What Women’s Soccer Means to Madison: A Conversation with April Kigeya

Women’s soccer has been a catalyst for growth in women's athletics and empowerment. It’s undeniable that interest in the sport has evolved in America. Remember when the USWNT played England at Wembley Stadium and nearly 78,000 tickets were sold within 24 hours? At the club level, the National Women’s Soccer League saw an 80% increase in attendance and a 125% growth in ticket revenue in 2022. It’s an area of interest that Clubs across the world have kept a close eye on. Close to home, that means USL League One club, Forward Madison FC.

Forward Madison FC was established in 2019 and within its first few years, the Club reached out to supporters to inquire about a women’s professional soccer team in Madison, Wisconsin. We caught up with April Kigeya, one of the members of Forward Madison’s Independent Supporters Association, The Flock, who was involved in the early process. 

Kigeya has been a supporter of Forward Madison FC since its inaugural season. She has been instrumental in creating a diverse and inclusive fanbase for the soccer club, but recently, has worked with FMFC owners to bring professional women’s soccer to the community of Madison, Wisconsin. That conversation started with what level the women’s team should play at. The answer: professional. 

“We thought it was really important that not only from a pay equity standpoint but from just the league standpoint that the women either be at the same level or higher, not lower [than Forward Madison FC],” Kigeya said.

In May of 2023, the United Soccer League (USL) announced its plans to launch a Division I women’s professional soccer league called USL Super League. Madison was quick to put in its bid to be a part of the league, accomplishing Kigeya and the supporters’ request. 

“I just think it's going to set a great example for girls in our community,” Kigeya said about the impact of the announcement. “The younger generations are coming up, seeing that they can play professional soccer, that it’s not just for men. It's going to create such a pipeline in our community for the women's team.” 

While there’s still work to be done before a women’s team can become official in Madison, Kigeya is hopeful that the community will be able to watch women’s soccer in the coming years. 

“I hope that we sell out every game and that it's just one of those things that is a staple in the community. I hope it becomes a regular part of Madison.”