Thursday, May 1, 2014
Twitter Trail: #PTFCvsFCKC
14,124 fans witnessed the Thorns FC home opener at Providence Park (4/26/14) - here is the story on social media through the eyes of the fans.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
NWSL Opening Weekend on Facebook
Sport teaches us that preparation is key. It's when we've done all we can to face the battle where we're all fighting for the same goal, to win. Winning doesn't happen by accident, it's a thousand little moments where we choose to sweat that add up to a win during the game that counts.
When the Front Office sweats the same details, it shows us how we can capitalize on big sport moments with timely content that can make powerful statements.
So let's go on a journey and look at how the NWSL opening weekend comes to life in the digital space.
We'll start with Facebook, and I'll come back later with another post that highlights Twitter and Instagram. This collage shows Facebook cover photos of all nine NWSL teams this Saturday morning of opening weekend. Keep scrolling to see close ups of those teams that feature content highlighting their opening match.
The growth of each team's presence on Facebook since opening day last year is fascinating.
Washington Spirit has seen the biggest growth in followers (+177%) with 9.8k "likes" currently.
Several other teams have more than doubled followers. The Portland Thorns FC jumped +135% (leads all teams with 23,806). Meanwhile FC Kansas City are up +114%, just trailing the Thorns with 23,556 followers.
Seattle Reign FC have soared +79% (20k). Sky Blue are up +40% (11.4k).
WNY Flash are up +31% (8k) while Chicago Red Stars followers have jumped by 30% (8.6k).
Boston Breakers saw a bump of +12% (9k).
These FO's reminds us that there is no time to dwell on how far we've come since the inaugural season one year ago.
Related Posts:
The NWSL Opening Weekend, As Seen Through Facebook Covers (April 2013)
The NCAA Final Four as Shared by Facebook
When the Front Office sweats the same details, it shows us how we can capitalize on big sport moments with timely content that can make powerful statements.
So let's go on a journey and look at how the NWSL opening weekend comes to life in the digital space.
We'll start with Facebook, and I'll come back later with another post that highlights Twitter and Instagram. This collage shows Facebook cover photos of all nine NWSL teams this Saturday morning of opening weekend. Keep scrolling to see close ups of those teams that feature content highlighting their opening match.
 |
| Four teams chose action images (Boston, Kansas City, Washington and Houston). Seattle is the only team that highlights a single player (Megan Rapinoe). Two teams use a venue/pitch shot (Chicago and Sky Blue). Portland focused on a visual of it's name (Thorns, Rose City). Meanwhile Western New York's cover image is basically an advertisement for an off-field event. Only 3 out of the 9 have information about their opening match - do you feel that's a miss? |
The growth of each team's presence on Facebook since opening day last year is fascinating.
Washington Spirit has seen the biggest growth in followers (+177%) with 9.8k "likes" currently.
Several other teams have more than doubled followers. The Portland Thorns FC jumped +135% (leads all teams with 23,806). Meanwhile FC Kansas City are up +114%, just trailing the Thorns with 23,556 followers.
Seattle Reign FC have soared +79% (20k). Sky Blue are up +40% (11.4k).
WNY Flash are up +31% (8k) while Chicago Red Stars followers have jumped by 30% (8.6k).
Boston Breakers saw a bump of +12% (9k).
These FO's reminds us that there is no time to dwell on how far we've come since the inaugural season one year ago.
Related Posts:
The NWSL Opening Weekend, As Seen Through Facebook Covers (April 2013)
The NCAA Final Four as Shared by Facebook
Friday, January 17, 2014
Infinite Reasons to be Happy and Hopeful
The other day I was having a think about all the great energy in women's soccer over the last little while. And I thought, what if I write a post called "Infinite reasons to be happy and hopeful about the progression of women's soccer".
Then I thought...
What if anyone who wanted to could add to it and it became a growing list highlighting the progression of the game. A place you could bookmark and re-visit any time you need a reminder, that we really are making progress even when it doesn't always feel like it. A list started here and finished by my friends (you!) who are all passionate about the game, and seeing it succeed. That's cool.
So here it is... Just the start, the foundation, for all of us to keep building on...
Read it. Share it. Add to it.
Infinite reasons to be happy and hopeful about the progression of women's soccer:
Because Mike Golub, two-time MLS executive of the year, figured out a way to create the best women's club atmosphere in the world with the NWSL Thorns FC.
