Racing Louisville soccer adds 'pre-professional' USL W League squad to compete this year
Racing Louisville is set to add a USL W League team, which will kick off play in May.
The USL W League describes itself as "pre-professional," which means its players are amateurs. Louisville's W League roster will likely be comprised of standouts already in Racing's youth academy, as well as college players.
"We see the W League as a way to complete our path to pro model on the Racing said," interim club president James O'Connor said in a statement.
“We plan to get meaningful minutes for our top academy prospects and also use the league to see the best local and national collegiate talent. There will be a number of players who will play in this league on their way to the NWSL, so it provides an excellent development opportunity for our best young talent.”
To our youth academy players: Let's chase some dreams.
We're proud to be joining the @USLWLeague for its inaugural 2022 season, making Louisville home to the most extensive path to pro in American women's soccer. pic.twitter.com/iG87631bco— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) January 18, 2022
More: Brad Estes reflects on his time as president of Louisville City FC & Racing Louisville FC
The W League is similar to the USL Academy League on the boys' side, allowing youth players to develop in a pro system.
Racing Louisville is set to begin its second season later this year. The club finished 9th out of 10 teams in the NWSL last season, and has seen a flurry of changes over the past few months, including its president stepping down, the addition of a new coach, several players on the move, and the addition of new players, notably Team USA veteran Jessica McDonald and No. 2 overall pick Jaelin Howell.
Hayes Gardner can be reached at hgardner@gannett.com; Twitter: @HayesGardner.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Racing Louisville soccer adds USL W League squad to compete this year
