By OkayGoal
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Across the NWSL, clubs are using matchdays and community events to highlight those traditions. From Noche Latina celebrations to music, food, and special giveaways, the league is finding different ways to bring culture and women’s soccer together.
Turning Matchday into a Celebration
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Several NWSL teams, however, will begin their celebrations earlier in September.
San Diego Wave FC will host Noche Latina on Sept. 12 when it faces the North Carolina Courage. The celebration will include special performances, mariachi music, folklórico dancing, and community group activations throughout the match.
The Houston Dash will also celebrate Noche Latina on Sept. 12. The team will host the Utah Royals at Shell Energy Stadium while highlighting Hispanic culture through special matchday activities.
Gotham FC will celebrate with its Celebración de la Comunidad match on Sept. 25. The event will focus on the role of fútbol in Latinx communities throughout New Jersey and New York. Fans will be able to enjoy Latinx music, performances and food trucks during the pregame Fan Fest.
Highlighting Local Communities
For many NWSL teams, Hispanic Heritage Month is also an opportunity to recognize the communities that surround their clubs.
Bay FC will host its Latino Heritage Match on Sept. 27 against the Orlando Pride. The club will celebrate the influence of the Latino community throughout the Bay Area. The event will also highlight traditions involving music, language and culture.
Boston Legacy FC will celebrate on Sept. 20 with its Debi Jugar Mas Fútbol match against the Houston Dash. The event will celebrate Bad Bunny and his impact on global soccer culture. Fans can expect his music, special performances, dominoes tables and food trucks throughout the day.
Meanwhile, Angel City FC will host its Celebración de Culturas on Nov. 1. The event will take place during the club’s regular-season finale against Boston Legacy FC. It will celebrate the many cultures that make up Los Angeles and include programming inspired by Día de los Muertos.
More Than 90 Minutes
These celebrations show how NWSL clubs are using soccer to connect with their communities. Matchdays can become more than just watching a game. They can create opportunities for fans to celebrate their culture with friends, family and other supporters.
The NWSL has continued that growth by connecting its clubs with local communities and creating experiences that extend beyond the field.
As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, NWSL clubs are showing that soccer can be a powerful way to celebrate culture. Whether through music, food, performances or community events, these matchdays give fans another reason to come together and celebrate the sport they love.
Featured image via @sandiegowavefc