Central to my plans this summer is watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand July 20 – August 20. Before the world’s best head Down Under to compete for top spot, here are three docu-series worth watching to get you energized for the big event.
Angel City (HBO/Crave)
I became a huge fan of Natalie Portman following Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and this show only served to deepen that admiration. The 3-episode docu-series follows how she and a group of largely female investors started Los Angeles’ Angel City FC and built it into a heavily supported soccer team. From navigating building community interest in a dense sports market to developing (and standing by) their team ethos to finding a DECENT DAMN PRACTICE FACILITY – it’s an interesting view into all the things that need to go right to be successful both as a team, as well as commercially. Plus, Canadian fans will enjoy seeing Vanessa Gilles dominate on the pitch.
Matildas: The World At Our Feet (Disney+)
This 6-episode docuseries on Disney+ follows Australia’s team – The Matildas – who are evolving into a solid side thanks to wunderkind striker Sam Kerr, and other top talents including Ellie Carpenter, Katrina Gorry, and Mary Fowler. Playing on home turf this summer (err…winter), and building on their strong performance in the Tokyo Olympics, expectations are high for the team. With limited opportunities to link up as a team due to the time/distance it takes to travel from European and American leagues, find out how the squad makes meaningful use of their time together and fuses the core connections that are central to their success.
One Team, One Dream (DAZN)
Follow Emma Hayes and the Chelsea squad as she builds one of the most successful teams in the FA Women’s Super League. Experience the highs and lows of being a professional athlete, including handling injuries, trades, and new additions to the roster (namely, one big signing: Australia’s Sam Kerr.) Plus, can gain an insightful perspective into being a club manager from the straight-shooting Emma Hayes who brings an entertaining blend of “sweary-empathy”, as well as football expertise, to the table. Catch episode 1 below!
