Rally Madison FC: Madison's Newest Soccer Team

by Brooklynn Miller, age 12

“Rally Madison FC.” is the name of Madison’s very own women’s pre-professional soccer team. The team was started just a few months ago and recently played their first game. Both the team name and logo are inspired by the Woman’s Suffrage Movement throughout Wisconsin and the United States in the 1900s.

Rally Madison FC director of retail, Alyssa Bruce, described the name as a pledge to inspire and enliven women's soccer in Madison. She also stated that she strongly believed in creating an uplifting, inclusive, and passionate fanbase that shows up for every match to support the team.

A fun fact about Wisconsin, is that along with heavy support of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, it was also the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment on June 10, 1919. Rally Madison FC acts as a pioneer for women in the state, both in name and in the capital city’s first USL W League team.

Rally Madison FC’s logo is not just any logo, but was created in collaboration with Shine United, a Madison Media Agency, and incorporates iconic imagery.

The icon of Wisconsin, the women crowning the state capitol building, is a big part of the logo. The face, based on the Goddess Athena, embodies progress, courage, and determination. The capitol dome, a central Madison landmark, is a treasure of the Capitol Square that is said to bring people together. The jewel in her crown is a gem from the Madison flag, a reminder of thanks to the city that supports the team. The yellow rose that lies beneath the woodmark is an acknowledgement to the suffragists, as it was an important symbol in their movement. It symbolizes hope, togetherness, and the later triumph of the cause. The colors purple and gold represent flags from Wisconsin's Suffragist Movement.

Rally Madison FC’s team is described as a pre-professional soccer team, meaning that the roster will be featuring high-level soccer players, such as division one college athletes. Many on the roster are actually from Wisconsin. Coner Calioa, the Forward Madison FC and Rally Madison FC COO, states that their goal is to provide pre-professional athletes a platform that is not only for them to develop as players, but also as strong female leaders.

Rally Madison FC played their first game in May, and their season is ongoing. Rally Madison FC, and Madison itself, not only support female sports or soccer, but also believe the team has a large chance at success.

[Sources: 15 WMTV; Forward Madison FC]