Soccer Secrets: The Facts, the Stats, and the Stories, From the World to the U.S., From Men to Women

Date: June 22, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Tarter, Krinsky and Drogin LLP, 1350 Broadway between West 35 & 36 Street, NY, NY 10018

Refreshments: Light refreshments, Beer, Soda, Wine and the Committee in Equity’s signature Scotch will be served.

Sponsors: The Champions in Equity Committee is partnering with the NYSBA EASL Sports Committee and Labor and Employment Section

Description: The program will trace the arrival of soccer in America, the men who built the foundation, and the women who are now filling stadiums and winning World Cups. It will have a hand-out of soccer terms and also raffle off soccer paraphernalia. 

The Event’s goal is to increase women’s and also men’s interest in and understanding of soccer given the US’s hosting of the World Cup. This program is part of a series of sports events WILS is sponsoring to gather men and women together for fun, networking and collaboration.

Speakers: 

Lyndell Phillips – who served as President, League Commissioner and Trustee of the New York Metropolitan Women’s League (NYMWSL)

Kevin McCarthy: a sports executive, educator, and soccer leader with more than 30 years of experience building athletic organizations, developing player pathways, and leading mission-driven institutions.

Melinda Gordon: a full-time Labor and Employment Arbitrator and Mediator. She has over 40 years of experience in labor-management relations in the private and public sectors.

Abena Aidoo: A Juris Doctor and MBA candidate at Syracuse University College of Law and the Whitman School of Management, graduating in December 2026, and currently serves as Vice President of the Student Bar Association.

Shameeka Quallo: Vice President & General Counsel of The Washington Spirit.