Rocky Rodríguez has played for three different NWSL teams—Sky Blue FC (now called NJ/NY Gotham FC),...
About the Program
The Player 22 Program aims to position current and retired 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 former players into the business of sports.
Angel City FC's Player 22 Program consists of two core components:
- Small Business Grants
- Education
Small Business Grants
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- In partnership with IFundWomen, the Angel City Football Club’s Player 22 Small Business Grant Program provides funding and resources to current and retired soccer players interested in establishing or expanding their businesses. The objective is to equip players with the funds, resources, and coaching necessary to further develop opportunities for women in the workforce and to foster women-owned and -led businesses. Each player participating in this 12-month program receives funding for their business, one-on-one coaching, and access to over 200 hours of video-based business learning, startup tools, and resources via IFundWomen's workshop library.
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:
Ways to Contribute:
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Send a check payable to the California Community Foundation, specifying Angel City FC Player 22 Program in the memo, to 221 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
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Shop ACFC's Player 22 merchandise. 10 percent of proceeds go to the fund.
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To make a secure, tax-deductible donation online, click here.
Retiring Number 22
The Player 22 Program is named in homage to ACFC's spring 2022 kickoff and the 22 players on the pitch in every match.
With every purchase of a #22 jersey, ACFC will allocate 10 percent of the revenue to create pathways for former NWSL players to build careers in the sports industry.
Angel City FC officially retired the jersey before their July 30, 2022 game against OL Reign.