When Jenn Ramczyk was questioned about her soccer knowledge in a Chicago pub, she didn't just walk away – she challenged the skeptics loudly enough for others to hear. This moment exemplifies the mission behind Her Game Too USA, an initiative she co-founded with Natasha Brand and Amy Kate Sokoll to create safe spaces for women in soccer.
The grassroots movement, which began in the UK in 2021 before launching stateside in 2022, addresses uniquely American challenges in women's soccer. Beyond combating sexism, Her Game Too USA tackles the alarming dropout rate of girls around age 10, when recreational opportunities diminish and competitive pathways narrow. This critical juncture often determines whether young female players continue their soccer journey or abandon it entirely.
Despite limited resources, the organization has secured partnerships with clubs across the country – from DeKalb County United in Illinois to USL teams like Flatirons Rush and Louisville FC. Most impressively, on the UK side, they've landed a partnership with EA Sports, allowing gamers to select Her Game Too jerseys in-game. The organization has also earned an endorsement from soccer legend Hope Solo.
Looking toward 2025, the co-founders emphasize education as their primary focus – teaching boys and girls alike that soccer belongs to everyone. This mission extends beyond players to developing more female coaches, an area where representation profoundly impacts young girls' relationship with the sport. Ramczyk noted, "If you coach with passion for the game, regardless of your skill level, that's going to rub off on the children."
For those inspired by Her Game Too's mission, involvement opportunities abound – becoming club ambassadors, partnering as organizations, or volunteering specialized skills like blog writing. With women's sports experiencing unprecedented attention, Her Game Too USA stands ready to ensure this moment becomes a movement that transforms how women experience soccer at every level.
Ready to support women in soccer? Visit hergametoo.com to learn how you can join this vital movement transforming the beautiful game for everyone.
More About this Episode
Advancing the Game: How Her Game Too USA is Building a Better Future for Women in Soccer
The growth of soccer in the United States is undeniable—from packed stadiums to a rising culture of grassroots clubs, there’s a tangible energy surrounding the game. But for all the excitement and progress, there’s still an area where we fall short: equitable access, support, and respect for women in soccer.
That’s where initiatives like Her Game Too USA come into play.
Recently on the Pitch to Pro podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Jenn Ramczyk and Natasha Brand, the powerhouse duo behind Her Game Too USA, an initiative committed to advancing women’s presence and experience in soccer—not just as players, but as coaches, referees, fans, staff, and leaders. Their message is simple: the game belongs to everyone.
And their mission is anything but simple. But it’s essential.
What Is Her Game Too?
Originally launched in the UK in 2021, Her Game Too made its way stateside in 2022 with the same mission: creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for women in and around the sport. Whether you’re a fan in the stands, a coach on the sidelines, a referee in the middle of the pitch, or a designer behind the scenes, Her Game Too USA is about empowering women to find their place in the game—and to be taken seriously when they do.
Soccer has long been seen as a “boys’ club,” and while women’s soccer has made leaps in professional leagues and international tournaments, there’s still a persistent undertone of exclusion—especially at the grassroots level. Her Game Too USA exists to challenge that status quo and build something better.
The Multi-Faceted Fight for Inclusion
Jenn and Natasha didn’t just talk about slogans—they talked about action.
Her Game Too USA has been working tirelessly to build awareness in the U.S., and while the path hasn’t been easy, their progress is undeniable. Starting with a presence on social media, they’ve grown to include partnerships with clubs across the country, from youth outfits to semi-professional organizations, and even earned a major endorsement from Hope Solo.
Some of the clubs they’ve partnered with include:
- DeKalb County United (IL)
- Bateaux FC (WI)
- NJ14 Soccer Club (NJ)
- Flatirons Rush SC (CO, USL affiliate)
- Junction FC (IL)
- Dynamo FC (various states)
- Louisville City FC
- Ozark Hellbenders (AR – our very own supporters group)
These partnerships are more than logos and banners. They’re symbolic of a shift. When a club aligns with Her Game Too, it’s not just checking a box—it’s making a statement that women’s presence in soccer is not only welcome but vital.
Going Beyond Visibility: Education & Support Systems
As the campaign continues to grow, the focus in 2025 is laser-sharp: education.
