Hopefully this whole Magic Jack disaster will lead to it.
Regarding the English players, they won't be out in the cold, the English league system is more promising than ever, I'm sure they will all get signed up soon. The Scandinavians won't suffer either. The US players, that's another chapter. The US Soccer organization will have to support their NT till the Olympics as they have a major shot in winning it. Maybe WPS's suspension will prevent tension within the squad (between MJ and non-MJ players), so it may even be good for the team.
I hate to lose my regular WNY shot as I really enjoyed the last season but hey, as I said, it was coming...
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Permalink Reply by Dağhan Irak on
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In fact, with a good TV deal (which would definitely involve Eurosport and a couple of public TV networks, especially in Germany, Sweden, France and Netherlands), a European Super League (of 8 teams for example) can be arranged. At least to provide a professional league for top player prospects. Hard to cut this deal but I don't find it impossible in case the women's tournament in the Olympics draws some attention to the game.
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Permalink Reply by vanjory on -
I agree with you on the European Super League suggestion. If the US Soccer Clubs could be included, that would be a big plus for them. The players could get recognition and maybe they could be scouted and signed up by the foreign teams. Sadly, only Sky Blue FC, I think, took part in this European Tournament or the Women's Champ League or something I remembered...but they didn't go far. They were the only WPS team to do so.
Dağhan Irak said:In fact, with a good TV deal (which would definitely involve Eurosport and a couple of public TV networks, especially in Germany, Sweden, France and Netherlands), a European Super League (of 8 teams for example) can be arranged. At least to provide a professional league for top player prospects. Hard to cut this deal but I don't find it impossible in case the women's tournament in the Olympics draws some attention to the game.
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