Our Mission:
To significantly enhance the commercial ecosystem of women's football by driving sustainable business development, fostering strategic growth, and maximizing the economic potential of the women’s game.
Why We Exist
We believe that exceptional business strategy is the foundation for an equal and thriving women’s football industry. We partner with leading brands, investors, and business executives who aspire to apply their expertise to this dynamic market.
Our core commitment is to:
1. Drive sustainable economic growth across the women's football landscape.
2. Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring diverse voices lead the industry forward.
3. Inspire innovative breakthroughs in commercial models, fan engagement, and operations.
We are dedicated to building a future where every individual involved—from the players to the business leaders—is fully recognized, empowered, and contributes meaningfully to realizing the sport's immense global potential.
About The Team
Hey, I'm Jim!
Jim Gooley | Director
Hello there! Where to begin? I've been involved in women's football in the USA for over 50 years, and throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of running numerous sports teams.
One of my proudest achievements was founding The New Jersey Wild Cats, where I had the honor of working with international superstars like Kelly Smith, Formiga, Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly, Tobin Heath, Karina LeBlanc, and many others. This experience also led me to play a role in the establishment at Sky Blue FC, now known as Gotham FC.
Throughout my journey, I've witnessed leagues and teams fold due to the lack of respect and value given to women's football from a business perspective. However, with the growing enthusiasm for women's football, now is the perfect time to truly appreciate and value the sport as it deserves.
Hey, I'm Ed
Ed Bowers | Director
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. If you're a fan of sports podcasts, you might recognize me as the host of The Sports Career Podcast, where I've been sharing insights and stories for 9 years, interviewing over 400 professionals from the sports industry.
Since 2019, I've been actively involved in women's football, contributing to the Athens Women's Football Summit and participating in four of their events. This has given me the privilege to collaborate with trailblazers like Tatjana Heine, Rachel Pavlou, Kelly Simmons OBE, and the esteemed Michael Akers.
While there has been significant progress in women's football over the years, there's still work to be done from a business perspective to ensure sustainability and that everyone in the industry is valued for their contributions. At Women's Football Industry, we are dedicated to enhancing the financial viability of the game both on and off the pitch.
Hey, I'm Michael
Michael saunders | Director
My journey from the touchline to the boardroom is driven by a passion for meaningful change and elevating underrepresented voices, especially in women’s football. I've consistently bridged innovation with impact, applying strategic business insights from global technology initiatives to sports.
My ambition for the Women’s Football Industry is rooted in diverse experiences and a commitment to equity, innovation, and legacy. Examples include:
As a USSF National Professional Referee and head of the NY Referee’s Association, I launched a recruitment and mentor program for women officials in the 1980s.
As a Selection Committee Member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, I honor the past while shaping the future of American soccer.
At Women’s Football Industry, I believe women’s football is a platform for cultural change and a business opportunity. Whether advising federations, mentoring leaders, or shaping policy, we focus on inclusive, sustainable, and impactful systems. I am committed to fostering an environment where women’s football thrives, creating a legacy that empowers future generations and transforms the sport globally.
