First Impact League Ends Season with Sportsmanship Triumph
Detroit, Michigan (March 31, 2024)
The Impact League concluded its historic season with a powerful message of unity and sportsmanship.
The league, designed to promote participation, leadership, and ownership opportunities for women in sports, saw six exciting Saturday game nights of competition culminating in a remarkable display of teamwork at the Detroit City Fieldhouse.
A Shared Victory
The final whistle blew, revealing a thrilling tie between Ball Kickers and Sweaty Iconic Sweeties (SIS).
In a heartwarming moment, both teams opted to share the first-place prize money, demonstrating the power of collaboration over competition.
Both teams have decided to donate half of the prize money to their partner organizations, further amplifying their positive impact.
Throughout the Season Team Spirit was Celebrated
Season from January 27 through March 30, 2024
Teamed up with the three local organizations: Ruth Ellis Center, Clean Love Project, and @womenplussoccerdet
Arranged 51 community events and activities
Spent 381 hours on community activities
Trained for 43 hours + 2 hours every game day
Ball Kickers @ball_kickers2024: Praised for their consistent teamwork, positive communication, and respect for competitors. Their motto, "Would you be good … if you could?" perfectly captures their dedication to their project and their game. Champion mental health through healthcare packages & healthy living initiatives.
Partnering with The Clean Love Project.
Arranged 5 community events.
Spend 20 hours on community events.
Packed 2078 care packages at the group volunteer event and 500 with just our team.
SIS @sweatyiconicsweeties: Recognized for their passion for women's sports, willingness to help others, and energetic playing style. Their recruitment of Coach Tiffany Ebert-James, a legendary pro player and VP of Sporting and Wellness for Detroit City FC. Believes real impact comes from consistent support and neighborly care. SIS's support for the Ruth Ellis Center transformed the drop-in space at the Center: "Our young people love the vibrant colors of the space. This is only the first part of this massive project with more to come. Projects like this require community involvement and we were honored to have them in our space to create such for our young people," said Nazarina V. Mwakasege, Director of Development and Advancement.
Partnering with the Ruth Ellis Center.
Arranged 32 community events.
Spend 352 hours on community activities.
Solidarity Sirens @solidarity_sirens_detroit: Applauded for their leadership, unwavering enthusiasm, and commitment to continuous improvement. Their participation in community projects demonstrates their dedication to the larger cause. A group of women & non-binary athletes formed on DCFC leagues, champion inclusive soccer via Women's Plus. Part of @womenplussoccerdet.
Mantis Shrimp @mantis.shrimpfc: Admired for their positive attitude on and off the field, consistent improvement, and team spirit. Their collaborative tie-dye shirt project exemplifies the importance of bonding beyond the game. Tackles soccer equality (women & non-binary) through social events. Part of @womenplussoccerdet
Supporting @womenplussoccerdet.
Arranged 14 community events.
Spend 29 hours on community activities.
Detroit Dames @detroit_dames: They took a risk in joining a free agent team! Despite missing teammates, they brought an unbeatable spirit, laughter and camaraderie to the field. The team initially proposed partnering with Freedom House, a shelter for refugees in Detroit, to explore how their skills and resources could support the shelter's existing work and resident needs. However, despite this promising idea, the team did not proceed with a purpose project.
A League for the Future
The League's inaugural season proved a resounding success, fostering a supportive environment for women to play, learn, and lead.
The League's founders, Majken Gilmartin and Marie Hansen, are grateful to Detroit City FC for their partnership and to Madeline Miller, founder and CEO of NexTiles, for sponsoring the $2,000 prize.
Looking ahead, the club and league founders are already planning the next season.
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