WAGS taps Girls Soccer Network for digital media partnership

Women and Girls in Soccer has named Girls Soccer Network its Communications and Digital Media Partner to expand year-round storytelling, strengthen the WAGS Tournament and raise visibility for the organization’s programs and impact. The partnership starts as WAGS prepares for its 2026 tournament in October.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives WAGS a dedicated media and communications boost as the organization tries to grow beyond its flagship tournament. - Year-round storytelling could help WAGS reach more players, coaches, referees and supporters across women’s and girls’ soccer. - The agreement comes ahead of the 2026 WAGS Tournament, set for Oct. 10-12.

What happened: - Women and Girls in Soccer named Girls Soccer Network as its new Communications and Digital Media Partner. - The work will focus on year-round communications, digital storytelling, social media, creative development and content strategy. - Stefanie Caliri, Girls Soccer Network’s Director of Communications & Partnerships, will work with co-founder Jen Gruskoff to lead the partnership.

The details: - WAGS was founded in 1974 by Rael Vodicka and a group of volunteers when opportunities for girls in soccer were limited. - WAGS became a charitable organization in 2016 and says its mission now includes supporting players, coaches, referees and leaders in the sport. - The WAGS Tournament remains the organization’s primary funding source and helps support programs and initiatives for women and girls in soccer. - Girls Soccer Network was founded in 2017 and operates as a media and community platform focused on girls’ and women’s soccer. - GSN’s work includes original editorial, social media, podcasts, events, mentorship and community programs. - WAGS says the partnership will expand communications around the organization’s programs, people and impact.

Between the lines: - The deal reflects how youth and women’s soccer organizations are leaning more heavily on media strategy to build community and sustain support. - WAGS is using a tournament-driven model to fund broader mission work, so visibility matters beyond event promotion. - GSN brings an audience and storytelling focus that matches WAGS’ push to frame itself as more than a tournament operator.

What's next: - GSN will help establish a year-round communications strategy for WAGS. - The partnership will ramp up around the October tournament and continue after the event. - WAGS aims to use the new media support to increase awareness and deepen its long-term impact.

The bottom line: - WAGS is investing in communications to turn a landmark tournament and a 50-year legacy into broader reach, stronger fundraising and more visibility for girls’ soccer.