Catching up with USWNT, FC Kansas City Midfielder, and New Jersey Native, Yael Averbuch

from: fckansascity.com
Yael Averbuch says that she is committed to play and the National Team is still her goal.

As Americans packed the bars last summer to watch the US Women’s National team bring home its third World Cup championship, names that were previously unknown to the average American, became stars.  Those players are national heroes, and could wind up with endorsements, etc.  Many of these players employ their talents in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), America’s latest attempt at a US women’s league as the last version, WPS, folded in 2012.

For players who weren’t on the national team, aren’t in national team camps, or are in between or out of contract, the situation is very different.  I had a chance to talk to a player who has faced similar circumstances, Yael Averbuch of the NWSL’s champion FC Kansas City  who opened up about the reality of life as a soccer player:

On the circumstances facing women’s soccer players:

“In the NWSL, we have some  of the best players around the world who are working hard to make a professional career viable and have little opportunity to advance their careers. We have players who would make national teams in a lot of other countr[ies], but the [talent pool] is so deep in the USA”.

On being on the National Team:

“It makes a big difference. In addition to the honor of representing your country, you make better money, and have much more visibility, media attention, which leads to further opportunity and endorsements.”

On playing for FC Kansas City:

“I’m fully committed, I feel respected and I enjoy training. The [US] National team is still my goal and will be as long as I’m a competitive player, but my priority in my career at this point is continued improvement and playing in a place where I am able to use the tools I’ve spent years developing”

On her future:

“My plan is to play for as long as possible, while continuing to build my personal brand and prepare for my life after soccer. But right now my first priority is on the field and I am fully committed to being the best player I can be.”

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Yael Averbuch writes a blog for New York Times and can also be read as a regular contributor to “Our Game” magazine.