Why are lower division leagues crucial to women's soccer development?

Full Time: A show about women's soccer

Last week, we learned that the NWSL submitted an application to U.S. Soccer to create its very own second division soccer league. The NWSL's intent for a new reserve league came just weeks after WPSL Pro had been awarded second division sanctioning for its league.

All this has got us wondering at Full Time: What is the landscape of American women’s soccer right now? What should a second division women’s soccer league look like within that landscape? And why are there so many of them popping up right now?

The Athletic's Jeff Rueter also joins the show to talk about his column looking at the history of lower division soccer in the U.S. and what the NWSL needs to be aware of as it moves forward.

And, hear from industry leaders across the country, Andrea Yoch (MN Aurora FC, USL-W), Jamie Levoy (California Storm, WPSL), and Chris Petrucelli (Dallas Trinity, USL-Super League) who share their insights on what the most vital parts of the women's soccer ecosystem really are.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

A lower-division league is good for women’s soccer. But is NWSL’s proposal the solution?

NWSL requested permission to start a new second division. What does it mean for women’s soccer?

NWSL submits application to U.S. Soccer for second division professional women’s league

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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Jeff Rueter, Andrea Yoch, Jamie Lovey, Chris Petrucelli

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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