New Board Members for Women’s Football Initiative
Anna Chanduvi, a seasoned commercial expert, alongside Kieran Theivamanoharan and Alex Stone, who have previously served at the Football Association and FIFA, respectively, will be joining the newly formed board of Sound of Gol. They will collaborate with Helen Ward, the head of women’s football at Watford, to foster developments in the sport.
Investment and Integration Efforts
In exchange for their involvement, Watford will benefit from financial support as well as expertise aimed at enhancing resources within the club. A key focus of this initiative is to better integrate the Latina community into women’s football. Unlike prior investments in the women’s game, such as those from businesswoman Michele Kang with London City Lionesses, this project is distinguished by its non-commercialized approach.
Inspiring Change Beyond Football
George Valencia expressed the goal of creating inspiring narratives that extend beyond the sport itself, which would eventually draw commercial interest. He emphasized the intention to demonstrate how their investment operates rather than merely showcasing numerical figures.
Empowering Latina Girls
Helen Ward highlighted the significance of this new investment, suggesting that its impact would extend well beyond financial aspects. Actress Judy Reyes, known for her role in the TV series Scrubs, along with Valencia, aims to dismantle socio-economic barriers and offer opportunities specifically for Latina girls in both the United States and London.
Community Focused Initiatives
Reyes expressed her passion for inclusion, asserting that young Latina girls possess as much enthusiasm for football as anyone else. She emphasized the urgent need for representation, particularly in coaching roles, stating, That’s the opportunity that we want to create.
New Revenue Strategies
Valencia underscored the critical importance of familiarizing underrepresented women with football culture, aiming to open doors for Latina women and women of color in the sport. This summer has been tough, he noted, referencing the financial impacts of relegation from the Championship. There are no safety nets, such as parachute payments, which adds to the challenges faced.
Intentional Financial Partnerships
Chanduvi pointed out that their approach transcends merely securing funds. Finances indeed assist any organization, but
