Orlando Pride: New NWSL waters tread with training ground

The Orland Pride continues to lead the way for athletes in the NWSL as they better their resources. Here’s a look at the changes to come.

The NWSL is now in its sixth season, the longest-tenured women’s league in the history of United States women’s soccer. That, in and of itself, is a great achievement but there is still much more to be done to improve the league for the players within it.

Earlier this week, the Orlando Pride has taken strides to level the playing field between the men and women’s side of the game. In a video posted on Twitter, general manager of the Pride Erik Ustruck announced to the players that their football club would be receiving its own training facility.

This move is nothing short of historic as this will be the first NWSL team to receive its own training facility. At the end of the 2019 season, Sylvan Lake Park will be completely renovated solely for the pride.

Just like City’s training complex, the Pride’s will feature a gym, meal room, film room, players’ lounge, and a locker room. As part of their facilities, they will have two grass training fields which will be exclusive to the Pride.

The decision shrinks the gap between the men and women’s side and speaks volumes of the commitment from the higher-ups in the organization. Building a facility just for the Pride shows that Orlando is committed to its NWSL team, to see it succeed and grow, which is wonderful to see.

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Such a move will now attract attention from other top talents both in and out of the NWSL. ‘I think this [move] is building the sustainability of the club and of the franchise and it shows that you know what, we’re here to stay,’ said Ustruck. ‘We’re showing a commitment to Seminole County, we’re showing a commitment to the Pride and that vision becomes global.’

Such changes will only help grow the success of the team, and in turn, the league. Opening a new training facility solely for the Pride creates a domino effect in a very positive way. The NWSL has its fair number of struggles but with clubs like Orlando making such moves, it will help propel the league into new territories.

The women’s game is growing, not just in the U.S., but worldwide. And this is the latest exciting development for a much-maligned and oft-overlooked sport. Well done, Orlando Pride.