In a groundbreaking move, NJ/NY Gotham FC has signed 13-year-old McKenna Whitham to a three-year contract, making her the youngest signing in the history of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This historic signing marks a watershed moment for youth development in North American soccer, as Whitham follows in the footsteps of 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who made his MLS debut earlier this month as the youngest pro athlete in the top North American sports leagues.
The youth movement continues to surge through North American soccer, and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has just written its own chapter in history. NJ/NY Gotham FC, the league's reigning champion, has signed 13-year-old McKenna "Mak" Whitham to a three-year deal, making her the youngest signing in league history.
Breaking Barriers: 13-Year-Old McKenna Whitham Becomes NWSL's Youngest Signing
This groundbreaking move comes on the heels of Cavan Sullivan's historic MLS debut as the youngest professional athlete in the top North American sports leagues. Whitham's signing is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of young soccer players and signals a shift towards embracing the future stars of the game.
"I processed it, and it's still new to me," Whitham told ESPN. "But, I mean, I'm not going to be cocky about it. I'm going to stay humble, and I'm still going to keep developing. My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me become that player."
Breaking Barriers: 13-Year-Old McKenna Whitham Becomes NWSL's Youngest Signing
Although the contract won't become effective until January, due to the presence of six of the team's members at the Olympics in Paris, Gotham has designated Whitham as a replacement player, opening the possibility of her making her debut this weekend. If she takes the field, she would become the youngest player in a major sports league in North America since at least 1970.
"The on-the-field is the easiest part of this, I think, and the quickest for us to kind of evaluate and know how to support her," said Gotham general manager Yael Averbuch West. "But we've undertaken a really robust process in terms of making sure that this is the right thing in her life, socially, mentally and in every possible way."
Breaking Barriers: 13-Year-Old McKenna Whitham Becomes NWSL's Youngest Signing
Whitham has already showcased her exceptional abilities by dressing and playing for Gotham as a non-roster invitee earlier this year in a tournament in Colombia, where she scored the lone goal in a victory against Deportivo Cali. Gotham eventually claimed the tournament title.
The club has opted to delay the commencement of Whitham's contract until 2025 to allow her to gain further experience in pro soccer through the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup.
"She's going to still be with us through this year and be able to train and continue to develop and then kind of step up into the environment come preseason to fight for her opportunity on our roster," said Averbuch West. "We felt like that was the most appropriate progression."
Gotham's decision to invest in Whitham's development underscores the club's commitment to fostering young talent and creating a supportive environment for its players.
"We have spent a long time not just evaluating Mak as a player, but actually also evaluating our ability to support Mak and to create a safe and fulfilling environment for her," added Averbuch West.
Whitham, for her part, is fully aware of the challenges ahead but remains confident in her abilities. "I'd seen myself as a really good player, but, also, there's a lot to improve on, and I knew that I could accomplish it," she said. "And I think that it's a lot of hard work, self-belief."
The signing of McKenna Whitham marks a significant milestone in the evolution of soccer in North America. It is a testament to the league's commitment to youth development and the limitless potential of the game's future stars. As Whitham embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career, the NWSL and the entire soccer world will be watching with anticipation, eager to witness the unfolding of her journey.
