The Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league -- home to World Cup stars like Hope Solo and Abby Wombach -- could be completely disbanded.
The US Soccer Federation, the governing body for the sport in America, is planning to withdraw it's top accreditation from the league for having fewer than 6 teams (two recently shut down because of financial hardship during the recession, though expansion is expected next year).
If US Soccer strips the WPS of its "Division 1" status, the league loses key support and credibility, almost undoubtedly leading to full collapse.
Alex Sahlen, a defender for the Western New York Flash, is feverishly trying to save her sport, and her petition on Change.org has already attracted 10,000 signatures. But with US Soccer making a final decision on December 5th, there are just days remaining to amp up the pressure.
US Soccer's stated mission is to "make soccer a preeminent sport in the United States," so they are very sensitive to public opinion. If 20,000 of us stand with Alex, we can make sure the governing body knows that a key part of that goal is making sure that women's soccer thrives.
Abby, Hope, Alex, and the players, coaches, and owners of the WPS know that building a women's sports league during a recession is an uphill climb. But the fan base is slowly building, and new TV contracts may be on the way. The league could still fail, but it's up to you to help give them a fighting chance.
Change.org members and fans around the country have just 4 days to save it.
Please sign Alex's petition to save the Women's Professional Soccer league women's pro soccer in America by visiting http://www.change.org/petitions/support-womens-professional-soccer-wps-remaining-a-sanctioned-league
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