San Diego is home to the newest National Women’s Soccer League’s expansion team.
The San Diego Wave Futbol Club had a press conference Wednesday to unveil its crest and colors. During the unveiling a video described the team’s colors as “The colors of the sky are as vibrant and proud as our culture. The colors of the sand we play in and the common ground we share. Colors that showcase the beauty of our Pacific Ocean.”
The team’s official colors are pink, orange and a couple shades of blue with a crest incorporates a wave and the horizon.
Wave FC president Jill Ellis says she is excited to bring an NWSL team to San Diego.
“Soccer futbol is everywhere in this city and the rich tradition and history of soccer is why I truly believe this town will fall in love with our team,” Ellis said.
Ellis described how the team name came to be.
“The name takes inspiration from the city’s pristine and powerful coastline and we have every intention of being a bold force in today’s professional sports landscape,” Ellis said.
Wave FC’s head coach Casey Stoney talked about how hard it was to play soccer as a female growing up in England.
“I grew up in a country and a culture that shouldn’t play, couldn’t play with very little opportunities,” Stoney said. “I was told it was a man’s game and that we shouldn’t be playing. We were banned from using pitches and facilities and we had to fight so hard just to play the game that you loved.”
Stoney said it is her responsibility to not only inspire her players to win, but inspire young girls to play the sport they love.
“Soccer isn’t just a game. It’s part of life, it’s part of your community,” Stoney said. “Where girls are not only encouraged to play the game, but they are also given the platform to thrive and to perform.”
One local youth player Melanie Barcenas is already a fan.
“I’m super excited and cannot wait for this amazing season to kick off and to be able to cheer on my own local team,” Barcenas said.
Barcenas is inspired by U.S. women’s national team members and Wave FC’s recent signings, Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper.
A Southern California native, Morgan says she is excited to make a long-term commitment to the club and the city.
“I want to be able to give back to the community that I live in and not only does that mean playing on the field and inspiring the next generation and young girls,“ Morgan said. “But actually digging into the community and being a part of why these girls continue to play soccer.”
Wave FC’s inaugural season kicks off in May and they will temporarily play at USD’s Torero Stadium until Snapdragon Stadium, their permanent home in Mission Valley, is completed.
