USL Super League Partners with IDA Sports to Provide Women’s-Specific Cleats
In a groundbreaking move for women’s soccer, the players union for the USL Super League has teamed up with IDA Sports, a company dedicated to creating soccer footwear specifically for women. This partnership aims to provide all league athletes with cleats that are not only designed for their unique biomechanical needs but also help in reducing injuries.
IDA Sports, based in Texas, stands out as the only company solely focused on engineering soccer footwear for women. Their mission is rooted in the belief that cleats tailored for women can significantly decrease the risk of injuries, such as ACL tears. According to some recent studies, women are up to eight times more likely to suffer from ACL injuries compared to men. This partnership, announced on Thursday, will see all interested players in the USL Super League receiving IDA Sports Rise Elite cleats for game day. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to provide feedback, which will be invaluable for the company in refining future designs.
The USL Super League, currently in its inaugural season, is an eight-team professional league that shares the top tier of the women’s soccer pyramid in the United States with the more established National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Laura Youngson, co-founder of IDA Sports, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Like the USL Players Association, IDA’s number one priority has always been to support and provide the best resources to women athletes. We are thrilled to expand our network to include the talented players of the USL Super League, who are changing the landscape of the women’s game in the United States, something we at IDA focus on every day.”
IDA Sports has a history of collaboration with women’s soccer organizations. They previously partnered with the NWSL Players Association to release the Rise Icon cleat, which celebrated Women’s History Month. A portion of the sales from this cleat went to the NWSLPA, further cementing IDA’s commitment to supporting women’s soccer.
Notably, Michele Kang, the majority owner of the Washington Spirit, is an investor in IDA Sports. Last year, she led a $2 million investment round into the company, aligning with her broader ambitions of making science-backed decisions tailored specifically to female athletes.
IDA Sports debuted its first cleat in 2020, and their designs include features such as more arch support, a narrower heel cup, a wider toe box, and shorter, conical studs. The company emphasizes that proper equipment, rather than women wearing smaller-sized cleats made for men, is crucial in mitigating injuries.
The partnership with the USLPA also introduces a novel concept in the sport: providing players with access to cleats at no cost. Players who have existing shoe deals will have the option to opt-in to receive IDA cleats, as confirmed by an IDA spokesperson.
While Nike has been a primary sponsor of the NWSL since its inception in late 2012, outfitting kits for every club, many women’s players do not have sponsorship deals that would otherwise provide them with free access to cleats or gear. Additionally, players are generally paid less than their male counterparts.
USL Super League president Amanda Vandervort mentioned last year that the league’s minimum salary is comparable to the NWSL, whose minimum was $35,000 but has since been raised to $48,500 this year.
Bri Visalli, USLPA Assistant Director, commented on the partnership, saying, “This partnership with IDA Sports reaffirms our commitment to supporting and empowering our USL Super League members. Partnering with IDA Sports is about more than footwear, it’s about giving our players a voice in the products they use every day. We’re excited to work with a company that values athlete feedback and is committed to creating solutions built specifically for women.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Originally Written by: Jeff Kassouf
