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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Girls who could one day play on Jacksonville’s first major league women’s professional sports team say they’re excited about the opportunity.
The girls practicing with Florida Elite Soccer Academy jerseys Tuesday were part of a new collaboration officials call one of the largest youth-to-pro soccer pathways in the country. An announcement was made Tuesday that the team is set to play at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida and the inaugural kickoff is set for next fall.
“It’s game changing in every way,” said Sean Bubb, executive director of Florida Elite Soccer Academy.
Bubb said girls and women were forced to leave the area if they wanted to play soccer professionally.
“Before here it was play college and then there was no pathway unless you left, went somewhere else around the country or to a foreign country,” said Bubb.
Bubb said he expects some of the girls practicing Tuesday to play professional soccer. He said eight of them have gone on to play professionally in the last two years.
“For us to have the world’s game here in Jacksonville and the support, it’s gonna get, the opportunities for our kids and this community, I think it’s just amazing,” said Bubb.
“Now I want to play for Sporting Jax,” said Khloe Roberts.
“I think it’s a great thing to look up to and be able to have stepping stones to get there,” said Sara Franklin.
“Before, I really thought that all the clubs were gonna be difficult to get into,” said Sydney Auxier. “But once I heard that Sporting Jax was gonna be a pro team, I was very happy.”
Team members they’re ready to change the game for soccer and women’s sports in Jacksonville.
“It’s really fun but you definitely have to work really hard,” said Roberts.
“I just feel like the opportunities just keep coming and I’m hoping to be a part of one of those teams one day,” Linder said.
Sporting Jax season tickets are already on sale for both the women’s and men’s teams.
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