The Rise Of Louisville

Al Theiss, USA

Goal Click and Women in Soccer teamed up to tell stories of soccer in the United States from the perspective of women making their mark, from cheering in the stands to working in the soccer industry. Al Theiss is a photographer from Louisville and captured the world of the Lavender Legion, an official supporters’ group for Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL based in Louisville, Kentucky. Al told us about the importance of inclusion and the excitement around the team in Louisville.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?

My name is Al and I actually met Leigh (Nieves) from Lavender Legion through Twitter before I ever met her in person. Some buddies of mine introduced us both seeing as I was looking for a sports photography gig and I immediately jumped at the chance to work with the Legion - not just for experience but genuinely because I love the game of soccer, specifically WOMEN'S soccer. 

Leigh and the Legion were very welcoming and the few games I was able to photograph I will cherish forever. I've been a soccer fan my whole adult life and even played a bit growing up. Coming out of college this was my first "big" photography job and to see the women in action was such a treat. 

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

My main focus was to capture both the action on the field as well as off it. So some photos are of the actual game and some are the supporters in full support mode from the stands from two games being played. I also wanted to really show how inclusive our supporter section is and how important that is to me, both working for the Legion and being a fan of Louisville myself, seeing as I am part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Inclusion for me is HUGE, especially in a cis hetero male dominated space. I wanted to show our supporter section includes everyone as well as that our team supports this and is behind us every step of the way. I also wanted to showcase our beautiful new pitch and some in-game action so everyone can enjoy those late night Louisville sunsets.

The “believe black players" photo may as well speak for itself but when black players speak up about injustices or issues that go on in the NWSL or in general, it should be taken seriously. Our job as white people is to LISTEN and to uplift their voices and not silence them or speak over them.

What is your favourite photo?

When you look at the photos of our team in action with our Louisville skyline and the sunset in the background, I feel as if you really get a sense of what the heart of Louisville is, what soccer means to this city, and how Louisville is such a great soccer city. We obviously have the perfect atmosphere for it.

Why is soccer so important for the USA and its people?

Any sport in general is important for folks because it’s a time to really just relax and watch an invigorating experience either from your couch or in person.  It is a bonding experience for sure. Mainly though, women’s sports are more important now than they have ever been in the past, in my opinion at least, as people are finally starting to realize that there is in fact a fanbase to market to and who prefer to watch women's sports over men. Crazy that if you put women's sports on prime time and on actual cable TV and not hidden behind paywall after paywall people will tune in, and the numbers for that have astounded huge corporations!

What are the opportunities for women in soccer in the USA, on and off the field?

I think it’s continuously getting to a place where we can say there’s improvement, but it’s a very slow climb to where we as a community can collectively say this is where we want to be. The NWSL is of course making moves to improve and evolve which I feel is a fantastic step in the right direction. 

I know a lot of women in general want to be paid fairly so they don't have to work 2-3 other jobs while playing soccer. This season in general we have seen a ton of players use their voices way more and to inspire needed change within the league and to make it something they actually want to be a part of. The injustices that are happening behind the scenes or even on the pitch are definitely inspiring change.

What does soccer mean to you and your Louisville community?

To me soccer has always been a sport that anyone and everyone can play and excel at, regardless of where you come from or what gender/sexuality/race you happen to be. It has always been something that I look to that inspires inclusion. 

As for Louisville, we have always excelled as a soccer city with our men’s team but I don’t think people realized just how big of a soccer city we truly were until this season with Racing. We definitely had people eating their words when they doubted we would ever be able to stand in the NWSL. I hope as a franchise we continue to prove people wrong and continue to show how much we belong in this league and in the sport in general.

What are your ambitions?

I would love to come and photograph more games for the Legion, I am hoping they allow me back. I hope our team continues to rise above and soar in the coming seasons and I wish nothing but the absolute best for all of the players and staff on Racing - and here’s hoping we bring a title home soon.