- Confederation asks the World to join in sharing their own stories of belonging
- Inspirational We Belong t-shirt available with proceeds supporting The Sports Bra Project
Miami, FL - Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Today, Concacaf W announces the #WeBelong viral campaign that encourages industry leaders, fans, players and all those committed to providing more football and sporting opportunities for women and girls, to share their own stories of overcoming challenges, of triumph and inspiration via their social media platforms.
This call to action comes on the heels of the Confederation unveiling brand new women’s national team competitions which will begin in November this year and include the Concacaf W Championship in 2022 and the Concacaf W Gold Cup in 2024. The organization also launched the inspiring Concacaf W - We Belong campaign to celebrate all aspects of women and girls' football, including the sport being used as a positive force for social change, across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
“We believe we are championing a powerful movement that is here to stay. The message of We Belong transcends football and is meant to empower, shift cultural norms and create opportunities for women and girls. We want to use the power and popularity of football at the top end of the game, which will no doubt be enhanced by our transformative new women’s competitions, as a platform to inspire and provide opportunities for girls in all parts of our region. Ultimately, we want women and girls to know that they belong, whether in football or elsewhere in society, and through this campaign Concacaf is calling on the global community to help us spread that essential message.” says Karina Le Blanc, former goalkeeper for Canada’s Women’s National Team, 2X Olympian and Concacaf’s Head of Women’s Football.
Concacaf W has partnered with The Sports Bra Project, a non- for-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to sports for women and girls by removing barriers to participation. Champions of the We Belong movement will be able to show their support by purchasing a branded t-shirt via www.amazon.com/concacaf “More than just another t-shirt, this item of clothing serves a symbolic shield of armor that proudly tells the world.... I belong...we belong! Together we are one community.” says Heidi Pellerano, Concacaf’s Chief Commercial Officer. Proceeds from the sales will go to providing sports bras to athletes who do not have access to this basic but essential piece of equipment.
“We were thrilled when Concacaf W approached us to collaborate on this campaign. The mission of The Sports Bra Project is all about creating access and opportunities that make it possible for women and girls to literally “get in the game,” says The Sports Bra Project Founder Sarah Dwyer-Shick. “The We Belong campaign addresses the importance of building the experience and confidence needed for girls and women to pursue their goals in all areas of soccer. Having the equipment needed to do this normalizes the conversations around their needs and experiences and is the first step toward belonging.”
In addition to the We Belong t-shirt, Concacaf has also launched its first ever women's line with an array of Concacaf W products available on the Amazon shop.
How to Share Your #WeBelong Story:
Purchase your “We Belong” t-shirt on www.amazon.com/concacaf &record a video (60 seconds or less) telling us how the movement resonates with you.
Make sure you use #WeBelong and tag @ConcacafW (on IG) so we can share, re-post and amplify your voice!
Need some inspiration? Share a defining moment or conversation. Tell us about a person that inspired you to use your voice. Was there a time you wished someone would have told you that you belonged or reminded you that you were right where you needed to be? How about when you were met with a closed door, and you kicked it down? Any valuable advice you can't wait to share? We want to hear all about it!
Men, your voices are equally important to the conversation. Tell us about a time you made a woman or girl feel she belonged. How did you create a welcoming environment or a growth opportunity? Did you save a seat at the table? Tell us the details!
We all have a story, and our words are powerful. By simply joining the conversation, we will work towards ensuring that girls and women all over the world know, #WeBelong.
For more information and to see other #WeBelong stories, click here.
