WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — As fans celebrated the Orlando Pride winning the National Women’s Soccer League Championship with a parade downtown, the impacts of their victory are being felt all across Central Florida and catching the attention of the next generation.  

Stefan Burke, Director of Coaching at Soccer Shots, says in the last three years he’s seen an uptick in little girls enrolling in the program.

The organization says over 2,500 girls are participating in their programs this year — 10% more than last year. 

“That in itself amazing to see that these girls are really engaging with it,” said Burke. “And of course, it’s got to be coming also from the fact that outside, with the soccer leagues that are going on and with the inclusiveness of the sport all around the world, which is good. It’s just making it more engaging for those little girls coming up saying, ‘why not? Why can’t I do it? It’s not a boy sport.’”

Burke expects even more girls will sign up for the program after the Orlando Pride’s historic season.

Jessica Kelly, who signed her three-year-old up for soccer to learn confidence, hopes it can serve as an inspiration to her daughter.

“They are such great role models for little girls,” said Kelly. “They obviously worked really hard to get where they are, so that’s a great example for girls like mine. So, yeah, I think it’s awesome that we live here in Orlando, and that’s our team.”

As for Burke, as more girls lace up their cleats, he hopes it leads to more equality in women’s sports, especially when it comes to televising games, fan support and equal pay.

“Soccer is for everybody,” said Burke.