From research to real-world impact
These studies are designed to move beyond insight and into action.
The goal is to translate research into practical tools and education supporting real-world environments across the soccer ecosystem.
These studies are designed to move beyond insight and into action.
The goal is to translate research into practical tools and education supporting real-world environments across the soccer ecosystem.
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Our approach starts with evidence. Made possible through a transformative investment from Michele Kang, the Kang Women’s Institute is U.S. Soccer’s dedicated home for female-centered research, evolving directly from the Soccer Forward Research & Innovation Hub.
Through the herLENS Research Consortium, we’re bringing researchers and practitioners together to identify the questions that matter most, generate evidence and translate research into practical tools for the game.
This study explores why girls stay in or leave soccer between ages 8–18, and the key factors that shape long-term participation.
Why this matters
Girls are leaving soccer at higher rates than boys, making it the highest youth dropout sport in the U.S.
Dropout is not random. It clusters at key moments:
Applying female health and performance data in real-world environments.
This groundbreaking study in partnership with University of North Carolina will provide answers to an essential missing piece of the puzzle for high-performing female sports, identifying how menstrual cycle tracking can be implemented across the soccer ecosystem. Paving the way to optimize player health and performance, this will also facilitate future, meaningful insights.
What this study is doing
What this study is doing
What this will deliver
What this will deliver
We’re gathering input from women who played youth soccer in the U.S. to better understand these key moments and improve how girls are supported in the game.
Open to women aged 19+ who played soccer between ages 8–18.
If this is relevant to you or your network, please share the survey to ensure a broader range of experiences are represented.