Education is where transformation begins. It’s not just about teaching girls the fundamentals of soccer, but about re-educating an entire system—including boys, parents, coaches, and communities—about what inclusion really looks like. This means creating environments where an eight-year-old girl isn’t told she “can’t play” simply because of her gender.
Her Game Too USA is developing educational resources, building partnerships with school systems, and working to distribute content that reinforces the message that soccer is for everyone. And this isn’t just a slogan—they’re building the infrastructure to support it.
One of the most important tools they’ve implemented is a reporting system available on their website. This system allows women and girls (and really, anyone) to report abuse or harassment they’ve experienced—whether as a referee, a fan, or a player. The Her Game Too team can then mediate with clubs or governing bodies to address the concern. In a world where many feel powerless or unsafe speaking up, this is an essential resource.
Breaking Barriers in a Vast, Complex Landscape
The challenge of growing Her Game Too in the U.S. is immense. Unlike the UK, the U.S. soccer ecosystem is sprawling—diverse in its geography, governance, and accessibility. Every state, every city, every club comes with its own set of variables.
That’s why grassroots work is so critical. As Natasha put it, “It’s not just about falling in love with the game. It’s about staying in love with it.”
Retention is a massive issue. Girls often drop out of soccer between ages 10-14, not because they lose interest, but because they lose opportunity. Teams fold due to low participation, coaches aren’t trained to create supportive environments, and access to equipment or clubs can be limited by financial barriers.
Her Game Too USA wants to change that. They dream of one day offering direct financial support for grassroots players—whether that’s buying cleats, covering registration fees, or simply making the game more accessible. They're even exploring producing official Her Game Too jerseys, like the ones featured in EA Sports FC, with proceeds supporting young players.
Yes—EA Sports has partnered with the UK side of Her Game Too. You can now rock a Her Game Too kit in-game, and fans are already asking how to wear that kit in real life. That’s next-level visibility.
Representation: Why It Matters
Another key piece of the puzzle is representation. Girls need to see women in roles beyond the player level—as coaches, referees, administrators, commentators, and supporters. It sends a clear message: “This is a space for you, too.”
Yet female coaches are still underrepresented, and worse, often undermined. Natasha recounted a story from one of Her Game Too’s campaign videos: a parent saying, “I don’t want my child coached by a woman.” That mindset persists. And that’s exactly what Her Game Too is fighting to dismantle—by pushing for more women in coaching roles and supporting them when they get there.
As a father of daughters myself, I know the power that role models have. And while I love coaching my girls, I also want them to see women leading in those same roles—because that’s how we normalize equity.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a club director, a fan, a parent, or someone just passionate about the sport—there’s a way for you to support this movement.
Here’s how:
- Become an Ambassador
- Are you a diehard fan of your local club? Apply to be a Her Game Too ambassador. You’ll be the point person for building a relationship between your club and the movement.
- Club Partnerships
- Clubs of all sizes can become official partners. There’s no fee—just a commitment to fostering inclusivity. You can start small with signage or go big with branded kits and dedicated fixtures.
- Behind-the-Scenes Volunteering
- Not a public speaker? No problem. Her Game Too needs writers, designers, web developers, social media gurus—whatever your skill set, there’s a place for you.
- Spread the Word
- Visibility matters. Share the campaign, rock the gear, attend games that support the initiative. If you're part of a college or high school soccer community, reach out. Help amplify their message.
- Donate
- A fundraising portal will soon be added to the Her Game Too USA website. Every dollar helps put gear on kids, pay club fees, and fund initiatives that directly support grassroots inclusion.
Visit hergametoo.com or follow them at @HerGameTooUSA on all major platforms to learn more.
Looking Ahead: Building a Culture of Belonging
The mission is daunting—but it's necessary. From education to advocacy, from club partnerships to reporting systems, from visibility in video games to real-life grassroots impact, Her Game Too USA is working to change the landscape of soccer in America.
We don’t need to wait for the culture to shift—we can be the shift.
And if we’re serious about building a better future for the game we love, we need to make sure it’s a future where everyone belongs. Not just in the stands or on the field—but behind the scenes, in the boardrooms, and leading the next generation of players.
Because her game is our game, too.
Let’s play our part.
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