NWSL reaches new partnership focused on professional development for players

Details from NWSL (June 18, 2024)

"Beyond the Field" is a new professional development program designed to support and empower NWSL players off the field. It's a partnership between the NWSL and UKG.

The program provides tools, services and events to foster personal and professional growth outside of soccer. It follows a curriculum with specific touchpoints to track progress and goals. The curriculum can be catered to early-to-mid career athletes and those getting ready to retire.

“Our partnership with the NWSL is inspired by a desire to be part of the solution to address inequities still found in our world today, specifically when it comes to women in their careers,” said Meghan Setzer, Group Vice President of Marketing Communications at UKG. “We are honored to support the development of a first-of-its-kind program like Beyond the Field that will connect these talented athletes with tools and guidance to fuel their career growth and aspirations off the field.”

"Beyond the Field" is self-paced and career-oriented. Players have access to resume writing and project management courses, interview coaching and negotiation skills, networking best practices and other professional development services and courses.

Players can also take part in interactive workshops hosted by industry experts in field like sports management and entrepreneurship.

The program culminates at the end of each season at the NWSL Championship with a three-day event featuring networking and leadership engagement sessions, career-planning seminars, professional skills development, personal branding sessions and wellness conversations.

To learn more about the program and how it was developed, visit the NWSL news page.