Women's pro soccer team aligns with Gaels
The new Chicago Professional Women's Soccer franchise and the W-League's Chicago Gaels have joined forces to grow the sport of women's soccer in the Midwest.
The Gaels will be the Official Amateur Team Affiliate of the yet-to-be-named Chicago franchise, which will start play at Toyota Park in 2009 in the new Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). The teams will benefit by sharing commercial and technical opportunities.
"We are excited to partner with a club that has provided high level women's soccer in Chicago," said Wilt.
The partnership was created through the cooperation of Gaels President and General Manager Mark Boyle and Chicago President and CEO Peter Wilt, who also worked together in 2000 to create the Chicago Fire Reserves (now Premier).
"This is a key element in the continued growth not only of the Chicago Gaels and pro women's soccer in Chicago but is a key development for the advancement of women's soccer," Boyle said.
The Gaels feature several former stars from the Chicago suburbs, including Jen Buczkowski (Elk Grove High School and the University of Notre Dame), Kristin Eggert (Glenbard South and Wheaton College), Kelly Sitkowski (Conant High School and Northwestern) and Erin Walter (Elk Grove and DePaul).
Led by head coach John Nikchevich, the Gaels finished 2007 with a 7-4-1 record for 22 points in the W-League's Midwest Division. Through the agreement, the Gaels will host an annual exhibition game in Chicagoland, coach and staff education programs, and other business and soccer elements.
"This agreement allows us to support an important women's soccer program that provides competitive games and training environments for top collegiate players. The W-League is important to the development of players who hope to play in WPS some day," said Chicago general manager Marcia McDermott.
"As an amateur affiliate of the new Chicago franchise, the future stars of the pro league will have an opportunity to play and develop in a professional environment bringing them closer to the professional level," Boyle said. "The Gaels will be the place for the elite players of the Chicago land area to play, train and be identified by the Chicago staff. It's a great opportunity for women's soccer in Chicago."