Birdies, the female-founded, direct-to-consumer footwear brand out of San Francisco, has launched a new, limited edition, slip-on sneaker designed exclusively in collaboration with Angel City Football Club (ACFC), appropriately named Game Changer. As part of their ongoing partnership as a founding sponsor of the newest National Women’s Soccer League team, based in Los Angeles, CA, the two organizations joined forces to champion all women, building a community centered around inspiring, supporting, and empowering one another to live with purpose.
The Game Changer shoe reflects ACFC’s official colors – sol rosa, asphalt and armor – while the soles of the shoe feature thoughtful detail in the form of the ACFC crest. This includes the slope of the shield’s top line being 22 degrees off the horizon, representing the year of ACFC’s inaugural season (2022). The pink-to-orange color gradient symbolizes the team’s optimism, and the base of the shield pays homage to traditional soccer crests and the trailblazers who came before them. The silhouette of the Game Changer is a new colorful version of Birdies’ sought-after “Swift” style, built with cloud-like comfort and a removable cushion insole so you can power through your day.
“From the moment we welcomed Birdies to the Angel City family over a year ago, the team has been unbelievable in executing with our shared values in mind,” said Julie Uhrman, ACFC Founder and President. “First, we rolled out the SOAR Internship Program that gave young women an opportunity to intern with ACFC and Birdies and present to our collective leaders at the Birdies HQ in San Francisco. Now, they designed and produced a bespoke Angel City FC Birdies shoe that will be available for purchase. Visibility for women’s sports, with products available for our fans, is something we are passionate about, and we have found a true partner in Birdies to ensure our fans can represent their fandom in style.”
With a roster of high-profile owners and investors that includes Natalie Portman, Alexis Ohanian, Eva Longoria, Glennon Doyle and Mia Hamm, ACFC highlights those who have changed the games in their respective fields. Bianca Gates, CEO and Co-Founder of Birdies, spoke to the meaning of this launch, saying, “Our long-term partnership with ACFC brings both of our organizations’ missions of uplifting and inspiring women with authentic stories to life. As entrepreneurs who took a leap and paved our own unique path, Marisa and I felt Birdies’ immediate natural alignment with ACFC, and we are excited to introduce the Game Changer to dynamic women everywhere.”
In addition to launching the Game Changer, Birdies and Angel City have created the Soar Internship program, announced last year (2021), to provide high school students from historically underserved communities with the guided opportunity to discover their interests and uncover their personal strengths. Each awarded participant receives a $3,000 grant to ignite their own journey. ACFC and Birdies will be announcing the 2022 program launch very soon.
“As a brand that prioritizes not only style and comfort but also the importance of championing women and breaking the mold, we’re excited to partner with Angel City on this game-changing collaboration in support of strong women,” said Marisa Sharkey, President and Co-Founder. “Together we are giving fans of both brands a tangible way to get involved in this powerful collaboration.”
