Angel City's ambitious plans to improve the performance of women's soccer in the NWSL | OneFootball

Meanwhile, Angel City FC has made yet another bold step in its journey of excellence as it has announced plans to build a new performance center on the campus of California Lutheran University. It's a lot more than just an address change; this investment represents further commitment to the improvement of the athletes and building a top-tier environment for the team. This will be a first of its kind in the NWSL on nine acres, which will place Angel City at the forefront of professionalism and innovative developments in the sport.

As the new performance center is expected to become the largest dedicated solely to a club in the NWSL, it will feature one-and-a-half full-size pitches, along with 50,000 square feet indoors. Aside from that, it will have top-of-the-line gym space, individual nutrition and recovery areas, and even a studio space for content creation. These are more than just technical details; instead, it's an ecosystem put in place to support the needs of athletes in a holistic manner.

We are committed to creating a championship-level experience for our athletes," said Julie Uhrman, co-founder and president of Angel City. "This center is a direct reflection of our ambitions to set a new standard in the NWSL."

Professionalism Beyond

It is outstanding not only in its enormous size but also in the attention to detail, touching directly on player performance and well-being. A good example of that is hot and cold plunge pools, crucial for muscle recovery, present in the new hydrotherapy area. In turn, the 3,400-square-foot medical and rehabilitation area underlines the club's focus on keeping its players in peak physical condition.

As underlined by Angela Hucles Mangano, general manager of Angel City: "Providing a space that meets the unique needs of our athletes is crucial for achieving the highest level of performance."

More Than Just a Training Facility

Angel City didn't just stop at the basics in designing this performance center. Much overdue consideration was given to creating a balance in the lives of the athletes on and off the field. Among features that have shown the club's attention to the tiniest details in player life are a private outdoor relaxation lounge, a playroom for the kids of players, and a fresh meal area.

Setting the trend, this system shows Angel City's commitment to the players' valuations both as professionals and as people, nodding to the idea that the height of athletic performance is inherently intertwined with quality of life.

Building a Legacy

Staying on campus at California Lutheran University is no accident. Since Angel City was born, the university has been the base for the team. To that respect, John Nunes, the president of Cal Lutheran, underlined the importance of this long-term partnership: "We're proud to continue supporting a world-class team like Angel City while providing valuable learning opportunities for our students."

Impact on the NWSL and Beyond

Set to be completed by the 2025 preseason, the renovations at Angel City are setting a new benchmark in the NWSL but also an exclamation point on a statement of what can be done with women's soccer. An investment as serious as a quality performance center shows that the club is ready to take a lead in the league's growth both in terms of professionalism and infrastructure.

In a landscape where women's sports still fight for recognition and equality, initiatives like this go to reassure that women's soccer deserves the same respect and resources given to the men's game.