Because Canada, hosts of the upcoming 2014 U20 WWC and 2015 WWC, attracted 56,416 fans for a Canadian record average of 18,805 per game over three games on home soil last year.
Because world records continue to be broken, when this year American Abby Wambach notched her 159th goal, moving her past legend Mia Hamm for most international goals in soccer history.
Because the UEFA EURO championship match in Sweden, that saw Germany defeat Norway, had a record crowd of 41,301 - beating the previous record by 12,000.
Because a new era in soccer began as the NWSL survived, and in some ways thrived, its inaugural season, establishing itself as the most top-to-bottom competitive league in the world.
Because the dialogue continues about the long term development of women's pro soccer and has been formalized in Europe with the European Club Association Women's Football Committee Task Force.
Because you can read what Karina Leblanc is thinking and tweeting all day long, here.
And because you can read what Merritt Paulson is thinking and tweeting all day long, here.
Then I thought...
What if anyone who wanted to could add to it and it became a growing list highlighting the progression of the game. A place you could bookmark and re-visit any time you need a reminder, that we really are making progress even when it doesn't always feel like it. A list started here and finished by my friends (you!) who are all passionate about the game, and seeing it succeed. That's cool.
So here it is... Just the start, the foundation, for all of us to keep building on...
Read it. Share it. Add to it.
Infinite reasons to be happy and hopeful about the progression of women's soccer:
Because Mike Golub, two-time MLS executive of the year, figured out a way to create the best women's club atmosphere in the world with the NWSL Thorns FC.
Because Alex Morgan has more twitter followers than Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey combined.
Because UEFA launched a Best Women's Player in Europe Award.
Because Canada, hosts of the upcoming 2014 U20 WWC and 2015 WWC, attracted 56,416 fans for a Canadian record average of 18,805 per game over three games on home soil last year.
Because world records continue to be broken, when this year American Abby Wambach notched her 159th goal, moving her past legend Mia Hamm for most international goals in soccer history.
Because the UEFA EURO championship match in Sweden, that saw Germany defeat Norway, had a record crowd of 41,301 - beating the previous record by 12,000.
Because a new era in soccer began as the NWSL survived, and in some ways thrived, its inaugural season, establishing itself as the most top-to-bottom competitive league in the world.
Because the dialogue continues about the long term development of women's pro soccer and has been formalized in Europe with the European Club Association Women's Football Committee Task Force.
Because you can read what Karina Leblanc is thinking and tweeting all day long, here.
And because you can read what Merritt Paulson is thinking and tweeting all day long, here.
Because Jean-Michel Aulas exists.
Because the Japanese Football Association (JFA) is taking it upon themselves to fill a gap in the FIFA event calendar to host one of the most exciting competitions in women's soccer, the Mobcast Cup International Women's Club Championship, an invitation-only competition for the title of the best club on the planet.
Because the Algarve Cup reached its 20th edition, since the first tourney in 1994, as it continues to be an important fixture on the women's competition calendar.
Because of the relentlessly good journalism at Equalizer Soccer.
Because of the existence of Paul Saffer's twitter feed.
Because girlsCAN.
Because its Our Game.
Add one of YOUR favorite reasons to be happy and hopeful about the progression of women's soccer, down below. Or tweet your reason with hashtag #ilovewoso and I will add it to the list.
Because the Japanese Football Association (JFA) is taking it upon themselves to fill a gap in the FIFA event calendar to host one of the most exciting competitions in women's soccer, the Mobcast Cup International Women's Club Championship, an invitation-only competition for the title of the best club on the planet.
Because the Algarve Cup reached its 20th edition, since the first tourney in 1994, as it continues to be an important fixture on the women's competition calendar.
Because at the 25-year mark of organized women’s football, FIFA created a Task Force to identify and establish priorities for the development of women’s football, chaired by Moya Dodd.
Because of the relentlessly good journalism at Equalizer Soccer.
Because of the existence of Paul Saffer's twitter feed.
Because girlsCAN.
Because its Our Game.
Add one of YOUR favorite reasons to be happy and hopeful about the progression of women's soccer, down below. Or tweet your reason with hashtag #ilovewoso and I will add it to the list.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Chelsea, Sydney, Colo-Colo, INAC Kobe and NTV Beleza Compete for Title of Best Club in the World
Saturday marks the start of one of the most exciting competitions in women's soccer, the second Mobcast Cup International Women's Club Championship, where five clubs from three continents descend on Japan from November 30th to December 8th to compete for the title of the best club on the planet.
