Home / Sports / US Soccer Invests $30M for Women's Health Research
US Soccer Invests $30M for Women's Health Research
13 Dec
Summary
- Michele Kang donates $30 million to U.S. Soccer for athlete research.
- The Kang Institute will study injury prevention and mental health.
- Research aims to address physiological differences in female athletes.
U.S. Soccer has launched the Kang Institute, backed by a significant $30 million donation from Michele Kang, to address long-standing disparities in women's sports. The initiative aims to counter the historical lack of research tailored to female physiology, which has led to increased injury risks and barriers for young girls entering sports.
The institute's work will encompass dedicated research, development of best practices, and comprehensive education from youth levels to elite national teams. Early discussions are already underway to extend these efforts globally, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil and the 2031 tournament hosted by the U.S.
Initial research will prioritize injury prevention, mental health, workload management, menstrual health, and the transition to elite competition. Understanding the unique physiological needs of female athletes, such as higher ACL tear rates and the impact of pregnancy, is central to the institute's mission to empower women in sports.
