Nigerian-born former England female international, Eniola ALuko has become the first ever sporting director at United States of America National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, Angel City, megasportsarena.com reports.
Aluko, who was most recently occupying same position at Aston Villa of England’s Women team, has taken on a new role in the United States, where she had spells during her playing career.
In becoming the first-ever sporting director of Angel City in the NWSL, the 34-year-old Aluko has blazed another fresh trail for highly adventurous British former players-turned-gaffers.
It is also bound to be a new experience for former Super Eagles’ winger, Omatsone ‘Sone’ Aluko’s older sister, who stepped down from her position at Villa Park last week, having originally taken the role shortly after announcing her retirement in January 2020.
Aluko will now continue her career as an administrator in the country where she had spells as a player, with high hopes of elevating the NWSL expansion team, which will begin playing competitively in Los Angeles from 2022.
Her new club already boast a variety of high-profile investors, from American tennis heroine, Serena Williams to co-founder Natalie Portman, as well as some ex-United States international footballers, including Abby Wambach.
In her role, Aluko, a former striker hat last played for Juventus of Italy and amassed 102 caps for England, will be tasked with growing Angel City and continuing their development ahead of their inaugural season.
She will be responsible for helping to assemble the squad, spearheading the club’s recruitment strategy, and acting as a focal point in helping players and staff develop on and off the pitch.
Angel City’s founder and president, Julie Uhrman enthused: “Appointing Eniola Aluko, a world-renowned international soccer player with extensive experience in technical positions, is a landmark moment for us.
“She personifies the values of our club, and shares our passion to challenge the status quo, push boundaries and try new things.
“We have been a fan of Eni’s for many years now and to be able to see her bring her winning spirit, dedication and experience to ACFC is as real as it gets. This is a huge milestone in our journey, and we could not be more excited to welcome her to the team.”
Aluko responded thus: “I am thrilled to join a fantastic female-led ownership group, many of whom I have admired and been inspired by from a young age.
“This is an incredible opportunity to help write Angel City’s first chapter and to build a team that is people-focused and admired by players and fans all over the world.
“I have no doubt the club will be a trailblazer, not just in the NWSL and women’s soccer, but for sports clubs globally.
“As a former player, the club’s determination to make an impact both on the field and in the community is something that I fully support, and I can’t wait to get started.”
