Women and Girls in Soccer has announced the first-of-its-kind WAGS Childcare Grant; an $80,000 fund to be distributed to individual female coaches, and female referees to help them stay in the game.
Women and Girls in Soccer is awarding up to a $1,200 Childcare Grant per recipient, committing $80,000 to empower and support women in soccer for which affording childcare can be a barrier to their ability to stay in the game. Applicants must be a female licensed coach, or female referee competing in Fall 2026. The grant will be awarded to female coaches of all levels, and female referees based on the WAGS Childcare Grant application process.
Moms spoke, WAGS listened. Lula Bauer, WAGS Chairwoman stated, “We’ve been hearing from highly skilled coaches that childcare costs are one barrier to moms staying in the game. We know women who feel supported are more likely to stay in the game. That’s why WAGS is so honored to be able to support and empower these brilliant, hard-working moms all over the country by offering the first-of-its-kind WAGS Childcare Grant.” Lula, a seasoned soccer coach and mom of three, also noted “Having these funds when I was raising my boys would have been a game changer, it could have helped me bring my child-care provider and my boys to practices and games with me!”
The applications are opened – Application Deadline August 24, 2026
WAGS Childcare Grant Requirements and Checklist
- Scholarship Amounts
- Grant Scholarships of $1,200 for the 2026-2027 Seasonal Year
- Grant Scholarships of $600 for the 1) Fall High School 2) Spring High School 3) Referees Fall Season 4) Referees Spring season
- Requirements
- Licensed Female Coach or Certified Referee
- Actively coaching a team which will compete in Fall 2026-2027 season with verification
- Referee actively working games in Fall 2026.
- Referee actively working games in Spring 2027
- Need based
The WAGS Childcare Grant Application is now closed.
