In a groundbreaking partnership between Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) and the Tampa Bay Sun, the inaugural Girls Take Over Night was held on November 16 at the Sun’s home stadium. The event marked the first collaborative effort between FYSA and the professional women’s team and was an overwhelming success, giving young girls in the community the opportunity to watch top-tier professional soccer while celebrating the power and potential of women in sports
The evening’s festivities kicked off with an exciting atmosphere as families, players, and supporters gathered at the stadium, eager to witness an unforgettable night. The event was geared to empower young female athletes, inspire their dreams, and showcase the growing impact of women’s professional soccer. Girls from across the region filled the stands, eagerly anticipating the match, as the Tampa Bay Sun took to the field for an electrifying game.
FYSA, a long-time advocate for youth soccer development in Florida, has consistently focused on providing opportunities for girls in sports. The Girls Take Over Night was an extension of this mission, designed not only to expose young girls to the excitement of live professional soccer but also to highlight the importance of strong female role models in the game. It was a night dedicated to both celebrating and elevating women in sport.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome of the night,” said FYSA Executive Director, Joel Dragan. “The collaboration with the Tampa Bay Sun is something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Seeing so many young girls getting the chance to watch professional women athletes and be inspired by them is incredibly rewarding. We hope this event ignites the passion for soccer in their hearts and motivates them to pursue their dreams both on and off the field.”
The match itself was a thrilling display of skill, teamwork, and determination, as the Tampa Bay Sun put on an impressive show for the crowd. But the highlight of the night was the camaraderie and excitement shared between the professional players and the young girls in attendance. Before the match, the girls attending were able to participate in the high five tunnel with the professional athletes, leaving lasting memories.
The event was also seen as a powerful statement of solidarity, with the local community coming together to support women’s sports and encourage future female athletes to dream big. For many in the crowd, it was a first chance to see elite women’s soccer up close, and for the young players, it was an experience that will undoubtedly inspire their future aspirations.
Girls Take Over Night was not just a celebration of soccer, but also a reflection of the positive impact that partnerships like the one between FYSA and Tampa Bay Sun can have on the community. It demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating spaces where girls can thrive, find their passion, and achieve their goals.
As the night came to a close, with the Tampa Bay Sun securing a victory on the field, one thing was clear: the event was a resounding success, and it’s a partnership that is sure to inspire future generations of female athletes. For FYSA and Tampa Bay Sun, Girls Take Over Night was just the beginning—an exciting step forward in building a future where girls have every opportunity to shine in the world of sports.