Featured Article

Ali Riley is a name that is making waves in the world of professional soccer. As the captain of the New Zealand women's national team and a defender for Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League, Riley has proven to be a formidable force on the field. However, her impact is not limited to her athletic abilities. Off the field, Riley has been using her platform and skills to make a positive impact on society.

One of the most notable benefits of Ali Riley's presence in the world of soccer is her role model status for young girls and women. As a strong and successful athlete, Riley serves as an inspiration to young girls who dream of playing professional sports. She shows them that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, they can achieve their goals and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Furthermore, Riley is a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. She has been a part of numerous campaigns and initiatives that aim to promote equal opportunities for female athletes. In 2015, she was one of the players who filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation, demanding equal pay for the national team players. While the lawsuit was not successful, it brought attention to the issue of gender wage gaps in sports and sparked a much-needed conversation.

Riley's dedication to inclusivity and diversity in sports is also apparent in her support for LGBTQ+ rights. She has openly expressed her support for the LGBTQ+ community and has participated in Pride events. As a member of the board of directors for Common Goal, an organization that uses soccer as a tool for social change, Riley helps to promote inclusion and diversity in the sport.

Moreover, Riley's impact extends beyond the realm of sports. She is a strong advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability. As a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, she uses her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and educate people on how they can make a positive impact in their daily lives.

Riley's dedication to using her platform for good has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was named as a UN Women advocate for gender equality in sports. She also received accolades for her environmental activism, including being named as a finalist for the 2019 Global Citizen Prize for Activism.

Aside from her activism, Riley's on-field performance is also a positive benefit of her presence in the sport. With her leadership skills and technical abilities, she has been a crucial part of the New Zealand national team's success, including a historic World Cup qualification in 2019. Her experience as a professional player has also won her praise from teammates and coaches, with former teammate and USWNT star, Megan Rapinoe, describing her as "one of the best defenders in the world."

In conclusion, the impact of Ali Riley in the world of soccer goes far beyond her skills as a player. Through her activism, she has become a role model for young girls and a strong advocate for gender equality, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. As she continues to make her mark in the sport and in society, it is clear that Riley's positive influence will only continue to grow and inspire others to make a difference.