NWSL clubs begin full team training as league powers toward return-to-play

Several National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs have kicked off full team training camps, as the league moves toward a return to competition.

Last week, the league revealed that all nine clubs will be competing in a month-long tournament called the NWSL Challenge Cup, which will be played entirely in Utah, hosted by Utah Royals FC and MLS club Real Salt Lake.

With the NWSL Challenge Cup set to begin on June 27, several clubs including the reigning champion North Carolina Courage were able to begin full team training over the weekend. See below for comments from Courage midfielder Samantha Mewis on the club’s return to full-team training:

Full team training begins today ?

Hear why @sammymewy is excited for this big step ⬇️#NoFinishLine pic.twitter.com/WwR35hgATn

— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) May 30, 2020

Other NWSL clubs such as the Orlando Pride also began full team training over the weekend, in compliance with league and local government guidelines. The Pride completed their first intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday:

First intrasquad scrimmage. We keep building. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/dWUSIUyRtP

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 30, 2020

Coming off their fourth straight NWSL Playoffs appearance, Portland Thorns FC opened full team training as well. Head coach Mark Parsons shared his thoughts on the first day back, saying that he is “confident that our league is doing it right,” as the NWSL leads American professional team sports leagues in coming back to action amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I’m confident that our league is doing it right."

Full group training has begun, and games are on the horizon. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/9JqPoIRKvA

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) May 31, 2020