FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lexington, Kentucky – Barbie, the iconic doll that has inspired generations of children, announced “Women in Sports” as the 2023 Career of the Year. This initiative by Mattel aims to shine a spotlight on the achievements and opportunities for women in the sports industry. To commemorate this honor, Barbie launched a collection of four special dolls representing different roles within the world of sports.
The “Women in Sports” career collection includes dolls dressed to represent four-sports related careers and, more broadly, to encourage girls to pursue involvement in sports which can help develop life skills and raise confidence, the company said. Among the “team” of new dolls are General Manager Barbie, Coach Barbie, Referee Barbie and Sports Reporter Barbie.
“This year, knowing that women are severely underrepresented in the sports industry – from positions on the field to leadership in the locker room – Barbie is proud to introduce the Women in Sports lineup as the 2023 Career of the Year,” said Mattel in a release.
The importance of this initiative extends beyond the dolls themselves. It serves as an inspiring reminder for young girls everywhere, including those in Kentucky Youth Soccer (KYSA), that they can achieve greatness in any field they choose. It encourages them to dream big, break barriers, and pursue careers that may have seemed out of reach in the past.
“We’re thrilled to see Barbie championing women in sports. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission at Kentucky Youth Soccer, where we aim to empower young girls to excel in soccer and beyond. These dolls remind us all that the sky is the limit for young dreamers”, said Karrington True, Director of Marketing at Kentucky Youth Soccer. “I didn’t have anything like this growing up. Now a little girl takes Barbie out of the box and can see herself doing that job… it’s special.”
The “Women in Sports” Barbie dolls are more than just toys; they are symbols of empowerment and inspiration. As they find their way into the hands of children, they carry the message that girls can achieve greatness, no matter the field they choose to explore. To celebrate this, Kentucky Youth Soccer (KYSA) is giving away three sets of the “Women in Sports” Barbie Doll Collections. To enter to win, follow @KYYouthSoccer on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter), like the giveaway post on social media, and sign up HERE. The giveaway is open to individuals with athletes affiliated with KYSA and will close Tuesday December 19th @ 11:59pm ET.
ABOUT KENTUCKY YOUTH SOCCER
The Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) is the premier organization dedicated to promoting and developing soccer across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With a mission to grow and promote soccer in Kentucky, KYSA provides a wide range of programs and initiatives to inspire excellence, sportsmanship, and character in youth athletes. From grassroots to elite levels, Kentucky Youth Soccer offers opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and administrators to thrive in a positive and inclusive environment. With over 40,000 youth players, 6,000 active coaches, and a network of more than 83 local member associations, Kentucky Youth Soccer is committed to nurturing the growth of soccer and fostering the personal development of youth athletes on and off the field. Learn more about KYSA’s impactful programs, partnerships, and events at www.kysoccer.net.