Twitter updates from players and squads Chelsea FC (England), Sydney FC (Australia), CSD Colo-Colo (Chile), INAC Kobe (Japan) and NTV Beleza (Japan) document the competition for those of us following from afar.
To see more posts from the Mobcast Cup International Women's Club Championship browse the #IWCC, #mobcastcup, #mobcastcup2013 hashtags on Twitter.
To get a front row seat to the tournament's buildup and its exciting play, follow these team and player accounts:
For the Sydney Women's FC Sky Blues:
For the CSD Colo-Colo squad:
For the INAC Kobe squad:
Twitter updates from players and squads Chelsea FC (England), Sydney FC (Australia), CSD Colo-Colo (Chile), INAC Kobe (Japan) and NTV Beleza (Japan) document the competition for those of us following from afar.
To see more posts from the Mobcast Cup International Women's Club Championship browse the #IWCC, #mobcastcup, #mobcastcup2013 hashtags on Twitter.
To get a front row seat to the tournament's buildup and its exciting play, follow these team and player accounts:
For the Chelsea Ladies FC squad:
- Club @ChelseaLFC
- Eniola Aluko @EniAlu
- Yuki Ogimi @Yuki_Ogimi
- Hannah Blundell @HanBlundell
- Laura Rafferty @LauraRafferty8
- Rosella Ayane @rosella_ayane
- Marie Hourihan @M_Hourihan
- Danielle Buet @Danibuet4
- Jodie Brett @JodieBrett7
- Drew Spence @23Spence
- Laura Coombs @lauracoombs91
- Laura Bassett @laurabassett6
- Coach Emma Hayes @emmahayes1
- Coach TJ O'Leary @tjoleary
- Coach James Lambdon @james_lambdon23
- Therapist Eva Woods @Sportific
For the Sydney Women's FC Sky Blues:
- Club @SydneyFC
- Danielle Brogan @dani_brogan3
- Caitlin Foord @CaitlinFoord
- Sam Kerr @samkerr1
- Elizabeth Ralston @lizzie_ralston
- Nicola Bolger @Nicola_Bolger
- Emma Kete @EmmaKete19
- Jodie Taylor @Jodes_14
- Leena Khamis @Leena_Khamis
- Shamiran Khamis @Sham_Khamis
- Teresa Polias @midfielderT
- Chloe Logarzo @CLogarzo
- Renee Rollason @rollo_22
- Amy Harrison @amy_harrison7
- Natalie Tobin @Tobin13Nat
- Anna Green @AnnaGreen03
For the CSD Colo-Colo squad:
- Club @ColoColoFem
For the INAC Kobe squad:
- Club @INACKobe2001
- Beverly Goebel @beverlygoebel
- Homare Sawa @Homare_Sawa10
- Megumi Takase @saemeg11
- Tanaka Yoko @TANAKAYoko20
- Watanabe Ayaka @sn21chan
- Rina Hirano @grabavan
- @Rintaro0207
- @shinganmo
* Nothing was found for NTV Beleza.
Related Posts:
NWSL Front Offices on Twitter
Player Voices on Twitter
UNC Wins NCAA Title, Gives a Clinic On and Off the Pitch
Related Posts:
NWSL Front Offices on Twitter
Player Voices on Twitter
UNC Wins NCAA Title, Gives a Clinic On and Off the Pitch
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Shanks! 10,000 Views!
When I started this blog a year ago I felt a ripple of hesitation run over me, I asked myself, "what if I pour a ton of time and effort into this, and it's gonna be a shank way-over-the-crossbar, that no one will be interested?" And here's the thing, I realized I don't give a shit. Today we reached over 10,000 page views, a number that is way more juicy and dazzling than I ever imagined, but comparatively speaking, just a teeny tiny corner of the internet. People will respond, or they won't. People will share, tweet, comment, agree-disagree, react, or they won't. Should any of those "or they wont's" stop us from creating by highlighting the best in the business of women's soccer. Hells no. So here's a big thank you to the important few who read and amplify, who are sharers and multipliers, I look forward to sharing the journey with you of the next 10,000 views. And now, I leave you with a missive from Kermit the Frog: "Maybe you don't need the whole world to love you, you know. Maybe you just need one person." So a big shanks for your support, it makes me want to celebrate with Mourinho level passion.
