Olivia Moultrie's legal battle in 2021 to play in the NWSL at a young age sparked a youth movement in the league, with most clubs now having players under 18, paving the way for talented young stars.

By the Numbers
  • Moultrie challenged NWSL's rules in 2021 to sign a contract at 15.
  • NWSL now allows teams to sign up to four players under age 18.
State of Play
  • NWSL has seen an influx of young, talented players shaping the league.
  • Youth movement important for the league and the US women's national team's competitiveness.
  • Players like Jaedyn Shaw and Claire Hutton making significant impacts at a young age.
What's Next

The trend of signing young players in the NWSL is likely to continue, with more clubs looking to develop and integrate talented youth into their teams, changing the landscape of women's soccer in the United States.

Bottom Line

Olivia Moultrie's fight for the right to play professionally at a young age has revolutionized the NWSL, allowing a new generation of talented young players to showcase their skills and accelerate their paths to success, marking a significant shift in the league's approach to youth development.