NJ/NY Gotham FC, in tandem with Dove and girl empowerment brand Rebel Girls has announced the publication of a first-of-its-kind children’s book to keep young girls engaged in sports and become the best version of themselves.
The book’s publication was driven by Gotham’s Keep Her in the Game initiative which is Gotham’s flagship social impact program designed to combat the high adolescent drop-off rate of girls in sports.
The book is called Changing the Game: A Playbook for Champions in Training and will feature stories about nine current Gotham FC players including Jess Carter, Rose Lavelle, Midge Purce, Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Ann-Katrin Berger, Esther González and Sarah Schupansky.
These stories will include the uplifting one of Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer twice and both times overcame it to become a CONCACAF W Champions Cup Champion with Gotham FC in 2024.
Readers will also be treated to profiles on three girls and a coach who are part of the Keep Her in the Game initiative.
With Changing the Game, we are celebrating Gotham players and community in a way that has never been done before. Through this partnership with Dove, we’re proud to set a new standard as Gotham becomes the first NWSL club to create a book for girls. We can’t wait to see how it inspires the next generation to keep changing the game. – Jes Wolfe, CEO of Rebel Girls and Laura Petro, Gotham FC VP of Brand & Fan Experience
To demonstrate to young readers how they can remain involved in sports beyond playing the game, the book showcases retired USWNT star Ali Krieger who is now a media personality and Gotham FC ambassador. The book also features Gotham FC general manager and former USWNT midfielder Yael Averbuch and former Gotham FC goalkeeper now-turned coach Michelle Betos.
The book will be distributed for free and an online shareable version housed at gothamfc.com/rebelgirls and RebelGirls.com. Hard copies will be distributed at Saturday’s Gotham FC game at Sports Illustrated Stadium against Washington Spirit, as well as at local libraries, schools and nonprofit partners.