Cheers xx
@wandarful10 + @wosoccerbiz
The stats:
10,000 page views
Most views come from US, Canada, Germany, UK, in that order
Most read post: Women's Pro Soccer and the Search for the Avid Fan
Second most read post: NWSL Front Offices on Twitter
Most visited page: Rankings/Standings from Around the Globe
Months with most traffic: December 2012 and May 2013
Cheers xx
@wandarful10 + @wosoccerbiz
The stats:
10,000 page views
Most views come from US, Canada, Germany, UK, in that order
Most read post: Women's Pro Soccer and the Search for the Avid Fan
Second most read post: NWSL Front Offices on Twitter
Most visited page: Rankings/Standings from Around the Globe
Months with most traffic: December 2012 and May 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Top-10's
Just for fun we compared the Top-10 Visits By Country to our blog with the current FIFA Top-10 Ranking list. If the FIFA ranking can be considered a reflection of the top women's soccer nations, we want to connect and share with people from there. Looks like we need some outreach in Brazil, Scandinavia and Asia...
Related posts:
Click here and bookmark for an always available quick link to the women's world soccer rankings and league tables (FIFA, UEFA, NWSL, FAWSL, Bundesliga, etc.).
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| Source: FIFA |
Related posts:
Click here and bookmark for an always available quick link to the women's world soccer rankings and league tables (FIFA, UEFA, NWSL, FAWSL, Bundesliga, etc.).
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Search for a Pro Model for Long Term Soccer Sustainability
Long term sustainability of women's pro soccer has been the source of contentious and interesting debates for over a decade now. The dialogue has been formalized in Europe with the President of Olympique Lyonnais, Jean-Michel Aulas, spearheading the European Club Association (ECA) Women's Football Committee Task Force, a newly formed group featuring representatives from leading clubs 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (GER), Birkirkara FC (MLT), FC Twente (NED), Valencia CF Femenino (ESP), Brøndby IF (DEN), LSK Kvinner FK (NOR). The group will look to better understand how women's football clubs are organized and its development and promotion. [Full list of the 23 clubs here]
Meanwhile in North America the conversation continues with a recent article by Graham Parker that takes a look at the hope being breathed into the discussion thanks to the successful inaugural season of the NWSL's Portland Thorns FC. Parker asks the question if Thorns FC is the model of how women's professional soccer is organized, one "that regards the men's and women's teams as integral parts of the same organization" with "high-level soccer" as the mission. He speaks to owner Merritt Paulson who describes his MLS Timbers and NWSL Thorns as "one sporting club". And, espnW founder Laura Gentile who speaks to the "sense of a continuum" that is the "generations of women" athletes and fans that build on each other's progress. Thorns player Rachel Buehler recalls the emotions of stepping on to the pitch in the home debut to see a crowd of 16,479, including the raging supporters group the Riveters. [Click here for the article, posted on Al Jazeera America]
Meanwhile in North America the conversation continues with a recent article by Graham Parker that takes a look at the hope being breathed into the discussion thanks to the successful inaugural season of the NWSL's Portland Thorns FC. Parker asks the question if Thorns FC is the model of how women's professional soccer is organized, one "that regards the men's and women's teams as integral parts of the same organization" with "high-level soccer" as the mission. He speaks to owner Merritt Paulson who describes his MLS Timbers and NWSL Thorns as "one sporting club". And, espnW founder Laura Gentile who speaks to the "sense of a continuum" that is the "generations of women" athletes and fans that build on each other's progress. Thorns player Rachel Buehler recalls the emotions of stepping on to the pitch in the home debut to see a crowd of 16,479, including the raging supporters group the Riveters. [Click here for the article, posted on Al Jazeera America]
There are other examples around the world of the "One Sporting Club" model with integrated men's and women's sides.
Olympique Lyonnais in France has achieved professional status and, according to Jenna Pel of NBC ProSoccerTalk, "could be the definitive club team of the present era". The squad features Swedish sensation Lotta Schelin, American Megan Rapinoe, and a majority of the French National Team players including French captain Wendie Renard, Louisa Necib and Camille Abily. [Have a read more about the unique club organization here.]
The Australian W-League team the Brisbane Roar is making inroads to integration. The coaching staff are full time employees and the club financially and commerically acknowledges the team as an essential part of their brand, including it in cross-promotional activites. The Roar roster features several Australian National Team members including Clare Polkinghorne, Kim Carroll and Tameka Butt, as well as the league's biggest import to date, the 2013 UEFA Footballer of the Year and Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.
Related posts:
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