5 Must-Read Women’s Soccer Books
A movement, not just a moment, women’s soccer is continuing to gain traction in North America, driven by the growth and excitement of the NWSL and the newly launched NSL (Northern Super League).
Whether you’re a longtime WoSo supporter or want to dip your toes in, here are five books by influential athletes, managers and voices who have been, and continue to be, shaping our beautiful game. All are a resilient look at how far our game has come, and where it’s headed.
Just Call Me Andi by Andria (Andi) Petrillo
If you’ve watched hockey or soccer in Canada, you’ve very likely seen broadcast host Andi Petrillo, who can currently be seen on CBC Sports and Amazon Prime’s Monday Night Hockey.
In Just Call Me Andi, she shares her journey of breaking into sportscasting, a longtime male-dominated industry, the criticism and sexism that came her way, what women may still expect as future broadcasters and how to persevere.
“I talk sports with conviction and that bothers some people” - Andi’s social bio.
Get Your Copy: Amazon (Canada, United States), Barnes & Noble (US), Waterstones (UK)
Playing the Long Game by Christine Sinclair
A former captain of Canada’s national team and Portland Thorns (NWSL), Christine Sinclair is the record holder of the most international goals of all time and has been a quiet, often camera-shy force behind the rise and shape of Canadian soccer for over 20 years. During her playing years, she always did her best to steer answers to questions away from herself and more towards her team.
In Playing the Long Game, in collaboration with journalist Stephen Brunt, Sinclair reflects on her career, life, Olympic gold, and losses on and off the field in a grounded yet impactful voice anyone who’s heard her speak knows is authentically Sinc.
Today, Christine is co-owner of Vancouver Rise FC, a BC-based NSL team.
Get Your Copy: Amazon (Canada, United States), Barnes & Noble (US), Waterstones (UK)
One Life by Megan Rapinoe
Often the polar opposite of camera-shy, Megan Rapinoe’s story in One Life is as much about activism as it is about her time playing the beautiful game on OL Reign (NWSL) and the United States’ national team.
As well as a look into her personal life, including her relationship with WNBA star Sue Bird, Rapinoe discusses pivotal moments and movements of her career, including her coming out, her widely publicized (and criticized) kneel of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, her lawsuit for equal pay and guiding herself to use her voice, even when so many in public and private were loud against hers.
Today, you can also hear/watch Megan and Sue on their podcast, A Touch More.
Get Your Copy: Amazon (Canada, United States), Barnes & Noble (US), Waterstones (UK)
The National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer by Caitlin Murray
Speaking of the United States’ national team,
In “The National Team,” Caitlin Murray documents the history of the USWNT, from the 80’s to a recent update to include the squad’s victory at the 2019 World Cup.
Perfect as a standalone or a continuation of behind the scenes reading before or after One Life, this book is built from over 100 interviews and a long-standing journey and fight for not only victories but also better playing conditions, better pay and better opportunities for women past, present and future.
Get Your Copy: Amazon (Canada, United States), Barnes & Noble (US), Waterstones (UK)
Changing the Game: Fantastic Female Footballers by Casey Stoney
For lovers of illustrations and (current CanWNT Coach) Casey Stoney, Changing the Game is packed with the stories of trailblazers who pushed women’s football forward.
A wonderful addition to any shelf or coffee table for adults and young future soccer stars/fans alike, Casey provides inspiring looks at stories, skills and statistics of WoSo football heroes from Alex Morgan to Marta and more.
Get Your Copy: Amazon (Canada, United States), Waterstones (UK)