On October 15th, the Women Empowerment League (WE LEAGUE) announced the approval of 11 clubs at the 5th board meeting.

WE LEAGUE holds objectives to “promote a society which allows everyone with a diversity of dreams and ways of living to individually shine through women’s football and other sports.”. The league sets unique requirements for clubs to have women 50% of their employees and at least one woman in executive board. As of July 31st, the league had received 17 applications since the announcement of establishment. After four meetings with the selection committee and outside experts, The WE LEAGUE has approved 11 clubs based on the examination results.

Mynavi Sendai Ladies

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies

Omiya Ardija Ventus

Chifure AS Elfen Saitama

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies

Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza

Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies

Albirex Niigata Ladies

INAC Kobe Leonessa

Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina

First, thank you to all 17 clubs that applied for this league. For the selection process, they prepared a huge number of documents. We were able to see a lot of dedication and excitement for this opportunity through interviews with the teams. Although they were all appealing, after in-depth discussions, we finally chose 11 clubs.

I am excited to welcome the 11 clubs as companions to creating the WE LEAGUE’s future. We will work together with them and prepare for the opening of the league in fall 2021 to achieve our objectives to create the best women’s football league, the community, and the value.