About the Program

The Player 22 Program aims to position current and retired female and gender-expansive soccer players for success in new jobs or entrepreneurial endeavors. By holistically investing in players' post-playing careers, the program furthers progress towards gender equity in the industry, supports the development of women in sports, and addresses gender discrepancies in sports. ACFC is a women-led and mission-driven organization, and the Player 22 Program aligns perfectly with the club's values and its mission to drive more women into the business of sports.

To facilitate the program, Angel City FC has partnered with prominent organizations to administer various aspects of the program. The California Community Foundation oversees the grant and selection process for education, coaching, and licensing, while IFundWomen manages the grant and selection process for the small business development program. 
Angel City FC's Player 22 Program consists of two core components:

• Small business grants
• Education

Small Business Grants

• In partnership with IFundWomen, the P22 Small Business Grant program provides funding and resources to current and retired female and gender-expansive professional soccer players interested in establishing or expanding their businesses. The objective is to equip players with the funds, resources, and coaching necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs. Each player participating in this 12-month program will receive funding for their business, one-on-one coaching,  access to video-based business learning, and startup tools and resources via IFundWomen's workshop library. Specifics to 2024:

• Each player participating in this 12-month program will receive a $10,000.00 grant funding for their business, one-on-one coaching, and access to over 200 hours of video-based business learning, plus startup tools and resources via IFundWomen's workshop library. 

  Application Opens: Thursday, February 29

  Application Closes: Friday, April 5

  Link to Application: https://www.ifundwomen.com/grants/angel-city-fc 

• Angel City FC partners:

Education

• This part of the program, administered by the California Community Foundation, creates professional pathways for former soccer players interested in pursuing a career as they sunset out of their sport. Through the California Community Foundation, athletes can access opportunities to pursue professional education in coaching, refereeing, media, and front office roles, all aiming to prepare players for successful entry into the workforce following their professional careers. 
• P22 Education partner: