Strategic cooperation agreed

VfL Women have entered into partnership with the Chicago Red Stars.

Ralf Kellerman, sportlicher Leiter der VfL-Wolfsburg-Frauen hält das Trikot der Chicago Red Stars in seinen Händen.

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VfL Wolfsburg Women and the Chicago Red Stars have agreed a wide-ranging strategic partnership, the aim of which is to further establish themselves on the international market.

Pioneers in professional women’s soccer

The Chicago Red Stars are founding members of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and one of the most successful professional women’s soccer clubs in the US, having finished runners-up in the league in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and appeared in six NWSL semi-finals. As the oldest club in US women’s soccer, the Red Stars are regarded as pioneers in the professional women’s game – just like the She-Wolves. After launching in 2007, the Illinois-based club invested considerable effort into establishing a professional women’s league and has been home to numerous international stars.

Similar philosophies

The Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg therefore share similar philosophies, as well as other key traits which make a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge within a clearly defined framework seem both logical and consequential. As well as a similar global approach, the two clubs set particular store by social responsibility and sustainability, while the identification and nurturing of young talent has played a key role in the success of both sides. The partnership will improve both clubs’ access to talented youngsters around the world.

Kathrin Hendrich vom VfL Wolfsburg links und eine Spielerin der Chicago Red Stars rechts im Bild.

“Sustainable, collaborative development” as a goal

“Women’s soccer is becoming ever more important in the world of soccer,” said VfL managing director Michael Meeske, outlining the new partnership. “Alongside the Chicago Red Stars, one of the oldest and most successful women’s teams in the world, we want to pool our expertise to develop innovative solutions in scouting, player development and management. We couldn’t imagine a better partner than the Red Stars and we look forward to enthusiastic discussions, new ideas and, above all, the sustainable, collaborative development of women’s soccer.”

Arnim Whisler, Chairman and principal owner of the Red Stars, also welcomes the opportunities the partnership will bring. “This is just the beginning of a truly unique and authentic partnership that will open up new options for players, staff, partners and fans,” he said. “We see plenty of opportunities to reinforce one another’s strengths through our partnership. The close collaboration should enable us to further establish ourselves at the top of our leagues as the most consistent, successful and forward-thinking clubs in our respective domestic markets.”

About the Chicago Red Stars

Launched in 2007, the Red Stars are founding members of the Women’s Professional Soccer League (WPSL) and were one of eight teams that formed the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2013. The Red Stars reached the play-offs six times between 2015 and 2021, advancing to the final in 2019 and 2021. They also made the final of the maiden NWSL Challenge Cup in 2020, which marked the return of professional women’s soccer in the US after the COVID-19 pandemic.